In regards to the feedback I got to my submission, I am curious about how it did not match the theme. I think Primal Cataclysm is a good "last resort" ability, as you give up basically your entire subclass for the rest of the day when you use it - you will become dormant just like a volcano after a big eruption :-) It just isn't as lethal nor does it require the user to be at low HP to work. Also fixed the typo with the subclass spell list already.
(An issue I have with low HP abilities in general, like the Samurai fighter's Strength Beyond Death, is that they encourage you to stab yourself once you are close to their trigger point to activate them - which doesn't really make sense for most characters to do...)
The only thing that fits the theme in your submission is a single 14th level feature.
Because you can't really design an entire subclass around that premise and expect it to work and be fun for your players. If you design an entire subclass around this category's theme, you end up with something like Sposta's Reservist fighter - a fighter that is essentially subclassless until they drop below half HP. A fighter that is worse than a Champion, unless they take significant damage and do not get healed up again. I can't imagine a player having fun playing a character that has no subclass for the majority of the game.
Maybe next time when choosing themes, you should take into account whether it actually is possible to design an entire class/subclass for that theme, one that is fun for players to play as, since classes/subclasses are part of the player options category :-) Last Resort works well for feats, boons or spells (like the already mentioned Wish) or for specific class/subclass abilities (like the Samurai's Strength Beyond Death or the Evoker's Overchannel), but not as something to design an entire class/subclass around.
To my critics: you're probably right and I appreciate your help tuning these things.
On my atomic lich: radiation is a complicated phenomenon in reality, and doesn't really boil down to just exhaustion. The lich I designed was really meant to use the One D&D exhaustion rules, so exhaustion isn't as much a discrete process. The lich is powerful, but there are countermeasures. Remember that even a thin lining of lead resists many of the lich's worst attacks. That's also where plasma wave comes in. Lastly, I'm not sure why fission is causing this many issues. I yoinked that ability right from one of the gem dragons. Its effect is relatively simple... you can target out of two spaces and can be targeted in two spaces. And I totally agree that the stat block is too long, but that's sorta a consequence of riders taking a wall of text to explain in 5e. I realize the form doesn't provide a good space for this, but how would you cut it down?
On the M current: people really seemed to hate this one. Seems like at least one user just doesn't like One D&D and is taking it out on me. I think that's a poor reason to downvote a brew. This contest says nothing about requiring brews adhere to the soon-to-be outdated 2014 rules.
On the counterfeit archmage: the spellcasting is supposed to work exactly the same as usual... it just can't be countered, dispelled, or perceived as magic. No crunchy changes necessary.
In regards to the feedback I got to my submission, I am curious about how it did not match the theme. I think Primal Cataclysm is a good "last resort" ability, as you give up basically your entire subclass for the rest of the day when you use it - you will become dormant just like a volcano after a big eruption :-) It just isn't as lethal nor does it require the user to be at low HP to work. Also fixed the typo with the subclass spell list already.
(An issue I have with low HP abilities in general, like the Samurai fighter's Strength Beyond Death, is that they encourage you to stab yourself once you are close to their trigger point to activate them - which doesn't really make sense for most characters to do...)
The only thing that fits the theme in your submission is a single 14th level feature.
Because you can't really design an entire subclass around that premise and expect it to work and be fun for your players. If you design an entire subclass around this category's theme, you end up with something like Sposta's Reservist fighter - a fighter that is essentially subclassless until they drop below half HP. A fighter that is worse than a Champion, unless they take significant damage and do not get healed up again. I can't imagine a player having fun playing a character that has no subclass for the majority of the game.
Maybe next time when choosing themes, you should take into account whether it actually is possible to design an entire class/subclass for that theme, one that is fun for players to play as, since classes/subclasses are part of the player options category :-) Last Resort works well for feats, boons or spells (like the already mentioned Wish) or for specific class/subclass abilities (like the Samurai's Strength Beyond Death or the Evoker's Overchannel), but not as something to design an entire class/subclass around.
Excuse me. I specifically included features that could be used no matter how healthy the character is, features that grant additional uses of the fighter’s best features. And I made sure that when the other features kicked in they were hefty enough to be worth it. “Worse than the champion” is just insulting. [REDACTED]
Please everyone, can we keep things civil.... I know critique can be hard to recieve, especially when it feels unfair. But this is all in good fun right? So please let's take a step back and not get personal...
On the M current: people really seemed to hate this one. Seems like at least one user just doesn't like One D&D and is taking it out on me. I think that's a poor reason to downvote a brew. This contest says nothing about requiring brews adhere to the soon-to-be outdated 2014 rules.
Why would you choose the already-outdated rules instead, though?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
On the M current: people really seemed to hate this one. Seems like at least one user just doesn't like One D&D and is taking it out on me. I think that's a poor reason to downvote a brew. This contest says nothing about requiring brews adhere to the soon-to-be outdated 2014 rules.
