Is Wisdom the real dump stat?

[FraserRonald]

Wisdom gets all the perception related skills, so why not also include initiative (which is how fast a person reacts in combat when it starts) into the equation as well.

To an extent, I agree. Wisdom should offer a modifier to initiative in any kind of surprise situation. This is usually done--in my games--through spot or listen. The surprise round, especially in melee, can set the course for the rest of the combat. However, once that combat begins, it is the ability to react quickly, hence Dexterity, that I would argue is of primary concern.

One could likewise suggest that Wisdom should affect much more than simply spot, listen, etc. In combat, the awareness of one's opponents around one is certainly an advantage. However, the same can be said of all the stats--an individual with a high Intelligence should be superior in combat due to the ability to formulate strategy quickly, an individual with high Charisma should be intimidating/distracting an opponent, adding to that individual's AC/Defense, etc. However, in order to maintain the simplicity of the process, the single most important stat is used, Strength for combat, Dexterity for initiative.

Given all that, in my games, spot and listen are incredibly important, as are Sense Motive and Survival. In a game like that, Wisdom is not a dump stat. However, on a general level, it seems to be commonly used as such.

Take care all.