What is Wrong with Armor in D&D 5e? New Armor System Fix w/ Mr Rhexx

Summary

In this video, the host discusses enhancing Dungeons and Dragons gameplay with a new Kickstarter project, 'Alkane's Almanac of All Things.' They explore issues with traditional armor and weapons, introducing a modular expansion that offers customizable options, including a new weapon and armor system, different weapon properties, and reactive shield properties. The video also features a conversation with DND YouTuber Mr. Rex, discussing homebrew solutions to improve the game's mechanics and player experience.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ The video discusses an upgrade to the traditional Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) weapon and armor system through homebrew content to enhance gameplay.
• 📚 The creator has launched a Kickstarter for 'Alcan's Almanac of All Things,' a modular expansion for 5th edition D&D that introduces customizable options for the game, including a new weapon and armor system.
• 🔍 Mr. Rex, a prominent D&D YouTuber, is brought in for his insights on the underwhelming aspects of weapons and armor in D&D and how they can be improved.
• 🎖️ The video addresses the issue of limited options for armor in D&D, where players can quickly reach the best available armor and have no further progression or choices.
• 🤔 The discussion highlights the lack of feel of progression with armor in D&D, as opposed to leveling up and gaining new abilities.
• 🛠️ A new armor system is proposed with additional mechanics, including Evasion Class (EC) and Armor Reduction Value (AR), to provide more depth and strategy in combat.
• 💡 The introduction of different materials for armor and weapons adds variety and role-playing opportunities, allowing players to customize their gear with unique properties.
• 💸 The new system aims to make in-game money more relevant by providing more options for players to spend it on meaningful upgrades.
• 🔄 The video suggests that the new system can help balance the game by giving players a sense of being a 'tank' without making them invincible, thus maintaining the tension and strategy in combat.
• 🌐 The creator's Patreon offers early access to the new system in PDF form, with different tiers providing varying levels of content and customization options.
• 🔗 The Kickstarter and Patreon links are provided in the video description for those interested in supporting the project and gaining access to the new content.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

The main topic of discussion in the video script is the upgrade of weapons, armor, and shields in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), including the introduction of new homebrew systems and the exploration of issues with the current armor class mechanics.

What is 'Alcan's Almanac of All Things'?

'Alcan's Almanac of All Things' is a modular expansion for 5th edition D&D that the speaker has launched on Kickstarter. It aims to provide customizable options for players to tweak their D&D game, including new weapon and armor systems.

What issues does Mr. Rex, the DND YouTuber, have with the current state of weapons and armor in D&D?

Mr. Rex feels that weapons and armor in D&D are underwhelming and have issues that need fixing. He points out the lack of variety and progression in armor, the reliance on random rolls for upgrades, and the lack of feel of getting stronger as a character.

What is the new armor system proposed in the video script?

The new armor system proposed introduces two additional defensive stats: Evasion Class (EC) and Armor Reduction Value (AR). EC represents the ability to dodge an attack entirely, while AR is used to reduce the amount of damage taken when hit within the armor class range.

How does the Armor Reduction Value (AR) work in the new system?

In the new system, the Armor Reduction Value (AR) is calculated as the difference between the character's Armor Class (AC) and 10. This value is used to reduce the damage taken when an attack hits within the character's armor class range.

What is the significance of introducing different materials for armor and weapons in the game?

Introducing different materials for armor and weapons adds variety and customization options, allowing players to create unique items with specific properties. It also brings back the importance of money in the game, as different materials can have different costs.

How does the new system address the issue of players feeling underwhelmed by their armor upgrades?

The new system addresses this issue by providing a range of armor classes (EC to AC) and the ability to reduce damage taken through the AR value. This allows players to feel the impact of their armor choices and the progression of their character.

What is the role of the Patreon in relation to the new system discussed in the video script?

The Patreon supports the speaker's work and provides patrons with early access to new content, including the new armor system, weapon system, and other homebrew rules discussed in the video script.

What is the potential impact of the new system on the game's balance and player experience?

The new system aims to improve game balance by smoothing out damage taken and providing more options for character progression. It enhances the player experience by allowing for more strategic choices in armor and weapon selection.

How does the video script address concerns about the complexity of introducing new mechanics to D&D?

The video script acknowledges the potential complexity but argues that the new mechanics add depth to the game without overwhelming players. It suggests that players can choose how complex they want their game to be and that the new system offers a range of options to suit different preferences.

What is the Kickstarter mentioned in the video script, and how does it relate to the new armor system?

The Kickstarter mentioned in the video script is a crowdfunding campaign for 'Alcan's Almanac of All Things,' which includes the new armor system as part of its comprehensive expansion of D&D. The campaign aims to compile various homebrew systems into a hardcover book.