Frequency of ability score increases as module rewards?

[Mike Schneider]

I'm working on some complex builds for potential new characters, and am wondering if ability score increases are occasionally (if exceedingly rarely) given as a reward in modules -- of if that does not occur as a matter of policy.

(This has a bearing on whether or not it's advisable to start with "too many" odd-numbered ability scores (since at most three can be raised before retirement.)

[ithuriel]

I've never seen that happen, but I can only speak for 30 or so scenarios and very few of the higher tier ones.

[caubocalypse]

The only boon you will see is +'s (or -'s depending on what you play) to certain skill checks or a 1 time bonus to a roll. No scenario gives you an ability stat increase (and I'm glad tbh). I would probably say it is a matter of policy.

[MisterSlanky]

An ability score boost has not yet occurred as a boon on a chronicle sheet. As a matter of policy, I think it's fair to say that chronicle boons are considered "one-off" or "minor-bonuses". I personally would not expect to see a bonus attribute point as a boon on any of the chronicle sheets for the society modules.

[Baraccus]

I, for one, hope it never happens. The only time I ever saw an ability increase in a mod was in Living Greyhawk. A party of 6 of us players (all 1st level) find a Kobold Paladin lying wounded by a trail. One player decides to coup de graces it (completely in character of course) before anyone else has a chance to decide what to do, effectively eliminating half of the adventure and taking away the only chance at an ability boost that we had ever seen. Some of the players have never let that go and still bring it up when he's around.

[Mike Schneider]

OK, then how often does permanent stat-loss occur?

[MisterSlanky]

Mike Schneider wrote:

OK, then how often does permanent stat-loss occur?

You can usually have it fixed via restoration, but it's been known to happen as a negative boon should you fail a mission (although I've never seen anybody suffer through a failure of that magnitude).

[ithuriel]

I've only seen stat loss on one chronicle sheet and you have to fail fairly spectacularly to get it. Otherwise certain monsters here and there, but like Ryan says you just end up paying gold or prestige to get it reversed later.

[Mike Schneider]

Thanks.

(So, one single odd stat it is, then: level at 4th, then it or something else up 2 at 12th for the concluding arc. Only reason to get funky is with STR in weaker characters so they can't be as easily killed by wights, and can qualify for Power Attack with a Belt or Ioun.)

[Todd Lower]

Mike Schneider wrote:

Thanks.

(So, one single odd stat it is, then: level at 4th, then it or something else up 2 at 12th for the concluding arc. Only reason to get funky is with STR in weaker characters so they can't be as easily killed by wights, and can qualify for Power Attack with a Belt or Ioun.)

Don't forget carrying capacity is adjusted for each point of strength too.

[Eric Clingenpeel]

Mike Schneider wrote:

Thanks.

(So, one single odd stat it is, then: level at 4th, then it or something else up 2 at 12th for the concluding arc. Only reason to get funky is with STR in weaker characters so they can't be as easily killed by wights, and can qualify for Power Attack with a Belt or Ioun.)

Don't forget about 8th lvl

[Mike Schneider]

If you have only one odd stat, then the bump at 8th (where one goes odd again) has no game effect unless it dovetails with a feat requirement.

[ghanigan]

Mike Schneider wrote:

If you have only one odd stat, then the bump at 8th (where one goes odd again) has no game effect unless it dovetails with a feat requirement.

Remember, you'll also be playing one full retirement series at 12th level, when you get the third stat-boost. You can play at least one adventure after that (Tomb of the Iron Medusa), and there is likely to be even more adventures available in the future.

If your character is not particularly gear-dependent, you might plan to pick up a tome or manual to raise a stat by 1 point, as well.

[Jason S]

I hope we never see a permanent stat increase in any scenario.

[Mike Schneider]

So long as there's no permanent stat loss -- agreed.

[caubocalypse]

Mike Schneider wrote:

So long as there's no permanent stat loss -- agreed.

Well there is one scenario where you can get permanent stat loss, but you have to fail miserably to get that 'boon.' I don't think I've ever heard of a table doing so badly.

[Scribbling Rambler]

Joseph Caubo wrote:

Mike Schneider wrote:

So long as there's no permanent stat loss -- agreed.

Well there is one scenario where you can get permanent stat loss, but you have to fail miserably to get that 'boon.' I don't think I've ever heard of a table doing so badly.

It has happened, and to an experienced group. It involved GM "freelancing".

[Kyle Baird]

K Neil Shackleton wrote:

It has happened, and to an experienced group. It involved GM "freelancing".

Not the F-word! Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Shouldn't you be out celebrating your 90th birthday, Neil?

[Scribbling Rambler]

Kyle Baird wrote:

K Neil Shackleton wrote:

It has happened, and to an experienced group. It involved GM "freelancing".

Not the F-word! Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Shouldn't you be out celebrating your 90th birthday, Neil?

89th, thank you very much. And I am currently in tequila recovery.

That Con drop for the venerable age category is a b&+*&.