revloc09's page

That being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with not using size rules, at least between small and medium (as opposed to fine and colossal) but I personally wouldn't, to me it takes away part of what makes such characters unique.

Yes, in the end, there's a reason I chose a halfling barbarian... it's unconventional, unlikely, and FUN. I guess sticking with the rules stays true to that element of oddity that I like so much about this character.

I want to discuss the issue of size. The Beginner Box (hereafter: BB) doesn't use size (but then again it doesn't use either of the small races (Halfling or Gnome). In the Core Rulebook, however, the small races get the following traits based on their small size: +1 to Hit, +1 to AC, +4 to stealth, -1 to CMB and -1 to CMD. ALSO (and this is why I'm discussing size), they must use 'small' sized weapons - ALL of which use a die one size smaller to deal damage with than the medium sized version of it (for example a medium longsword uses D8 while a small longsword uses D6).

So for me, the small sized traits are all OK, and well balanced. BUT, the damage reduction for having to use small weapons is more than I can bear, so I have only used these size rules for one of my characters - all others I pretend like they don't exists (kinda like the BB). So
here's an argument to go along with it: If I run you through with a piercing weapon - small vs. medium - is the damage really going to be remarkably different? If we're talking about a small greataxe vs. a medium greataxe, now I can see that chopping with them will be different based on their weight. OK, but I kinda think the weight issue is accounted for by weapon differences (1d8 for battleaxe, 1d12 for greataxe), and instead of having small characters use small weapons, it would be easy enough to put strength requirements on the big ones (i.e. Greataxe requires Str. 16 ... you know like a composite bow). This makes better sense to me because if I've got a halfling barbarian with 18 strength (and I do :) his 18 strength is equal to that of any half-orc with 18 strength. Its not sized down because he's small. So if he's as strong as any other 18 str. character, why not be able to wield a (medium) greataxe (D12) with no penalties?

One final point. The small races already have a -2 modifier to their strength and that's already accounting for the reality that they will deal less damage chopping with an axe than somebody medium sized would. Likewise a halfling gets +2 Dex and therefore +1 AC and that's already accounting for them being harder to hit, so why bring size into the mix and all?

What do you guys think? I would prefer to completely do away size rules (for characters) in my games.