Racial modifiers

[Thorindale]

I have a question about sub-races. For example, fference between High Elves and Grey Elves (aside from cosmetic differences). From the SRD:

Elf Traits (Ex): Elves possess the following racial traits.
— +2 Dexterity, –2 Constitution.

Gray Elf Traits (Ex): These traits are in addition to the high elf traits.
— +2 Intelligence, –2 Strength.


I’m I to believe that the ability stats for a grey elf are modified by:
+2 Dexterity
–2 Constitution
+2 Intelligence
–2 Strength

 

[LightPhoenix]

That would be correct. You'll note under some of the entries for other Elves is says replace, and some it says in addition.

 

[Crothian]

ya, it's a bit odd but that's what they did.

 

[Thorindale]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Angcuru]

I for one think racial modifiers shouldn't be all even numbers. And for another thing, stat bonuses shouldn't be granted on 2-point interval, IMO. Which makes a character with 15s in all stats just as effective as a character with all 14s in stats. Except when it comes to lifting stuff, but that's beside the point. This just bugs me. It's something I'd like to see fixed in 4th edition.

But back on topic, yeah, the sub-class stats stack with the core race.

 

[Zappo]

Given the current system, it's better if racial modifiers are even numbers. Otherwise, there are obvious min/maxing problems. To fix this, you'd have to change the bonus system, but doing this would screw up all the probabilities if you want to keep the "3-18" scale. Which of course can't be touched, because it's a sacred cow.

 

[Starglim]

I for one think racial modifiers shouldn't be all even numbers. And for another thing, stat bonuses shouldn't be granted on 2-point interval, IMO. Which makes a character with 15s in all stats just as effective as a character with all 14s in stats. Except when it comes to lifting stuff, but that's beside the point. This just bugs me. It's something I'd like to see fixed in 4th edition.

The character with 15 in every stat could increase a stat to 16 when he next gets an ability increase. Also, notice that all ability score prerequisites for feats are odd numbers.

 

[pdkoning]

Given the current system, it's better if racial modifiers are even numbers. Otherwise, there are obvious min/maxing problems. To fix this, you'd have to change the bonus system, but doing this would screw up all the probabilities if you want to keep the "3-18" scale. Which of course can't be touched, because it's a sacred cow.

I think there should be no problem with odd number modifiers, I don't have a problem with even numbers either. However, if you rolled a 15, 13, 11, you would be quite happy to apply +1, +1, -1. Maybe it is best to have both an odd and even modifer with every race.

 

[Darklone]

Odd number modifiers wouldn't be a problem if you'd pick your race first and roll your stats in order. Point buy and assigning dice rolls to attributes screw it.

 

[UltimaGabe]

I for one think racial modifiers shouldn't be all even numbers. And for another thing, stat bonuses shouldn't be granted on 2-point interval, IMO. Which makes a character with 15s in all stats just as effective as a character with all 14s in stats. Except when it comes to lifting stuff, but that's beside the point. This just bugs me. It's something I'd like to see fixed in 4th edition.

But what if a person rolled all even numbers, and then becomes a race or gets an item that gives him a +1 to an ability score? He's going to be just as screwed as the guy with an odd number that got a +2. There's two sides to that coin, and it's much, much simpler and less min/maxable. After all, if someone rolled an odd number, why WOULDN'T they put it into the stat that gets the +1?