I’ve talked lots about the 4e DMGs, but I think I need to get me a copy of the (base) 4e PHB. Just flipping through a pdf sample has me all 👀.
It seems that, just as its DMG is great teaching newbies how to DM, the PHB might be great at teaching HOW to create a “real”character. Like, the way this is broken down here is fantastic! pic.twitter.com/fJPIXNi31e
— Alyssa Visscher (@alyssavisscher) May 2, 2021
I think that there is a huge need for resources for players. And not, like, new spells, subclasses, backgrounds, etc. But I mean the “here is how to do the whole character creation thing, beyond explanations of the base mechanics.” Because there are many players who know a LOT about mechanics, but almost nothing about character creation.
How do you make a PC that feels real; Full of personality, goals, struggles, and a lifetime of past experiences? And how does that connect to mechanics and flavor?
— Alyssa Visscher (@alyssavisscher) May 2, 2021
It’s the same discussion as DMing. It’s sort of assumed that the 5e books can hand you a few tools, and you’ll know how to use them.
Part of the “meta-gaming/min-maxing” problems is because the player doesn’t know creation steps, beyond mechanics. So they tunnel-vision on those. And, again, older players (not in terms of age, but in terms of experience) have sort of learned this by osmosis- each edition, campaign, adventure, and so on.
It's one of those things "oldies" do now without thinking, and forget how to break it down to tint steps to teach it.
— Alyssa Visscher (@alyssavisscher) May 2, 2021
They can't understand why, for instance, the section of TCoE on refavouring spells, is ground-breaking, brand-spanking-new territory for a lot of new players (new as in came to D&D with 5e).
Anyways, I've been slowly collecting a few resources for this, and there isnt a tonne.
— Alyssa Visscher (@alyssavisscher) May 2, 2021