KidSnide
Adventurer
I curious what folks think will be the unintended consequences of bounded accuracy.
We've already discussed the logistical challenges of handling dozens (or hundreds!) of weak opponents with the same stats. I suspect that D&DN will need a horde/swarm mechanic much as prior editions did (but maybe the math will be easier?).
I'm concerned that low modifiers will generate either a tyranny of ability scores. For example, if you want to play an idiot who still knows a lot about a particular subject, it used to be possible to invest heavily in skill points (or skill focus) and mitigate a weak ability score. As described, an Int 18 sage who never strayed out of the library will still be better at wilderness knowledge. Obviously, a good DM will solve a lot of this with role-playing, but it's an unsatisfying simulation.
Another (related) possibility is that we see a ton of "off-stat" use of skills. To pick an obvious example, Strength may become more common than Charisma in using the interrogate skill, just because the characters training in Intimidate will tend towards a higher Strength. Strictly speaking, I'm not sure this is a problem, but its a change and I'm not sure what the effect will be. I think about high Charisma characters using Cha to stealth/disappear in a crowd, and its strikes me as awesome -- not problematic. But maybe it be even more effective for characters to specialize in a single ability score if they can "shift" more roles to that ability?
-KS
We've already discussed the logistical challenges of handling dozens (or hundreds!) of weak opponents with the same stats. I suspect that D&DN will need a horde/swarm mechanic much as prior editions did (but maybe the math will be easier?).
I'm concerned that low modifiers will generate either a tyranny of ability scores. For example, if you want to play an idiot who still knows a lot about a particular subject, it used to be possible to invest heavily in skill points (or skill focus) and mitigate a weak ability score. As described, an Int 18 sage who never strayed out of the library will still be better at wilderness knowledge. Obviously, a good DM will solve a lot of this with role-playing, but it's an unsatisfying simulation.
Another (related) possibility is that we see a ton of "off-stat" use of skills. To pick an obvious example, Strength may become more common than Charisma in using the interrogate skill, just because the characters training in Intimidate will tend towards a higher Strength. Strictly speaking, I'm not sure this is a problem, but its a change and I'm not sure what the effect will be. I think about high Charisma characters using Cha to stealth/disappear in a crowd, and its strikes me as awesome -- not problematic. But maybe it be even more effective for characters to specialize in a single ability score if they can "shift" more roles to that ability?
-KS
