D&D 5E Saving Throws not mandated by class

[variant]

This is a good idea, I feel -- giving choice allows design flexibility, and making it a feature of a starting character rather than of class or background makes sense. I would like to see some kind of constraint imposed, though, so that it actually is a choice between equally reasonable options, and not (as you noted in January) something where selecting Dex/Wis is disproportionately advantageous.

One constraint would be to offer a choice of pairs:
(a) Con and Str
(b) Cha and Wis
(c) Dex and Int
(for example; assuming the current imbalance is preserved in the final game, and I see no indications that it might change).

Another possible constraint (which I might actually prefer) is that you can choose two stats, but they cannot be your numerically highest ability (and if you start with two abilities tied at the top, you can choose neither of them). While mechanically I find this clean, the in-game narrative rationale will be a challenge for some.

If Strength, Charisma, and Intelligence aren't going to balanced with the other three, I think paired choices might be a better solution than choosing any two you want. The pairs you made are a good example of stats that are related to each other in some fashion despite being independent of each other.

 

[howandwhy99]

My suggestion is to remove saving throws from the ability scores. The game doesn't have that many stats to follow. And Classes could have variance within them for saving throws. Not every cleric needs to be average against spells or poor versus dragon's breath. They are typically better at what they are good at.

 

[am181d]

A suggested multiclass rule:

When you multiclass, you can choose to replace one or both of your "good saves" with those provided by the new class. (Still breaks down a little with the classes that only have one.)

 

[variant]

A suggested multiclass rule:

When you multiclass, you can choose to replace one or both of your "good saves" with those provided by the new class. (Still breaks down a little with the classes that only have one.)

I don't like this. Why would someone who multiclasses lose their learned defensive skills?

 

[The Crimson Binome]

What if everyone automatically got proficiency bonus to all saving throws?

That's the obvious solution, and I'm completely in favor of it.

Why should a fighter have an extra bonus to Strength and Con saves when she already has the highest Strength and Con scores? The Str 20 fighter is still +6 over the Str 8 mage, and even then the fighter can still fail. How small of a chance is the mage supposed to have? Should you need a natural 20 to make your bad saves?

 

[Kobold Stew]

Yes! This is why I would prefer the limit that you can't choose your numerically highest stat (assuming that there is a limit of only two).

 

[Li Shenron]

What if everyone automatically got proficiency bonus to all saving throws?

I was fine without ST bonuses (and also no spellcasting DC bonuses).

Apparently a lot of playtesters wanted them back in the game, so now I am just assuming it won't be changed.

 

[Mistwell]

Just do save bonuses by background rather than class.

 

[Saplatt]

No matter what the final written rule, I'll probably just allow everyone (monsters included) to add their proficiency bonus to all saves.

Cuts down a bit on customization, but it's easier to remember and acts as an additional nerf on casters, who benefit the most (offensively) from blown saves.

 

[Stalker0]

I'm in favor of adding a prof bonus to all saves, and allow stats to determine differentiation. If I want my fighter to be tough, I give him Con. I don't need him to have high fortitude "just because he's a fighter".