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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Skyscraper" data-source="post: 6435168" data-attributes="member: 48518">I think, in the end, the question I wish to tackle with ability scores is: what represents a formidable ability score? How strong is 18 STR? Is it your run-of-the-mill fighter PC, or is it a rare and extraordinary feat to have 18?If 18 (and 20 by the time you have had a couple of ability increases) is what everyone has (and is expected to have) in his main ability score, then how do you make extraordinary the magic item that provides 19 or 20 in an ability score? How is the 500 pound ogre strong, if any PC fighter is just as strong or stronger?Personally I like that the PC that can challenge an ogre in a strength matchup is, like, pretty darn exceptional. I wish that the giant with 21 STR is a mighty opponent strong enough to unroot small trees. I want that item that provides 19 or 20 STR be extraordinary and a great find. In looking at the stats that appear in monsters and in magic items, I'm under the impression that, apart from monsters that come into play at levels 10+, there are few monsters that have an ability score that will be better than the strong ability score of a given PC in a group, with all PCs getting an ability score in the range of 18-20 at the time of creating the PC or at most by level 8.So really, it's a relative thing, ability scores. Me, I wish for that relative value to position PCs well below ogres and giants in their strength; and well below mind flayers in their intelligence. However, there might be the rare PC that has a 18 in STR and the other that has 19 in INT. And perhaps they'll find a magic item that raises one PC's CON score to 19. Those scores will be looked upon as rare and valuable. The PC with 18 STR can actually challenge an ogre! That's, like, normally unthinkable, but when he does, the entire village will be in awe!This is what I hope to achieve. Wonder.</blockquote>

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