Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Toshi Aug 29, 2014 22:52:08	So, can a character have a higher score than 20 or is this capped (excluding the barbarian's 24)?.  Is this just for when the ability on 4th, 8th, 12th etc,  allows then to add 2?
#2 mellored Aug 29, 2014 22:55:30	It's capped at 20.   Even for the barbarian.
#3 Zephirum Aug 29, 2014 23:14:57	Toshi wrote:
(Reply to #2) Ashrym	mellored wrote:
#5 Et_tu Aug 30, 2014 8:16:41	The max ability score is 20.  The only exception being a level 20 Barbarian can have 24 str and con.
(Reply to #2) Toshi	mellored wrote:
#7 Toshi Aug 30, 2014 8:51:32	So even with racial bonuses?  It seems racial bonuses would allow you to go beyond the cap, but I haven't read it close enough.  Anyway, I think it should be really hard to increase past 20, but not impossible.  Maybe the DMG will have rules for this.
#8 shivafang Aug 30, 2014 9:15:52	Toshi wrote:
#9 mellored Aug 30, 2014 9:17:02	Toshi wrote:
(Reply to #7) Ashrym	Toshi wrote:
#11 Jay_Ibero_911 Aug 30, 2014 9:41:02	The various belts of giant strength can set your strength to higher than 20, making them quite special.
#12 Polaris Aug 30, 2014 9:45:35	Zephirum wrote:
#13 Yunru Aug 30, 2014 9:47:10	Racial bonuses don't matter, none are higher than +2 so the most you can get with a racial bonus is 20 anyway (roll an 18).
#14 shivafang Aug 30, 2014 9:50:43	Jay_Ibero_911 wrote:
(Reply to #14) Bloodscythe	shivafang wrote:
#16 shivafang Aug 30, 2014 10:22:13	Bloodscythe wrote:
#17 mellored Aug 30, 2014 10:46:54	shivafang wrote:
#18 Devils-Advocate Aug 30, 2014 12:18:36	Honestly, I don't think removing the caps would have much impact. The highest score you could possibly get is 32 if you roll an 18, take a race with a +2 in that score, play a fighter, and spend all 6 of your ability score increases on that score. You'd break bounded accuracy, but I don't think most people who want the cap removed want to play a character that over-specialized anyway. A 22 here or there won't break the system math, and would come at a huge opportunity cost anyway, you miss out on the potential for Feats or advance in any other abilities. And with fewer skills, smaller bonuses, and a save for every score, it's more important to balance your stats in this edition. So if you really hate the stat caps, taking them out probably won't ruin your game.
#19 shivafang Aug 30, 2014 12:38:32	I don't hate the stat caps, personally.  I just know players who do.
#20 UnknownMourner Aug 30, 2014 16:17:38	The bonuses are too flat over 20 levels to allow higher.   Leveling basically gives you +6 now, from proficiency. Attributes can give +5.   Before it was +20 vs. about +8 or so.   Attributes are already going to be your biggest plus.   There won't be AC 45 monsters.
#21 shivafang Aug 30, 2014 16:19:03	UnknownMourner wrote:
#22 KarlB Aug 30, 2014 17:14:15	I'm fairly certain capping stats at 20 was a design decision so that all races become viable for all classes. Yes, you could play a Dwarven Wizard. It would just take a bit longer to level off. In 4th ed, the game assumed you'd always play an optimized build and would level your primary two stats all the time, so if you chose a race without those favorable stats, you'd be forever gimped.   Trust me, the level cap is a good thing.