InDungeons and Dragons, the wordhomebrewis used to categorize any unofficial content, whether it be rule changes oradditional items, classes, etc, which are added by players and Dungeon Masters to their specific game. Some might not be too dramatic, such as simple quality-of-life changes or small rule adjustments, while others can add entirely new classes, items, and systems.
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Whether or not a specific homebrew rule will be added to a game, should be discussed with everyone at the table. DMs should notify their players before implementing rule changes, just like players should discuss custom classes or races with the DM, so that everyone is on the same page, and has the best possible experience at the table.
8Flanking
A Good Combat Optimization Choice
RAW (Rules As Written), flanking creatures gain an Advantage against the flanked character. While the logic makes sense, given that a surrounded character will have to fight two opponents at once, some players believe that it is perhaps a bit too strong. The situation can come up quite a lot, especially with bigger groups, orwith many enemies in combat.
The alternative that many tables have embraced, is to grant a +2 bonus to attack rolls, instead of an advantage. This change keeps flanking quite relevant and impactful, without being overly powerful. Some DMs give a similar bonus to those attacking from the high ground, which is also something to consider.
7Learning Skills
Ideal For Games With Little Downtime
RAW, there is generally no way to improve a character’s stats (without it taking a year of in-game time), aside from leveling up. Given how much downtime some characters get, it might feel like a waste tonotuse that time to work out, study, or otherwise attempt to better themselves.
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There are many online tables for various progressions when it comes to improving a skill, but here is agood example from GMbinder. And keep in mind that DMs can tweak these numbers to fit their game and the overall playstyle.
6Last Words
Make A Character’s Last Moments More Impactful
As it is, a character that goes down to 0 HP is immediately unconscious and begins their death Saving Throws. While that does kind of make sense, it completely takes outany possibilities for last words, making an important character’s death somewhat… abrupt.
ThishomebrewD&Druleallows characters that lost all their HP to speak their mind on their turns, along with their death-saving throws. A variation of this also allows characters to move at half their speed. With all of that, players can actually bring forth a proper dramatic goodbye, giving their characters a glorious and meaningful end.
5Alternative Resurrection
Prevents “Spamming” Resurrection Spells And Scrolls
It ishard to underestimate the impact ofCritical Roleon theD&Dscene, in no small part due to Matthew Mercer’s DMing proficiency. Many tables have adopted certain bits and pieces of lore, DM tips, and of course: homebrew rules.
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The Fading Spirit is one of such homebrew creations, and it completely changes the way that characters are resurrected. Instead of flat spellcasting, players need to perform a ritual, taking turns in helping the spirit return to the body. Players can attempt to give a moving speech, place an important item on the altar, or do something else they see fit. It is a powerful game mechanic that emphasizes the roleplaying aspect.The full breakdown can be found here.
4How Do You Want To Do This?
A Great Way To Reward Players (Besides Gold)
Another homebrew rule popularized byCritical Role.In essence, once a player defeats the last standing enemy during an encounter, they are given the freedom of finishing off the enemy in whatever way they see fit. While it may not seem like much at first glance, the impact it has on both the player and the table is clearly seen whenever the rule is in play.
It makes the victory that much sweeter, and really lets a particular player shine,allowing their creativity to flourish. A fun little addition that can be done, is to have players submit their character’s theme song, and play it during their HDYWTDT description.
3Exhaustion Spell Slots
A Rule That Allows Players To Risk It All
As much power as the players have, sometimes it simply isn’t enough. There are times when a long rest just does not come, and characters’ resources are pushed to their absolute limit. For such a time, this rule might come quite in handy, as a desperate, last-resort measure. Essentially, players are allowed to use their exhaustion levels in place of their spell slots.
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Exhaustion levels are no joke, and getting enough of them (6) will result in a character’s sudden death. It takes a long time to come back from too much exhaustion, which also dissuades adventurers from using it willy-nilly. DMs can also consider allowing a similar system for other classes, such as Ki points for monks.
2Potion Drinking
Optimizes A Common Mechanic
Rarely does an adventure go by without players occasionally chugging down questionable liquids out of glass vials. As such, potion-drinkingrules should at the very least be considered. RAW, drinking a potion takes an action, which has been decidedly rejected by most of the community.
The baseline homebrew for this is that drinking a potion would take a Bonus Action, and pouring it into someone else is an Action. On top of that, there is a great variant that allows players to drink potions as an Action, and gain the maximum possible hit points from the potion.
1DM Rolls Death Saving Throws
Prevents Meta-Gaming And Puts The Pressure On Players
While there are a few ways to do Death Saving throws, this one might be the most impactful when it comes to players. Without any way of knowing exactly where the player is on the death scale, the stakes become incredibly high, and players are much less likely to ignore their fallen comrade.
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Another good option is for the player to roll themin secret.That way, only they know precisely what is going on with their character, and suddenly the entire table is on the edge. Whatever the chosen variant is ultimately given preference, the problem of meta-gaming is at least partially being solved.
