FormerlyHemlock
Hero
There are those who have observed that in 5E as written, there's really no point in having an odd-numbered ability score. 16 and 17 Int are exactly the same, and the same applies to every other ability score except Strength (because encumbrance and armor weights). I find that unaesthetic and have been trying to come up with a way to differentiate odd ability scores.
Here's my idea (not playtested, since I just had it):
Odd-numbered ability scores give an extra +1 to ability checks.
Strength 13 gives +1 to Strength saving throws and attack rolls but +2 to Strength checks. Dex 15 gives +2 to attack rolls and AC but +3 to Stealth and initiative. Etc.
Simple and, I hope, elegant. Players will still want even-numbered abilities as much as possible because, let's be honest, combat is the crunchiest part of the system--but you no longer have to feel like putting a 17 in Strength is a waste of a +1 that ought to be moved somewhere more optimal.
Here's my idea (not playtested, since I just had it):
Odd-numbered ability scores give an extra +1 to ability checks.
Strength 13 gives +1 to Strength saving throws and attack rolls but +2 to Strength checks. Dex 15 gives +2 to attack rolls and AC but +3 to Stealth and initiative. Etc.
Simple and, I hope, elegant. Players will still want even-numbered abilities as much as possible because, let's be honest, combat is the crunchiest part of the system--but you no longer have to feel like putting a 17 in Strength is a waste of a +1 that ought to be moved somewhere more optimal.
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