Questions tagged [optional-rules]
For questions about optional rules in RPGs. In many RPGs, there is the concept of rules that are essential to the game, and optional but official rules that can be used if desired. Optional rules can completely replace certain parts of the rules, or merely add to the existing rules to make them more complex, complete, and/or well-rounded.
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Can a creature with reach flank without being directly next to the enemy? [duplicate]
This is something one of my players asked me recently and I'm not 100% sure how to handle it. I'm leaning towards "no, this does not work" but I am not certain and don't want to be unfair to ...
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How does the Beast Transformation optional rule for the Beastlands work?
I'm a little confused about how to handle the Beast Transformation optional rule for the Beastlands (DMG, pg. 60).
What happens when a creature drops to 0 hp before the spell becomes permanent (i.e., ...
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Does the DM need to declare a Natural 20?
I see a lot of D&D content out there and when combat starts eventually someone gets a roll of 20, a so-called Natural 20, shouts out "Nat 20" and everyone cheers. The DM then does some ...
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With the optional Disarm rule, what happens if the target wins the contest?
The optional Disarm rule in the DMG says:
A creature can use a weapon attack to knock a weapon or another item from a target's grasp. The attacker makes an attack roll contested by the target's ...
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Would the Disarm optional rule let a monk use Stunning Strike with it?
I'm playing a monk in a Tomb of Annihilation campaign. My game plan has been to keep our party alive as much as possible through debuffs, body-blocking opponents, and the like.
I recently saw the ...
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How do the knowledge skills of the cloistered cleric work?
The class description says that:
"the cloistered cleric class skill list includes decipher script, speak language, and all knowledge skills(from the Knowledge domain)"
Does that mean that ...
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Treat Wounds DC under Proficiency without Level
Using the rules for Proficiency without Level, what is the DC for Treat Wounds?
I assume the base DC would stay at 15, which makes things harder for PCs but not too hard, but what about the option to ...
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When should Death Saves be rolled under the rules for Speed Factor Initiative?
In my new campaign I am using the Speed Factor variant for Initiative (DMG pp. 270-271). We like this a lot but it is confusing concerning unconscious PCs.
This question says that taking Actions while ...
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Is there a RAW or optional rule for how a player could discover what type of skill check needs to be made?
I have a specific example, but while I was thinking of how to do it, I had this realization. I, as a DM, always tell my players what checks to make for every interaction, usually resulting in a ...
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Rules for crafting magic items or spells in Middle Earth Roleplaying System (MERP)?
For example, can I play an Elven character who specializes in crafting magic rings and apprenticed with Celebrimbor?
I haven't seen specific rules in the MERP rule books, perhaps there are supplements ...
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Is "The GM's Book of Legendary Dragons" a valid D&D 5e rulebook?
True to the holiday season, I recently received an RPG rulebook titled "The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons."
At first glance, there was no doubt in my mind that it was meant to be ...
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Is there a measure on most commonly included Optional Rules?
Context
A player amidst one of the groups decided to try his hand at DM'ing for the first time. It's going relatively well despite teething trouble (primarily from a mismatch of expected ideas after ...
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How does the Proficiency Without Level variant rule work for lvl -1 creatures?
In Pathfinder 2 the Proficiency Without Level variant rule lists that:
Additionally, for creatures, hazards, magic items, and so on, reduce each statistic that would include a proficiency bonus by ...
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Is an Urban Druid's Urban Companion an Animal?
A level-1 Druid has access to the ACF Urban Companion:
Urban Companion
The fearsome animal companions who accompany some casters in the wild
are indeed a boon in combat, but a hulking wolf or ...
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Can a druid use Wild Companion and Wild Shape simultaneously?
The context for this is that a PC druid that is not yet level 8, wants to achieve flight by using the Wild Companion feature from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything to summon a familiar with a fly speed ...
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