Ability Score Substitutions

[Rater202]

So recently there's been a push to make races more modular, with ability score increases being decoupled from race in revisions and recent races.

But... Are there any rules for just using a different ability score for features? Like a Dark Elf that can use Wisdom for their dark elf magic or a monk that uses Cha for their unarmored defense or saving throws.

Or you know, anything like that?

Feat, Subclasses, alternate rules? Does anything like that officially exist?

[quindraco]

So recently there's been a push to make races more modular, with ability score increases being decoupled from race in revisions and recent races.

But... Are there any rules for just using a different ability score for features? Like a Dark Elf that can use Wisdom for their dark elf magic or a monk that uses Cha for their unarmored defense or saving throws.

Or you know, anything like that?

Feat, Subclasses, alternate rules? Does anything like that officially exist?

All new races since Tasha's have let you pick any of the three mental ability scores for racial spellcasting, but WOTC "forgot" to include that as a custom origin rule in Tasha's, so PCs don't have access to it on older races.

[KorvinStarmast]

All new races since Tasha's have let you pick any of the three mental ability scores for racial spellcasting, but WOTC "forgot" to include that as a custom origin rule in Tasha's, so PCs don't have access to it on older races.

Kind of like how they hosed PHB sorcerers and rangers vis a vis expanded spell lists. Careless.

[kingcheesepants]

Hexblades are often considered an excellent dip because they have a feature that lets you use cha for weapon attacks and damage. Artificers also get something similar with Int. And I don't think this matches your question exactly but monks get proficiency in all saves eventually and paladins get their auras which lets them add their cha to all their saves.

[Christew]

So recently there's been a push to make races more modular, with ability score increases being decoupled from race in revisions and recent races.

But... Are there any rules for just using a different ability score for features? Like a Dark Elf that can use Wisdom for their dark elf magic or a monk that uses Cha for their unarmored defense or saving throws.

Or you know, anything like that?

Feat, Subclasses, alternate rules? Does anything like that officially exist?

I imagine you've hit on one of the 5.5e changes here.

[Bobthewizard]

Like a Dark Elf that can use Wisdom for their dark elf magic or a monk that uses Cha for their unarmored defense or saving throws.

The first one of these is fine. Players picking the stat for racial spells is no big deal.

The second could lead to some potentially overpowered multi class builds. Monk using Cha for unarmored defense would be a very strong one level dip for a sorcerer or bard.

[Aaedimus]

Kind of like how they hosed PHB sorcerers and rangers vis a vis expanded spell lists. Careless.

They saved that change so you'd buy the later books.
It was a business choice
And when they do come out with it, you'll love them for it

[Aaedimus]

The first one of these is fine. Players picking the stat for racial spells is no big deal.

The second could lead to some potentially overpowered multi class builds. Monk using Cha for unarmored defense would be a very strong one level dip for a sorcerer or bard.

I mean, I'd love a single level monk dip for my 22 int bladesinger if that was the case lol