Amechra
2015-09-07, 09:30 PM
Here's a quick idea I had: to emphasize the difference between "you at level 1" and "you at level 6", start everyone off with a lower stat array, but give them rapid improvements to their ability scores.
To whit:
Every PC starts with the non-Elite ability score array. Put an A next to the ability score you put your 13 into, a B next to the one you put a 12 into, a C next to the one that you put an 11 into, a D next to the one you put your 10 into, and an E next to the one you put the 9 into.
At 2nd level, a PC increases ability scores A and B by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial penalty by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.
At 3rd level, a PC increases ability scores C and D by one.
At 4th level, a PC increases ability score E, as well as one other of their choice, by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a racial bonus and one that receives a racial penalty by one.
At 5th level, a PC increases ability scores A and C by one.
At 6th level, a PC increases ability scores B and D by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial bonus by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.
This is purposefully designed so that you'll end up with the Elite array plus 3 discretionary points, 2 points split amongst your racial bonuses, and 2 points split between your racial penalties. For races that don't receive ability score bonuses, they lose out on those particular bonus points - they basically trade two extra points of ability scores for whatever other bonuses they have.
To whit:
Every PC starts with the non-Elite ability score array. Put an A next to the ability score you put your 13 into, a B next to the one you put a 12 into, a C next to the one that you put an 11 into, a D next to the one you put your 10 into, and an E next to the one you put the 9 into.
At 2nd level, a PC increases ability scores A and B by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial penalty by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.
At 3rd level, a PC increases ability scores C and D by one.
At 4th level, a PC increases ability score E, as well as one other of their choice, by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a racial bonus and one that receives a racial penalty by one.
At 5th level, a PC increases ability scores A and C by one.
At 6th level, a PC increases ability scores B and D by one. In addition, they increase one ability score that receives a Racial bonus by one, as well as one other ability score that receives neither a racial bonus nor penalty.
This is purposefully designed so that you'll end up with the Elite array plus 3 discretionary points, 2 points split amongst your racial bonuses, and 2 points split between your racial penalties. For races that don't receive ability score bonuses, they lose out on those particular bonus points - they basically trade two extra points of ability scores for whatever other bonuses they have.