D&D 5E Racial Min/Maxes on Ability Scores?

[DND_Reborn]

@CubicsRube

My progression is +2,2,3,3,3,4,4,4,5,5,5,6,6,6,7,7,7,8,8,8.

An easy way to remember it is if you think of including a level "0", then 0 - 2 is +2, and every three levels +1 higher.

This way, the default +3 max at cap 16, with +8 proficiency, you also get the RAW +11. Like yours, for the +4 racial max at 18, you get a +12 at the highest levels, but I am okay with that.

The +3 flat expertise is a simpler rule (like you, I prefer to keep it as simple as possible) and I might adopt it.

With that in mind though, I might return to the RAW proficiency progression. It would cap the normal bonus at +9 without racial boost or using the feat, but I find currently in our high level game we are succeeding way too much at stuff and it isn't much of a challenge in a lot of ways. We also use a good amount of magic, so a lower bonus would help reign that in.

 

[CubicsRube]

With the above progression, it means the total bonus sits an effective Ability bonus of +4 in the classic progression and flattens the curve much more. Looks good.

Classic	Classic	Classic	Classic	New
Level	At +3	At +4	At +5	At +3
1	5			5
2	5			5
3		6		6
4		6		6
5		7		6
6		7		7
7		7		7
8		7		7
9		8		8
10		8		8
11		8		8
12			9	9
13			10	9
14			10	9
15			10	10
16			10	10
17			11	10
18			11	11
19			11	11
20			11	11

I have a bigger problem with spells that basically negate skills (pass without a trace, etc), but that's much harder to change.

 

[DND_Reborn]

I have a bigger problem with spells that basically negate skills (pass without a trace, etc)

We've considered decreasing Pass Without Trace to a +5. What other spells are problematic?

 

[CubicsRube]

We've considered decreasing Pass Without Trace to a +5. What other spells are problematic?

Anything that negates movement survival and exploration, examples like goodberry, create food and water, dimension door and other teleport spells, etc.

It's my personal preference perhaps, but with many spells it's just not possible to run a survival exploration campaign or similar kinds of modes that used to be classic in d&d. The option just isn't there with these spells.

Take the 5e Tomb of Annhilation AP for example. There's no real threat from hexcrawling through the jungle if you have the right spells.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Anything that negates movement survival and exploration, examples like goodberry, create food and water, dimension door and other teleport spells, etc.

It's my personal preference perhaps, but with many spells it's just not possible to run a survival exploration campaign or similar kinds of modes that used to be classic in d&d. The option just isn't there with these spells.

Take the 5e Tomb of Annhilation AP for example. There's no real threat from hexcrawling through the jungle if you have the right spells.

Ah, gotcha!

I've seen in other threads when people talk about removing teleportation circle, etc. and I definitely understand that.

Spells like Create Food and Water and Goodberry (the biggest offender IMO) have been around for a long time. I've never had much issue with them since spell slots are precious enough (especially 3rd level!), but they can create a challenge for those sort of adventures.

 

[ClaytonCross]

Cool.

What about rolling - how would that work?

Roll the dice, pick your stats, apply racial modifiers any stat reduced below 6 is a 6.

 

[TheSword]

So over half want racial, minimums. Interesting.

 

[Li Shenron]

I am ok with the default of 5e, but I might have liked even more a "max 18, no minimum" for everyone.

The 18 maximum has a sort of traditional vibe, and the +4 bonus together with +6 proficiency would result in a nice round +10 maximum.

 

[GreenTengu]

If ability scores are divorced from attack bonus, damage bonus, class mechanics, initiative, saves and skill rolls-- then by all means use whatever system.

But so long as the ability scores mean more "how good you are at being class X" than what they say on the tin-- all races should have equal access.

 

[CubicsRube]

I am ok with the default of 5e, but I might have liked even more a "max 18, no minimum" for everyone.

The 18 maximum has a sort of traditional vibe, and the +4 bonus together with +6 proficiency would result in a nice round +10 maximum.

I like that arrangement too. But I'm a heathen who would prefer that scores be dropped and modifiers only used!

Either way, I think a lower cap would have some positive effects on the game.