A Game of Misfits

[k-raov]

So, i'm one of those people who prefer to play either average or below-average characters in a majority of the games I play. I mean, playing above-average characters is great sometimes, but to me, it gets kinda old fast. So, while mulling over the whys of this one day, I had an idea pop into my head. I'd like to get some others' opinions of it.

The game would be D&D 3.5, and the party would consist of 5 pre-made characters: a Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard, and one more that i haven't decided on. However, here's the catch:

Fighter Stats: Str 8-9, Dex 10, Con 8-9, Int 15-16, Wis 14-15, Cha 10
Rogue ": Str 9-10, Dex 7-8, Con 15-16, Int 10, Wis 7-8, Cha 10
Cleric ": Str 10, Dex 15-16, Con 12, Int 9, Wis 8-9, Cha 9
Wizard ": Str 15-16, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 8-9, Wis 10, Cha 7-9

You get the idea. The completely useless attributes are the ones that are the primary focus of the character. This game can be set in any setting you like (I was leaning towards Faerun or something to that extent).

Now, why run this game? Well, I think that it would contribute to a more non-linear style of play in that the characters will have to work through things differently than they would with a standard attribute spread. For instance, the Fighter won't really have the ability to just wade into combat all nilly-willy, just as the Wizard won't be able to just sit from the sidelines and toss spells. I think that it would cause the players themselves to actually learn alternate ways to play their characters.

Thoughts, opinions?

wEs

[CountFalchiezVander]

I want the rogue, I want the rogue!!!!!!

I just want to know what racial options we have, as well as flaws and traits that can add real depth to the character, especially if the flaws and traits stack negatives on the already low stats.

[k-raov]

Y'know, I always thought that d20 should have something to counterbalance the feat system. Negative Feats or whatever. That might be something worth looking into, however, the feat:negative feat ratio would have to be enough to keep the balance proper. Maybe i'll make another idea thread tomorrow.

wEs

[CountFalchiezVander]

Overall opinion? Love it, I prefer characters with a few low stats, makes them more personable. My table top group are all about the high stats, but AC best to hit and damage, but me, I am the guy in the background that saves your butt when the DM decides that those people need to be put in their place. If you do go ahead and run this, I would love to play a orc/half orc or half ogre rogue, man have I got some character ideas for that, especially with the stats you gave the rogue...

[k-raov]

I wasn't considering running it, I was just throwing the idea out there. I'm the same way with my characters. One of my favorite characters of all time was a 1st Ed. Fighter with a 5 Con. I played it that he was short a lung due to a traumatic battle earlier in his life, so he was constantly short-winded.

Anyway, back on track. Like I said in the original post, I think playing below-average characters causes the players to use their brains a bit more. Blah. it's getting late.

wEs

[bandersnatch]

You realize that a wizard with an int of less than 10 would not be able to cast any spells, right? Neither would a Cleric with a wis of 10.

Otherwise the idea sounds fun, at least for a couple of sessions.

[Vivamort]

You could institute a curse like effect that happens at random which would cause the characters to be weakened and they all would be forced to try other means to survive with the help of others of course. A plot device can then be used to have the characters search for a cure to rid themselves of the powerful curse.