We have been working on a free optional table rules guide focused on cinematic play, healthier pacing, and reducing some long-running table frustrations in 5e.

While discussing game-breaking spell and feature combinations, we realized most tables eventually run into the same issue:

At higher levels, some interactions can completely trivialize campaigns or accidentally create infinite loops, infinite damage, infinite summons, etc.

Most tables either ban things outright, avoid high-level play entirely, or end up arguing RAW vs RAI mid-campaign.

So instead, we came up with this optional “deal system” between players and the DM.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spells, Health, and FUN

In Dungeons & Dragons, there are certain interactions that are nearly unavoidable at higher levels of play. As characters gain access to increasingly powerful spells, feats, features, magic items, and multiclass combinations, players may eventually discover interactions capable of instantly ending encounters, trivializing adventures, or destabilizing the game itself.

Many groups avoid these situations by restricting levels, banning content, or limiting player creativity before these combinations can ever materialize. These optional rules instead offer an alternative approach focused on collaboration, humor, and healthy discussion between the players and the Dungeon Master.

The following Deals can be offered by the DM to help establish expectations for how Game Breaking combinations are handled at the table.

Game Breaking

A combination is considered Game Breaking when it results in one or more of the following:

1. Infinite, near-infinite, or excessively scaling damage capable of reaching several hundred damage dice or more within a single action, turn, or interaction.
2. Infinite gold, spell slots, summons, resources, or similar effects that trivialize meaningful portions of the campaign.
3. Infinite loops, infinite turns, recursive creature summoning, or any interaction capable of bypassing normal gameplay indefinitely.

The DM has final say on whether an interaction qualifies as Game Breaking, though these discussions should always be handled collaboratively and in good faith with the table.

Deal #1 — “Congratulations, You Won D&D”

If a player intentionally creates, or unintentionally discovers, a Game Breaking interaction through normal gameplay, experimentation, character building, or system mastery, that player is officially recognized as a “Winner” of that campaign.

That player gains the following reward:

Winner’s Inspiration

You gain a permanent point of Inspiration.

If your Inspiration is ever expended, it automatically returns after completing a Long Rest.

The discovered interaction is then retired, adjusted, limited, or narratively resolved through discussion between the DM and players.

Deal #2 — “One Last Ride”

Players who willingly shelf a Game Breaking build or interaction may temporarily un-shelf that character for future one-shots, two-shots, or short-form adventures with DM approval.

These adventures are understood to exist outside the normal balance expectations of the primary campaign and may feature similarly extreme encounters, enemies, or world-ending stakes designed specifically to accommodate such characters.

Deal #3 — “Fair is Fair”

If players choose not to accept these Deals and continue pursuing or utilizing Game Breaking interactions within the campaign, the DM reserves the right to allow similarly Game Breaking interactions to exist within the world itself.

This may include enemies, villains, factions, magical phenomena, or creatures capable of utilizing comparable levels of reality-breaking power.

If the players can break the rules of the world, the world may eventually learn to break them back.

Session 0 Discussion

These rules and Deals should always be presented during Session 0 and discussed thoroughly before the campaign begins.

It is the responsibility of the DM to ensure all players:

• understand these rules,
• are comfortable with their use,
• and understand the possible outcomes of accepting or rejecting these Deals.

Like all optional rules in Dungeons & Dragons, the goal is not to punish creativity, but to preserve the long-term health, challenge, and enjoyment of the campaign for everyone at the table.