Why would you choose the already-outdated rules instead, though?
I am certain I am not the one you mean, but I subtraced a few points from the Atomic Lich's balance rating due to it having too many things that cause exhaustion, which would only work with the (seemingly already scrapped/outdated) OneD&D exhaustion rules, but not with the 5e ones - as I assumed 5e is what our brews are meant to be for :-)
Looking at the response to my Anime Powers feat, a few questions for you helpful HBing folks:
Alternative balance costs would either of these be better?
"all your ability scores are reduced by 1 for each power point you spend"
or
"you cannot take an Action or Reaction until the end of your next turn"
I want to mimic those Anime scenes where the hero unleashes all their power in a last-stand type thing and then collapses in exhaustion, so that the powers can be really powerful without being unbalanced.
Also this is intended to be whole system to be added to a campaign (kinda like the Piety system in Theros) so all characters get a power at certain levels rather than having to spend a feat to get them, what level do you think they should start at? I was going to start them at level 1 but it feels a little early, maybe level 5 you get your first power?
On the M current: people really seemed to hate this one. Seems like at least one user just doesn't like One D&D and is taking it out on me. I think that's a poor reason to downvote a brew. This contest says nothing about requiring brews adhere to the soon-to-be outdated 2014 rules.
Why would you choose the already-outdated rules instead, though?
Essentially because I wrote it before the newest UA and haven't had the time to update it. I suppose that's on me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Nonetheless, I would not be surprised if epic boons remained feats, but just not part of the normal class progression. Epic boons in 5e-2014 were too weak to power what I had in mind.
I am certain I am not the one you mean, but I subtraced a few points from the Atomic Lich's balance rating due to it having too many things that cause exhaustion, which would only work with the (seemingly already scrapped/outdated) OneD&D exhaustion rules, but not with the 5e ones - as I assumed 5e is what our brews are meant to be for :-)
I haven't seen an update that reverted the UA4 exhaustion rules. Am I missing something?
Anyway, there's not much need to litigate things. I really just want to make these brews workable.
The great results of the Competition of the Finest Brews XVII
It's been a fierce and deeply involved competition this time, and it has been my honor to act as host and judge of these fantastic brews. But you did not all come here to hear me prattle on, so let us continue on to what we all came for. The Awards.
DM Options: Sci-fi in a Fantasy World
The first category was the sci-fi in a fantasy world! We've had big mechs and irradiated undead. But both of those fell short in the glorious tie between a mechanized spear and humble towel that deserved at least 42 points.
By far our busiest category, we've seen so much. The powers of god and anime on our side. An epic current, some real resolve. Heroism, overloading magic and a fighter that keeps standing. We've seen it all here, but none of them could step up to the Volcanic Druid.
Winner: @Semako's Circle of the Volcano Score: 7.75
Interactive Options: That's Politics
This was the crux of it, because what is politics without voting? As such we must watch election day go by to tell us who gets to take the crown. Shall it be the Setting with three Kings or the Archfey's campaign? Or maybe just your humble local politician? Unfortunately, the count of the votes points to a fraudulent little 'caster'.
yay
MY INFO
Thank you for voting Draken <3
I am also here.
Am snek.
Because you can't really design an entire subclass around that premise and expect it to work and be fun for your players. If you design an entire subclass around this category's theme, you end up with something like Sposta's Reservist fighter - a fighter that is essentially subclassless until they drop below half HP. A fighter that is worse than a Champion, unless they take significant damage and do not get healed up again. I can't imagine a player having fun playing a character that has no subclass for the majority of the game.
Maybe next time when choosing themes, you should take into account whether it actually is possible to design an entire class/subclass for that theme, one that is fun for players to play as, since classes/subclasses are part of the player options category :-) Last Resort works well for feats, boons or spells (like the already mentioned Wish) or for specific class/subclass abilities (like the Samurai's Strength Beyond Death or the Evoker's Overchannel), but not as something to design an entire class/subclass around.
To my critics: you're probably right and I appreciate your help tuning these things.
On my atomic lich: radiation is a complicated phenomenon in reality, and doesn't really boil down to just exhaustion. The lich I designed was really meant to use the One D&D exhaustion rules, so exhaustion isn't as much a discrete process. The lich is powerful, but there are countermeasures. Remember that even a thin lining of lead resists many of the lich's worst attacks. That's also where plasma wave comes in. Lastly, I'm not sure why fission is causing this many issues. I yoinked that ability right from one of the gem dragons. Its effect is relatively simple... you can target out of two spaces and can be targeted in two spaces. And I totally agree that the stat block is too long, but that's sorta a consequence of riders taking a wall of text to explain in 5e. I realize the form doesn't provide a good space for this, but how would you cut it down?
