*sigh*
So they did it. And they didn't implement it as an option - it looks like the floating ability score is now the default. Now why would you play a half elf instead of an elf? The obvious answer is roleplay but in game mechanics it really means you have lesser versions of elven traits. Before half elves were both beautiful *and* skilled - now you can see in the dark but not quite as far. how. very. interesting.
The *only* argument for this rule that holds water is an attempt to avoid racist stereotypes. No other explanation satisfies. "species are defined by their unique feats" might apply to Pathfinder but 5e moved away from the 3.5 feat based system; if you are believe that the species differ by way of their access to feats you have created a system that is inferior to pathfinder. "we're implementing PF2 rules - we're just doing it badly"
And it does damage to the setting
"halflings are still quick and nimble" except they aren't - because that quickness was represented in the form of ability score bonuses. Now they are just short humans who are missing their 3.5 / pathfinder feats.
Indeed every species is a human with some cosmetic differences - except actual humans which are mechanically disadvantaged.
But, to be honest, I blame WoTC not Larian - they are anxious to move the game to 6e. While I support their intentions and some of their changes - like replacing the problematic word 'race' with species - but I think they are going about this the wrong way.
At this point I'm hoping that someone will design a setting as rich and compelling as Faerun because WotC keeps screwing up.
*double sigh*
