I hear you and I largely agree. Races should feel distinct and the features they grant should give them an identity.
What I'm saying is that achieving this via ability scores is poor design in my opinion. I'm biased here due to my positive experiences with Pathfinder 2e where each race receives one "free" increase to any ability (which allows them to start on fair and equal footing compared to other options) and a list of unique racial feats to choose from. These feats give each race a lot of personality and made me realize that ability scores aren't necessary to achieve that feeling of unique identity at all - in fact, they're detrimental because they shrink your pool of viable choices.
I'm not opposed to implementing racial feats. (although unlike @sangsang2 I hated DOS2's elves and, well, the rest of that world come to think of it) But you should implement a slew of feats before considering taking away the ability score increases; give before you take.
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My other point is, this is already a thing in 5e. The dextrous and nimble halflings are small,
But why are they dexterous? Sounds like the change would make some dexterous and some not.
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The primal, graceful wood elves move swiftly and hide easily among forest foliage.
And their close connection with nature makes them wiser than most. Please don't take that away from them.
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And if someone wants to play a chonky halfling barbarian and not feel behind, why not?
Indeed. And they can and they should; the DM should reward their decision to play against type by being generous with inspiration points and such for good roleplay.
But - as I've said before - players want to break rules. The fun of playing against type goes away if the type goes away. And a halfling that is just short is a short human imo.
Originally Posted by Sangsang2
Numbers are boring.
Nah.
I'm imposing a -2 on savings throws for uttering this heresy. This curse can only be lifted by restoring the paint on the DM's dice while contemplating the question "how did these oddly shaped number generators become the DnD's most recognizable symbol"?
