D&D (2024) What does Backward compatibility mean to you?

[Vael]

I've limited the scope of the poll to players, because I assume as DMs, we hack and alter the system already as necessary, so I'd guess ease of translation is most important to DMs.

But I do want to know, what does it mean to have ... not a new edition to you? How close do they need to be to be compatible?

 

[Parmandur]

I've limited the scope of the poll to players, because I assume as DMs, we hack and alter the system already as necessary, so I'd guess ease of translation is most important to DMs.

But I do want to know, what does it mean to have ... not a new edition to you? How close do they need to be to be compatible?

This really seems like it should be multiple choice, since all the provided statements are true...?

 

[Vael]

This really seems like it should be multiple choice, since all the provided statements are true...?

That's why I said "matters most", because all of the above feels like a cop out answer.

 

[Parmandur]

That's why I said "matters most", because all of the above feels like a cop out answer.

OK, I went with "Other" then.

 

[TwoSix]

If I can't use a subclass from Xanathar's, a feat from Tasha's, a race from MotM, and a class from the new PHB for one character, then the revision has failed its "backwards compatibility" claims.

The only exception would be if any of those rules pieces were reprinted in a new form; I'm OK with the revision acting as functional errata.

 

[Parmandur]

If I can't use a subclass from Xanathar's, a feat from Tasha's, a race from MotM, and a class from the new PHB for one character, then the revision has failed its "backwards compatibility" claims.

The only exception would be if any of those rules pieces were reprinted in a new form; I'm OK with the revision acting as functional errata.

I thinknitnwould be extremely doable to reprint every single Subclass from 5E, revised to fit any new Class rules.

 

[Ringtail]

"Backwards Compatible" to me implies that both games can be used together with no (or minimal) issues or adaptations. Already I feel that One D&D does not fit that mark, as the way you generate stats and racial features means that 5e and One D&D characters at this moment are fundamentally different.

 

[Parmandur]

"Backwards Compatible" to me implies that both games can be used together with no (or minimal) issues or adaptations. Already I feel that One D&D does not fit that mark, as the way you generate stats and racial features means that 5e and One D&D characters at this moment are fundamentally different.

The procedure differs, the functional math remains intact.

 

[Ringtail]

The procedure differs, the functional math remains intact.

Characters from both might be equally powered, but I don't believe you'll be able to mix features from both books together without work. IMO, that's not backwards compatible. "Backwards adaptable?" Maybe. We'll have to see what future playtest releases hold.

 

[Maxperson]

I picked other because backwards compatibility means to me what it means in computer programs where the term comes from. The new edition can use the old stuff with absolutely no work on the part of the user. In the case of 5.5 that means that the power levels have to be roughly equal, or I will have to modify the older stuff which removes backwards compatibility.