[Information] Ask A DM

[SnakeOilCharmer]

Thanks, SID.

[Goblin Man]

Hi, I'm thinking about reviving my character here.

I just finished one adventure, and my character would be Znarrgol the hobgoblin(volo) light cleric 1 / wizard 1 (based on first set of rolls):
https://www.rpgcrossing.com/showthre...98#post8773398

Now I wanted to ask if it is okay to use my second roll and just recreate a better version of the same character (Znarrgol), starting at level 1 again (while retiring the first version)?
The second roll is simply much better and supports a similar character concept. And I had made some choices with my first version, that I now regret.

I also wanted to ask if I have to stick to the hobgoblin from volo, or if the Monsters of the Multiverse (MotM) version is an option?

I found a similar discussion ending here, which makes me think MotM versions are allowed(?):
https://www.rpgcrossing.com/showthre...12#post9568012

Then I might start putting together a hobgoblin (MotM) knowledge cleric 1 (aiming at multiclass to diviniation wizard x)

Thank you!

[Mindsiege]

@Goblin Man:
I took the question to the GM enclave. We'll get back to you in a bit.

[secretID]

There hasn't been any DM discussion of this yet, but I wanted to make sure we understand, and I can clarify a couple of existing things.

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

Hi, I'm thinking about reviving my character here...

So:
1) You have a PC based on your first rolls, whom you've brought to 2L by adventuring.
2) You want to retire that PC, and start a new(ish) one, at 1L, with your second rolls.
3) You want that new PC to have the same backstory. (Minus the participation in the one West Marches adventure?)

Did I misunderstand any of that?

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

I also wanted to ask if I have to stick to the hobgoblin from volo, or if the Monsters of the Multiverse (MotM) version is an option?

As of now, the MotM version is definitely a no.

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

I found a similar discussion ending here, which makes me think MotM versions are allowed(?)

That was just about Fizban's dragonborn. The current phrasing of the relevant rule says, "you must use the 'legacy' version of a race where available." That's a reference to the way D&D Beyond lists races, and they do have a "legacy" hobgoblin, the one from Volo's.

This does make me realize that the current rule statement is a little outdated now that MotM is out. A discussion of that may lead to a discussion of what's allowed, but I'll warn you that your answer about making a clone will probably come sooner than a change to "yes," if any, regarding the MotM hobgoblin.

[Goblin Man]

Originally Posted by secretID

There hasn't been any DM discussion of this yet, but I wanted to make sure we understand, and I can clarify a couple of existing things.

So:
1) You have a PC based on your first rolls, whom you've brought to 2L by adventuring.
2) You want to retire that PC, and start a new(ish) one, at 1L, with your second rolls.
3) You want that new PC to have the same backstory. (Minus the participation in the one West Marches adventure?)

1) yes
2) yes
3) yes (Regarding the part in the brackets: I would prefer to say that the "new" Znarrgol is the very same Znarrgol guy who also participated in the one West Marches adventure. Simply picking him up where I had left him. If that is a problem, we/I could surely work around it).

Originally Posted by secretID

Did I misunderstand any of that?

As of now, the MotM version is definitely a no.

That was just about Fizban's dragonborn. The current phrasing of the relevant rule says, "you must use the 'legacy' version of a race where available." That's a reference to the way D&D Beyond lists races, and they do have a "legacy" hobgoblin, the one from Volo's.

Oh, great, this link finally shows me what a "legacy" version is! I never understood this.

Originally Posted by secretID

This does make me realize that the current rule statement is a little outdated now that MotM is out. A discussion of that may lead to a discussion of what's allowed, but I'll warn you that your answer about making a clone will probably come sooner than a change to "yes," if any, regarding the MotM hobgoblin.

Thank you! I just really liked my hobgoblin and the MotM version sounds like I could have a little more useful and fun mechanics for him (if I understand them well). But I'm fine with everything and definitely not looking for an exception to your rules. Just take it as general questions about "cloning" and MotM. I'm still exploring options and might eventually settle on a PHB Gnome etc, even if it happens that you allow everything.

[secretID]

I thought I'd check in to let you know where things are.

The simplest thing is for you to use the new rolls to create whatever PC you want, including one exactly like your old PC, but with a new name and no WM history. You could say they're twins or whatever if you like. If you really want it to be the exact same individual, you can wait for more discussion and a vote, but I'll tell you that discussion doesn't seem to be going your way.

Bonus idea: Look over the rules regarding retiring a PC, and you'll see how you can actually start the new on at 2L.

[Goblin Man]

Lol

I already thought about Znarrgol's twin... So I definitely see where you are coming from : )

I saw that level 2 is an option. But treating retiring as a death means 25% of what Znarrgol had?

Not sure what it would be according to the "new" rules with the standardized loot, but Znarrgol was already counting coins up and down and still couldn't afford this cute plush toy rabbit in the display window of the general store, because he had to buy this stupid spellbook etc first .. So I thought going back to the start is more fun.

