D&D (2024) Suggestion: higher Standardarray instead of the additional +2/+1

[Yaarel]

The improvements +2 and +1 can help each player decide between a SAD build and a MAD build.

 

[MoonSong]

That would work, but if you're keeping the bonus for rolled stats, what's the point of rolling the bonuses into the point buy/arrays? Isn't a "same difference" situation?

The bonuses are kept as part of the rolling process (They are a necessary thing if you are rolling in order to get some degree of control when you roll). You ignore them if you are using point buy.

 

[Maxperson]

The bonuses are kept as part of the rolling process (They are a necessary thing if you are rolling in order to get some degree of control when you roll). You ignore them if you are using point buy.

I get that. What I'm saying is what's the difference between a standard array that I add +2/+1 to and one where you already add it in and I pick it? Why bother adding it into the array if we're keeping the bonus around for rolled stats anyway?

 

[MoonSong]

I get that. What I'm saying is what's the difference between a standard array that I add +2/+1 to and one where you already add it in and I pick it? Why bother adding it into the array if we're keeping the bonus around for rolled stats anyway?

It's an extra step we can do without.

 

[Maxperson]

It's an extra step we can do without.

Is it, though?

If you build it into the standard array, you need to now give me several arrays to pick from. The current standard array is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. With the +2, +1 I can make that 17, 15, 13, 12, 10, 8 or 16, 16, 13, 12, 10, 8, or 15, 15, 13, 12, 10, 10 or... You need to present me with every array combination that I can build with the +2, +1 or you are gimping me out of being able to design my PC the way I way, which isn't necessarily going to be the highest two stats I can make and leave the rest alone.

That means that instead of getting a single array(no decision) and then deciding where to put the bonuses(two easy decisions), I have to comb through several different arrays and pick the one that I want(one harder decision). I don't see where having to pick from several arrays is better than just sticking the bonuses where I want them.

 

[Bill Zebub]

I sorta get the point of just building the +2/+1 into point buy, but if you have to also keep it for rolled stats and standard array it largely defeats the purpose.

 

[Lojaan]

I see your point - if you can put your stat bonus anywhere... Why not just give more points? Totally works the same.

I'd go multiple options:

1. Quick start stats: no stat bonus and high standard array
2. & 3. Point buy and roll variations with stat bonus

HOWEVER I would make stat bonus based on class, not race or background, and give a limited choice. So you a wizard? You get 3 pts to spend across int, con & Dex with a max +2 in any one stat for example.

This avoids the big problem with stat bonuses and that is getting them where you don't want them resulting in underpowered characters.

 

[tetrasodium]

I'd like to see a lower pointbuy option pegged to 3d6 or lower rather than 4d6 keep3,

Also it would be nice if the charactersheet broke apart the base score fro,m the score mods so a 13 ewoth a +1 might be represented like thids on the sheet
[13/+1]
[ (+2) ]
The purpose there is sanity saving for a GM trying to check character sheets. Back when attributes were hardcoded +/-N by race it was easy to cross reference & add/subtract to get the baseline attribs & compare them to see if the player accurately used pointbuy. I can't do that when players are adding +1/+2 or +1/+1/+1 because there's just too many possible variables & not enough inputs the second a player moves from standard array to pointbuy.

 

[Bill Zebub]

I'd like to see a lower pointbuy option pegged to 3d6 or lower rather than 4d6 keep3,

Also it would be nice if the charactersheet broke apart the base score fro,m the score mods so a 13 ewoth a +1 might be represented like thids on the sheet
[13/+1]
[ (+2) ]
The purpose there is sanity saving for a GM trying to check character sheets. Back when attributes were hardcoded +/-N by race it was easy to cross reference & add/subtract to get the baseline attribs & compare them to see if the player accurately used pointbuy. I can't do that when players are adding +1/+2 or +1/+1/+1 because there's just too many possible variables & not enough inputs the second a player moves from standard array to pointbuy.

I have never once…ever…checked to see if the character a player has brought to a game has valid ability scores.

 

[tetrasodium]

I have never once…ever…checked to see if the character a player has brought to a game has valid ability scores.

It's necessicary with some players.