I read all your comments. I'd like to add that one of the reasons I think each bonus type should be +5 is that it is easier to remember. This is also my reasoning for maxing levels at 25 or 30, and ability scores at 25 or 30 -- easier to remember, makes the game seem more logical. Makes the game easier to teach to new players. Etc.. The +5 bonus cap is getting very few complaints so far. +4 or less or +10 or more are getting a lot of complaints. Is the math flat enough? I think that a maximum bonus of +20 or +25 is not very flat but it does seem to be needed in order for there to be a noticeable difference between a 1st and a 3rd level player. This is what people have been screaming about when complaining about the bounded accuracy. A +5 bonus for each type as Jeff suggested seems to be generating the least complaints so far. I've already been testing these ideas and it's really working out nicely.
I hope we aren't holding on to the traditional ability bonus formula because it has become sacred. 4th edition introduced level bonus and I'd like to see that back but more tempered. Why? Because magic, weapon and save bonuses take up a lot of space and are unbalanced. Giving everyone the same level bonus solves the balance problem. Casters won't benefit from a level bonus to weapons because their strength and dexterity is likely to be low. But that same level bonus paired with an intelligence or wisdom check will benefit.
Here is another thing to consider. AC25 doesn't seem to be cutting it. AC30 is a good working number for armor class.
But going back to the "easy to remember system", shouldn't ability score, level and armor class all max at 30? or 25?
I hope we aren't holding on to the traditional ability bonus formula because it has become sacred. 4th edition introduced level bonus and I'd like to see that back but more tempered. Why? Because magic, weapon and save bonuses take up a lot of space and are unbalanced. Giving everyone the same level bonus solves the balance problem. Casters won't benefit from a level bonus to weapons because their strength and dexterity is likely to be low. But that same level bonus paired with an intelligence or wisdom check will benefit.
Here is another thing to consider. AC25 doesn't seem to be cutting it. AC30 is a good working number for armor class.
But going back to the "easy to remember system", shouldn't ability score, level and armor class all max at 30? or 25?
