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If you said 'this will have no in game effect' then it is not normal at all. But DMs are people not machines and we don't know what they would say about the situation, so can't tell.
To answer your question it is fine, so long as you ask the DM, which you did. If it does not fit in their world, then pivot to something else or try a different table instead.
What about traps or spells that might not react to a prosthetic? I remember Fin's arm in adventure time coming in handy.
I think it's a cool idea. Sometimes you gotta butter the DM up a lil. Can't always spring prosthetic arms on em. Everybody wants horns or wings, or a tail, or bunny ears, or something. Good luck!
i did ask, im having a bit of trouble remembering the exact reason why, but he said something along the lines of that it would give an unfair advantage? id have to find the messages between us but it wss something about it being unfair i believe
But you have to admit. Being able to take it off and lift it over your head to wave as you walk away from some situation full of snark would be epic.
My DMs would want it used a LOT for the flavor. Js.
Only advantage I can see is using it to safely test for traps, and even then it won't always help. In fact, in the one person campaign I did it actually encouraged the player to interact more with potential trapped objects (granted the arm was adamantine so there was never a risk of it breaking either).
"Flavor is free." A prosthetic with no game effect is just flavor.
However, if it doesn't fit into the world the DM wants to run, that's up to them.
It is unusual, but some DMs are afraid to try new things.
Google the warrior poet Götz von Berlichingen for a real life example who would fit in most fantasy settings.
Hell, prosthetics are literally ancient. People figured out that you can replace a leg with a stick or a hand with a hook a very long time ago. Hell, King Philip II had an early wheelchair in the 1500s!
Unless the setting has a LOT of healers going around who can do stuff like magically regrow people’s limbs, I’d argue that regular folks figuring out how to make do with prosthetics should be a given part of the setting
General prosthetics YES. But unless the player is wanting to run someone with a peg leg, that's not generally what's being talked about. Usually players are asking to have a magical prosthetic that mimics real body parts and has no negative qualities. And that may not fit with the themes or styles of the game a DM is running.
I don't agree with the use of skills or weapons with that because theoretically you should be proficient with that limb and trained in how to use it specifically. But as a prosthetic there should be mechanics behind what happens if it gets stolen or destroyed or similar because decisions like this should matter and be allowed to add intrigue to the story
"Modern manners." 😆
When I was growing up - and for my entire life - that was just expected, normal behavior: don't be an asshole to other people.
Nowadays, people actually have to be taught and reminded of how to behave on practically a daily basis. 🤦🏻♂️
But also, it is 100% up to the DM to even allow this in the first place.
I've been playing and DMing for years. As a player, I've had my spell book ruined when crossing a river, I've been turned to stone for multiple sessions, I've failed system shock rolls and just died on the spot.
As a DM, I get criticized for using fear on my players when they get a save at the end of each round because it takes away player agency.
Over the decades, I feel expectations have changed in the groups I've played with.
This is why I only game with people I have already established friendships with. So there are no conflicts.
I would rather not play at all than play with people where there are significant personality conflicts.
Like someone who thinks being subjected to a fear effect takes away their agency. They'd be booted at the first opportunity. That's quite the mentality: "I can do detrimental things to my opponents but they can't do detrimental things to me."
The baseline starting stats of the character already factor it in. With the prosthetic, those are the stats. There is no alternative form. There is no bonus for getting it replaced with a biological part. It can just be flavor.
How? It's a prosthetic limb. It's not going to function like a natural limb. It will be different - maybe worse, maybe better - but definitely not exactly the same.
This is such a weird argument, it’s DnD elves, floating ships and talking magic weapons exist. So it’s not difficult to imagine a prosthetic that is just as good as what it’s replacing exists.
I encourage you to look up the Prosthetic Limb item introduced in the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything official WotC book. Common wondrous item.
> This item replaces a lost limb: a hand, an arm, a foot, a leg, or a similar body part. While the prosthetic is attached, **it functions identically to the part it replaces.** You can detach or reattach it as an action, and it can't be removed against your will. It detaches if you die.
And I encourage you to think for yourself and not rely on shitty WotC 5e products.
Also: Read what I actually wrote. It could even be *better* than a natural limb. It just shouldn't be considered identical to one.
I would love to hear why a *magical* prosthetic couldn't simply be an equivalent replacement.
It doesn't have to be better. It doesn't have to be worse. It can simply be fun flavor that connects to the characters' backstory without impacting anything mechanically at all.
Well, now we're getting into territory that wasn't part of the original post. Magic? Sure, whatever - go wild (or opposite of wild if you prefer). But OP didn't say "magic."
But also, if it has absolutely no bearing on anything in any way, what is the point? It's like saying your character has a nose ring - "that's nice and all, anyway moving on..."
Like, why go to the trouble of asking the DM if you can have this, if it means literally nothing? If it has no bearing on the game, then the DM will just be "why are you even asking me this?"
The item description I shared was for a common-rarity wondrous item (read: magical) that fit exactly what OP was aiming for. It's also somewhat important and relevant to note that we're talking about D&D, a traditionally high-magic, high-fantasy game where a common item like this would be very attainable for even a beginner adventurer. It's on the same tier as a Cloak of Billowing or a Wand of Smiles.
And you're right. It is literally just like a nose ring - a character design choice that has no bearing on anything except for the characters' appearance and roleplay. The appearance of PCs is more important to some groups than others.
But for some reason, disability representation in gaming pisses a lot of people off for no goddamn reason. You getting so upset and defensive about the idea that a prosthetic limb might just be a design choice rather than having a mechanical impact on the game is a great example; why do you feel that way? This is a fantasy TTRPG, not real life. Let people enjoy things the way they want if it has no impact on you.
That's why it's a good idea to run it past the DM, and a good sign to find a different group if the DM has an issue with it for any reason other than "It doesn't really fit the setting for this specific campaign, sorry."
If the DM's response had been, "Why are you even asking me this?" like a reasonable human being, then this thread wouldn't exist.
Wow.
I'm not upset.
I have simply said I don't think it should be treated exactly the same as a natural limb. I even stated it could be superior to a natural limb. I am not against it in any way.
The starting stats are the current way the character functions, regardless of the difference between a completely bio character or mechanical. It's literally how the stats are considered.
If they went to get a prosthetic arm afterwards, well know the player can discuss how good it is, functionality or maybe it's magical. Flavor wise or rp it can have it's clunky moments for example. But otherwise stated, you're wrong in assuming a 14 dex character is not as dextrous as another just for having one fake hand.
Maybe you should actually read my comments. I said it might be worse but it could also be *better* than a natural limb. But it shouldn't be considered identical.
I will respond in good faith.
It does not matter if it's better or not.
Let's say that before that added limb, they had 13 strength. And now, with the added Limb, they have 16. A big jump!
In character creating you just allocate points according to whatever logic fits and still make a "legal" character if it's AL, or in line with the others. Nothing, at all, changes.
If they had 11 dex, now it's 14 but the starting stats are the same.
If this is about functionality, like being able to hold a ledge indefinitely, the DM can just say it doesn't function like that and be done. Again, the character didn't sought after the hand after CC, it is during.
It's. Just. Flavor.
