The Dreaded Odd-Numbered Ability Score Bonus

[Destan]

I could use some advice.

I'm considering implementing a +1/-2 ability score modifier to various ethnic groups of Humans within my campaign world.

I know that we rarely if ever see odd-based bonuses and penalties - racial modifications are generally +2/-2, stat-enchancing items are +2/-2, or increments thereof.

Point taken.

One reason for this seems to be so that folks can't "hide" penalties. A character with +1/-1, for example, could give himself an 11 STR and 11 CON. The modifications would therefore result in STR 12 and CON 10, giving him a bonus in STR and no penalty in CON.

Point taken.

So...I still want to differentiate human ethnic groups and I'd like to do so via stat adjustments (among other things). They are not as extreme as the differences between humans and demi-humans, for example, so the +1/-2 formula appealed to me.

It gives a (smaller) bonus to one stat, but maintains a -2 modifier (thereby preventing someone from 'hiding' the penalty).

Does this sound reasonable? Stupid? Imbalanced? What am I missing?

Thanks!

D

 

[Anabstercorian]

It's not a bad idea. I think a better method would be to grant a +1 bonus to a certain aspect of whatever ability they get a bonus to - For example, if they were getting +1 to Constitution, they instead get a racial +1 to all fortitude saves and concentration checks.

 

[Beholder Bob]

The best way to dodge the possible problem is during character creation. Require race selection be done before rolling stats, have stats rolled in order. This does not work with point buy for stats.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Generally, applying racial modifications to Human "subraces" is an even stickier notion than odd ability score modifiers. Regional feats tend to be a better solution, though they, of course, take up a feat slot.

If you're committed to doing so, I'd reccomend sticking to a +2/-2 pattern anyway, since these are not generally large adjustments.

Another option, if you are familiar with the racial levels system from Arcana Unearthed, is to have each ethnic group have specific skills, one regional feat, and one ability score that they are associated with. Use those skills for the Human racial class skill list, that feat for the bonus feat that a second level Human gains, and that ability score as the one that is improved at third level Human.

If you're not familiar with racial levels, check them out here. They're a good addition to any game, in my opinion.

 

[Vaxalon]

Oh, those Racial Levels make all kinds of sense.

I think I'm going to use them as a foundation for "Cultural Levels"...

 

[Destan]

If you're not familiar with racial levels, check them out here. They're a good addition to any game, in my opinion.

Excellent. Thanks for the link, Korimyr!

D

 

[Stalker0]

One suggestion I would do is look at the strength tables: how much one can carry based on their strength score and compare the 10 score to whatever you are trying to make the average too. IF your going for realism, remember that a 12 str is a LOT stronger than a 10, much moreso than the +1 would often indicate. While a man is on average stronger than a woman, compared to the fantasy creatures in the game its such a small difference its not worth showing it mechanically. So with that in mind, take a look and see if your subraces are really THAT different that they actually need different stat adjustments.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Oh, those Racial Levels make all kinds of sense.

I love them. I'm going to be writing up a version for full-blood Orcs, since they're a player race in my campaigns. I also need to tweak the Half Orc a bit, since I've changed their abilities. (Going to knock their BAB and Hit Die to give them 2/3 spellcasting.)

I especially like them because they're an easy way to distinguish between a standard "core" race and a more advanced version of it-- and using a core race with a different racial progression, you could easily use it to differentiate between subraces. (I'm currently using templates. Drow are Night-Adapted Elves, for instance.)

You can also use them as a prerequisite for "paragon" Prestige Classes, like the Bladesinger or the Dwarven Defender. Requiring at least one level in the racial class makes members of those Prestige Classes more "pure" Elves or Dwarves-- and it forces Half Elves to choose their Elven parent to qualify, as well.