On the M current: people really seemed to hate this one. Seems like at least one user just doesn't like One D&D and is taking it out on me. I think that's a poor reason to downvote a brew. This contest says nothing about requiring brews adhere to the soon-to-be outdated 2014 rules.
On the counterfeit archmage: the spellcasting is supposed to work exactly the same as usual... it just can't be countered, dispelled, or perceived as magic. No crunchy changes necessary.
Excuse me. I specifically included features that could be used no matter how healthy the character is, features that grant additional uses of the fighter’s best features. And I made sure that when the other features kicked in they were hefty enough to be worth it. “Worse than the champion” is just insulting. [REDACTED]
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Please everyone, can we keep things civil.... I know critique can be hard to recieve, especially when it feels unfair. But this is all in good fun right? So please let's take a step back and not get personal...
I am also here.
Am snek.
One more day of voting!
I am also here.
Am snek.
Why would you choose the already-outdated rules instead, though?
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
I am certain I am not the one you mean, but I subtraced a few points from the Atomic Lich's balance rating due to it having too many things that cause exhaustion, which would only work with the (seemingly already scrapped/outdated) OneD&D exhaustion rules, but not with the 5e ones - as I assumed 5e is what our brews are meant to be for :-)
Looking at the response to my Anime Powers feat, a few questions for you helpful HBing folks:
Alternative balance costs would either of these be better?
"all your ability scores are reduced by 1 for each power point you spend"
or
"you cannot take an Action or Reaction until the end of your next turn"
I want to mimic those Anime scenes where the hero unleashes all their power in a last-stand type thing and then collapses in exhaustion, so that the powers can be really powerful without being unbalanced.
Also this is intended to be whole system to be added to a campaign (kinda like the Piety system in Theros) so all characters get a power at certain levels rather than having to spend a feat to get them, what level do you think they should start at? I was going to start them at level 1 but it feels a little early, maybe level 5 you get your first power?
Essentially because I wrote it before the newest UA and haven't had the time to update it. I suppose that's on me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Nonetheless, I would not be surprised if epic boons remained feats, but just not part of the normal class progression. Epic boons in 5e-2014 were too weak to power what I had in mind.
I haven't seen an update that reverted the UA4 exhaustion rules. Am I missing something?
Anyway, there's not much need to litigate things. I really just want to make these brews workable.
Hey everyone! It's less than 3 hours before voting closes!
I am also here.
Am snek.
Half an hour!
I am also here.
Am snek.
23 mins!!
no more time for dnd
Doneeee!!!!
no more time for dnd
And the survey has been Closed!!!!
I am also here.
Am snek.
I'll be calculating the scores and announcing the winners as soon as I've done the maths
I am also here.
Am snek.
Scores have been calculated, I'll be crafting the great reveal now :D
I am also here.
Am snek.
The great results of the Competition of the Finest Brews XVII
It's been a fierce and deeply involved competition this time, and it has been my honor to act as host and judge of these fantastic brews. But you did not all come here to hear me prattle on, so let us continue on to what we all came for. The Awards.
DM Options: Sci-fi in a Fantasy World
The first category was the sci-fi in a fantasy world! We've had big mechs and irradiated undead. But both of those fell short in the glorious tie between a mechanized spear and humble towel that deserved at least 42 points.
Winners:
@MilestoGo_24's Epsilon-Complex Security Spear Model ES-273
@ThorukDuckSlayer's Multipurpose Towel
Score: 7.625
Player Options: Last Resort
By far our busiest category, we've seen so much. The powers of god and anime on our side. An epic current, some real resolve. Heroism, overloading magic and a fighter that keeps standing. We've seen it all here, but none of them could step up to the Volcanic Druid.
Winner:
@Semako's Circle of the Volcano
Score: 7.75
Interactive Options: That's Politics
This was the crux of it, because what is politics without voting? As such we must watch election day go by to tell us who gets to take the crown. Shall it be the Setting with three Kings or the Archfey's campaign? Or maybe just your humble local politician? Unfortunately, the count of the votes points to a fraudulent little 'caster'.
Winner:
@Heartofjuyomk2's Counterfeit Archmage
Score: 8
THIS MEANS WE HAVE OUR OVERALL WINNER!
Congratulations Heartofjuyomk2! I'll be looking forward to XVIII
For spreadsheet nerds like me or those wishing to see their own totals: My calculation sheet.
I am also here.
Am snek.
I am astonished and very pleased that the towel did so well!
Congrats to the other winners, and looking forward to the next one!
Make your Artificer work with any other class with 174 Multiclassing Feats for your Artificer Multiclass Character!
DM's Guild Releases on This Thread Or check them all out on DMs Guild!
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I have started discussing/reviewing 3rd party D&D content on Substack - stay tuned for semi-regular posts!