Because of the uncertainty around D&D 2014 v. 2024, D&D Beyond, and the greedy/stupid folks at Hasbro that own all of that, my players and I have been discussing how to continue with our campaign, using the 2014 rules, while still playing online since several of us live inconveniently far to drive for a biweekly game. When Wizards of the Coast announced that they would be updating character sheets to the new ruleset, it caused an outcry among players who wanted to keep using the rules they have, even though they’re using a tool owned and maintained by the company that has to make money on selling more stuff.
I don’t intend to update the rules for my game until at least all the core rulebooks are released. Some of my players are buying the books but, again, the specific campaign isn’t changing yet. To my mind, that means we need to stop relying on WoTC-owned tools. Luckily for us, there are plenty of other options out there for online play.
The one that most interests me, however, is the least expensive and least complicated. Let’s just keep using Discord for video chat, but move dice rolling over to the tool we use for maps and notes. That tool is Owlbear Rodeo, the lightweight VTT that we’ve been using but not to its full potential.
I’m going to add an initiative tracker, and try out a couple of different dice extensions. I’d like some automation if possible but I have not found anything that works with the 5E 2014 rule set and character sheets. But that’s fine. Everyone can track their character sheet as a PDF, we can roll virtual dice and do our own addition and subtraction, and I’m sure it will all work out fine.
I would like to test that first, though.
So I created a scenario to use as a one-shot, based on a vague idea I’ve had rolling around in my head, and pitched it to my players. In the campaign, there’s a legend about a party of epic heroes who killed the last known ancient red dragon. A dragon that old, by the rules, is one of the toughest mortal monsters in the game, a powerful and intelligent creature that has a slew of amazing abilities, attacks, and defenses. By the rules, using Challenge Rating, that monster is a deadly encounter for a party of four Level 20 characters, which is the highest official level attainable.
Would it be, though? With the powers of demigods or superheroes, with smart players controlling them, and with a little bit of prep, I bet it would be at least an even fight. 5E characters at that level are essentially demigods. This fight could be over quickly, due to shenanigans, or it could last for many many rounds, also due to shenanigans. I’m excited to find out how it goes!
My players are creating the characters. I’ve set some restrictions on class, race, and magic items, sticking to official rules. I expect some of my players to try some bonkers builds and abilities. But Rule Zero is: we’re doing this to have fun. Is your metagaming fun? Then I’ll allow it!
I will update y’all once it’s played out. Stay tuned.