M&M 2nd - No ability mods to Attack/Defense?

[Thanee]

This is one thing I really wondered about, when browsing through the new M&M edition.

Seems a bit weird, that Dexterity has no influence on Defense, for example.

I suppose the reason is, that Dexterity would be too powerful in comparison to other abilities, since ranged combat is more useful in general, when damage does not necessarily relate to Strength. But still it feels a bit weird, that there is no connection at all between ability scores and Attack/Defense.

Thoughts?

Bye
Thanee

 

[Michael Tree]

It's a point-buy system. Most high-dexterity characters will also buy a high defense, and those that don't will no doubt have a good reason for it.

 

[Bront]

It works for the point buy system, meaning that each stat generaly is about even in what it effects. 5 of the stats effect skills, Con effects 2 saves but no skills, Dex 1 save and initiative, Wis effects 1 save, Strength can be used for damage if you purchase a power feat for the attack, and Int and Cha effect the most skills.

Honestly, of all the stats, i think INT got the shaft, simply because it effects some skills, and that's about it, but that's a change for INT, which used to grant skill points.

 

[Thanee]

Yes, it surely works, but it's still weird.

Of course, one can always buy decent Defense along with decent Dex, basically saying that the Defense comes from being good at dodging. It's just a strange thought, that this is necessary, since basically everyone with a high Dex should be good at dodging.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Bront]

Defense is more than dodging though, since technicaly armor helps, though armor helps the toughness save here.

Yeah, it is a bit weird, but it prevents them from requiring different stats to be worth different points, which simplifies the system, which makes life easier. And someoen had to do it.

 

[Dirigible]

It's just a strange thought, that this is necessary, since basically everyone with a high Dex should be good at dodging.

True, but you get used to it. What more is there to say?

 

[Thanee]

Well, it does cause a few 'problems', for example, if I drain someones Dex down to 1, there is pretty much no effect on their evasive abilities (well their Reflex is then lower).

Bye
Thanee

 

[arwink]

For me, it's a fairly strong model of the way comic books work. Captain America is no-where near as strong as the thing, but I know who I'd expect to be landing more punches in a fight.

 

[Thanee]

Yes, I definitely agree with that Strength should not add to attack bonus in this system, where Defense is not improved by armor. Attack and damage should be different traits.

Dexterity to Defense, however, is something I would have found more plausible.

Bye
Thanee

 

[MadMaxim]

Well, in order to stop ability scores from affecting combat (other than damage, of course), I guess they had to seperate the ability score bonusses from their respective d20 "skills": AC, attack bonus, etc. Personally I don't mind that because it gives you more customizability when it comes to character creation, so you don't have to have a really high Dexterity in order to avoid getting hit. And as Bront pointed out, it just fits better with the point-buy nature of Mutants & Masterminds.