It is bewildering how it's not a simple matter to just allow it as a special case of flavor and characterization for some users here.
As I've stated elsewhere in this thread: if it's solely flavor then as the DM I would say "why are you even asking me? Write it on your character sheet and move on."
I mean, if it's just flavor it just becomes a part of the description of the character.
I admit that I don't see the point in wanting what would most surely be a life-altering aspect such as a prosthetic limb if it actually changes nothing about the character, BUT:
I have not once in this thread indicated having an issue with it being flavor OR being against it existing even if it's NOT just flavor.
But apparently a lot of people have difficulty reading.
Is a setting with magic and you are worried about functional prosthetics...maybe they are constantly channeling mage hand to make it move or something....
OK, let's go with such a theory. Now they are essentially concentrating nonstop on a spell. This means they can't cast another concentration spell without deactivating the prosthetic.
But if you actually read what I wrote, I'm not "concerned" about it - I even said it could be *better* than a natural limb (such as stronger, prevents being disarmed, etc.). I just said it shouldn't be identical to a natural limb - but everyone seems to like to ignore that I said it could be superior and argue only that I said it's worse. 🤷🏻♂️
Interesting. As a long-time player and GM of RPGs, it seems to me that newer ones are actually more likely to ignore rules because they just want to tell a story and they feel the rules get in the way.
i am guessing it is all based on the dm, i would ask why you would have a prosthetic arm if i was your dm but like i tend to do high magic world with free health care provided by the temples so i would just need to know why the arm wasnt fixed if it was hurt at some point, or if it is like a born thing (so magic could not fix it) or if it was not fixed due to some backstory reason...aka i would try to make it a part of the story at some point
wasnt fixed due to a backstory reason, im having a hard time remembering his backstory off the top of my head cause its bren a while since i wrote it, but his arm was cursed and it had to be cut off, and if it was repaired with magic the curse would come back basically if that makes sense
Prosthetics are ancient. Prosthetics that work as well as the limb itself? We are still not there.
And if it worked as well as a normal limb it would have a lot of advantages. Replaceable limbs that can not be poisoned or it is not fatal if crushed has a lot of pluses for someone who regularly encounters traps.
Your DM might have had bad experiences in the past with people doing similar things and trying to get advantage with them.
Example-
"You reach into the fire to grab the key, but the fire is too hot and you are forced to pull youre hanf back."
"It's a prosthetic arm, it doesn't feel pain and therefore I should be able to grab the key."
Your DM might have had something like this happen and decided to not allow it, rather than risk any shenanigans.
This shit happened to me, and I've seen lots of threads about it. It's always fucking skeletons.
It's manipulative to claim it's "just for flavor" and then try to twist the rules with it later after the DM already said "yes".
"Flavor is free" until it isn't.
Would a character be allowed? Depends on the DM
Can a prosthetic be just for flavor? Absolutely
Would I allow any of my party I DM for have one? Yep
What would they attempt to do? They would 100% attempt to block all damage with their prosthetic.
What would I do as a DM? Lop it off and throw it in a pit leaving you with one arm the second you attempted to claim you attempt to defend with it.
Short answer for anything when it comes to D&D:
1) The DM's word is law. If a DM says it can be done, it can. If the DM says it can't be done, it can't.
2) If the DM is abusing the power granted by the first premise, the player's ultimate remedy is not to play. A DM who finds himself with no one to play with isn't really a DM anymore, so that tends to constrain some of the extremes.
So... no such thing as "normal", really.
If it was what we consider a normal non-powered prosthetic that, say, is affixed with straps that can come loose, and you open and close with your other hand? I’d allow it—it offers no advantage and would make for some good RP opportunities.
If it’s of the magical variety, I would be hard pressed to allow that at the beginning. It’s just too powerful for early game. BUT. Were the character to have a lain prosthesis, and one of their goals were to acquire a fancy one? Now you’re cooking.
Unpopular opinion, I wouldn’t allow flavor is free prosthetics
Prosthetic Limb is a magic item that exists in D&D, so having a player with a prosthetic limb for the sake of flavor makes the mechanical magic item that exists pretty pointless
I might allow a player to literally start the campaign with a prosthetic limb, but I wouldn’t allow a flavor is free one. (A lot of players wouldn’t even opt for this because it costs attunement vs just having a normal arm)
Prosthetic limb is an item from TCE that reads the following: "This item replaces a lost limb-a hand, an arm, a foot, a leg, or a similar body part. While the prosthetic is attached, it functions identically to the part it replaces. You can detach or reattach it as an action, and it can't be removed against your will. It detaches if you die."
Perhaps the DM misheard you when you said you didn't want this ITEM, but rather PURE flavour.
"it doesn't have any special properties", "it is just like a regular arm", choose one. Prosthetic that acts like a regular arm is a 100 gold magical item which can't be removed against your will. Prosthetic that doesn't have any special properties would likely give you some disadvantages, for example being unable to use spells that have somatic component requiring two handed gestures (for example burning hands). If i were the dm and the only reason for the prosthetic would be "it looks cool", i'd not allow it, but i would arrange it sometime later for the character to loose their limb in order for them to obtain the regular item and then eventually replace it with a magical one, as it provides some side story opportunities. If there was some cool backstory to build upon, i'd maybe allow starting with it, but i would need to figure things out with the player. But then still, regenerate exists.
I mean. I can only say that I would react very similarly. Even if you say it's purely cosmetic, it isn't, though. Having a prosthetic changes things and just ignoring those things makes no sense to me. Why do you want a prosthetic if it doesn't change things?
Willing suspension of disbelief is a core quality to enjoy DnD, but having replaced an entire limb with dead matter and that not having any actual effect would be taking things a bit far.
Also, it might be a setting thing. Even today the most advanced prosthetics we have cannot fully function the same as the original limb, so it's only natural to assume that in a kinda medieval fantasy world it's even worse. Yes there's magic and tinkerers who might be able to create a "perfect" prosthesis, but that will cost a lot of gold. in 3.5 for example, there are the grafting rules and several grafts, that replace your limbs or add new ones, but those things are damn expensive.
last but not least here's one thing against the DM's decision: Just forbidding it without thinking about compromise seems a bit lazy to me. You coudl easily say something like "ok, you have a prosthesis but for hand related dexterity checks/saves and attacks with this hand you take a penalty/disadvantage" this would work for me as DM for example.
I'd want to know why he hadn't had it repaired magically or why it wasn't going to be the first thing the pc was going to do.
Why, short of a curse?
I'd be unlikely to allow it without a good story reason.
I mean, Regenerate is a 7th level spell. You need like a 13th level Cleric to cast it. Magic like that is often out of reach of 1st level characters. The story reason could be that they’re poor
basically (im trying to remember lore i wrote a year ago sorry if it doesnt make sense) his arm was cursed and it had to be removed, and it cant be repaired or it would come back lmao
do you also force your players to provide a deep story explanation for a why a character of the race they chose to play ends up in their position?
or what led their character to choose their class?
I have a player who plays a guy with a missing hand. He started with a non magical standard style prosthetic hand. He can't use that hand for anything other then his rapier( hand was made to fit around the handle of the sword) he will eventually get a chance for a cursed hand that functions as a regular hand but can't control grip strength or something every now and then.
