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General Tabletop Discussion
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition (A5E)
What if an array is the default?
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<blockquote data-quote="Haldrik" data-source="post: 8068964" data-attributes="member: 6694221"><p>The point of the array is to officially define an "average" (or "modality"/"plurality"), while simultaneously making it clear that many individuals deviate from this average.</p><p></p><p>In other words, the array opens up design space for unique concepts and creativity.</p><p></p><p>If a DM or player wants to play a stereotype, according to Common expectations, then the array is a go-to.</p><p></p><p>If a DM or player wants to play an Uncommon character, there is no problem.</p><p></p><p>If the DM or player wants a Rare character who plays against type, that too is fine.</p><p></p><p>In fact there is even more room for creativity. Currently, having race bonuses punishes players who want to play against type. An orc wizard will always start off inferior and never catch up until everyone hits the 20 ceiling. By using the array instead, players just rearranges the numbers, so the less typical orc wizard has a 16 Intelligence just like the more typical high elf wizard would.</p><p></p><p>Here the array is the default. The numbers are fine for most character concepts, including MAD ones. And the arrays are a convenient gauge to quantify a "typical" class, background, or heritage concept at a glance. But a player can easily substitute the 8+2d4 method to generate a character randomly, if that is what the player prefers. I suspect a table can even have some players use the array and some players use the random dice, without too much problem with balance.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Haldrik, post: 8068964, member: 6694221"] The point of the array is to officially define an "average" (or "modality"/"plurality"), while simultaneously making it clear that many individuals deviate from this average. In other words, the array opens up design space for unique concepts and creativity. If a DM or player wants to play a stereotype, according to Common expectations, then the array is a go-to. If a DM or player wants to play an Uncommon character, there is no problem. If the DM or player wants a Rare character who plays against type, that too is fine. In fact there is even more room for creativity. Currently, having race bonuses punishes players who want to play against type. An orc wizard will always start off inferior and never catch up until everyone hits the 20 ceiling. By using the array instead, players just rearranges the numbers, so the less typical orc wizard has a 16 Intelligence just like the more typical high elf wizard would. Here the array is the default. The numbers are fine for most character concepts, including MAD ones. And the arrays are a convenient gauge to quantify a "typical" class, background, or heritage concept at a glance. But a player can easily substitute the 8+2d4 method to generate a character randomly, if that is what the player prefers. I suspect a table can even have some players use the array and some players use the random dice, without too much problem with balance. [/QUOTE]
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Community
General Tabletop Discussion
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition (A5E)
What if an array is the default?
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