D&D General Adjusting Constitution

[CreamCloud0]

Casters really don't need any more reason to invest in Constitution. They already want it for Concentration checks, and given there aren't that many fears they want, a starting 12 boosted to 14 or even 16 is quite common if you reach high level.

that's the thing though 'at high level', it's something they can reasonably afford to put off, but with a smaller starting hit die and no +CON to HP each level it'll be much more of a decision if they want to boost CON early for survival or mental stats for power, meanwhile martials barely even have to invest to 12 CON to be pretty sturdy.

Before/Current	HD Size	Altered
-	d4	Wizard, Sorcerer
Wizard, Sorcerer	d6	Artificer, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Warlock
Artificer, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, Warlock	d8	Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue
Fighter, Paladin, Ranger	d10	Fighter
Barbarian	d12	Barbarian

 

[Xeviat]

I don't like the constitution score at first level.
But just having max hit die per level + constitution modifier seems solid.

But I don't want Con mod to apply to HP. It makes it feel too important, even if it's mathematically balanced against other choices. I also don't like that it's everyone's 2nd or 3rd highest stat; at that point just set it to 14 and reduce the point buy by 6.

I also want to boost survivability at 1st level. Yes, it's realistic for a person to die if they're hit by a great sword, but that doesn't make for a good game. I've started my games at 3rd level because of that.

Besides, if going down to Con mod hp causes penalties (wounded), then players will still play like they don't have them, like they're negative HP.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

But I don't want Con mod to apply to HP. It makes it feel too important, even if it's mathematically balanced against other choices. I also don't like that it's everyone's 2nd or 3rd highest stat; at that point just set it to 14 and reduce the point buy by 6.

I said max hp per level + con mod.
Not (max hp + con mod) per level.

I also want to boost survivability at 1st level.

That is what I don't like.* I'd rather start at level 2 or 3.

Yes, it's realistic for a person to die if they're hit by a great sword, but that doesn't make for a good game. I've started my games at 3rd level because of that.

As I said. That would be my preferred solution.

Besides, if going down to Con mod hp causes penalties (wounded), then players will still play like they don't have them, like they're negative HP.

I never said that.

*I'd make a concession and start with 5+con mod+max hit die at level 1.

So it is half your con score as a start.

 

[deadman1204]

I feel like its communal optimization. the DM will not make encounters that will tpk on purpose. If everyone has medium con, the dm knows that they need to limit damage a bit to not end the party.
Everyone gets an advantage for minmaxing your power stat, but not maxing con is just a game with the dm. Daring them to tpk the party cause you didn't min/max con.