For a campaign rule I am developing, I wanted to identify
the ability score most likely to be given short shrift by a player when
creating an ACKS character. I had a
notion based on play experience, but I thought I’d specifically survey the
rules (as written) to see where each ability score comes into play. Having done this, I thought I’d share my
results below. The only things I’ve
excluded are which ability scores are requisites for what classes, and the
related experience adjustment. Page
references are to ACKS core, Player’s Companion (PC) or Domains at War:
Campaigns (D@W:C). Domains at War:
Battles does not include any references not in Campaigns.
Strength
o melee attack throws and damage rolls
o Open Doors throws (including breaking
manacles, PC p. 152)
o maximum encumbrance
o break through web spell
Intelligence
o General proficiencies
o languages
o literacy (INT 9+)
o arcane spell repertoire (including starting
arcane spells)
o magic research throws
o maximum number of magic research assistants
o arcane ritual spells known
o crossbreed/undead special abilities
o in conjunction with Familiar, Familiar's
Intelligence
o shaman totem animal's Intelligence (halved)
o charm
person new saving throw
o Officer Strategic Ability (D@W:C p. 20)
Wisdom
o saving throws caused by spells or magic items
o Tampering with Mortality roll
o divine ritual spells known
o see through Disguise
o in conjunction with Righteous Turning,
turning throw and number of HD turned
o Officer Strategic Ability (D@W:C p. 20)
Dexterity
o missile weapon attack throws
o Armor Class
o Initiative
o dungeon chase saving throw versus Paralysis
(p. 100)
o in conjunction with Weapon Finesse,
one-handed melee weapon attack throws
Constitution
o hit points (up to 9th level)
o rounds running before exhaustion (p. 101)
o Mortal Wounds roll
o Death from Old Age (p. 249)
o in conjunction with Endurance, force march
additional day(s)
Charisma
o reaction rolls (a variety of applications in
the rules, including the Crime and Punishment table, p. 138, and the Results of
Interrogation table, D@W:C p. 62)
o maximum number of henchmen
o morale
o domain morale
o Officer Leadership Ability (D@W:C p. 20)
o Officer Morale Modifier (D@W:C p. 20; also
see Assassination hijink, D@W:C p. 63)
Combining the survey above with my play experience, I
perceive the following. Charisma may be at
least the second most important ability score for every character class. Intelligence is so critical to a mage (or
similar class), the mage should likely sacrifice every other ability score for
Intelligence (if that rule, p. 17, is being used). Strength is similarly important to a cleaving
class, however, the character who aspires to survive and lead on the
battlefield needs every other ability score point.
As an aside, additional spells involving other ability
scores in reasonable ways, similarly to charm
person and web are interesting
to think about.
What ability score do you believe is most likely to be
given short shrift by a player when creating an ACKS character? I’m not revealing my choice at this time
(although I’m happy my choice dovetails nicely with the campaign rule I’m
developing).
What campaign rules related to using ability scores in
play do you use?
