I really like the idea proposed by Kayal. Alternate names in stat blocks allow the best of both worlds with the added bonus of providing additional inspiration for roleplaying
I find this an absolutely brilliant idea. It keeps the history of the game while presenting options that doesn't exactly fit. One might even go as far to say that several versions of the same spell exist in a world, but the manifestation remains different with each variation (Example: Bigby's Crushing Hand may appear different in some way than Zarumon's Crushing Hand). I don't propose the difference to be enough to actually matter mechanically, but visual cues and flavor could differ that...
View full commentI find this an absolutely brilliant idea. It keeps the history of the game while presenting options that doesn't exactly fit. One might even go as far to say that several versions of the same spell exist in a world, but the manifestation remains different with each variation (Example: Bigby's Crushing Hand may appear different in some way than Zarumon's Crushing Hand). I don't propose the difference to be enough to actually matter mechanically, but visual cues and flavor could differ that could enhance a character's background (Perhaps they were taught by Bigby's ace pupil) if one should allow.
In my groups, giving flavor to your characters and breathing life into them was almost as entertaining as the game itself - I once had a player who strayed off the path and created a rather glutenous sorcerer - all of his spells looked like food of some sort (He fired glowing doughnuts as his magic missile, for crying out loud!).
I'm not saying high flavor and customization is for everyone, which is why listing alternate names for 'named' spells is ideal - it allows people to take a generic approach to the game if that's what they want.
View full comment