AD&D - Wishes, Alter Reality Spells and Attributes..
Restrictions on the wish spell..
Players often use wishes or alter reality spells to boost their character’s ability scores. However, to prevent characters from easily achieving high scores (like multiple 18s), it’s suggested that once an ability score reaches 16, wishes only increase it by 1/10th of a point. Thus, raising a score from 16 to 17 requires 10 wishes. Magical books or devices can still raise scores above 16 by a full point, but wishes are limited in their effectiveness.
Highlights -✨
Players commonly use wishes to enhance ability scores.
Unlimited wish use may lead to imbalanced characters.
A cap is suggested for ability scores at 16 and above.
Wishes increase scores past 16 by only 1/10th of a point.
Raising a score from 16 to 17 requires 10 wishes.
Magical items can still raise scores above 16 fully.
The restriction applies only to wishes, not other methods.
Key Insights -🔍
Wishes as a Game Mechanic: Wishes are powerful tools in gameplay, allowing players to customize their characters. However, unrestricted use can lead to a lack of challenge and balance. 🎲
Character Balance: Limiting ability score increases ensures that characters retain diversity and uniqueness, promoting varied gameplay experiences. ⚖️
Scaling Difficulty: Increasing the difficulty of raising scores after reaching 16 creates a natural progression, keeping players engaged without overwhelming them. ⏳
Wishes vs. Other Methods: While wishes have their limitations, other magical means to boost scores provide avenues for characters to continue growing, maintaining excitement in character development. 🔮
Strategic Resource Management: Players must strategize their use of wishes, considering the cost-benefit of using multiple wishes to achieve incremental gains. 💡
Focus on Character Development: The restrictions encourage players to explore alternative character development paths, fostering a more dynamic gameplay environment. 🌱
Game Master Considerations: Game Masters should be mindful of the implications of wish mechanics, ensuring they enhance the overall experience without compromising balance. 🧙♂️