No Penalties

[Hairfoot]

Actually I was done.

Me also.

 

[Fredrik Svanberg]

(deleted for bad math)

 

[Klaus]

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

Not to mention that the formula given would still yield penalties. (Score/2)-2 has the possibility of a character with a score of 3 and a -1 modifier, and a 1 or 2 yield a -2 modifier.

 

[Nightchilde-2]

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.

Exactly.

I've seen people reroll their ability scores multiple times just so they don't have a penalty.

I, for one, support this choice.

 

[Baby Samurai]

So what is the deal with 4th Ed ability scores?

Does a 10 grant you +3?

…A 5 is +0?

 

[hero4hire]

So what is the deal with 4th Ed ability scores?

Does a 10 grant you +3?

…A 5 is +0?

I am guessing the source of the scoop was mistaken.

 

[Acid_crash]

IF this is the way it works, which I hope to god it doesn't, then I sure as heck will be house ruling it. I hope this is wrong, I think having negative modifiers is required for certain kinds of characters... and it tells us what the average across the board should be. If a person can have a 6 with a +1 modifier, then something is just plain wrong.

 

[Gort]

On the subject of halflings, I always thought -2 strength was too small a penalty. It's not much difference at all - especially when you consider that their small size entirely compensates for the to-hit penalty the strength penalty provides.

Give them bonuses in other areas, but I'd think a -4 at least would be appropriate. These guys are half the size of humans, after all.

 

[Mad Mac]

No, it bothers me that small races can have a strength score above about 8.

Ah, just pretend Halflings are built like monkeys or Chimps. They've already got all those jumping and climbing bonuses.

 

[Hairfoot]

Ah, just pretend Halflings are built like monkeys or Chimps. They've already got all those jumping and climbing bonuses.

Good points, but when I hear "halfling", I immediately think of hobbits, and not feeble, bastardised kender elflings. Not that I'm biased at all.

However, even a gangly oran-utang woudn't have a strength score greater than 8. I calculated that when I offered to fight one for cash, but the zoo says it's "unethical". Who cares what the ethics think? If they don't like it they can go back to their own country.