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Noob questions 1: Ability scores
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<blockquote data-quote="Laptopdude" data-source="post: 5487251" data-attributes="member: 93121"><p>If 3.5 took 3.0 and fixed a bunch of rules and abilities, then Pathfinder took 3.5, added alot of character options to the core rules, then simplified it. I have not played 4ed, so unfortunately I can't make any comparisons to it.</p><p></p><p>Personally, I've found Pathfinder to be similar to 3/3.5 in many respects, the most notable exception that you no longer HAVE to take a prestige class to be effective at higher levels.</p><p></p><p>As a player, I completely understand wanting to have all 6 ability scores as high as physically possible. However, I've found that it's more fun to play a character with flaws. If your character is perfect, where's the challenge in combat/diplomacy/etc? Also, as a DM, I love the diversity that different skill sets bring to a party. One player's weakness is another player's chance to shine. I think every character should have at least one ability score that's under a 10.</p><p></p><p>I'd say that having more than two stats above 15 (or having more than one 18) usually results in a VERY powerful character. On the other hand, I do think that a 15 point buy is rather limiting; if I used the point buy system (which I do not; I prefer rolling) I would probably do 25. I don't think it's possible to get broken ability scores via point buy unless you do something way up there like 40 points, which is the entire point of point buy (pardon the pun).</p><p></p><p>I would say your character is definitely not broken if your highest stat is 15. As for minimum scores, when using point-buy that is really a moot point. When rolling dice, if your total bonus is less than 0, you can reroll your entire stat-block (personally I house rule that you can reroll if your total bonus is less than +5).</p><p></p><p>Yes, this does limit certain classes just as it did in past editions. In most cases, this is intentional so as to provide greater balance for the game. Your only options are racial adjustments, spells, or magic items. Again, I don't think a character with all 18s would be fun for the players or the DM, despite how much you "need" high scores to be effective.</p><p></p><p>I'm pretty sure it's mentioned once in some obscure place...but I know for a fact that you are correct. You get 1 ability point to put in any ability score at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level. And yes, this is the same as in 3/3.5 edition.</p><p></p><p>Hope some of that helps,</p><p>--Laptopdude--</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laptopdude, post: 5487251, member: 93121"] If 3.5 took 3.0 and fixed a bunch of rules and abilities, then Pathfinder took 3.5, added alot of character options to the core rules, then simplified it. I have not played 4ed, so unfortunately I can't make any comparisons to it. Personally, I've found Pathfinder to be similar to 3/3.5 in many respects, the most notable exception that you no longer HAVE to take a prestige class to be effective at higher levels. As a player, I completely understand wanting to have all 6 ability scores as high as physically possible. However, I've found that it's more fun to play a character with flaws. If your character is perfect, where's the challenge in combat/diplomacy/etc? Also, as a DM, I love the diversity that different skill sets bring to a party. One player's weakness is another player's chance to shine. I think every character should have at least one ability score that's under a 10. I'd say that having more than two stats above 15 (or having more than one 18) usually results in a VERY powerful character. On the other hand, I do think that a 15 point buy is rather limiting; if I used the point buy system (which I do not; I prefer rolling) I would probably do 25. I don't think it's possible to get broken ability scores via point buy unless you do something way up there like 40 points, which is the entire point of point buy (pardon the pun). I would say your character is definitely not broken if your highest stat is 15. As for minimum scores, when using point-buy that is really a moot point. When rolling dice, if your total bonus is less than 0, you can reroll your entire stat-block (personally I house rule that you can reroll if your total bonus is less than +5). Yes, this does limit certain classes just as it did in past editions. In most cases, this is intentional so as to provide greater balance for the game. Your only options are racial adjustments, spells, or magic items. Again, I don't think a character with all 18s would be fun for the players or the DM, despite how much you "need" high scores to be effective. I'm pretty sure it's mentioned once in some obscure place...but I know for a fact that you are correct. You get 1 ability point to put in any ability score at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th level. And yes, this is the same as in 3/3.5 edition. Hope some of that helps, --Laptopdude-- [/QUOTE]
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Noob questions 1: Ability scores
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