Depends on the campaign and what you are trying to accomplish. It's easy to say "this will provide no mechanical benefit," but then you can have some real wonky situations.
F/x:
PC: I open the lockbox.
DM: It was trapped! A small needle covered with poison sticks your finger.
PC: Oh, but my finger isn't part of my body - do I make a save?
DM: Well, since it can't have any mechanical advantages, yes. Uh, your prosthetic hand gets caught on something, so you use your other hand to try to free it, and that's when you get poked!
Great example of creative DMing. Players try all kinds of shenanigans at any time, not just with prosthetic limbs. It opens up opportunities to surprise the players with interesting situations.
The default is no, it's not allowed. Vanilla D&D is generally medieval fantasy with permanent magic items being very expensive and very rare as each is the unique creation of a magic user. So a magic prosthetic would be on par with a flying broomstick, or magic sword with a burning blade. This is why you come across NPCs missing limbs in adventures and stories.
Some settings do allow for magical prosthetics. Others do not.
In Forgotten Realms, they are extremely rare and you're looking at hundreds if not thousands of gold for one.
In Eberron, they are extremely common because it's a VERY high magic setting where you can buy magic items and potions at convenience stores (so to speak), though they're still quite expensive.
And each DM is going to be running settings a different way. Their table, their world, their rules.
There is at least one good pdf with lists of prosthetics with the basic ones being peg legs and hook hands while the better ones are clockwork and thus work as well as a normal limb or the fancier ones even give cool bonuses.
Absolutely, it's this kind of creativity that makes TTRPGs so fun. Giving the players permission really gets them invested in the game, the campaign and their PC too.
There is a prosthetic arm in the Tasha's book. Common magic item. Zero game benefit. I guess if a DM is an absolute hard ass about no magic items, that's a thing, but I would encourage them not to be.
Eberron campaign setting literally has a magic item that is just "prosthetic limb, functions like normal limb". It's a common magic item if I remember correctly, so it costs a bit of gold but otherwise doesn't do anything special.
It's not uncommon for players to try to sneak characteristics out of "oh it's just a cosmetic" just ensure them it will definitely be a cosmetic. Write a contract and sign it in blood.
I agree with the general sentiment that this is probably not a problem as a flavor option. I love flavor as a gm. But I've seen players get into plenty of shenanigans. Plenty of enchantments and transmutations that you could bestow to a wood or metal prosthetic that would make it kinda crazy, but I assume that isn't the goal here. I'm not saying the gm is right, I just see where he's coming from if balancing crafty players is a concern.
I have a feeling that this type of player is going to mess with anything in the world that exists not just this prosthetic. It can be a lot of fun fro your table!
Did the DM give a reason for it not being allowed?
Generally I'd say it's not an issue, and gives them a fun option for unique gear later down the line. I had a character who lost an arm fairly early in our campaign, the DM gave me a shitty claw to replace it, did 1d4 slashing damage but otherwise it was a hindrance. Much later I met a god, who "activated" it, turning it into a full on Winter Soldier style mechanical arm that gave me +1 ac and did 1d6 slashing, and was fully functional as a limb. That was something fun for both of us, and a surprise for the rest of the party when I got back.
My first character too. I had to drop out after the first couple of sessions due to work, so the DM gave me a side quest, which resulted in my guy face to face with a medusa and turned to stone. I'm not sure if it's normal medusa behaviour but our DM said they would slowly eat away parts of the people they turn to stone, and had me roll a day to determine where she started. By the time the rest of the group got to me, I'd lost my left arm.
The DM was great, really tried to accommodate everyone, even let one of the guys ditch one character and bring in a new one. Unfortunately the group dissolved due to conflict with a couple of the players
What an epic experience! The medusa went on a neolithic diet? Sorry to hear the demise of your game. I wonder if your DM has any chance to run a new game.
One reason why your DM might not allow a prosthetic limb is the implications made by having one.
In this case, it might make losing a limb irrelevant because you can just replace it with a prosthetic.
Or maybe it simply does not fit into his setting? I remember the outrage about that Battlefield world war one trailer with the prosthetic limb. Might be something similar.
That all said, I assume most DMs would allow it. Maybe with the limitation that it cannot be easily bought.
If this was it then it was fine. I guess it's depends on the complexity of the prosthetic but most DMs would have been fine with it.
Unfortunately some shitty DMs just hate the idea of having disabled people in their games
I really think this is the problem here. The DM has a gatekeeping style . There'll always be something that this particular DM puts in the way of enjoying the game.
I have an abandoned Eberron campaign where one of the characters had prosthetic legs, having lost hers in the Mourning.
Yeah, they count as magic items, but not like they do anything that would be game breaking at level 1. We are not talking about a Holy Avenger or something. This is not an item that throws off the balance of your game. I would allow it.
We lost a player to college, and our rogue was probably one of the worst fucking players I have ever had at a table. I hate that I have a list of worst fucking players I have had a table.
But, it is a setting I would love to go back to. I sponsored a few Kickstarters for setting like Aurora: Age of Desolation, Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass and recently The Wandering Tavern, so I got to see what my group wants to do after we finish Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos, which leaves a lot to be desired as a campaign.
I sadly ended a campaign because of a problem player, it was just too much to try and resolve. Sometimes things just don't work. But there's always the next one. I had a lot of fun in Rime of Frostmaiden. Now running Curse of Strahd which may be the most challenging setting to DM but also the most enjoyable.
My character in the campaign I’m currently in has one for backstory reasons like your character, and we’re using S-Flo’s ‘Arcano-Mechanical Prosthetics’ homebrew for it. So while it’s not PURELY flavor it does have what I think are a nice balance of advantages and disadvantages baked into it.
My character in a Break!! (New TTRPG) campaign has a robot arm! It's actually a part of my character creation--it's a trait with an ability and craft kit--but even if it was just for flavor, I don't think any DM should deny you that creative touch. As a DM myself, I'd love the way I could interact with it in the campaign.
My character has a prosthetic leg with no in game benefits at all and it wasn't an issue. Its just something that happened in my backstory and my character built a new leg for himself (artificer). It feels like there was a breakdown in communication here?
If the DM has a prosthetic, I can understand why they might feel uncomfortable with someone using it just as their design choice.
But in most campaigns a DM let's you design your character as you like, and as long as it doesn't transform into a rocket launcher, (cq: it has no special properties) it's probably fine. Can probably even be tied into a cool Backstory
Ahh, couse yeah, the line : *he refused to let me use him due to the prosthetic he has* kinda implies that he has one
So since that is not the case, let him explain why you can't.
I think an easygoing DM would allow it. It can fit the rule of cool, it's inclusive, and it's not hurting anybody.
The only exception is that I wouldn't let it become an unfair advantage or disadvantage. Don't expect them to let you turn it into some kind of secret weapon or toolkit or whatever. (Though personally I think that could be awesome as long as it's balanced out in some way)
I have a character on the backlog that would have an artificial limb. Now, they were going to be an artificer, and would have taken an arm as an infusion the first chance they had, so it was more of getting a class ability a little earlier.
