Perhaps this falls more under the homebrew category or just general DM's discretion, but what is the protocol when a character gains an ability or class feature that they already have from a species trait, feat, or something else of the like? I know multiclassing has specific guidelines for that sort of thing. What if a character gains a class feature that would give the character resistances or abilities that they already have from species traits or before gained feats? Is it simply a wasted boon and that's that? Can it be substituted for something else? I know Tasha's allows some alternate class features in some cases, but it doesn't cover everything. Thoughts or recommendations anyone?
If a player gains one or more features or effects that share a name, they don't stack. This includes resistances and the like. However, the DM may grant the player a different feature or effect that falls under the same category to make up for a "wasted" feature, just as they can adjucate or change any rules they see fit. Note that in the case of multiclassing, it is advisable to not give players a substitute feature in place of a feature they already have.
In the case of skills (from what I recall), if a player receives a skill proficiency that they already have, they can choose a different proficiency that is associated with the same ability as the skill they already have.
The only place I know of close to what you are saying is during character creation when your background gives you a proficiency with a tool or skill that you already have, you can swap it out with another one.
If a character would gain the same proficiency from two different sources, he or she can choose a different proficiency of the same kind (skill or tool) instead.
As for doubling up later in the game, RAW says tough luck. But as a DM, I always look for a way not to shortchange the player.
What if a character gains a class feature that would give the character resistances or abilities that they already have from species traits or before gained feats?
It depends on the feature. They stack if they're the type of ability that stacks, but there aren't a lot of abilities that stack -- resistance doesn't stack, proficiency doesn't stack, unarmored defense doesn't stack, extra attack doesn't stack -- and if they don't stack, it doesn't give you anything other than redundancy in case one ability is somehow neutralized.
an interesting point would also be gaining it from two sources could have narrative implications such as amnesia that only made you forget one set or pissing off a deity or patron and them taking away features. this is rare but it could happen.
but generally speaking you get what you get and overlap isn't stacking.
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Perhaps this falls more under the homebrew category or just general DM's discretion, but what is the protocol when a character gains an ability or class feature that they already have from a species trait, feat, or something else of the like? I know multiclassing has specific guidelines for that sort of thing. What if a character gains a class feature that would give the character resistances or abilities that they already have from species traits or before gained feats? Is it simply a wasted boon and that's that? Can it be substituted for something else? I know Tasha's allows some alternate class features in some cases, but it doesn't cover everything. Thoughts or recommendations anyone?
If a player gains one or more features or effects that share a name, they don't stack. This includes resistances and the like. However, the DM may grant the player a different feature or effect that falls under the same category to make up for a "wasted" feature, just as they can adjucate or change any rules they see fit. Note that in the case of multiclassing, it is advisable to not give players a substitute feature in place of a feature they already have.
In the case of skills (from what I recall), if a player receives a skill proficiency that they already have, they can choose a different proficiency that is associated with the same ability as the skill they already have.
At the end of the day, it's up to the DM.
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The only place I know of close to what you are saying is during character creation when your background gives you a proficiency with a tool or skill that you already have, you can swap it out with another one.
If a character would gain the same proficiency from two different sources, he or she can choose a different proficiency of the same kind (skill or tool) instead.
As for doubling up later in the game, RAW says tough luck. But as a DM, I always look for a way not to shortchange the player.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
I would say redundant is redundant. Multiclassing is incredibly OP as it is, I don't think it needs to provide even more power.
It depends on the feature. They stack if they're the type of ability that stacks, but there aren't a lot of abilities that stack -- resistance doesn't stack, proficiency doesn't stack, unarmored defense doesn't stack, extra attack doesn't stack -- and if they don't stack, it doesn't give you anything other than redundancy in case one ability is somehow neutralized.
an interesting point would also be gaining it from two sources could have narrative implications such as amnesia that only made you forget one set or pissing off a deity or patron and them taking away features. this is rare but it could happen.
but generally speaking you get what you get and overlap isn't stacking.