Attribute generation

[TheMadPhoenix]

I think the other martial classes should get the ability to choose their key attribute. For example, Paladins should get the choice to choose Str or Cha. Actually I think almost every class should have the ability to choose their key stat between a physical and mental. Also, I believe there should be a way to get con at 18 at start for at least martial characters. I like not having a stat over 18 at start but I think humans should be able to take a flaw (-2) to a stat (just one) to add an additional +2 to another stat keeping in mind that it can't go over 18.

[JoelF847]

I'd like any character to be able to take 1 ability flaw in step 4, free ability boosts. However, I see and agree with the reason not to allow trade off of an ability flaw for an additional ability bonus, to prevent unbalanced characters. The sidebar of just taking a flaw for fun though isn't a very fun option. I'd propose that instead, if you take an extra flaw during character creation (and it results in a score under 10), that you instead gain an additional skill feat at first level. Examples could be that you were sickly growing up, so you spent more time studying, or practicing to pickpocket, or you're a bit slow, but you're extra charming, etc.

[JoelF847]

agree with Mad Phoenix - classes shouldn't be locked into their key ability score. Even spellcasters should have the option to pick a non-spellcasting ability score as their class ability score boost at character creation. This allows for non-standard character design, and to better plan to multiclass. Most characters will still pick their current key ability scores, but for those who want to do something different, they should be able to.

[CommanderCoyler]

'Key ability score/modifier' as a term ties into certain feats, features etc.
For example, spellcasters have their spell point pool key off it:

Druidic order, p80 wrote:

You gain a pool of Spell Points. Your maximum number of Spell Points is equal to your key ability modifer. You regain all your Spell Points when you prepare your spells (see Daily Preparations on page 192)

They'd have to go through and change all the references to 'key ability modifier' to the intended stat(s) for the class if you allowed more key ability scores.

A solution could be to allow characters to choose between their key ability score, or Con for their class boost at creation. Gives a bit more leeway AND allows 18 con at level 1.

[JoelF847]

The other option is to separate the class driven ability boost from the key ability modifier. Keep key ability modifier as is, but let the player choose their ability boost from class, with the suggestion that it's generally a good idea to pick a key ability for your boost.

[Visenya]

I do understand and approve about the attribute boost system, when starting with 10 in each attributes ... you are in total control of the creation of your character ... I like , but not all players may like ... a good random or partially random generation of the attributes should be allowed too ...
1. the random generation you provide is a little strange to me ... rolling 4D6 (keeping 3D6) it means that the average results should be around 12 and not 10 ... if you keep all attributes boosts steps ... then it is much more powerful than the normal basic 10 ....
Maybe you should
1.1 keep just the direct 3D6 ... then all attributes boosts
1.2 4D6 but remove the background and the lvl 1 attributes boosts
1.3

2. Allowing lowering attributes is I think interesting ... as you say, playing a stupid barbarian or a weak sorcerer, is funny ... but Pathfinder is a game for players that love rules ... and asking a player to voluntary gimp is character with no reward may not function ...
I would allow, when you just put the 10 scores in all attributes, to lower 1 attribute to 8 and allow a raise of another attribute to 12 ... anyway the rule that you cannot raise your attributes higher than 18 at creation forbid players to do crazy things ...