Ability Scores and Subraces

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

OnslaughtIT

Jul 30, 2014 17:37:51

Hello,

 

I was reading the Basic Rules and got confused with subraces' ability score increases.

 

For example, since a Dwarf have a +2 CON, what is the ability increase of a Mountain Dwarf?

 

a) +2 CON, plus +2 STR due subrace

b) +2 STR, b/c a subrace abiliti increaces overwrite " normal" bonuses

 

If " b" is the right one... what is a "basic" Dwarf?

 

I think this wording is a bit confusing... moreover, a race that gets a starting increase of +4 is quite something!

 

Thanks!

#2

Tichrimo

Jul 30, 2014 17:59:55 		From the Basic rules, pg. 11, under "Subraces": "Members of a subrace have the traits of the parent race in addition to the traits specified for their subrace." While it doesn't say you're compelled to choose a subrace if they're offered, it would certainly be mechanically disadvantageous to do so (as you've already noted).
#3

alienux

Jul 30, 2014 18:39:59

The intention is that you choose a race, and then additionally, you choose one of the available subraces for your character. Because of that, you get all of the bonuses/traits of the base race and the subrace all together.

#4

ShevarashG

Jul 30, 2014 22:36:08

There is no "basic" race, you should choose subrace whichever race you want. So you get both basic and subrace bonuses too ..

#5

shivafang

Aug 04, 2014 14:49:42

Sorry, I feel compelled to correct what was said here;

 

"While it doesn't say you're compelled to choose a subrace if they're offered, it would certainly be mechanically disadvantageous not to do so ."

 

Tichrimo wrote:
#6

Grazel

Aug 06, 2014 4:10:06

You get both, and yes most races now get a +4, but considering the human in 5e now gets a +1 on all scores that's +6 with the drawback of no other racial features (darkvision, resistsances, etc.). Overall it's not a huge difference as there's not as many ways to raise ability scores and no score can go above 20 even with magical items. A +2 to an ability score is a +1 to a save, skill check, proficiency check, or other effect tied to the ability (hp for CON, attack/damage for STR and DEX depending on weapon, etc.)