D&D 5E (2024) The impact of reducing Ability Scores?

[TwoSix]

2. Using a stat draft array that makes sure no one can have an 18 to start without using their 1st level ASI.

I always upvote stat draft!

 

[TheSword]

I would be fine with it as long as the max cap for stats is at 16, not 20.

The problem with starting at lower stats is that it puts more pressure on you to take ASIs because of mechanical need instead of fun feats, and I’m a big proponent of players taking fun feats and getting them earlier.

Do you think the mechanical bonuses granted by feats are as good as that extra +1 for taking a +2 ASI Instead?

 

[aiouh]

5.5 is criticized as being the most powerful edition of the game so far. Which might be challenge if you want to play in something like a Ravenloft campaign, where unbridled heroic power might limit the options for interesting encounters.

I feel like this whole exercise of meddling with a big and well oiled machine and interlocking systems can be avoided by simply turning the knob named "Encounter Difficulty", unless the express purpose is to take tools away from the players.

 

[TwoSix]

Do you think the mechanical bonuses granted by feats are as good as that extra +1 for taking a +2 ASI Instead?

In general, I think maxing out the ability score for your primary class stat is the mechanically optimal choice, outside of certain niche situations and character concepts.

I wish that wasn't the case; I enjoy seeing mechanical build diversity and concept diversity, and I would rather my players (or myself when I'm a player) be able to pick feats that enhance their concept without feeling the tug of pressure to mechanically optimize by raising stats.

In my perfect version of 5e, the "+2 ASI" option wouldn't exist; either stats would raise automatically with level or the only way to raise stats is through the feats that give "+1 to stat" plus other bonuses.

That's why in my normal games of 5e, I always let the players start with at least one 17 or 18, so that starting point plus racial bonus gives them a starting 19 or 20 and doesn't give pressure to spend the level 4 feat on a "boring" +2 ASI.