One of the things I think about often is how to balance inclusivity versus old school standards like races and inherent modifiers. I do pride myself in having an open and respectful table, but I also think that on average Orcs should be evil, Dwarves should be short and hairy, and elves should be lanky and wise. (And Halflings should be short, smoke pipeweed, and half second breakfasts) I think races and racial modifiers on average are an important part of the game.

Can you be an agile half-Orc Monk? Sure, but it shouldn’t be as common as a Human or half-Elf Monk. The less common race and class combinations are definitely allowed in my game but you will need to struggle through the race modifiers because on average they add to the game and role-playing and are an accurate factor.

I also think that there have been too many races, classes, and sub-classes added. The new races, classes, and sub-classes add the ability to play new and innovative characters but sometime less is more. I recommend that DM’s look long into the new races, classes, and sub-classes and not be shy about limiting options. For example, I have asked my players to not use Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.

I had personal experiences where I allowed Warforged in a couple of campaigns and I regretted both of those decisions. In many ways, Warforged are just too different and powerful in many ways, (And they really belong in Eberron) Although they provide interesting role-playing opportunities, they really can unbalance the party and create difficulties in standard campaigns. (One was for a Curse of Strahd campaign)

For my latest campaign, I have tried to go ‘old school’ and limit the classes and races available. (and not be shy about limiting the options) I wanted to have the feel of an AD&D campaign with 5E rules. We are playing Rise of the Drow and I think it has resulted in a campaign I have been happy with.

The party is comprised of :

• Half-Elf Bard
• Dragonborn Paladin
• Dwarf Cleric
• Gnome Druid
• Elf Ranger

It can be a delicate balance though. As usual, I had a very open Session 0 to share my thoughts on what I was hoping to achieve. Everyone was open and I think they are enjoying the campaign as much as I am.

I also have gone traditional with the adversaries. There have even been a couple of mimics thrown in.