Let's make a generic benefit for Small races!

[ravenheart]

Ok, the premise for my argument is that Small races are given no real non-conditional mechanical benefit to weigh out the penalties when comparing them to Medium races.

Small characters have a distinct disadvantage when it comes to weapon selection and weapon themed classes in general - come on, they can't use two-handed weapons and they don't even get the versatile bonus to damage when wielding such a weapon in both hands (which they HAVE to do with versatile weapons anyway)!?. Another example is a small sized fighter with Tide of Iron, meaning he/she can't push any foe larger than Medium. It may be realistic, but that's not what D&D 4E is about, is it?

Sure, sometimes there are conditional benefits: terrain such as low walls, small gaps, etc.; and squeezing might be overcome easier. And I admit there are a number of feats specifically meant for small characters. But should such a thing really cost a feat?

What I want to propose is a generic benefit which could be attached to the "Being Small" clause under small race entries, something to compensate for the raw deal given to small characters get.

One could try with a blast from the past (=3E/3.5E) and go with +1 to attack rolls with powers containing the weapon keyword (easier to implement than static damage bonuses per [w]), and/or +1 AC (stay still you vermin!). Thoughts?

 

[Starfox]

The two small races I think of on the top of my head (Halflings & Gnomes) both have quite considerable bonuses in other areas. Small size is a part of the package, and it is the complete package, not small size in itself, that needs to be balanced.

In other words, if you assigned a balance value to each race feature, Small size would have a negative value, which you then balance by adding other bonuses tot he race. For flavor, you try to pick things like the halfling dodge and gnome hide before combat ability.

In other words, if you consider a particular small race underbalanced you can add features to that particular race, but to give a bonus to all Small races probably creates more imbalances than it solves.

 

[bardolph]

The Powers structure of 4e makes it quite easy to avoid abilities that are hindered by the character's size, and the mechanics of the scimitar gives a good option for halfling fighters.

If you want to houserule it, just mix in a few custom Powers that are tailor-made for little people, and you're good to go.

 

[keterys]

Just make Goblin Totem weapons more common in your campaign

Any change you might suggest, make sure it doesn't give a bonus to characters who aren't impacted by being small. It also needs to be less powerful than, what, +1 damage per W in effect? Good luck.