Sadrik
First Post
I keep hearing all these fervent arguments and yet I continue to see a steady stream of low-Con characters in both RPGA and home-game play...
I think this has less to do with how powerful CON is and more to do with stat polarity. Stat polarity is the choice between CON and STR at character creation, almost always you choose STR over CON. This is not the worst offender of this poorly designed mechanic, that would go to INT and DEX.
To fix stat polarity, spread the defenses out to an individual stat. For instance: CON = FORT, DEX = REF, and WIS = WILL.
So, that makes...
STR
Basic melee or heavy thrown weapon attack
Basic melee or heavy thrown weapon damage
Encumbrance
Athletics skill
Primary for Fighter
Primary for two-weapon Ranger
Primary for melee Cleric
Primary for Warlord
Primary for strength Paladin
CON
Starting HP
Healing surges
Fortitude defense
Endurance skill
Primary for infernal Warlock
DEX
Basic ranged or light thrown weapon attack
Basic ranged or light thrown weapon damage
Initiative modifier
Reflex defense
AC defense
Acrobatics, Stealth, Thievery skills
Primary for Rogue
Primary for archer Ranger
INT
Arcana, History, Religion skills
Primary for Wizard
WIS
Will defense
Dungeoneering, Heal, Insight, Nature, Perception skills
Primary for lazer Clerics
CHA
Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Streetwise skills
Primary for charisma Paladin
Primary for fey Warlock
I think I have it all in there.