No Penalties

[Varianor Abroad]

At least according to the front page scoop. So, what's next? Lower AC for monster?

 

[Henry]

Based on further posts, I'm thinking that's a rumor rather than a fact. Check the news scoop for further info.

 

[WayneLigon]

I figure it's just another in a series of 'Let's make the game more like people actually play it' decisions. I can't remember the last time I saw anyone accept a PC with an ability penalty unless it was a pickup game (and used for comedic effect) or some specifically adjusted stat for roleplaying purposes.

 

[Rechan]

I can't remember the last time I saw anyone accept a PC with an ability penalty unless it was a pickup game (and used for comedic effect) or some specifically adjusted stat for roleplaying purposes.

This.

And quite frankly, I am one who doesn't think you need stats to reflect personality. If you want the "Absent minded professor", then either 1) Put a 10 in Wis, or 2) Just play it that way and ignore the stat.

 

[Scholar & Brutalman]

Just to back up Henry, this is not something Mearls said. It's Iceberg3K's/Firevalkyrie's opinion based on the Spined Devil's stat card. And that card can be interpreted multiple ways.

 

[Hairfoot]

I agree with Rechan, mostly, but already I weep when I see halfling PCs with 12+ strength. It puts another nail into the coffin of verisimilitude.

 

[Abstraction]

Actually, based upon the most recent podcast, I would have to disagree with the conclusion. The fighter has an ability that lets him deal strength damage even on a miss. I'm pretty sure they mention "4 points of damage", which would be an 18 strength currently and would fit the character as described. Based on current info, I would say that stats are (more or less) the same as now. The numbers on the Spined Devil reflect what it rolls on that type of skill (+7 on a Strength-based skill, FE), and that number includes its level plus ability modifier.

 

[Zamkaizer]

I agree with Rechan, mostly, but already I weep when I see halfling PCs with 12+ strength. It puts another nail into the coffin of verisimilitude.

One must take into account that heroes of other races would likely have even larger bonuses. So, while an accomplished halfling ranger might be stronger than an average human commoner, it still is outclassed by an experienced human paladin.

 

[Rechan]

I agree with Rechan, mostly, but already I weep when I see halfling PCs with 12+ strength. It puts another nail into the coffin of verisimilitude.

So the halfling's player putting 14 or more into Str bothers you? Do you weep when you see an elf with 12+ con?

The penalty is just -2 to an ability. I say it's good to see someone putting a high number into a hurting stat.

And I think it's perfectly acceptable for the rare halfling to have 12+ Str. The average Halfling isn't going to be stronger than the average half-orc, the average elf is going to be more frail than the average dwarf. That should enough for verisimilitude.

 

[Vegepygmy]

I can't remember the last time I saw anyone accept a PC with an ability penalty unless it was a pickup game (and used for comedic effect) or some specifically adjusted stat for roleplaying purposes.

I don't want to insult anyone, so I'll just say that your experience is very different from mine and leave it at that.