For my next game I may consider using Int for Init instead of Dex, to balance those stats out a bit.
I would argue a DM could allow it now under the use of alternative ability score guidelines. It's a question of justifying it by making a plan beforehand. Convincing the DM your intelligent and well thought out plan prepares you for such an encounter should allow for the ability check swap.
Perhaps. Except a party can’t plan for every combat. Sometimes the party gets jumped and just needs to react.
Average ability score can stay at 10 with +0 modifier, but it should scale from that on 1-on-1 basis;
11 is +1 mod
12 is +2 mod
That doesn’t actually address the problem though, it just makes even numbered scores the mostly-useless ones instead of odd.You could use following house rule. ability check bonus increase on odd numbers.
So 11-12 is +1, 13-14 is +2 etc.
That would also throw a bone to the standard human, because with standard array you get +1 to 4 stat bonuses.
Just to be sure to keep the thread on topic: this is not about switching one mechanic from one stat mod to another. I think we all know that Dex is a power stat and Int is under-represented in general, but I'm looking for idea to use the scores, no matter from which stat.
Anymore ideas?
That doesn’t actually address the problem though, it just makes even numbered scores the mostly-useless ones instead of odd.