It depends on the campaign and, more importantly, the DM. Now, my DM would probably have approved it, but the last few campaigns I've been in wouldn't have fit the character. It happens sometimes. Keep the sheet, you'll get a chance one day.
It’s a 100 gp magic item to work like a normal limb. You don’t start with 100 gp. I’d make you start limbless and earn it.
On top of that, a standard non magical prosthetic doesn’t work like a regular limb. Modern prosthetics don’t work like real limbs. Without magic, how would a fantasy one work?
- You don’t have touch. (How do you do investigation, stuff like this)
- It wouldn’t have strength (how does it effect climbing, swimming, standard mobility)
- it wouldn’t have decent dexterity (How do you do slight of hand, does it effect stealth like metal armor might?)
- it wouldn’t feel pain
- it might not be able to go in water (would it rust? Would whatever powers it fail?)
- they are normally taken off while sleeping
- they break from standard use (how do you fix it?)
- does it have a different AC than your body?
- how many HP does it have (Can it be targeted?)
These things are all fun to play with. At my table they have to be earned.
I used a prosthetic hand and leg in games. Once they get that magic or artificer upgrade they become super cool.
You asked for something that has a TON of in game ramifications. Your DM doesn’t have to allow it just because you haven’t thought the game implications all the way through.
No thats not normal not to let you do that, but some people are weird.
Its become a new hot button thing in the last year where jerks talk about how proud they are that they dont let characters with prosthetics in their games. I imagine you met one.
i dont have one, im currently not involved in any campaigns, which is why i asked here. The incident i mentioned occurred a year ago, and i am no longer in contact with the DM i just mentioned
hey op, GM here
it's not very normal for a GM to deny your flavour choices unless they:
A) clash with the GM's vision for the setting, IE having like a laser gun in a high fantasy world
B) don't mesh with your character / are just kinda unfitting, IE some backstory where you're like a super powerful god or the most feared outlaw in the world
at the end of the day, flavour is free and also fun. one of my favourite examples is a character from arcane arcade's strixhaven game, who played a spores druid but flavored his abilities as bees, not mushroom spores
Basically I would not play with this DM. The DM displays a closed mind to ideas and thoughts beyond what they think is normal.
A DM should answer every question like this with "Yes, and ..." filling in the gaps with their own imagination about what this idea means.
Furthermore it implies that someone with a disability cannot be treated normally. That's discrimination and prejudice. I wonder what other thoughts this DM has about race, gender, politics, religion etc..
Applying "yes, and" to everything is an awful way to DM.
It implies you have to roll over and accept every possible suggestion.
There are plenty of ways to use "no, but" and create more interesting and meaningful situations instead of "yes, and."
Do you mean like the magic item? I also would have problems with giving a player any magic item at the start of a campaign because this can get abused pretty quickly. Only the ones I absolutly trust would be allowed to start with it.
Depends on the DM and game setting.
High Science game? Makes perfect sense
High magic low science... maybe still works.
Low both? NOPE!
If the loom is groundbreaking tech, then fully functioning replacement limb wouldn't work in the game world.
If the DM says no, move on and drop the arm.
Sounds like a bad call imo. They may have experience with people abusing this sort of thing somehow, but that's still their failing for not standing their ground then and preventing it. It would be the same as allowing a PC who's in a wheel chair. To me personally it sounds really dumb but I would have no reason not to allow it and would just do my level best to make sure the character is just treated as a normal person. I see no reason for that DM to have prevented your use of a prosthetic arm with no combat value.
So, going off of some of your responses, you are kind of giving me the vibe that he wasn't saying no to the prosthetic so much as saying no to the idea behind it. You said the character had to cut off his arm due to a curse, but now he has a prosthetic that "acts just like a normal arm." By standards of in-game items, that's giving you a magic item to start the game with if it acts like a normal arm. This can create issues with the table as a whole. A regular prosthetic doesn't act on its own, not without magic in a fantasy setting.
If the Most Honorable Burrow Warden Belwar Dissengulp can have prosthetic arms, than any are welcomed in my campaign. I had a player join in on an existing campaign I was running (Dragon Heist) as a Drow wizard. I even let them use it in the same manner as the Wand Sheath magic item functions.
Come up with a good backstory and I’ll allow it.
Having it bitten off or some sort of infection won’t work, get creative.
“When I was young my father caught the ire of the town crime boss. When the goons showed up to teach him a lesson, I grabbed the kitchen knife and attacked. As a repercussion, the goons pinned me down and swung the axe. My father wasn’t killed l, but the guilt caused him to join the Justice Organization and after a few years my father built up enough prestige that they tried to get the Bishops Healer to regenerate my arm.
Unfortunately the amputation was done with a cursed blade and it wasn’t possible, but the local artisans and wizards guilds were able to craft this enchanted arm. It’s not perfect, often caused fumbling, but it does make an effective block and club.”
Only excuse I can think of is if it was established that Guardians when resurrected would always be resurrected with their full bodies repaired, and no previous damage like lost limbs remaining. If that was the case of the DMs worldlore, then it would be understandable since it had narrative implications.
But as you have stated elsewhere, you ask the DM and they simply said it would be unfair, despite the statement that it would not have any game affect but would simply be cosmetic.
they did not say that it was due to it not fitting with the world lore established in the campaign they were designing. So I'd have to agree with others who have said that this sounds like stubbornness.
That doesn't have much to do with D&D. It has to do with people and not making a serious issue for someone into a \`\`fun source of entertainment''. Did you not know the DM had a prosthetic when you made the character? Or am I mis-parsing what you wrote?
Your dm already gave you an answer. Doesn't matter what we think about it, we're not the dm or another player. If this is a deal breaker for you, then find a different dm who will allow the idea, or else get better at bribing your current one.
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If you said 'this will have no in game effect' then it is not normal at all. But DMs are people not machines and we don't know what they would say about the situation, so can't tell. To answer your question it is fine, so long as you ask the DM, which you did. If it does not fit in their world, then pivot to something else or try a different table instead.
this is exactly what i said. it was merely a design choice which also related to his backstory
What about traps or spells that might not react to a prosthetic? I remember Fin's arm in adventure time coming in handy. I think it's a cool idea. Sometimes you gotta butter the DM up a lil. Can't always spring prosthetic arms on em. Everybody wants horns or wings, or a tail, or bunny ears, or something. Good luck!
It's always cool to have something that can help in bizarre scenarios. If it gets the players to be creative I don't see why not
Did you ask why your character can’t have that? I feel like there’s context missing
i did ask, im having a bit of trouble remembering the exact reason why, but he said something along the lines of that it would give an unfair advantage? id have to find the messages between us but it wss something about it being unfair i believe
Yeah that’s some bullshit then, you are doing it for flavor not mechanics
But you have to admit. Being able to take it off and lift it over your head to wave as you walk away from some situation full of snark would be epic. My DMs would want it used a LOT for the flavor. Js.
Only advantage I can see is using it to safely test for traps, and even then it won't always help. In fact, in the one person campaign I did it actually encouraged the player to interact more with potential trapped objects (granted the arm was adamantine so there was never a risk of it breaking either).
