5E Feat & Ability Score Improvement Variant - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Cybren Oct 07, 2014 23:51:08	So, I have always disliked the binary nature of feats. This doesn't totally address that issue, in that feast are still a "have it or do not have it" sort of thing, but it alleviates it somewhat by making them require less rare a resource and varying their cost, presumably allowing weaker feat options to see more play. This is both an idea in development and one that might prove redundant when the DMG is released. In addition, I always find it occasionally interesting to grant non-XP, non-loot rewards to players. DMs might consider granting bonus BP as an alternate to giving Inspiration or Bonus XP for whatever reason, or perhaps just use the concept as a gauge of the value of different abilities for non-loot rewards. Alternatively, DMs might only say that a handful of choices can be taken "on the fly", and that others require in-game events to acquire. Who doesn't love a training montage? Character power generally goes up under this system, but in easily mitigated and adjusted ways (give fewer BPs per ABI, restrict option on where BPs can be spent, etc). Whenever a character would gain an ability score increase from their class, instead that character receives 3 Bonus Points. Characters may save Bonus Points to spend later. Feats that would grant a bonus to an ability score normally instead do not under this system. Feat Variant Humans in this version instead receive +1 to two ability scores and 3 BP to spend on anything other than improving ability scores. Given that PCs receive 3BPs that could translate to a total of +3 to ability scores it may prove prudent to have a "Rule of Twos" or somesuch: PCs cannot spend more than 2 BPs on any combination of ability scores until they receive more BPs from their class. 1 BP +1 to an ability score. Gain a skill, tool, or weapon proficiency. Learn a language. Actor, Athlete, Charger, Defensive Duelist, Durable, Healer, Keen Mind, Observant, or Tavern Brawler feats. Learn a spell from your class spell list. Gain proficiency with shields (requires light armor prof.) Auto succeed a die roll [May prove unpopular or used only on death saving throws. DMs might dislike the lack of drama in being able to auto succeed, and players will likely hate losing character 'power'. This is simply an idea.]
#2 cowleymen Oct 13, 2014 0:53:38	I would remove the +1 ability, and under +3 bp just put as normal, "+2 to one ability score, or +1 to two ability scores." I really like this as alternative to just magic weapons and gear for alt loot options. Im not particulary good at balance issues, as i tend to get fairly stoked with things one way or the other. So I will wait to see what other people weigh in on this idea, think its niffty thought pattern though. Though I like no more trees, some of the feats in this addition are so roleplay heavy that i really think that you have to work with your DM to get real advantage to them (looking at actor, keen mind and observant)
(Reply to #2) Cybren	I've been making a couple of adjustments. I want to do some playtesting before tinkerin with it a lot This is the current concept https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vATMtGEle9h1-YlEIaVlAHg6D-IUNveZPcFb3LTwf_M/edit

Post/Author/DateTime

Post

Cybren

Oct 07, 2014 23:51:08

So, I have always disliked the binary nature of feats. This doesn't totally address that issue, in that feast are still a "have it or do not have it" sort of thing, but it alleviates it somewhat by making them require less rare a resource and varying their cost, presumably allowing weaker feat options to see more play. This is both an idea in development and one that might prove redundant when the DMG is released.

In addition, I always find it occasionally interesting to grant non-XP, non-loot rewards to players. DMs might consider granting bonus BP as an alternate to giving Inspiration or Bonus XP for whatever reason, or perhaps just use the concept as a gauge of the value of different abilities for non-loot rewards. Alternatively, DMs might only say that a handful of choices can be taken "on the fly", and that others require in-game events to acquire. Who doesn't love a training montage?
Character power generally goes up under this system, but in easily mitigated and adjusted ways (give fewer BPs per ABI, restrict option on where BPs can be spent, etc).

Whenever a character would gain an ability score increase from their class, instead that character receives 3 Bonus Points.
Characters may save Bonus Points to spend later.
Feats that would grant a bonus to an ability score normally instead do not under this system.
Feat Variant Humans in this version instead receive +1 to two ability scores and 3 BP to spend on anything other than improving ability scores.
Given that PCs receive 3BPs that could translate to a total of +3 to ability scores it may prove prudent to have a "Rule of Twos" or somesuch: PCs cannot spend more than 2 BPs on any combination of ability scores until they receive more BPs from their class.

1 BP

+1 to an ability score.
Gain a skill, tool, or weapon proficiency.
Learn a language.
Actor, Athlete, Charger, Defensive Duelist, Durable, Healer, Keen Mind, Observant, or Tavern Brawler feats.
Learn a spell from your class spell list.
Gain proficiency with shields (requires light armor prof.)
Auto succeed a die roll [May prove unpopular or used only on death saving throws. DMs might dislike the lack of drama in being able to auto succeed, and players will likely hate losing character 'power'. This is simply an idea.]

cowleymen

Oct 13, 2014 0:53:38

I would remove the +1 ability, and under +3 bp just put as normal, "+2 to one ability score, or +1 to two ability scores."

I really like this as alternative to just magic weapons and gear for alt loot options. Im not particulary good at balance issues, as i tend to get fairly stoked with things one way or the other. So I will wait to see what other people weigh in on this idea, think its niffty thought pattern though.

Though I like no more trees, some of the feats in this addition are so roleplay heavy that i really think that you have to work with your DM to get real advantage to them (looking at actor, keen mind and observant)

(Reply to #2)

Cybren

I've been making a couple of adjustments. I want to do some playtesting before tinkerin with it a lot This is the current concept https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vATMtGEle9h1-YlEIaVlAHg6D-IUNveZPcFb3LTwf_M/edit