Skills have seen a wide variety of approaches over the years. The earliest forms of D&D tended to only have formal mechanics for the functions of the thief, but the role of mechanisms for overcoming non-combat challenges have expanded since then. The current skill system is relatively pared down and uses a simple resolution system. D&D 5E uses the Ability Check as the basis of … Continue reading A Primer on Skills and Proficiencies in the new Dungeons & Dragons

Although I’ve written a lot about the various initiative systems in D&D, I could quite easily fill a lot of space talking about how healing has changed through the editions. For players moving from AD&D to 5E, the way healing works is likely to be quite strange. Yes, you still have spells that allow you to heal, but why are Hit Dice being used for … Continue reading A Primer on Hit Points and Healing in the new Dungeons & Dragons

The new Basic Dungeons & Dragons PDF is now available, as you probably know. It contains the new procedures for spell casting in D&D, which have a few differences from earlier forms of the game. What hasn’t changed is who can cast spells: Fighters and Thieves can’t, Clerics and Wizards can. The Basics: Prepared Spells and Slots Each caster prepares a number of spells at … Continue reading A Primer on Spell Casting in the new Dungeons & Dragons