Elves: more stat changes

[MarauderX]

I am thinking of changing the current PH elf modification stats from -

+2 Dex, -2 Con

to be

+2 Dex, Int & Cha and -2 Con, Str, & Wis

Why?
The elves I am fashioning in my new campaign world will have near perfect memories (hence the Int change) but not be reflective or philosophic when it comes to their culture (lower Wis). Since they have perfect memories, their personalities and attitudes are a direction reflection of what they have experienced around them - elves that see torture and pain tend to be bitter and anti-social, while those that party and relax are joyful and charming. Hence the culture has led to that of being slackers, where their long lives tend to make them want to put off doing work to sing and have a good time. There is a certain competition of dancing and entertainment though, so social skills (Cha)and talent (Dex) are prized and awarded with attention and gifts.

Yes, this plays right into the hands of an elven wizard/bard, but that's what I am aiming for - to have a race that is more magic influenced and familiar with the arcane, whether bard, sorcerer or wizard. Right now I am thinking it's not too much with a point buy system, as they can spend less points to offset the Con, Str & Wis minuses versus getting a few 18's.

Is it too much? Would you scale it back some? How?

 

[Tywyll]

+2 Dex, Int & Cha and -2 Con, Str, & Wis

Why?
The elves I am fashioning in my new campaign world will have near perfect memories (hence the Int change) but not be reflective or philosophic when it comes to their culture (lower Wis). Is it too much? Would you scale it back some? How?

Humans are not, nor have they been in most cultures, particularly reflective or philosophic about their culture. They don't have Wis penalties. Dwarves are typically described as being extremely cultural and reflective, but they don't get Wis bonuses. As such, I don't think that a Wis negative is justified (especially since elves are supposed to be observant, and Wis reflects that). I also don't think that its necessary to balance the Int and Cha bonus. Others will disagree, but you've virtually killed the elven archtype of the warrior wizard (not that 3X didn't start the job for you) with a negative to con and str.

But then in my game, all elves are ECL and they have a +2 dx and cha, -2 con, plus lots of other stuff.

 

[MarauderX]

True, very true about the Wisdom comments, thanks. I think I will keep the rest though, as elves are still supposed to kick @$$ even though they are 'lazy' IMC. I feel the need to balance it though, as I don't want 3 +2's and only 2 -2's as ability modifiers. How about taking the bonuses vs. illusions and sleep away? Elves sleep IMC, so having them fall victim to a sleep spell would be ok.

Oh, and half-elves receive 1/2 the bonuses that the elves receive.