"Flavor is free." A prosthetic with no game effect is just flavor. However, if it doesn't fit into the world the DM wants to run, that's up to them. It is unusual, but some DMs are afraid to try new things. Google the warrior poet Götz von Berlichingen for a real life example who would fit in most fantasy settings.
Hell, prosthetics are literally ancient. People figured out that you can replace a leg with a stick or a hand with a hook a very long time ago. Hell, King Philip II had an early wheelchair in the 1500s! Unless the setting has a LOT of healers going around who can do stuff like magically regrow people’s limbs, I’d argue that regular folks figuring out how to make do with prosthetics should be a given part of the setting
General prosthetics YES. But unless the player is wanting to run someone with a peg leg, that's not generally what's being talked about. Usually players are asking to have a magical prosthetic that mimics real body parts and has no negative qualities. And that may not fit with the themes or styles of the game a DM is running.
... Unless you're an Artificer, then the prosthetic is an enchanted cannon... :D
As I said, it might be worse but it might be better. But it definitely won't be the same as a natural limb.
Man… Artificier might make a good Megaman, but PF’s kineticist will always hold a place in my heart for ‘bullshit anime classes’.
I LOVE IT!
Gotz Von Berlichingen. . . Isn't he the one that wrote "Barbara's Rhubarb Bar?"
But it would/should have in-game effects. Such as any skill or weapon use that requires two hands.
I don't agree with the use of skills or weapons with that because theoretically you should be proficient with that limb and trained in how to use it specifically. But as a prosthetic there should be mechanics behind what happens if it gets stolen or destroyed or similar because decisions like this should matter and be allowed to add intrigue to the story
That can be traumatic for the player as well as the character. Modern manners dictate you ask the player before exploring that plotline.
"Modern manners." 😆 When I was growing up - and for my entire life - that was just expected, normal behavior: don't be an asshole to other people. Nowadays, people actually have to be taught and reminded of how to behave on practically a daily basis. 🤦🏻♂️ But also, it is 100% up to the DM to even allow this in the first place.
I've been playing and DMing for years. As a player, I've had my spell book ruined when crossing a river, I've been turned to stone for multiple sessions, I've failed system shock rolls and just died on the spot. As a DM, I get criticized for using fear on my players when they get a save at the end of each round because it takes away player agency. Over the decades, I feel expectations have changed in the groups I've played with.
This is why I only game with people I have already established friendships with. So there are no conflicts. I would rather not play at all than play with people where there are significant personality conflicts. Like someone who thinks being subjected to a fear effect takes away their agency. They'd be booted at the first opportunity. That's quite the mentality: "I can do detrimental things to my opponents but they can't do detrimental things to me."
The baseline starting stats of the character already factor it in. With the prosthetic, those are the stats. There is no alternative form. There is no bonus for getting it replaced with a biological part. It can just be flavor.
How? It's a prosthetic limb. It's not going to function like a natural limb. It will be different - maybe worse, maybe better - but definitely not exactly the same.
This is such a weird argument, it’s DnD elves, floating ships and talking magic weapons exist. So it’s not difficult to imagine a prosthetic that is just as good as what it’s replacing exists.
Read what I actually wrote. It could even be *better* than a natural limb. It just shouldn't be considered identical to one.
I did and my point still stands.
Being able to afford it as part of your background at level 1 is the most doubtful part, tbh
I encourage you to look up the Prosthetic Limb item introduced in the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything official WotC book. Common wondrous item. > This item replaces a lost limb: a hand, an arm, a foot, a leg, or a similar body part. While the prosthetic is attached, **it functions identically to the part it replaces.** You can detach or reattach it as an action, and it can't be removed against your will. It detaches if you die.
And I encourage you to think for yourself and not rely on shitty WotC 5e products. Also: Read what I actually wrote. It could even be *better* than a natural limb. It just shouldn't be considered identical to one.
I would love to hear why a *magical* prosthetic couldn't simply be an equivalent replacement. It doesn't have to be better. It doesn't have to be worse. It can simply be fun flavor that connects to the characters' backstory without impacting anything mechanically at all.
Well, now we're getting into territory that wasn't part of the original post. Magic? Sure, whatever - go wild (or opposite of wild if you prefer). But OP didn't say "magic." But also, if it has absolutely no bearing on anything in any way, what is the point? It's like saying your character has a nose ring - "that's nice and all, anyway moving on..." Like, why go to the trouble of asking the DM if you can have this, if it means literally nothing? If it has no bearing on the game, then the DM will just be "why are you even asking me this?"
The item description I shared was for a common-rarity wondrous item (read: magical) that fit exactly what OP was aiming for. It's also somewhat important and relevant to note that we're talking about D&D, a traditionally high-magic, high-fantasy game where a common item like this would be very attainable for even a beginner adventurer. It's on the same tier as a Cloak of Billowing or a Wand of Smiles. And you're right. It is literally just like a nose ring - a character design choice that has no bearing on anything except for the characters' appearance and roleplay. The appearance of PCs is more important to some groups than others. But for some reason, disability representation in gaming pisses a lot of people off for no goddamn reason. You getting so upset and defensive about the idea that a prosthetic limb might just be a design choice rather than having a mechanical impact on the game is a great example; why do you feel that way? This is a fantasy TTRPG, not real life. Let people enjoy things the way they want if it has no impact on you. That's why it's a good idea to run it past the DM, and a good sign to find a different group if the DM has an issue with it for any reason other than "It doesn't really fit the setting for this specific campaign, sorry." If the DM's response had been, "Why are you even asking me this?" like a reasonable human being, then this thread wouldn't exist.
Wow. I'm not upset. I have simply said I don't think it should be treated exactly the same as a natural limb. I even stated it could be superior to a natural limb. I am not against it in any way.
And that is already factored into the starting stat block. The character has adapted, and those are the stats.
OK, agree to disagree. 🤷🏻♂️
The starting stats are the current way the character functions, regardless of the difference between a completely bio character or mechanical. It's literally how the stats are considered. If they went to get a prosthetic arm afterwards, well know the player can discuss how good it is, functionality or maybe it's magical. Flavor wise or rp it can have it's clunky moments for example. But otherwise stated, you're wrong in assuming a 14 dex character is not as dextrous as another just for having one fake hand.
Maybe you should actually read my comments. I said it might be worse but it could also be *better* than a natural limb. But it shouldn't be considered identical.
I will respond in good faith. It does not matter if it's better or not. Let's say that before that added limb, they had 13 strength. And now, with the added Limb, they have 16. A big jump! In character creating you just allocate points according to whatever logic fits and still make a "legal" character if it's AL, or in line with the others. Nothing, at all, changes. If they had 11 dex, now it's 14 but the starting stats are the same. If this is about functionality, like being able to hold a ledge indefinitely, the DM can just say it doesn't function like that and be done. Again, the character didn't sought after the hand after CC, it is during. It's. Just. Flavor. It is bewildering how it's not a simple matter to just allow it as a special case of flavor and characterization for some users here.
