I know that this is going to sound crazy, but it looks like the main technical limitation is the fact that the +2/+1 is tied to Class instead of Race in order allow support for the respec functionality.
If implementing respeccable +2/+2 for Shield Dwarves or +2/+1/+1 for Half-Elves is too challenging, how about we hardcode the extra +1 into the race and keep the variable +2/+1.
I understand that these racial bonuses would not be respeccable, same as Elves not being able to respec racial cantrip in the current game.
They can either:
Option 1:
Allow the player to allocate the +1 into Str/Con for Shield Dwarf or any stat for Half Elf or Human. THE CHARACTER WOULD BE LOCKED IN WITH THAT SELECTION FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE GAME.
This would be able to stack with the "class" +2/+1 for either +3/+1, +2/+2, or just +2/+1/+1.
Option 2:
Just give all three (human, half-elf, shield dwarf) +1 CON as a Racial since it's the most versatile stat across all classes and doesn't lead to busted builds.
Option 3: give Shield Dwarf a hardcoded +1 STR and Half-Elves a hardcoded +1 CHA. This will lead to busted builds, but it would be more fun than whatever the heck those races currently have.
I echo the sentiment of many other people in this thread. It feels really underwhelming to pick anything other than Half-Orc, Wood-Elf or Halfling for any martial class.
I miss the fun I used to have with 16/16/16/9/9/9 Human Fighter/Ranger/Barbarian builds. or even 9/16/16- 16 in main stat Human casters.
