Should 1D&D just drop armor category proficiency and just use MIN STR stat for all armors?
It would give more importance to Str as an ability.
having effective Dex mod to a degree for even heaviest of armors also prevents "free" dumping of dex to 8. you would want now atleast a 12 for optimum AC.
Also Dex damage effects would now be impactful to heavy armor users.
Armor name | Min Strength | AC bonus | Max Dex |
Leather | 10 | +1 | +6 |
Hide | 12 | +2 | +5 |
Chainmail | 14 | +4 | +3 |
Half-plate | 16 | +6 | +2 |
Fullplate | 18 | +8 | +1 |
Buckler shield | 12 | +1 | n/a |
Shield | 14 | +2 | n/a |
penalty for not having required STR for specific armor would be:
speed halved,
Disadvantage on all attacks,
Disadvantage on all STR, DEX and CON saves and checks,
All targets of your DC based abilities and spells have advantage on their saves,
Why not simply say that you cannot cast spells?
For simple reason that a simple STR drain/damage should not be complete removal of caster from battle.
This way you can still heal, buff or chose to "misty step" yourself out of the armor. Trading protection for normal spell usage.