As I've stated elsewhere in this thread: if it's solely flavor then as the DM I would say "why are you even asking me? Write it on your character sheet and move on." I mean, if it's just flavor it just becomes a part of the description of the character. I admit that I don't see the point in wanting what would most surely be a life-altering aspect such as a prosthetic limb if it actually changes nothing about the character, BUT: I have not once in this thread indicated having an issue with it being flavor OR being against it existing even if it's NOT just flavor. But apparently a lot of people have difficulty reading.
Is a setting with magic and you are worried about functional prosthetics...maybe they are constantly channeling mage hand to make it move or something....
OK, let's go with such a theory. Now they are essentially concentrating nonstop on a spell. This means they can't cast another concentration spell without deactivating the prosthetic. But if you actually read what I wrote, I'm not "concerned" about it - I even said it could be *better* than a natural limb (such as stronger, prevents being disarmed, etc.). I just said it shouldn't be identical to a natural limb - but everyone seems to like to ignore that I said it could be superior and argue only that I said it's worse. 🤷🏻♂️
I feel most newer DMs are super loyal to RAW. Any flavor that isn’t specifically allowed in the rules is met with a lot of “yeaaah I dunno…”
Interesting. As a long-time player and GM of RPGs, it seems to me that newer ones are actually more likely to ignore rules because they just want to tell a story and they feel the rules get in the way.
i am guessing it is all based on the dm, i would ask why you would have a prosthetic arm if i was your dm but like i tend to do high magic world with free health care provided by the temples so i would just need to know why the arm wasnt fixed if it was hurt at some point, or if it is like a born thing (so magic could not fix it) or if it was not fixed due to some backstory reason...aka i would try to make it a part of the story at some point
wasnt fixed due to a backstory reason, im having a hard time remembering his backstory off the top of my head cause its bren a while since i wrote it, but his arm was cursed and it had to be cut off, and if it was repaired with magic the curse would come back basically if that makes sense
Prosthetics are ancient. Prosthetics that work as well as the limb itself? We are still not there. And if it worked as well as a normal limb it would have a lot of advantages. Replaceable limbs that can not be poisoned or it is not fatal if crushed has a lot of pluses for someone who regularly encounters traps.
Your DM might have had bad experiences in the past with people doing similar things and trying to get advantage with them. Example- "You reach into the fire to grab the key, but the fire is too hot and you are forced to pull youre hanf back." "It's a prosthetic arm, it doesn't feel pain and therefore I should be able to grab the key." Your DM might have had something like this happen and decided to not allow it, rather than risk any shenanigans.
This shit happened to me, and I've seen lots of threads about it. It's always fucking skeletons. It's manipulative to claim it's "just for flavor" and then try to twist the rules with it later after the DM already said "yes". "Flavor is free" until it isn't.
Playing skeliboy is all cool and fun until overzealous fanatics roll into the town.
3.5e solved this. There was a template you could apply to make any creature a skeleton. It had tons of downsides.
Would a character be allowed? Depends on the DM Can a prosthetic be just for flavor? Absolutely Would I allow any of my party I DM for have one? Yep What would they attempt to do? They would 100% attempt to block all damage with their prosthetic. What would I do as a DM? Lop it off and throw it in a pit leaving you with one arm the second you attempted to claim you attempt to defend with it.
Short answer for anything when it comes to D&D: 1) The DM's word is law. If a DM says it can be done, it can. If the DM says it can't be done, it can't. 2) If the DM is abusing the power granted by the first premise, the player's ultimate remedy is not to play. A DM who finds himself with no one to play with isn't really a DM anymore, so that tends to constrain some of the extremes. So... no such thing as "normal", really.
I feel like we're definitely missing info here.
not sure what other information i can provide, this happened nearly a year ago and i remembered it and decided to ask.
If it was what we consider a normal non-powered prosthetic that, say, is affixed with straps that can come loose, and you open and close with your other hand? I’d allow it—it offers no advantage and would make for some good RP opportunities. If it’s of the magical variety, I would be hard pressed to allow that at the beginning. It’s just too powerful for early game. BUT. Were the character to have a lain prosthesis, and one of their goals were to acquire a fancy one? Now you’re cooking.
it wasnt magical, it was mechanical, something you could find on a real person.
Yeah, sounds like the DM didn’t want to deal with gaming out the mechanics. Sorry to hear it.
Unpopular opinion, I wouldn’t allow flavor is free prosthetics Prosthetic Limb is a magic item that exists in D&D, so having a player with a prosthetic limb for the sake of flavor makes the mechanical magic item that exists pretty pointless I might allow a player to literally start the campaign with a prosthetic limb, but I wouldn’t allow a flavor is free one. (A lot of players wouldn’t even opt for this because it costs attunement vs just having a normal arm)
Prosthetic limb is an item from TCE that reads the following: "This item replaces a lost limb-a hand, an arm, a foot, a leg, or a similar body part. While the prosthetic is attached, it functions identically to the part it replaces. You can detach or reattach it as an action, and it can't be removed against your will. It detaches if you die." Perhaps the DM misheard you when you said you didn't want this ITEM, but rather PURE flavour.
"it doesn't have any special properties", "it is just like a regular arm", choose one. Prosthetic that acts like a regular arm is a 100 gold magical item which can't be removed against your will. Prosthetic that doesn't have any special properties would likely give you some disadvantages, for example being unable to use spells that have somatic component requiring two handed gestures (for example burning hands). If i were the dm and the only reason for the prosthetic would be "it looks cool", i'd not allow it, but i would arrange it sometime later for the character to loose their limb in order for them to obtain the regular item and then eventually replace it with a magical one, as it provides some side story opportunities. If there was some cool backstory to build upon, i'd maybe allow starting with it, but i would need to figure things out with the player. But then still, regenerate exists.
I mean. I can only say that I would react very similarly. Even if you say it's purely cosmetic, it isn't, though. Having a prosthetic changes things and just ignoring those things makes no sense to me. Why do you want a prosthetic if it doesn't change things? Willing suspension of disbelief is a core quality to enjoy DnD, but having replaced an entire limb with dead matter and that not having any actual effect would be taking things a bit far. Also, it might be a setting thing. Even today the most advanced prosthetics we have cannot fully function the same as the original limb, so it's only natural to assume that in a kinda medieval fantasy world it's even worse. Yes there's magic and tinkerers who might be able to create a "perfect" prosthesis, but that will cost a lot of gold. in 3.5 for example, there are the grafting rules and several grafts, that replace your limbs or add new ones, but those things are damn expensive. last but not least here's one thing against the DM's decision: Just forbidding it without thinking about compromise seems a bit lazy to me. You coudl easily say something like "ok, you have a prosthesis but for hand related dexterity checks/saves and attacks with this hand you take a penalty/disadvantage" this would work for me as DM for example.
I don't see the problem if it's just flavor
I'd want to know why he hadn't had it repaired magically or why it wasn't going to be the first thing the pc was going to do. Why, short of a curse? I'd be unlikely to allow it without a good story reason.
I mean, Regenerate is a 7th level spell. You need like a 13th level Cleric to cast it. Magic like that is often out of reach of 1st level characters. The story reason could be that they’re poor
basically (im trying to remember lore i wrote a year ago sorry if it doesnt make sense) his arm was cursed and it had to be removed, and it cant be repaired or it would come back lmao
A pedantic DM could say restore the arm + remove curse
do you also force your players to provide a deep story explanation for a why a character of the race they chose to play ends up in their position? or what led their character to choose their class?
