Should mods to hit be dropped from ability scores?

[Oni]

No, they should simply be scaled back.

It would be better than the current tack IMHO, I could see a return to the ability modifier chart from the the Rules Cyclopedia.

I still think having damage and hit mod off the same stat is just too tempting a target to pile all in, especially with the flatter math though. Those pluses are just too potent to ignore.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yeah, I could see dexterity only adding to attack and not to damage...
You could give class abilities that allow dex to damage. Or even theme abilities.

And maybe, only half that ability to hit. In 2nd edition, dexterity and strength both gave only about half the amount to hit as they gave to AC or damage. Maybe that was quite a good idea...

 

[Plane Sailing]

I was just thinking about this, that one of the biggest incentives to min/max is the accuracy bonus/saving throw DC mods that comes from having high ability scores. I'm really happy that they are flattening the math in the upcoming 5e, but I'm concerned that in doing so each plus to hit is going to become even more important creating an even greater incentive to min/max scores. I'm thinking perhaps to hit and spell dc mods should be dropped from the list of things affected by ability scores. Opinions?

I agree. Ability scores become proportionally much more important with the otherwise flatter maths (while the difference between +1 Str and +4 Str used to be three levels, what is it going to be in 5e? 6 levels? 10?)

I'd be happy to see ability scores adding to damage, but not adding to hit.

Cheers