Gonna have to incorporate some rowdy references in the Pugilist update. I simply must.
16.07.2025 08:04
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Gonna have to incorporate some rowdy references in the Pugilist update. I simply must.
Which brings me back to the death of Sigil. I wonder, w/ the need to have the game emulated on a proprietary VTT gone, if the future of this edition of D&D will see this new direction maintained or changed. I suspect not but I wonder how different this edition would be if Sigil was never the plan.
In 2024, Backgrounds still exist but they no longer give unique features. Now they grant access to feats which, of course, are all fairly sterile "get X in Y situation" type benefits. In a dramatic reverse, they add no depth to the character only more game mechanics.
For example, see Backgrounds. In 2014e, each Background gave you a unique feature. Many of them weren't that interesting, but a few were, and none of them (that I can recall) interacted much with the rules of the game. They were there to add color or depth to your character without adding power.
Namely, any player facing option from 2014 that was narrative in nature, that lacked a concrete mechanical implementation (bonuses or penalties to rolls, movement, etc.) were removed from the game. Player options in 2024 were written explicitly to always be functional in a VTT context.
What's actually interesting to me about the death of Sigil is how much it's specter (I believe) dictated the game design of the 2024e rules of D&D. There's a foundational philosophical shift in the game design from 2014e to 2024e that I think was meant to make Sigil feel like "authentic" D&D.
If you haven't heard yet, the long awaited VTT designed for D&D, Sigil, released recently and promptly shit the bed. It's not just bad, they fired almost the entire staff such that there's no possibility it will ever actually be fixed. But I'm telling you this right now only as pretext.
The latest episode of my podcast, Dispel Magic, is out today. We're talking the setting implications of the kuo-toa and their incredible ability to create gods! dispelmagic.podbean.com
Take two of the Dexterous Warrior feat. I've expanded the number of weapons you add Finesse to (by a lot) and added a second bullet point. It's of limited use to classes that don't get Weapon Mastery but...maybe that's fine?
All great ideas. I was writing some new weapons that this would apply to and got too excited to post it before double checking what it applies to in the PHB. It definitely needs more and I like both your suggestions.
Already realized this is way too weak. Thinking about making it so you get Finesse on all weapons that don't have Heavy?
Dextrous Warrior General Feat (Prerequisite: Level 4+, Dexterity 13+) You gain the following benefits. Ability Score Increase. Increase your Dexterity score by 1, to a maximum of 20. Finesse Fighter. You treat weapons you are proficient with that have the Light property as having the Finesse property as well.
How do we like this feat?
I altered it a bit to give it some utility in all circumstances while still being ideal for when ambushed while asleep or fighting sleep casting enemies.
Wake Level 1 Enchantment (Bard, Druid, Paladin, Ranger) Casting Time: Bonus Action Range: 60 feet Components: V, S, M (a pinch of salt or vial of water) Duration: Instantaneous You magically rouse creatures of your choice within range. Each target that has the Unconscious condition has that condition ended. In addition, each target has insomnia until it finishes its next Long Rest. While a target has insomnia, it is immune to spells and other effects that would put it to sleep.
Too niche?
Parleys at the Platter #3. Since the new 2024 rules premiered, I thought it’d be lovely to have a conversation on game design, play, and D&D.
Dr. Paul Gestwicki @alyssavisscher.bsky.social @sterlingvermin.bsky.social @mustangsart.bsky.social
share.fireside.fm/episode/bbqO...
I absolutely do. The question is when, where, and how. But I do have some early drafts of the 2024 version and hopefully I'll get the chance to share those soon!
Would you buy a 12 month calendar where each month features a unique picture of ramen?
I finished Black Company yesterday and now I understand Band of Blades and Abyssal Exalted so much better.
Lol, no, it will not. You also aren't a "creator" in any sense of the word when AI is in the process. Grifters might be the word you were looking for.
Something I think we don't talk about enough is how HARD it is for freelance game designers to keep their skills sharp. You have to balance day job & understanding game systems & reading new games & a work-life balance. & how GUTTING it is to feel your skills atrophy if you prioritize other things.
I am one bad day away from getting extremely into writing poetry.
I was curious if I was on any Blue sky lists so I looked myself up and I'm pleased to announce I'm blocked by one singular person and it's an NFT guy.
Loki! Getting MVP with him about 1 out of every 3 games.
I adored 1st ed Promethean, Changeling, and Mage specifically. I ran a very satisfying Promethean campaign but never got to fully enjoy the other two.
Yes, so much more gameable. Blood Potency lacked some of the visceral punch of Generation but, again, was so much better for the game.
Werewolf never clicked for me but VtR's origins dripping in mystery and contradiction, MtAw's literally cosmos shaping archmage supplement, PROMETHEAN???, CtL increasing both the personal horror and having a less saccharine fae mythos, GEIST!...we've lost so much.
Sometimes I get so anxious thinking about how the significantly better worldbuilding of Chronicles of Darkness was abandoned because the nostalgia of World of Darkness was so much more lucrative.
After a few hours of experimentation I am pleased to announce I am a Loki main.
Hey, people! We've missed you, and we've got new Kill Every Monster episodes on the way.
But first, a message from Dylan and Aram about Wizards of the Coast that will play at the top of the podcast going forward.
www.youtube.com/shorts/L2cZ3...