Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 8186101" data-attributes="member: 3424">You only need to start with a 14 in the ability score important to you because you can always use your 4th, 8th, and 12th level ASIs to keep your ability score modifier in step with your proficiency modifier next level, if that is what you want.Because it reduces the advantage of maxing out your ability score at 1st level, it makes a broader variety of characters more viable and hence, seen in play, even for hardcore min-maxers. If the net advantage of 16 Strength over 14 Strength at 1st level is +1 damage and higher carrying capacity, more players might be willing to go for 14 Strength (or maybe 15 Strength, to meet heavy armor requirements) instead if it means a higher Wisdom, granting an additional +1 bonus to Wisdom ability checks and saving throws.The proficiency bonus only sets the cap. If your ability score modifier is +1, it's still only +1.</blockquote>