DragonOfIntellect
First Post
The nature of the rules system is designed to have you min-max. The 3E designers said as much themselves, after all. When I create a character, I come up with a concept, and then build him to be the best he can be within that boundary. I really do not see how giving characters drawbacks or less effecient skill choices makes them a deeper character. In fact, most of the prominent, popular fantasy archetypes people are so fond of are defined by their great abilities in one area or another. Personality is the area where roleplaying should be focused on, not combat effeciency.
Look at the great characters of fiction, after all. To use three examples, Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Aragorn son of Arathorn. The personality, the backstories, the motivations, is what made them great. Did the fact they were all supremely talented in their chosen fields of activity do anything to detract from their power as characters? Being weak is not being a roleplayer.
PS
And agreed about Conan, he was portrayed as very intelligent in the books, comics, and the first movie. Key note, silent does not equal stupid.
Look at the great characters of fiction, after all. To use three examples, Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Aragorn son of Arathorn. The personality, the backstories, the motivations, is what made them great. Did the fact they were all supremely talented in their chosen fields of activity do anything to detract from their power as characters? Being weak is not being a roleplayer.
PS
And agreed about Conan, he was portrayed as very intelligent in the books, comics, and the first movie. Key note, silent does not equal stupid.