daily #dnd creator tip: Balance in D&D design is a bit of a myth, because the rules are too complex for perfect balance. However, avoiding the most egregious power imbalances is important. And balance can also include complexity/simplicity and the time rules take at the table.

— Shawn Merwin (@shawnmerwin) January 8, 2021

Me: Good advice here from Shawn.

Also me: 2nd level party? They can handle this. The math checks out.

— Shawn Merwin (@shawnmerwin) January 8, 2021

I always tell people that the only balance in D&D that matters is between characters at the table, so nobody feels left out/behind. Anything else the DM can account for by simply raising or lowering the challenge of the encounter. It's not the ONLY balance that matters, but it's true for a large part if you're talking about people's enjoyment of the game while they're at the table.

— Shawn Merwin (@shawnmerwin) January 9, 2021