I hope that this doesn't go so far as to mean we can't have bad guys built like PCs with class levels and things.
I asked this at PaizoCon, and they said that you can build characters/creatures normally. I think that this is to condense stat blocks (looking at dragons, here), and to simplify quick monster creation if you're creating a new and unique world.
Also, put me on the side that doesn't like the idea of just stat modifiers for characters. I've played games with those, and it just... doesn't feel right to me.
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Edit: Your assertion that the other tweaks are less radical than what you're proposing is subjective. A change to mechanics like the one suggested here brings the game closer to a board game.
I actually disagree with these two statements quite strongly.
Firstly since most of the rules of the game just use the ability modifier none of those mechanics will be affected one bit by the disappearence of the score stat.
Secondly The few places where the score is used can very easily modified to use the modifier instead since both numbers track each other so closely, making gameplay either exactly the same as right now or very very close to it.
Removing score and just keeping modifier is a cleanup to character creation, advancement, and the character sheet. It has a small impact to actually playing the game. I don't think this is a subjective thing at all. Adding Stamina points that come back after a breather instead of all damage coming from HP do more to change how the game plays than this!
Heck with the ABP rules from Unchained Paizo is already moving away from the crunchy traditional +1 bumps to score that might or might not lead to a bump in modifier as ABP just gives +2 to score that guarantees a bump to the modifier.
Rolling for stats is pretty easily handled as well. Since rolling is an alternate ruleset meant for a more traditional (crunchy) feel all you'd have to do is.
Roll 3d6 as normal
-10
/2
round down
and write that modifier down. Viola!
In any case it is a big aesthetic change. And that is definitely a subjective preference.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Edit: Your assertion that the other tweaks are less radical than what you're proposing is subjective. A change to mechanics like the one suggested here brings the game closer to a board game.I actually disagree with these two statements quite strongly.
Firstly since most of the rules of the game just use the ability modifier none of those mechanics will be affected one bit by the disappearence of the score stat.
Secondly The few places where the score is used can very easily modified to use the modifier instead since both numbers track each other so closely, making gameplay either exactly the same as right now or very very close to it.
Removing score and just keeping modifier is a cleanup to character creation, advancement, and the character sheet. It has a small impact to actually playing the game. I don't think this is a subjective thing at all. Adding Stamina points that come back after a breather instead of all damage coming from HP do more to change how the game plays than this!
Heck with the ABP rules from Unchained Paizo is already moving away from the crunchy traditional +1 bumps to score that might or might not lead to a bump in modifier as ABP just gives +2 to score that guarantees a bump to the modifier.
Rolling for stats is pretty easily handled as well. Since rolling is an alternate ruleset meant for a more traditional (crunchy) feel all you'd have to do is.
Roll 3d6 as normal
-10
/2
round down
and write that modifier down. Viola!In any case it is a big aesthetic change. And that is definitely a subjective preference.
To avoid division and to match ability buy boundaries neatly, you could even just do 3d3-5, which has a minimum of -2 (equivalent to 6-7 in a score) and a maximum of +4 (equivalent to 18-19 in a score).