Thanks for taking my request serious!

PS: If you are not yet discussing MotM versions, I just wanna say that I love the MotM orc too.

[Wretched Rick]

I'd just like to express interest once again in my 8th level cleric being able to create scrolls higher than 1st level (I asked about it a year ago) during downtime. It seems the system would be simple enough, but I understand if there are fears of disturbing game balance. Please let me know. Edit: as a PM since I'm terrible about checking back on this thread - Thanks

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by Wretched Rick

I'd just like to express interest once again in my 8th level cleric being able to create scrolls higher than 1st level (I asked about it a year ago) during downtime. It seems the system would be simple enough, but I understand if there are fears of disturbing game balance. Please let me know. Edit: as a PM since I'm terrible about checking back on this thread - Thanks

I'm the one who put together the Test Draft on scroll scribing, as part of a longer plan to create consumable magics. There are several issues. Probably the most serious one is that I've not heard a lot of desire for scroll. I'm watching the scribing thread, and there's been a single scroll scribed since I had my character create a set in April 2022.

The secondary issue is whether/how to balance scrolls, given that they are only available to spellcasters, arguably the more powerful classes in the game.

Finally, I've had a lot of other things going on and haven't found the time and energy to pursue this topic.

[Cap Ut]

I have a couple questions:

1) I read in the thread that backgrounds like those from Strixhaven don't automatically grant the associated feat, so that only the "flavorful" feature remains. But what about things like Guild Spells from Ravnica? Even if such features aren't explicitly feats, I imagine the reasoning is similar.

2) Do stats rolls have an expiration date? I recently remembered I made a roll like two years ago, but I've never done anything with it (I must not have been very inspired back then), while presently I think it would scratch my itch for 5e just fine

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by Cap Ut

I have a couple questions:

1) I read in the thread that backgrounds like those from Strixhaven don't automatically grant the associated feat, so that only the "flavorful" feature remains. But what about things like Guild Spells from Ravnica? Even if such features aren't explicitly feats, I imagine the reasoning is similar.

2) Do stats rolls have an expiration date? I recently remembered I made a roll like two years ago, but I've never done anything with it (I must not have been very inspired back then), while presently I think it would scratch my itch for 5e just fine

The guild spells from Ravinica are in. The are added to available spell, but still count against known/prepared spells.

There is no expiration date for character rolls.

[Cap Ut]

Originally Posted by purplerook

The guild spells from Ravinica are in. The are added to available spell, but still count against known/prepared spells.

Okay, so just to be clear, the moment a character gains a level in a spellcasting class, those spells are automatically added the corresponding list, correct? So, let's say I start as a fighter, I can still benefit from the feature later on as long as I multiclass caster, without needing to spend a feat or anything.

Another question, since I'm working on the background and deciding on languages and tools, are Xanathar expanded tools rules and applications adopted uniformly, if at all, or are they and other optional rules at the discretion of the individual GM?

Originally Posted by purplerook

There is no expiration date for character rolls.

Good to know, those rolls were actually pretty good

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by Cap Ut

Okay, so just to be clear, the moment a character gains a level in a spellcasting class, those spells are automatically added the corresponding list, correct? So, let's say I start as a fighter, I can still benefit from the feature later on as long as I multiclass caster, without needing to spend a feat or anything.

The expanded spell lists that you get from the Ravnica backgrounds aren't feats, so there is no mechanical interaction there. You will have the extra spells available to choose from when you multiclass. Just make sure to introduce the mechanical benefits from your background as part of your concept's flavour somehow. That's not mandated by any rules, but will certainly get you style points.

Originally Posted by Cap Ut

Another question, since I'm working on the background and deciding on languages and tools, are Xanathar expanded tools rules and applications adopted uniformly, if at all, or are they and other optional rules at the discretion of the individual GM?

There's no general answer how the WM GMs operate as each GM is responsible for their own adventures. I would suggest posing this as a question to the GM of your first adventure, but you can't necessarily rely on all GMs handling this uniformly. If you have a specific question in mind, we could discuss it amongst us GMs and maybe reach some sort of consensus, at least for the foreseeable future.

[Cap Ut]

Originally Posted by Mindsiege

If you have a specific question in mind, we could discuss it amongst us GMs and maybe reach some sort of consensus, at least for the foreseeable future.

In particular I was wondering about the section Tool Proficiencies in Xanathar.

Another thing about Ravnica backgrounds that I was forgetting: how do guild spells interact with customization? In the specific I was wondering if the spells are tied to the default background feature (for example "Urban Infrastructure" for the Izzet), or if the latter can be swapped.

[Mindsiege]

Originally Posted by Cap Ut

In particular I was wondering about the section Tool Proficiencies in Xanathar.

Which part do you need clarified for the purposes of creating your character?