Should they implement a rule that allows you to swap racial abilities?

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

XunValDorl_of_HouseKilsek

Jul 06, 2014 6:54:24

I think they should implement a rule that allows a character to swap out one of their racial abilities in place of another. Giving the Mountain Dwarf armour proficiencies sucks when you plan on playing a fighter or a cleric, and possibly even paladin and ranger since these classes already give you armour proficiency. 

#2

Brimleydower

Jul 06, 2014 7:11:22

That is probably, specifically, why they gave Mountain Dwarf the +2 Str. +2 Str and +2 Con is huge for melee types who value armor (and are likely already proficient). That +2 Str isn't very valuable to non-melee types, but the armor proficiency is. I think it's more balanced than a glance indicates.

#3

Orethalion

Jul 06, 2014 7:23:48

Allowing swaps like that would wreck balance, as well as rendering racial choice nearly meaningless.  No, they should not allow it.

#4

AH_schulerta

Jul 06, 2014 7:36:47

I think giving Armor/Weapon proficiencies as racial abilities is a bad idea personally. I do agree that the Mtn Dwarf is balanced by his ability mods however. 

#5

pukunui

Jul 06, 2014 13:58:01

I asked Mike about this a while back. He said that alternate racial traits is something they were considering. If it makes it into the rules at all, I reckon it'll be in the DMG.

#6

MechaPilot

Jul 06, 2014 14:11:32

XunValDorl_of_HouseKilsek wrote:
#7

pukunui

Jul 06, 2014 14:14:04

Maybe mtn dwarves do have compulsory military service!

#8

jaelis

Jul 06, 2014 14:18:29

Until/unless they give us alternate racial traits, I think the best bet is to work with your DM on something houseruled. Giving carte blanch to mix and match racial traits as desired seems like a bad idea though.

 

In the particular case of the mountain dwarf, I would not let you substitute the armor prof for something more "useful" and still keep the +2 Str.

#9

MechaPilot

Jul 06, 2014 14:21:29

pukunui wrote:
#10

kill_the_wiz_first

Jul 06, 2014 14:39:18

Depends on how lenient or strict this ability swapping would be. I suppose if the DM responded instanly to a question about racial ability swapping with "Sure, I can see that as a possibility," then, sure why not at that table. If the question gives pause with a response of "Did you take your ritalin before showing today?" then you may want to rethink what you're asking for. I don't see any need for a rule of this type in player or DM handbook and let the campaign table decide.

 

Really, if any ability could be swapped out we might as well not even bother with picking a race and just go as New Avatar Profile as our race and let it work itself out in a few levels.

#11

MechaPilot

Jul 06, 2014 14:47:38

kill_the_wiz_first wrote:
#12

kill_the_wiz_first

Jul 06, 2014 14:53:16

MechaPilot wrote:
#13

Mirtek

Jul 06, 2014 14:54:17

Orethalion wrote:
#14

MechaPilot

Jul 06, 2014 15:01:34

Orethalion wrote:
#15

XunValDorl_of_HouseKilsek

Jul 06, 2014 15:39:36

This is already an option in Pathfinder.