r/dndnext

I add and subtract a 20% hp buffer from the printed hp to make a hp window for my monsters. The lower threshold is the earliest it could die, while the upper threshold is the maximum hp before it definitely dies. While it's hp is within the window, I decide when it dies to make the moment more exciting.

Got a lucky crit or epic moment? How do you wanna do this?

My players are getting bored and I need to wrap up this encounter? Monsters now die as soon as they cross the lower threshold.

Need to hold on a bit so everyone's had a meaningful turn this fight? Gonna use the upper threshold.

It's better than not tracking hp at all, and the hp window is supported RAW by monsters having a rolled hp value (not every dragon having the exact same hp).

I've realised I keep bouncing off a lot of D&D groups, and I think it comes down to two related things.

First, I feel like a lot of players want their character's concept to be the interesting thing. A plasmoid gunslinger, a tabaxi who's literally just Puss in Boots, increasingly elaborate homebrew gimmicks, etc. For me, the interesting part of a character is what they do and who they become during play. Starting out relatively grounded makes that journey more meaningful.

Second, why does everything have to be wacky all the time? I like silly moments as much as anyone, but a lot of games seem determined to turn every scene into hijinks and shenanigans. When nothing is grounded, it all starts to feel a bit samey.

I'm not saying people are wrong to enjoy that style of play. D&D's brought a lot of people a lot of joy, and that's great. But even when I've been clear in Session 0 that I'm after a more grounded tone and others have agreed with that, I've often found the actual game drifting back towards quirky characters and constant bits.

Maybe I've just had bad luck with tables. Maybe I need a different system. Maybe I'm just becoming a grumpy old man.

Anyone else feel this way? (apols for provocative title!)

Just curious, it's been out a decade now so I assume it's had time to cover a lot of stuff.