So much this. Backgrounds are perhaps my favorite thing about 5e, I love taking "unexpected" ones. If they carry attribute bonuses, it'll be harder to justify doing that.
I don’t mind a bonus being associated with your background, though I get your point, but it shouldn’t dominate IMO: so maybe background gives a +1, and class gives a +1, and a third source gives a +1 or something. Or maybe background gives +1 (with 2 stat choices) and class gives +2 and class and background bonus can’t stack.
However if they keep it like it is in the olaytests and on the rules you can freely change what feat and ABI the background gives you. So you are playing a city guard and you desire that you want your bonus to be in wisdom or maybe even charisma instead of strength or con that is easily doable. It is even built in to the rules.
I think Black Flag has the best place for the bonuses -- at attribute selection/generation. Don't connect them to anything.
I thought about that, and there’s a certain elegance to it, but ultimately, I find it unsatisfying. If we’re going to give bonuses, then it should be a bonus for some thing. Otherwise don’t call it a bonus, it’s just another attribute point. And face it I’d rather have a bonus even if it all adds up the same.
Or class giving +1 each to the two stats that they have saving throw proficiency in and background to a choice of two. I think they ought to continue their use of "it goes here, unless you chose to put it somewhere else" that they've done in the spelltest with proficiencies and spell selection and the like. (Either take their default choices or make your own). Nothing need be set in stone.
Yep. They just increase the stats. Not a bonus at all.
I’m not sure what you’re trying to say, but whichever position you are supporting it is just our opinions. There is no right/wrong answer
It's not my opinion.
I thought you making a comment about a simple attribute bump not being a bonus, irrespective of how it is given. My misunderstanding.
