WalterKovacs
First Post
D&D's 3d6-based ability score array is probably the holiest cow in the game--even moreso than character classes. The decision to ditch or retain them speaks volumes.
Ability scores really serve no mechanical function that isn't better served through more selective character resources, like feats and skills. And certainly giving them one number that only represents another number s ridiculous. Why do I need to have an 18 on my character sheet when the actual bonus is +4? I don't.
The ability score/modifier still has some place (although is has been diminished). The odd scores still have a spot because of the point buy system and the level advancement system (plus some stat requirement feats which try to make odd stats palatable). The HP using Constitution stat is new, but earlier editions had ways of using the raw stats as well (such as trying to roll under the stat on a d20 for certain checks).
The trend has moved away from negative stat mods (other than the single 8 you can start with in the 4e point build), but it would still need to get rid of the odd stat stuff, which does have an in game element (you can just slow down the stat increase if it were 1 to 1 in terms of stat modifiers, but that eliminates the element of "do I increase my highest stat now so that I get the ability mod bump in 2 to 4 levels? or do I just round up my 13 to 14 to get the ability mod bump right away?"