D&D 5E (Houserule) Adding Int to Initiative for All Classes

[Yaarel]

I suspect it is impossible to balance the six abilities without completely rethinking what they represent.

For example. Check out this thread.

It eventually reduces the abilities down to four simple concepts.

• Athletic (Strength-Finesse-Acrobatics)
• Perceptive (Intelligence-Perception-Steady Hand)
• Tough (Constitution-Size)
• Social (Charisma-Will)

These four balance better.

 

[Ganymede81]

I suspect it is impossible to balance the six abilities without completely rethinking what they represent.

I like to imagine the three mental stats as mental versions of the physical stats.

Charisma is mental Strength
Intelligence is mental Dexterity
Wisdom is mental Constitution.

I wonder if that would be a better way to structure the six stats.

 

[Yaarel]

Charisma is mental Strength
Intelligence is mental Dexterity
Wisdom is mental Constitution.

These kinds of analogies have nothing to do with what mechanics actually get used during gameplay. Thus these kinds of analogies never balance with each other.



Heh, if Intelligence really was the mental equivalent of Dexterity, then Intelligence would be a superpowerful ability like Dexterity is. Yet, Intelligence sucks. So obviously the analogy is lacking.

 

[Greenstone.Walker]

Wisdom in dnd is practical intelligence and cunning, then molded somehow with willpower and composure.

In 5e, Wisdom is not willpower; Constitution is, as shown by Concentration checks.

Wisdom is perceptiveness and intuition, how well you notice the world around you in an instinctual, unthinking way. It is great for avoiding being surprised when the other guy goes first but doesn't, to me, really model who gets to go first.

 

[Mephista]

On the matter of INT checks for more classes.

I'm thinking of making some houserules to making it a central trait for Fighters and their tactics. How would y'all go about making INT an important measure for Fighters specifically? What would you suggest?

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

When I have changed things up, I prefer using the average of Dex and Int mods, rather adding both to Initiative checks. Int should factor into initiative in any non-surprise combat situation because it shows the ability to read the battlefield and think quickly.

 

[snickersnax]

On the matter of INT checks for more classes.

I'm thinking of making some houserules to making it a central trait for Fighters and their tactics. How would y'all go about making INT an important measure for Fighters specifically? What would you suggest?

I would suggest reworking Know Your Enemy: Because currently a battlemaster archer wearing studded leather with 10 strength and an 18 dexterity (AC 16) is so smart he can determine that a heavily muscled goliath wearing full plate and shield (AC 20) is stronger and has a better AC than he does after interacting with him in a non-combat situation for at least 1 minute.

Either this is where fighters get a reputation for being stupid or you start to wonder about the game designers... It certainly doesn't suggest that intelligence expresses itself as quick thinking.