[RPG] How to explain balanced ability scores

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Some of my players wanted to create characters with ability scores higher than 20 as 1st level PCs. I cannot do that as I am running an adventure path which is made for characters with average stats. How can I explain to them the balance of the ability score system?

Best Answer

Explain that the balance is intended to provide the maximum amount of entertainment. Stats too low can be amusing and an empathetic DM can always work with that. If stats are boosted above 20 to start, the unfair advantage it provides would probably make the adventure dull/boring due to lack of investment into the character. I like to use extremes in explanations (although that has its own faults) to show how bad it could be. If your first level character had God like stats, nothing is challanging so there is very little incentive to do much...unless they would like 20th level stats and fight first level enemies. For further ammunition, explain that every encounter, monster, and trap is based off of an average stat system. When you mess with the stats you mess with the balance.

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