D&D (2024) Sacred Cows: Ability Scores

[Professor Murder]

When we get a new editions, should we dispense with ability scores and just have bonuses listed instead?
A starting stat block might instead give a +3, a +2, Two +1s, a non bonus, and a -1 for example.
Besides tradition, the only reason for ability scores that are translated into bonuses is "granularity", in which one can have odd numbered scores that don't increase the bonus, acting as a stopgap between actual mechanical increases or penalties.

Thoughts?

 

[Bolares]

It really depend on how granular the game wants to feel, but I'd be okay with keeping only the modifiers and dumping scores.

 

[commandercrud]

Since WOTC has made the scores meaningless there's no point in keeping them around. The bell curve bonuses that TSR-era ability scores had made more sense though, and they should bring that back. Then they wouldn't be so pointless.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

I am almost fine with this, but how would you handle level-based stat increases?

I haven't played Planescape: Torment but apparently it had this, relieving one of 2e's problems (frequently very weak PCs).

 

[Professor Murder]

Since WOTC has made the scores meaningless there's no point in keeping them around. The bell curve bonuses that TSR-era ability scores had made more sense though, and they should bring that back. Then they wouldn't be so pointless.

Can't agree. 1st and 2nd ed scores were trash.

 

[commandercrud]

Can't agree. 1st and 2nd ed scores were trash.

how so?

 

[Professor Murder]

I am almost fine with this, but how would you handle level-based stat increases?

I haven't played Planescape: Torment but apparently it had this, relieving one of 2e's problems (frequently very weak PCs).

I think that would depend on how the power curve got constructed. I am not advocating doing so for the current edition.

 

[Blue Orange]

Can't agree. 1st and 2nd ed scores were trash.

'TSR-era' is actually a bit ambiguous; there were the Basic D&D scores, that had categories for 3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, and 18, and the AD&D scores, which only gave you bonuses over a 15 or a 16 in most cases. The Basic D&D system has something to recommend it; the AD&D system is pretty bad IMHO.

 

[Professor Murder]

how so?

Mainly way too many "dead levels" where increases had no real impact, and no baked in means of increasing stats outside of magic or magic items. Your rogue as a 15 dex? That's for life.

 

[Bolares]

I am almost fine with this, but how would you handle level-based stat increases?

you get +1 in your modifier directly?