[I tried searching for this question, but couldn't find another post on it.]
I picked up the 2nd edition Core Rulebook recently, and made a few characters.
From what I understand, characters get ability score boost from (1) Ancestry, (2) Background, (3) Class, and (4) four free boosts. One cannot apply a boost to the same score at any of these steps.
Unless I missed something, none of the classes can give a boost to Constitution. Therefore, no first-level character can have an 18 Constitution.
Did I miss something?
If I didn't, I'm mildly disappointed. How game-breaking would it be to allow barbarians to use Constitution as their key ability score?
You're correct, no one will have more than 16 con at level 1.
Allowing barbarians to have +2 con instead of str wouldn't break the game, but it would result in a less powerful character overall. Maxing out your "to hit" attribute is pretty important in this edition.
You're correct, no one will have more than 16 con at level 1.
Allowing barbarians to have +2 con instead of str wouldn't break the game, but it would result in a less powerful character overall. Maxing out your "to hit" attribute is pretty important in this edition.
It's good, but you can do just fine without maximizing your hit stat. But you must have it max if your goal is to optimize. Everyone can afford to not max their main stat if they really want to, which is a great thing to have in the game.
You're correct, no one will have more than 16 con at level 1.
Allowing barbarians to have +2 con instead of str wouldn't break the game, but it would result in a less powerful character overall. Maxing out your "to hit" attribute is pretty important in this edition.
I will agree that it is more important than con, but having a +1 for 10 levels of the game (1-4, 10-14,20) isn't particularly important either.
This all said, totally doable to have 18 in con if you roll for stats ;) :P
Con is a relatively weak stat though.
Until we get a class whose key ability is constitution, or a subclass that allows that as a choice (like how the scoundrel rogue lets you bump Cha not Dex), yes.
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Until we get a class whose key ability is constitution, or a subclass that allows that as a choice (like how the scoundrel rogue lets you bump Cha not Dex), yes.
I'd love to see that in an Invulnerable Rager barbarian rebuild.
Key stat: Constitution. You are built to tank damage. At low levels you win by tiring out your enemies (maybe some way to force them to attack you and your buckets of HP/DR). Slash to the chest? Not even a flesh wound. Bitten by a werewolf? Bite it back and make it let go. Dragon kicks you in the junk? LAUGH and return the favour!