First time D&Der here. I've bought the Starter Set and am going over the rules preparing to DM a group of people also new to D&D. I have a quick question about food and lodging.
The Starter Set rulebook lists different types of drinks, meals, and inn stays that players can purchase. My question is, do these provide any sort of mechanical benefits? Having played console and computer RPGs for years, it would make sense for me that the more expensive inn stays would provide the same benefits as a long rest, while the cheaper ones provide the same as a short rest. I'm guessing that's not how it works though, since nowhere in this particular rulebook does it say what these things provide, at least mechanically. So I can only assume it's just for RP, or perhaps something else I'm missing?
So the whole food and lodging aspect is just an excuse for role-playing or enabling possible NPC interactions? That's what I thought, but like I said, my years of video games initially made me think that there would be no point in spending the money on this stuff if it didn't benefit my character in some way mechanically.
Yes. It's worth considering that each character might have different expectations for food and lodging based on their background and personality. There's no mechanical difference between sleeping in a hovel or a 5-star inn, but a noble or guild merchant will probably refuse to stay in the former.
I mostly ignore the costs by having the party benefactor take care of small costs. This lets players choose wherever their character would prefer, and lessens the amount of accounting people have to do. Regardless, money in this edition is practically moot past level 4 except for RP purposes (unless you're trying to afford plate mail).
I use food and drink for PC development. example the lawful good Paladin gets drunk and before passing out spills his guts on how his wife was killed and he couldn't save her and that's why he does what he does. Or if the mage has a sweet tooth and goes out of her way to find honey buns shaped like dragon claws. It's just a fun little Role Play aid for the players.
Although though such luxuries are just for roleplaying purposes, the rules do provide a method to reward roleplaying:
Inspiration
Occasionally being inspired by an exotic meal or a luxury inn stay seems reasonable to me. I don't think I'd add additional game mechanics for this though.
Although though such luxuries are just for roleplaying purposes, the rules do provide a method to reward roleplaying:
Inspiration
Occasionally being inspired by an exotic meal or a luxury inn stay seems reasonable to me. I don't think I'd add additional game mechanics for this though.
Never thought of this. Good idea! I'll definitely use it.
So like the effects of Heroes' Feast? where for 24 hours players are cured of all diseases and poison, becomes immune to poison and being frightened Wisdom saving throws get advantage, point maximum hit points increases by 2d10,
So like the effects of Heroes' Feast? where for 24 hours players are cured of all diseases and poison, becomes immune to poison and being frightened Wisdom saving throws get advantage, point maximum hit points increases by 2d10,
Not quite that much, unless they're paying at least the cost of having a 6th-level spell cast.
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
I use inspiration as well. I also use it to make things like tents and bedrolls useful to the player. I have them roll a survival check when they camp for the night. If they pass a hard DC then I give them inspiration. If they use a bedroll to camp or it’s raining a tent then I let them add their proficiency since I assume they’re proficient in using a bedroll.
To the players its numbers on a sheet, and a mechanical benefit (safe long rest).
To the characters it is their REALITY.
Sure you could only by $2 of bread and protein a day, but who doesn't love some luxury once in a while? Also the people who inhabit their world (NPCs) will be vastly different from a dive bar or lowly run down inn vs the bets restaurant the city, or the finest inn frequented by nobles and foreign dignitaries. Think of the inn or establishment as an NPC all on its own. It will have its own flavor, backstory, hidden clues and hooks (through its ambiance and patrons and staff etc).
Of course, if they just need a nights sleep before they go off and fight the dragon, then by all means, any inn might do. Unless of course the proprietor fought the dragon when they were knight-captain years ago, and happens to know of a secret entrance (only if the PC's chat them up for while...)
Enjoy!
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Remember there are Rules as Written (RAW), Rules as Intended (RAI), and Rules as Fun (RAF). There's some great RAW, RAI, and RAF here... please check in with your DM to determine how they want to adjudicate the RAW/RAI/RAF for your game.
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First time D&Der here. I've bought the Starter Set and am going over the rules preparing to DM a group of people also new to D&D. I have a quick question about food and lodging.
The Starter Set rulebook lists different types of drinks, meals, and inn stays that players can purchase. My question is, do these provide any sort of mechanical benefits? Having played console and computer RPGs for years, it would make sense for me that the more expensive inn stays would provide the same benefits as a long rest, while the cheaper ones provide the same as a short rest. I'm guessing that's not how it works though, since nowhere in this particular rulebook does it say what these things provide, at least mechanically. So I can only assume it's just for RP, or perhaps something else I'm missing?
Thanks in advance for any responses!
It's purely a social distinction.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Right.
So the whole food and lodging aspect is just an excuse for role-playing or enabling possible NPC interactions? That's what I thought, but like I said, my years of video games initially made me think that there would be no point in spending the money on this stuff if it didn't benefit my character in some way mechanically.
Yes. It's worth considering that each character might have different expectations for food and lodging based on their background and personality. There's no mechanical difference between sleeping in a hovel or a 5-star inn, but a noble or guild merchant will probably refuse to stay in the former.
I mostly ignore the costs by having the party benefactor take care of small costs. This lets players choose wherever their character would prefer, and lessens the amount of accounting people have to do. Regardless, money in this edition is practically moot past level 4 except for RP purposes (unless you're trying to afford plate mail).
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
I use food and drink for PC development. example the lawful good Paladin gets drunk and before passing out spills his guts on how his wife was killed and he couldn't save her and that's why he does what he does. Or if the mage has a sweet tooth and goes out of her way to find honey buns shaped like dragon claws. It's just a fun little Role Play aid for the players.
Although though such luxuries are just for roleplaying purposes, the rules do provide a method to reward roleplaying:
Inspiration
Occasionally being inspired by an exotic meal or a luxury inn stay seems reasonable to me. I don't think I'd add additional game mechanics for this though.
So like the effects of Heroes' Feast? where for 24 hours players are cured of all diseases and poison, becomes immune to poison and being frightened Wisdom saving throws get advantage, point maximum hit points increases by 2d10,
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
I use inspiration as well. I also use it to make things like tents and bedrolls useful to the player. I have them roll a survival check when they camp for the night. If they pass a hard DC then I give them inspiration. If they use a bedroll to camp or it’s raining a tent then I let them add their proficiency since I assume they’re proficient in using a bedroll.
Mechanically its a safe place to get a garentee rest. Long or short depends on whats happening in town.
Non mechanically its rp venu and rumor mill generator. Get story hooks or advance the story or get side quests.
Inns have their uses
Mechanically, it reflect at least a modest lifestyle which can affect the way other individuals and groups react to you.
Its technically cosmetic, but remember:
Sure you could only by $2 of bread and protein a day, but who doesn't love some luxury once in a while? Also the people who inhabit their world (NPCs) will be vastly different from a dive bar or lowly run down inn vs the bets restaurant the city, or the finest inn frequented by nobles and foreign dignitaries. Think of the inn or establishment as an NPC all on its own. It will have its own flavor, backstory, hidden clues and hooks (through its ambiance and patrons and staff etc).
Of course, if they just need a nights sleep before they go off and fight the dragon, then by all means, any inn might do. Unless of course the proprietor fought the dragon when they were knight-captain years ago, and happens to know of a secret entrance (only if the PC's chat them up for while...)
Enjoy!
Remember there are Rules as Written (RAW), Rules as Intended (RAI), and Rules as Fun (RAF). There's some great RAW, RAI, and RAF here... please check in with your DM to determine how they want to adjudicate the RAW/RAI/RAF for your game.