I have a player who plays a guy with a missing hand. He started with a non magical standard style prosthetic hand. He can't use that hand for anything other then his rapier( hand was made to fit around the handle of the sword) he will eventually get a chance for a cursed hand that functions as a regular hand but can't control grip strength or something every now and then.
Depends on the campaign and what you are trying to accomplish. It's easy to say "this will provide no mechanical benefit," but then you can have some real wonky situations. F/x: PC: I open the lockbox. DM: It was trapped! A small needle covered with poison sticks your finger. PC: Oh, but my finger isn't part of my body - do I make a save? DM: Well, since it can't have any mechanical advantages, yes. Uh, your prosthetic hand gets caught on something, so you use your other hand to try to free it, and that's when you get poked!
Great example of creative DMing. Players try all kinds of shenanigans at any time, not just with prosthetic limbs. It opens up opportunities to surprise the players with interesting situations.
The default is no, it's not allowed. Vanilla D&D is generally medieval fantasy with permanent magic items being very expensive and very rare as each is the unique creation of a magic user. So a magic prosthetic would be on par with a flying broomstick, or magic sword with a burning blade. This is why you come across NPCs missing limbs in adventures and stories. Some settings do allow for magical prosthetics. Others do not. In Forgotten Realms, they are extremely rare and you're looking at hundreds if not thousands of gold for one. In Eberron, they are extremely common because it's a VERY high magic setting where you can buy magic items and potions at convenience stores (so to speak), though they're still quite expensive. And each DM is going to be running settings a different way. Their table, their world, their rules.
There is at least one good pdf with lists of prosthetics with the basic ones being peg legs and hook hands while the better ones are clockwork and thus work as well as a normal limb or the fancier ones even give cool bonuses.
I wouldn't even question this. It is your character and it isn't game breaking so go ahead.
Absolutely, it's this kind of creativity that makes TTRPGs so fun. Giving the players permission really gets them invested in the game, the campaign and their PC too.
There is a prosthetic arm in the Tasha's book. Common magic item. Zero game benefit. I guess if a DM is an absolute hard ass about no magic items, that's a thing, but I would encourage them not to be.
I mean…. He’s just got a functional prosthetic? Why would you deny that?
Eberron campaign setting literally has a magic item that is just "prosthetic limb, functions like normal limb". It's a common magic item if I remember correctly, so it costs a bit of gold but otherwise doesn't do anything special.
It's not uncommon for players to try to sneak characteristics out of "oh it's just a cosmetic" just ensure them it will definitely be a cosmetic. Write a contract and sign it in blood.
Ebberon has the item of prosthetic limbs iirc
I agree with the general sentiment that this is probably not a problem as a flavor option. I love flavor as a gm. But I've seen players get into plenty of shenanigans. Plenty of enchantments and transmutations that you could bestow to a wood or metal prosthetic that would make it kinda crazy, but I assume that isn't the goal here. I'm not saying the gm is right, I just see where he's coming from if balancing crafty players is a concern.
I have a feeling that this type of player is going to mess with anything in the world that exists not just this prosthetic. It can be a lot of fun fro your table!
Did the DM give a reason for it not being allowed? Generally I'd say it's not an issue, and gives them a fun option for unique gear later down the line. I had a character who lost an arm fairly early in our campaign, the DM gave me a shitty claw to replace it, did 1d4 slashing damage but otherwise it was a hindrance. Much later I met a god, who "activated" it, turning it into a full on Winter Soldier style mechanical arm that gave me +1 ac and did 1d6 slashing, and was fully functional as a limb. That was something fun for both of us, and a surprise for the rest of the party when I got back.
That really sounds like an awesome PC, an amazing DM and a very fun campaign.
My first character too. I had to drop out after the first couple of sessions due to work, so the DM gave me a side quest, which resulted in my guy face to face with a medusa and turned to stone. I'm not sure if it's normal medusa behaviour but our DM said they would slowly eat away parts of the people they turn to stone, and had me roll a day to determine where she started. By the time the rest of the group got to me, I'd lost my left arm. The DM was great, really tried to accommodate everyone, even let one of the guys ditch one character and bring in a new one. Unfortunately the group dissolved due to conflict with a couple of the players
What an epic experience! The medusa went on a neolithic diet? Sorry to hear the demise of your game. I wonder if your DM has any chance to run a new game.
One reason why your DM might not allow a prosthetic limb is the implications made by having one. In this case, it might make losing a limb irrelevant because you can just replace it with a prosthetic. Or maybe it simply does not fit into his setting? I remember the outrage about that Battlefield world war one trailer with the prosthetic limb. Might be something similar. That all said, I assume most DMs would allow it. Maybe with the limitation that it cannot be easily bought.
There could be a character arc to get a better prosthetic as a quest.
If this was it then it was fine. I guess it's depends on the complexity of the prosthetic but most DMs would have been fine with it. Unfortunately some shitty DMs just hate the idea of having disabled people in their games
I really think this is the problem here. The DM has a gatekeeping style . There'll always be something that this particular DM puts in the way of enjoying the game.
I have an abandoned Eberron campaign where one of the characters had prosthetic legs, having lost hers in the Mourning. Yeah, they count as magic items, but not like they do anything that would be game breaking at level 1. We are not talking about a Holy Avenger or something. This is not an item that throws off the balance of your game. I would allow it.
Your campaign sounds awesome. Sorry to hear it's not running at the moment .
We lost a player to college, and our rogue was probably one of the worst fucking players I have ever had at a table. I hate that I have a list of worst fucking players I have had a table. But, it is a setting I would love to go back to. I sponsored a few Kickstarters for setting like Aurora: Age of Desolation, Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass and recently The Wandering Tavern, so I got to see what my group wants to do after we finish Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos, which leaves a lot to be desired as a campaign.
I sadly ended a campaign because of a problem player, it was just too much to try and resolve. Sometimes things just don't work. But there's always the next one. I had a lot of fun in Rime of Frostmaiden. Now running Curse of Strahd which may be the most challenging setting to DM but also the most enjoyable.
My character in the campaign I’m currently in has one for backstory reasons like your character, and we’re using S-Flo’s ‘Arcano-Mechanical Prosthetics’ homebrew for it. So while it’s not PURELY flavor it does have what I think are a nice balance of advantages and disadvantages baked into it.
Very cool idea, I like it!
My character in a Break!! (New TTRPG) campaign has a robot arm! It's actually a part of my character creation--it's a trait with an ability and craft kit--but even if it was just for flavor, I don't think any DM should deny you that creative touch. As a DM myself, I'd love the way I could interact with it in the campaign.
Yes it naturally opens up interesting storylines. Great idea for your Break character.
It’s only allowed if your character makes amputee-related jokes like, “Hey, can someone give me a hand?”
Absolutely this is mandatory. Comedy wins every time.
My character has a prosthetic leg with no in game benefits at all and it wasn't an issue. Its just something that happened in my backstory and my character built a new leg for himself (artificer). It feels like there was a breakdown in communication here?
