Ability score comparisons

[Quasqueton]

How much stronger is 20 Strength over 10 Strength? 100%, 25%, or 300%?

20 is twice 10.

But +5 on a d20 roll is only 5 of 20 more than +0 on the d20.

400# max load is 4 times 100# max load.


How about all the other ability scores?

How much smarter is 16 Intelligence than 12? 33% smarter (12x1.33)? 10% smarter (2 on d20)? Three times as smart (+3 vs. +1)?

Is an 8 Dexterity really noticable next to 12 Dexterity? Is it the same as a 10 next to a 14? How about a 14 next to an 18?


How big a gap is necessary in an ability score (on paper) for there to be a noticable difference (in game)?

Quasqueton

 

[Staffan]

4 times as strong in absolute terms. However, raw strength doesn't necessarily translate into skill at applying force, which is what most Strength checks are about.

Personally, I think that in cases where there is no applicable skill, rolls based on ability scores should probably double the modifier to compensate, and to make the ability score more important compared to random luck. Some DCs may need modification if one does that, however.

 

[Arnwyn]

How much stronger is 20 Strength over 10 Strength? 100%, 25%, or 300%?

Staffan has it right.

20 Str is both 25% and 300% stonger than 10 Str (but not 100%). As Staffan implied, it is 300% stronger in absolute terms, and 25% stronger in the application of force.

 

[ARandomGod]

How much stronger is 20 Strength over 10 Strength? 100%, 25%, or 300%?

20 is twice 10.

But +5 on a d20 roll is only 5 of 20 more than +0 on the d20.

400# max load is 4 times 100# max load.


How about all the other ability scores?

How much smarter is 16 Intelligence than 12? 33% smarter (12x1.33)? 10% smarter (2 on d20)? Three times as smart (+3 vs. +1)?

Is an 8 Dexterity really noticable next to 12 Dexterity? Is it the same as a 10 next to a 14? How about a 14 next to an 18?


How big a gap is necessary in an ability score (on paper) for there to be a noticable difference (in game)?

Quasqueton

An interesting point... a small character with a 12 strength is four points less strong than a large character with 12 strength.