Ability score troubles [Archive] - Wizards Community

Ability score troubles [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Slayer_5
12-16-05, 05:16 PM Ok, im going to be in a 32 point buy game, and i want to play Monk or swashbuckler, and im having a real hard time with stats.

As the monk, I want the Karmic strike/Defensive throw combo, so I need an int 13 for the Combat Expertise.

As the Swashbuckler, i want a rocking dex (maybe an elven 20?), with a good Str and Int.

I'm used to dice rolled stats, and try as I might, I really can't seem to break myself away from the "I need an 18 in my prime stat!" method of thinking.

How big of a difference is a 16 compared to an 18, or even a 14 compared to a 16? Besides the obvious "+1", I mean like, with the point buy system, is an 18 even really worth it? 16's?

And how dumpy do I want my dump stats?

Thanks guys!
PhaedrusXY
12-16-05, 05:22 PM What books/sources are allowed? There is a feat in Dragon 319 (Kung Fu Genius), and another in some Eberron book (Carmendine? Monk), that lets you use Int instead of Wis for your monk abilities.
with the point buy system, is an 18 even really worth it? 16's?18 is only worth it if you're playing a character that depends heavily on only one ability score (like a druid).
RogerWilco
12-16-05, 05:30 PM I find that the "need 18" thinking is more a 2nd edition thing. Why not put WIS at 10, and everything else at 14?
I find that in point buy, you want a high primary spellcastin stat, like 16 at least, but spreading out the points over the other stats, avoiding the "expensive" 15-18, gives powerfull characters.
aprilia4life
12-16-05, 05:39 PM Just have some scores at 17 (eg. Dex, makes it 19 with an elf), 15 or 13 etc. Alot of the skills, when you add an extra point will add bonus' to all the related skills and stats.

Eg. With Con, HP's will go up +1 for each level you have, whereas with INT the number of skill points will only increase the level you increased INT and above.

So have it something like this 10,17,13,12,15,8

Or something.... plan for the future, to get the +1's
PhoenixInferno
12-17-05, 01:32 AM How dumpy do you want your dump stats? Depends on the character - for instance, a finesse fighter still wouldn't want to dump stat too much - you have to carry gear, your weapons and armor - and ph@t l3wt. Wizards can dump STR a bit more, unless they're looking to become a Lich at some point, then they can dump CON hard. Druids can dump physical stats almost completely because of Wild Shape.

18's are pretty much useless in a point-buy system.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Slayer_5 12-16-05, 05:16 PM	Ok, im going to be in a 32 point buy game, and i want to play Monk or swashbuckler, and im having a real hard time with stats. As the monk, I want the Karmic strike/Defensive throw combo, so I need an int 13 for the Combat Expertise. As the Swashbuckler, i want a rocking dex (maybe an elven 20?), with a good Str and Int. I'm used to dice rolled stats, and try as I might, I really can't seem to break myself away from the "I need an 18 in my prime stat!" method of thinking. How big of a difference is a 16 compared to an 18, or even a 14 compared to a 16? Besides the obvious "+1", I mean like, with the point buy system, is an 18 even really worth it? 16's? And how dumpy do I want my dump stats? Thanks guys!
PhaedrusXY 12-16-05, 05:22 PM	What books/sources are allowed? There is a feat in Dragon 319 (Kung Fu Genius), and another in some Eberron book (Carmendine? Monk), that lets you use Int instead of Wis for your monk abilities. with the point buy system, is an 18 even really worth it? 16's?18 is only worth it if you're playing a character that depends heavily on only one ability score (like a druid).
RogerWilco 12-16-05, 05:30 PM	I find that the "need 18" thinking is more a 2nd edition thing. Why not put WIS at 10, and everything else at 14? I find that in point buy, you want a high primary spellcastin stat, like 16 at least, but spreading out the points over the other stats, avoiding the "expensive" 15-18, gives powerfull characters.
aprilia4life 12-16-05, 05:39 PM	Just have some scores at 17 (eg. Dex, makes it 19 with an elf), 15 or 13 etc. Alot of the skills, when you add an extra point will add bonus' to all the related skills and stats. Eg. With Con, HP's will go up +1 for each level you have, whereas with INT the number of skill points will only increase the level you increased INT and above. So have it something like this 10,17,13,12,15,8 Or something.... plan for the future, to get the +1's
PhoenixInferno 12-17-05, 01:32 AM	How dumpy do you want your dump stats? Depends on the character - for instance, a finesse fighter still wouldn't want to dump stat too much - you have to carry gear, your weapons and armor - and ph@t l3wt. Wizards can dump STR a bit more, unless they're looking to become a Lich at some point, then they can dump CON hard. Druids can dump physical stats almost completely because of Wild Shape. 18's are pretty much useless in a point-buy system.