The Simple Problem of Stat Disparity
Today's topic is really quick and simple so lets just dive straight in. When I say stat disparity in the game can be a big problem, what I mean is that we have decided this separation of player and character when it comes to trying to tackle certain tasks where there shouldn't be any. This can become a barrier to certain types of characters especially to newer players where we should have none. I want my new players to be able to create that charismatic rogue even if they the player aren't the smoothest of talkers. I want my shy new player playing an ultra intelligent wizard to feel like they are ridiculously smart even if they as a player don't always pick it up right away.
We have to remember that separation of player and character when it comes to tasks and skill checks, just like our players have to remember it when it comes to game knowledge. Otherwise we are severely hampering the possibility of play for those joining our games. I like to think of myself as pretty strong, but am I a +4 STR strong? Probably not. But I don't want that to keep me from playing a badass fighter just because I can't lift the player to my right and save them from the acid pit they've been trying to get out of for 3 rounds and its your cleric and you need them for the heals. (Mombarian I'm looking at you) The DM also doesn't make me do that, they have me roll a STR check (probably athletics or straight STR). Why then do we make our players be the one in charge of figuring out puzzles we lay in front of them without the help of an INT check?
Our jobs as a DM is to make up this gap for players. For brand new DMs this can be a weird thing to jump into. We give new DMs plenty of examples of using other stats during play to handle curve balls from players. But we do a disservice by forgetting all of the stats. The one most often forgotten or left alone is INT. I've been involved in games where creative fun ways to solve problems with STR, WIS, or CHA have been embraced and even applauded with inspiration from the DM. But in that same game I've seen players plow head first into a brick wall every time they try to do something inventive to use their INT to help the group out. SAVE THE INT! It can help not just the players but the DM. Are your players having trouble with figuring out a situation, solving a puzzle, or finding information? USE YOUR INT PLAYER!
In that same venue I've seen INT be a big problem of disconnect for existing DMs as well. Its an epidemic. But the largest problem with existing DMs and their stat disparity flounders about mainly in the railroady this doesn't fit my intended narrative venue. If you are trying to force a combat because your players just got caught by a checkpoint by soldiers and one of them rolls a freaking 36 on deception just accept it. Even at a DC of 25 they have beaten you more by more then 10. There are no logical gymnastics that you can do in which those soldiers don't now believe whatever your player has told them. I don't care what the player themselves said to them, if it didn't make sense then guess what? Now those NPCs are played as not the brightest or maybe distracted cause that player is Jedi hand waving away that problem.
This is suppose to be a game. A fantastical marvelously wonderful game of imagination, dice rolls, and group fun through storytelling. We can't let ourselves forget that. We as DMs need to make sure we keep that in mind like a mantra. Sure we set up the world and a storyline, tee it up for the players. But they are the LIVING characters in your tale and you are just their guide through the world's story.
With that little rambling over with, I’m JustKay your regular DM Dalliance on the web and I’ll see you next post.