I enjoy some of the changes that have come with some of the 2024 feats. In the case of things like the Nerfs and reworks to feats like Sharpshooter and Great weapon master, Nothing will change my stance on those two feats in particular because they were the reason so many encounters were trivialized.
However, two feats in particular, Observant and Keen mind lost two significant and interesting features that came up in roleplay that allowed players to play into certain character arctypes. The only reason why I'm speaking on this is because if a dm plays with 2024 rules it becomes more rigid and less creative as there are far less options available that help enhance the roleplay experience.
The first feature we will cover here is how the observent allows people to read lips, and the idea of having sign language as a way of communication allows the option of playing a character who is either deaf or mute. This is one of the character concepts that a friend of mine had where a part of her character's tongue had been cut out and developed the ability to read lips and use sign language or a chalkboard to communicate. It was a small but incredibly unique feature that helped flesh out characters at time of creation.
Keen mind- Having a photographic memory and being able to recall information accurately, being able to tell which way is always north. These are really handy things to have not only for classes but for the exploration aspect of campaigns. In fact OG Keen mind would have been extremely viable for the guide background because it fits in so well with the theme a player could go for here.
I am not saying that the newer variations of these abilities are bad as it gives players expertise and bonus action economy but having those little roleplay options was a really fun and interesting way to play the game. If there are any errata that come into the 2024 PHB please consider adding those back in for roleplay purposes because there are certain things a character should not be able to achieve with just a roll of the dice.
I'm more concerned about feats 'locking' you into certain ability scores. My Pact of the Blade Warlock can't take Polearm Master because it doesn't increase Charisma. Same problem with Mounted Combatant on my Paladin. For the naysayers: yes, yes, I 'could' take those scores, but it feels like swiping right on a hot girl and, when you meet her in person, finding a Nalfeshnee or Gibbering Mouther. WOTC should not make players date a Gibbering Mouther. It makes me want to swipe left on DnD.
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I enjoy some of the changes that have come with some of the 2024 feats. In the case of things like the Nerfs and reworks to feats like Sharpshooter and Great weapon master, Nothing will change my stance on those two feats in particular because they were the reason so many encounters were trivialized.
However, two feats in particular, Observant and Keen mind lost two significant and interesting features that came up in roleplay that allowed players to play into certain character arctypes. The only reason why I'm speaking on this is because if a dm plays with 2024 rules it becomes more rigid and less creative as there are far less options available that help enhance the roleplay experience.
The first feature we will cover here is how the observent allows people to read lips, and the idea of having sign language as a way of communication allows the option of playing a character who is either deaf or mute. This is one of the character concepts that a friend of mine had where a part of her character's tongue had been cut out and developed the ability to read lips and use sign language or a chalkboard to communicate. It was a small but incredibly unique feature that helped flesh out characters at time of creation.
Keen mind- Having a photographic memory and being able to recall information accurately, being able to tell which way is always north. These are really handy things to have not only for classes but for the exploration aspect of campaigns. In fact OG Keen mind would have been extremely viable for the guide background because it fits in so well with the theme a player could go for here.
I am not saying that the newer variations of these abilities are bad as it gives players expertise and bonus action economy but having those little roleplay options was a really fun and interesting way to play the game. If there are any errata that come into the 2024 PHB please consider adding those back in for roleplay purposes because there are certain things a character should not be able to achieve with just a roll of the dice.
I'm more concerned about feats 'locking' you into certain ability scores. My Pact of the Blade Warlock can't take Polearm Master because it doesn't increase Charisma. Same problem with Mounted Combatant on my Paladin. For the naysayers: yes, yes, I 'could' take those scores, but it feels like swiping right on a hot girl and, when you meet her in person, finding a Nalfeshnee or Gibbering Mouther. WOTC should not make players date a Gibbering Mouther. It makes me want to swipe left on DnD.