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Message: <blockquote data-quote="eryndel" data-source="post: 7263422" data-attributes="member: 13120">I really like the 5e mechanics around ASIs.  First, I don't have any issues about the realism of the scenario.  In my mind, 20 is peak of mortal accomplishment.  20 Str is on par with the best weightlifters, 20 Int is on par with the Einsteins and Hawkings.  These folks aren't of that level at early adulthood when most D&D characters start their adventuring careers.   For me, superheroic levels of abilities is the purview of the 21-30 range of ability scores.  For me, it's perfectly reasonable for a very smart adult (16 at 1st level) to eventually make it to 20 (pinnacle of human accomplishment) when they are hitting their stride in their adventuring career (usually 8th level).In addition, ASIs when combined with feats make for some meaningful choices in character development.  Among my characters (and among the characters at my table), some focus on getting that 20 in their prime attribute by level 8.  Some feel drawn to certain feats and defer maxing out their abilities.  I believe there is more of an interest among spellcasters to hit max ability, but this has more to do with the lack of interesting feats for spellcasters (as compared to martials).That said, the beauty of the system comes when you have ASIs, combined with feats (for meaningful choices during leveling), and point-buy.  Point buy sets a clear schedule for the ability scores of characters.  No character will start with more than a +3 bonus in their top ability score at level 1 (16 or 17).   The earliest you can get +4 (barring magic items), is at level 4, and +5 is at level 8 (6 for fighters).  Rolling scores throws that out the window.  You can have one character start with an 18 (or 20 with racial bonus), while another only has a 16 max.   That's an expected 8 level spread on the schedule, which has a noticeable effect at the table.It's because of this that 5e was my first edition where I actually preferred point buy.   For me, it's always been rolling stats at my table since I first started.  When I switched to 5e, I started with rolled stats and really felt the swing in power level between characters at my table.  Not to turn this into a point buy thread (we've got plenty of those), but the ASI system really hums when you include all three (ASI, feats, and point-buy) and can have issues when you only have one or two.  If there's an issue with 5e that should be fixed for 6e, it's to find a way to make these three system not so interdependent.</blockquote>

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