I wonder if this was part of the design when 5e was getting made. @mikemearls or @JeremyECrawford, any thoughts? Did you guys ever consider using abstract distances for 5e like 13th Age has?
— SlyFlourish (@SlyFlourish) April 1, 2018
While designing 5E, we considered different ways to measure distance, and we stuck with feet, since we wanted a system that was easy (people know how feet work) and that supported play with or without miniatures.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) April 3, 2018
No problem!
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) April 3, 2018
I think the 13th Age abstract distances are a great way to run theatre of the mind combat in any RPG. It’s a great system.