How bad is an 8 in an ability score?

Sixchan · Mar 13, 2003

I've always defined an 8 in CHA as being how a geek comes across to a 'normal' person.

8 in INT would be a 'low average' IQ. Probably someone who could manage to get their ideas across well enough, but unable to use very large words. Someone able to do difficult arithmetic with a pencil and paper, and possibly the simplest algebra.

An 8 WIS person would be sensible, but unable to make long term plans and keep to them. S/he'd make reckless decision, and follow his/her heart rather than their head. Would be unable to break addictions such as nicotine addictions, even if they had the INT to know it is bad for them.

8 CON people are almost as resistant to very dangerous diseases as the average person (as they affect everyone), but would get more commen diseases such as colds and flu more often. Strangely though, it is concievable that since a low con person gets more diseases, he is therefore resistant to more of them...

With 8 DEX, this character was no gymnast. He could bounce a ball, but came near to last at the end of races. On the other hand, he could still dodge the odd ball coming his way.

The guy with 8 STR probably wanted an indoor job. He didn't enjoy lifting heavy loads, since he wasn't very good at it, but he could still bring in the harvest with some effort.

Olgar Shiverstone · Mar 13, 2003

Another way to look at it ... an 8 means you're 5% worse at a given skill than someone average, based on the -1 to the d20 roll.

If it's in INT, then you are likely capable at one fewer skill than others (unless you're human, in which case you're intelligence is below average but you're as skilled as the average elf or gnome

-- which implies that the non-human races could be balance to humans by taking away the extra skill point and giving all other races a -2 to INT. Hmmm.).

From that point of view an 8 is certainly not a game breaker.

Joseph Elric Smith · Mar 13, 2003

Not that bad at all . heck I have had several characters all with at least one 8' or 9's depending upon how I am playing them it usually goes into Wis. I can play the foolish so well

ken

Jenale · Mar 13, 2003

I consider anything 9-11 to be pretty much average--neither outstanding nor abysmal. So an 8 would be just enough off the low end of average/normal to be noticed (if you didn't have a way of compensating--say an INT of 8 with a markedly higher WIS).

On the other hand, I think that sometimes a low stat can be a great deal of fun to role-play--I once played a mage with a 17 INT and a 5 DEX. So I'd say an 8 is just "not good at" the relevant ability, rather than being "horrible".

Xeriar · Mar 13, 2003

Statistically, 8 is just on the low end of average. It would mean about a 90 IQ, maybe a little less.

Now, to someone with an int of 24, an int of 8 could certainly be considered to be pretty stupid - but that's comparing a one in a million person's views to those of the normal populace.

I've seen a few statistics regarding stamina and flexibility to note that the difference between an 8 and a 13 is not all that great on its own, though I can't remember specifics :-/

Strength is a bit easier to look at (numbers are given, can go to gym, statistics more readily available).

Wisdom can be guessed at, but it is often noted that the average person is pretty stupid...

No idea on Charisma, though :-/

Enkhidu · Mar 13, 2003

The Forsaken One said:
Check the site in my sig

I tried this - thought it was interesting that it equated Intelligence with Education, and completely neglected body strength in favor of arm strength.

Wolv0rine · Mar 13, 2003

I'm surprised no one's mentioned it yet, but as I recall in 1E 12 was baseline average. With that mentality (I still have it myself), an 8 really is a horrible score, way way below average.

Joseph Elric Smith · Mar 13, 2003

Wolv0rine said:
I'm surprised no one's mentioned it yet, but as I recall in 1E 12 was baseline average. With that mentality (I still have it myself), an 8 really is a horrible score, way way below average.

actually 10-11 was average in !st edition. and statistically yes it is the average score, but an 8 while a bit on the low side has a very small penalty and opens up the door to role playing opportunities.
ken