deconstruction of od&d ability scores and their effects
Surprise! You get some proper punctuation because I originally wrote this in a Word document. In OD&D , 3d6-based effects are tied together under a particular ability score. Maximum # of Hirelings and Hireling Loyalty Base as Charisma System Shock Survival and Extra Hit Points per Hit Die as Constitution Missile To-Hit Bonus and Initiative Bonus as Dexterity Mage XP Bonus and Extra Languages Known as Intelligence Fighter XP Bonus as Strength Cleric XP Bonus as Wisdom In each of the tables that follow, the most average scores [9, 12] are highlighted. By wrapping up these 10 different effects into the 6 abilities, the Dungeons & Dragons game establishes character archetypes. Since most effects of ability scores only take place for those with scores outside of the middle ~50%, with the notable exception of system shock survival [1], the expectation is that characters will have 3 average abilities (with effects) and 3 abilities (with effects) significantly below or above average.