Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Guest 6801328" data-source="post: 6858765">1) Yes, I will agree that 5e is insufficient to model the fictional writings of A. C. Doyle.  I would go so far as to say that I've never seen an RPG that can fully model works of fiction, even in cases where they are specifically intended to do so.2) But that's not really what we were discussing, or what this thread was about.  It's not even relevant to support any of the arguments put forth in this thread.3) If, despite the limitations in the mechanics, you tried to create a Holmes-like character anyway, it would of course be a good idea to get his Investigation (and probably Insight and Arcana and Deception) as high as possible, both through proficiencies and ability scores.  4) That said, the difference between a skill modifier of X and (X - 1) is going to be indistinguishable to a human observer in normal play, and by the same logic the difference between (X - 1) and (X - 2) is going to be indistinguishable.   And by following that logic to its conclusion (which is not a Slippery Slope by the technical definition) you have to conclude that it's possible, although perhaps quite challenging, to play a Holmes-like character with 5 Int.Oh, and...5) Therefore, while an ability score has an impact on outcomes of actions in the game, the decision to roleplay a given stat is effectively arbitrary, and there is no right way or wrong way to do it.Q.E.F.D.</blockquote>