D&D 5E Why do you use Floating ASI's (other than power gaming)? [+]

[ReshiIRE]

I merely mentioned the 'optimisation' part because I was pretty sure, considering the already early posts in the thread, that certain people would but in and cry fowl if it wasn't mentioend. Nevermind that I listed 5 other reasons. Clearly, I shouldn't have.

The premise of the thread is to discuss why we use floating ASIs besides 'powergaming'. If you don't like the premise, fair enough. Don't engage.

 

[Oofta]

So if my next PC is a mountain dwarf fighter (a dwarven runecaster sounds fun), is it optimization to take other tool skills instead of the armor and weapon proficiencies? I mean, it's always been kind of a tradeoff that I get the weapon and armor proficiencies from both class and race for fighters. Thematically it even kind of makes sense - I don't have to spend that time practicing with a warhammer twice.

So that's how I see using it if I'm not using it to get a minor bump to my primary stat. I just don't know how to discuss this if I'm not acknowledging that I'm getting something that I will personally find useful (aka optimizing) if I use the rules. I like the idea of someone that tinkers with a lot of different things. I don't think being trained in cook's utensils is power gaming, but I don't think getting a +1 to a PC's primary stat qualifies either.

 

[Crimson Longinus]

What exactly is the premise of the thread? You specifically asked for examples other than optimization, but so far nearly everyone posted that they use it to optimize (get the +3).
The only example for something else than optimization was to use floating ASI to create a severely handicapped non-human (in whatever stat they are supposed to be good at).

Indeed. It is the people who post post examples of using floating to optimise who are not respecting the premise of the thread. This was specifically supposed to be about other than that.

 

[FarBeyondC]

So if my next PC is a mountain dwarf fighter (a dwarven runecaster sounds fun), is it optimization to take other tool skills instead of the armor and weapon proficiencies? I mean, it's always been kind of a tradeoff that I get the weapon and armor proficiencies from both class and race for fighters. Thematically it even kind of makes sense - I don't have to spend that time practicing with a warhammer twice.

So that's how I see using it if I'm not using it to get a minor bump to my primary stat. I just don't know how to discuss this if I'm not acknowledging that I'm getting something that I will personally find useful (aka optimizing) if I use the rules. I like the idea of someone that tinkers with a lot of different things. I don't think being trained in cook's utensils is power gaming, but I don't think getting a +1 to a PC's primary stat qualifies either.

Yes.

Granted, the ability to take other things in place of redundant armor/weapon proficiencies should have been in the game from the beginning, like it already was for Skill and Tool proficiencies, but...

 

[Older Beholder]

Personally I like floating because I like the +1 and +2 to reflect something in my back story, (usually based on background) rather than be restricted to race.

A hermit that wandered the desert and found enlightenment gets Wisdom

An entertainer who spent their youth gets a bonus to Charisma

A Nobel who spent his youth being tutored gains Intelligence

These kind of things just tell a more interesting story and help flesh out a character.

 

[Umbran]

And there you are, this is a powergamer's game. Not that it's a fault, just pointing it out.

Mod Note:
You have repeatedly chosen to ignore and reject the premise of a "+" thread. So, you will no longer be taking part in the discussion.

Everyone else - take heed of this. Remember what a "+" thread is about - If you are not on board with discussing the mechanic from the point of view of NOT optimizing, it is time to leave the discussion.

 

[BookTenTiger]

What exactly is the premise of the thread? You specifically asked for examples other than optimization, but so far nearly everyone posted that they use it to optimize (get the +3).
The only example for something else than optimization was to use floating ASI to create a severely handicapped non-human (in whatever stat they are supposed to be good at).

If I could go back in time, I'd probably change the title to Powergaming instead of Optimization.

 

[BookTenTiger]

Something interesting happened when we started a new game a few weeks back.

I was going to suggest using Tasha's rules, but the DM was new so I didn't want to overwhelm them. Instead we rolled stats.

I did not feel the temptation to use Tasha's with rolled stats like I did with point buy (which I have used for characters for the last three years).

I think it's because rolled stats kind of flips the narrative of how I generate a character. With point buy, I come up with my character concept first, then chose state they reflect in. For point buy, Tasha's makes sense because it helps me create the character that's in my head.

For rolled stats, I created a character based on the stats I rolled. I had a number of races and classes I was interested in, but I wound up picking them based on the dice, not the concept I already had in my head.

 

[Arilyn]

Let's not get in to the definition and details of all the sub-categories of power gaming, optimising, min-maxing, munchkinism, and I'm sure I'm missing some here, it's not the point of the thread.

What I wanted people to admit was that they are using Floating ASIs just for the additional power that it gives their character. And it's clear, there is no hidden sub-text, no other reasons given. Sometimes it's because a +2 really feels bad, sometimes it's to be able to get a feat (which are really power options in this game anyway), in any case, it purely about character power. And I've never been judging about this, telling anyone it's inherently good or bad, if it's what you prefer in your game, all power to you, I just wanted to be honest about their motivations, that's all, and I think we've had that, so thanks everyone.

But all choices made in D&D are for power. All those nifty abilities we get from races, classes, feats, weapons, treasure, etc. are to be awesome adventurers.

I made a halfling alchemist (from EN world's Masterclass Codex) and the floating ASI let me put +2 in Int and a +1 in Cha. She's a travelling healer and I really wanted her to be smart, with a good bedside manner. I don't think putting my highest score in Int was for "power gaming." There is absolutely no reason that my halfling should not start just as bright as a gnome. And working harder to catch up makes no sense.

I also used the "create your own race" to make a brownie. +2 Wis, +1 Dex and the Chef feat. I have him all figured out except his class.

Power gaming is squeezing every last advantage you can get out of the system to create as powerful build as possible, ignoring all story reasons. With Tasha's, I'm seeing players excited at having a little more room to get creative.

 

[jasper]

I am adventure league DM so I must allow them. Something I have to accept.