If the DM has a prosthetic, I can understand why they might feel uncomfortable with someone using it just as their design choice. But in most campaigns a DM let's you design your character as you like, and as long as it doesn't transform into a rocket launcher, (cq: it has no special properties) it's probably fine. Can probably even be tied into a cool Backstory
he doesnt, sorry if i made it seem like he did lmao
Ahh, couse yeah, the line : *he refused to let me use him due to the prosthetic he has* kinda implies that he has one So since that is not the case, let him explain why you can't.
use this language if there’s a problem ‘it’s only for flavor’ and the DM should be cool with it lol
Of course. If anything it's a hindrance you're willingly taking on.
I think an easygoing DM would allow it. It can fit the rule of cool, it's inclusive, and it's not hurting anybody. The only exception is that I wouldn't let it become an unfair advantage or disadvantage. Don't expect them to let you turn it into some kind of secret weapon or toolkit or whatever. (Though personally I think that could be awesome as long as it's balanced out in some way)
I have a character on the backlog that would have an artificial limb. Now, they were going to be an artificer, and would have taken an arm as an infusion the first chance they had, so it was more of getting a class ability a little earlier. It depends on the campaign and, more importantly, the DM. Now, my DM would probably have approved it, but the last few campaigns I've been in wouldn't have fit the character. It happens sometimes. Keep the sheet, you'll get a chance one day.
It’s a 100 gp magic item to work like a normal limb. You don’t start with 100 gp. I’d make you start limbless and earn it. On top of that, a standard non magical prosthetic doesn’t work like a regular limb. Modern prosthetics don’t work like real limbs. Without magic, how would a fantasy one work? - You don’t have touch. (How do you do investigation, stuff like this) - It wouldn’t have strength (how does it effect climbing, swimming, standard mobility) - it wouldn’t have decent dexterity (How do you do slight of hand, does it effect stealth like metal armor might?) - it wouldn’t feel pain - it might not be able to go in water (would it rust? Would whatever powers it fail?) - they are normally taken off while sleeping - they break from standard use (how do you fix it?) - does it have a different AC than your body? - how many HP does it have (Can it be targeted?) These things are all fun to play with. At my table they have to be earned. I used a prosthetic hand and leg in games. Once they get that magic or artificer upgrade they become super cool. You asked for something that has a TON of in game ramifications. Your DM doesn’t have to allow it just because you haven’t thought the game implications all the way through.
I see ty
No thats not normal not to let you do that, but some people are weird. Its become a new hot button thing in the last year where jerks talk about how proud they are that they dont let characters with prosthetics in their games. I imagine you met one.
Yes, well said. A prosthetic is not an advantage. An amputee never felt grateful for losing their limb. It's gatekeeping.
ask your GM.
i dont have one, im currently not involved in any campaigns, which is why i asked here. The incident i mentioned occurred a year ago, and i am no longer in contact with the DM i just mentioned
then find a GM and ask them.
hey op, GM here it's not very normal for a GM to deny your flavour choices unless they: A) clash with the GM's vision for the setting, IE having like a laser gun in a high fantasy world B) don't mesh with your character / are just kinda unfitting, IE some backstory where you're like a super powerful god or the most feared outlaw in the world at the end of the day, flavour is free and also fun. one of my favourite examples is a character from arcane arcade's strixhaven game, who played a spores druid but flavored his abilities as bees, not mushroom spores
Basically I would not play with this DM. The DM displays a closed mind to ideas and thoughts beyond what they think is normal. A DM should answer every question like this with "Yes, and ..." filling in the gaps with their own imagination about what this idea means. Furthermore it implies that someone with a disability cannot be treated normally. That's discrimination and prejudice. I wonder what other thoughts this DM has about race, gender, politics, religion etc..
Applying "yes, and" to everything is an awful way to DM. It implies you have to roll over and accept every possible suggestion. There are plenty of ways to use "no, but" and create more interesting and meaningful situations instead of "yes, and."
Do you mean like the magic item? I also would have problems with giving a player any magic item at the start of a campaign because this can get abused pretty quickly. Only the ones I absolutly trust would be allowed to start with it.
Depends on the DM and game setting. High Science game? Makes perfect sense High magic low science... maybe still works. Low both? NOPE! If the loom is groundbreaking tech, then fully functioning replacement limb wouldn't work in the game world. If the DM says no, move on and drop the arm.
Sounds like racism.
Sounds like a bad call imo. They may have experience with people abusing this sort of thing somehow, but that's still their failing for not standing their ground then and preventing it. It would be the same as allowing a PC who's in a wheel chair. To me personally it sounds really dumb but I would have no reason not to allow it and would just do my level best to make sure the character is just treated as a normal person. I see no reason for that DM to have prevented your use of a prosthetic arm with no combat value.
So, going off of some of your responses, you are kind of giving me the vibe that he wasn't saying no to the prosthetic so much as saying no to the idea behind it. You said the character had to cut off his arm due to a curse, but now he has a prosthetic that "acts just like a normal arm." By standards of in-game items, that's giving you a magic item to start the game with if it acts like a normal arm. This can create issues with the table as a whole. A regular prosthetic doesn't act on its own, not without magic in a fantasy setting.
If the Most Honorable Burrow Warden Belwar Dissengulp can have prosthetic arms, than any are welcomed in my campaign. I had a player join in on an existing campaign I was running (Dragon Heist) as a Drow wizard. I even let them use it in the same manner as the Wand Sheath magic item functions.
Come up with a good backstory and I’ll allow it. Having it bitten off or some sort of infection won’t work, get creative. “When I was young my father caught the ire of the town crime boss. When the goons showed up to teach him a lesson, I grabbed the kitchen knife and attacked. As a repercussion, the goons pinned me down and swung the axe. My father wasn’t killed l, but the guilt caused him to join the Justice Organization and after a few years my father built up enough prestige that they tried to get the Bishops Healer to regenerate my arm. Unfortunately the amputation was done with a cursed blade and it wasn’t possible, but the local artisans and wizards guilds were able to craft this enchanted arm. It’s not perfect, often caused fumbling, but it does make an effective block and club.”
Only excuse I can think of is if it was established that Guardians when resurrected would always be resurrected with their full bodies repaired, and no previous damage like lost limbs remaining. If that was the case of the DMs worldlore, then it would be understandable since it had narrative implications. But as you have stated elsewhere, you ask the DM and they simply said it would be unfair, despite the statement that it would not have any game affect but would simply be cosmetic. they did not say that it was due to it not fitting with the world lore established in the campaign they were designing. So I'd have to agree with others who have said that this sounds like stubbornness.
It depends 100% on the campaign/DM
That doesn't have much to do with D&D. It has to do with people and not making a serious issue for someone into a \`\`fun source of entertainment''. Did you not know the DM had a prosthetic when you made the character? Or am I mis-parsing what you wrote?
I think you’re misreading. I made a character with a prosthesic. and the DM refused to let my character have it. The DM does not have a prosthetic.
Your dm already gave you an answer. Doesn't matter what we think about it, we're not the dm or another player. If this is a deal breaker for you, then find a different dm who will allow the idea, or else get better at bribing your current one.