Different species have morphological differences, I hope you won't deny that. A comparative analysis of those differences results into a relative attribute spread i.e. racial stats.
The Ability score system doesn't reflect those differences. The actual ability numbers themselves are completely arbitrary. A numerical stat bonus may convey some illusion of representing racial differences, but it just falls apart under scrutiny. The first and strongest point of that scrutiny is that whatever morphological differences there are, we don't know them, and I fail to see why some ability bonuses that have been around as tropes since early DnD editions should be treated as the only source of truth. Are high elves naturally smarter than their wood cousins or do they simply tend to live different livestyles? In the end it's just an abstract game mechanic. It isn't realistic, it was never meant to be realistic and I see no reason to defend it on such grounds.
I see how this strongest point works, but it doesn't work as well as you think. Firstly, let me showcase some examples where it does not work:
1 - Dwarves reflecting their sturdier looks and beefy builds with +2 in constitution 2 - Elves and drow reflecting their alienish builds and blade mastery with +2 in dexterity 3 - Half-Orcs reflecting their muscular builds (which they got with DNA from their orcish parent) with +2 in strength 4 - Halflings reflecting their +2 dexterity in their small stature and +1 in charisma with their cultural hospitality or +1 in constitution with their dwarven blood (I think here you might start reconsidering the idea behind your statement)
Then let's pass on to some examples that are up to debate, but still mostly don't support your point:
5 - Tieflings reflecting their devilish charm with +2 in charisma and their +1 depending on the heritage (once again I suggest to reconsider if you haven't already..) 6 - Gnomes reflecting their small frames in +1 dexterity or their comparative size in +1 constitution, while also having their connection with arcane and fey (and therefore understanding and possibly brain wires) reflected in +2 in intelligence.
There are some exceptions like humans, but those once again prove the idea behind the attributes. It is literally said that humans are OK in everything. It is literally represented through their +1 to all, you might call it an inate capacity for learning or other things, but it is there FOR A REASON.
I understand the appeal of destroying something that's been carefuly created for years, but if you want to destroy it, at least offer something worthwhile and logical in return. Then I'll happily buy it.
Last edited by neprostoman; 06/07/2305:25 PM. Reason: typo
