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<blockquote data-quote="Shadow Over Mystara" data-source="post: 8190126" data-attributes="member: 7029539"><p>True, although the inverse can make for some interesting roleplaying. The strong character who isn't bright, but still tries forcing himself to make the most of his mind to solve problems that way rather than just resorting to sheer strength. The weak but bright character who nevertheless tries to solve problems with his fists because he has a short fuse, knowing full well the odds are against him.</p><p></p><p>Mechanically it doesn't make sense to play against your strengths, but human beings are messy and complicated. Although when swords are drawn and the stakes are high, a lot of that might go out the window!</p><p></p><p></p><p>I could see them transitioning to something like 9-12:+0, 13-15:+1, 16-18:+2. Then they could shift the weight away from ability scores to class, skills, and proficiency bonus.</p><p></p><p>I think the elegant math of calculating 3e-5e modifiers makes it more tempting to get rid of the 3-18 scale, while also putting very desirable bonuses well within reach, further reinforcing ability scores.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Agreed. Maybe ability scores could reflect untrained ability. A medium-to-high-level fighter would be stronger than a high Strength wizard, a medium-to-high-level wizard would be more knowledgeable than a high Intelligence fighter. When making a roll, you could add your ability score bonus OR all your other bonuses, whichever is higher.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Shadow Over Mystara, post: 8190126, member: 7029539"] True, although the inverse can make for some interesting roleplaying. The strong character who isn't bright, but still tries forcing himself to make the most of his mind to solve problems that way rather than just resorting to sheer strength. The weak but bright character who nevertheless tries to solve problems with his fists because he has a short fuse, knowing full well the odds are against him. Mechanically it doesn't make sense to play against your strengths, but human beings are messy and complicated. Although when swords are drawn and the stakes are high, a lot of that might go out the window! I could see them transitioning to something like 9-12:+0, 13-15:+1, 16-18:+2. Then they could shift the weight away from ability scores to class, skills, and proficiency bonus. I think the elegant math of calculating 3e-5e modifiers makes it more tempting to get rid of the 3-18 scale, while also putting very desirable bonuses well within reach, further reinforcing ability scores. Agreed. Maybe ability scores could reflect untrained ability. A medium-to-high-level fighter would be stronger than a high Strength wizard, a medium-to-high-level wizard would be more knowledgeable than a high Intelligence fighter. When making a roll, you could add your ability score bonus OR all your other bonuses, whichever is higher. [/QUOTE]
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