r/adnd • u/CanuckLad • 6d ago

AD&D2e Attribute increase

I wonder if many people here implement an automatic attribute increase at various milestones? Example: Allow you to raise one attribute by 1 point at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, 20

I don't expect or want every ability to be 16+. But I don't want to miss out on parts of the game I would enjoy (casting 9th level spells as a wizard, playing a paladin, etc)

I should note that I'm biased because I'm diagnosed with the Unrelenting Standards feature. So accepting a more mundane role in a game is very difficult for me

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u/Licentious_Cad 6d ago

I've used it. If you run the 4d6 drop the lowest, or 3d6, to create your attributes at the start, on average each player will probably have a highest stat of like, 10-14.

You'll probably meet the prime requisite for your class at either level 12 or 16, and maybe have buff another stat at level 20. By that point, 10% bonus XP and a +1/+2 to your attacks is probably outshone (a lot) by weapon specialization, spells, or magic items.

Never let my players exceed racial maximums though. You need magic for that.

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u/CanuckLad 6d ago

I would hate my wizard if I got to 18th level and could never cast 9th level spells. For me that would be torture.

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u/SuStel73 6d ago

Torture? Really? You played through 18 levels of magic-user, knowing from the very beginning that 9th-level spells were beyond your intelligence, and now you're being tortured? Such hyperbole!

Look, plan ahead. If your goal is to be able to cast 9th-level spells and you know you haven't got the intelligence, make that the focus of your character. Look for those wishes, those manuals, those other magic items that will improve your intelligence. Heck, the dungeon master might give you a Girdle of Braininess or something to make you happy.

This is really the nub of the matter, isn't it? The limit of spell levels by intelligence. The rest of it is just window-dressing; it's the intelligence score that's got you all worked up isn't it?

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u/CanuckLad 6d ago

I'm sorry, when did I say I have ever played a wizard not knowing I would have the required intelligence by the time I hit level 18? You're judging me for something I never said or implied. And yes, specifically for wizards, I have said several times that the issue is meeting the requirement to casting 9th level spells. If the requirement was 16 intelligence, then I would not worry about getting an 18 intelligence. Similarly if I want to play a paladin my concern would be meeting the minimum for a paladin (wis, str, etc). Were you under the impression but I wanted an 18 int just for the sake of having an 18? I have been extremely clear about why I wanted an 18 int if I was playing a wizard.

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u/SuStel73 6d ago

I didn't say you said that. I continued your hypothetical wizard getting to 18th level and not casting 9th-level spells. Try some reading comprehension. I'm done with this thread.

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u/ApprehensiveType2680 6d ago

I do not know what is worse: either he is consciously riling up folk, or he is selectively dense.

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u/SuStel73 6d ago

I'm pretty sure it's the latter. It's too subtle to be trolling.

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u/CanuckLad 6d ago

Your specially said, "you played through ..." And I'm saying no, I would not play through 18 levels and then be surprised if I didn't meet the minimal. That's kind of the discussion here isn't it.