James Gasik
We don't talk about Pun-Pun
Something that just hit me while following a related discussion is why some optional rules are in the PHB and others in the DMG. At first I was like "well, it's probably best to discuss options at the same time you're presenting a rule"; for example, the PHB starts right in on optional systems to generate ability scores beyond rolling dice right on page 13. Most of the other PHB options follow this line, but not all.
For example, optional rules on how long it takes for a short or long rest is in the DMG. Options for proficiency dice are in the DMG, not when discussing the proficiency bonus and how ability checks can be made; ditto with automatic success. Healing variants aren't in the PHB when it discusses healing, nor are initiative variants in the PHB when it discusses the topic. Spell points aren't in the magic section of the PHB, but in the DMG.
On the other hand, the PHB talks about playing on a grid, but concepts like facing, miniatures, and diagonals are in the DMG.
Some things make sense; if magic items are DM controlled, then the rules for them should be in the DMG. Multiclassing and Feats are player-facing content if allowed, might be simpler to put that in the PHB (but then you have things like Eladrin and Oathbreaker Paladins in the DMG?).
It just seems like the placement is a bit unusual in several cases.
EDIT: I found a breakdown online here: Optional Rules
For example, optional rules on how long it takes for a short or long rest is in the DMG. Options for proficiency dice are in the DMG, not when discussing the proficiency bonus and how ability checks can be made; ditto with automatic success. Healing variants aren't in the PHB when it discusses healing, nor are initiative variants in the PHB when it discusses the topic. Spell points aren't in the magic section of the PHB, but in the DMG.
On the other hand, the PHB talks about playing on a grid, but concepts like facing, miniatures, and diagonals are in the DMG.
Some things make sense; if magic items are DM controlled, then the rules for them should be in the DMG. Multiclassing and Feats are player-facing content if allowed, might be simpler to put that in the PHB (but then you have things like Eladrin and Oathbreaker Paladins in the DMG?).
It just seems like the placement is a bit unusual in several cases.
EDIT: I found a breakdown online here: Optional Rules
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