If I were given license to redesign D&D from the ground up - or if I could make my own fantasy heartbreaker - here is what I'd use for the ability scores:
Strength - I'm tempted to rename it "Might," as that just sounds more powerful to me at the moment. But the name Strength is fine enough by me.
Vigor - My replacement name for Constitution. I like it because it more immediately suggests action, and I feel it better encapsulates intangible elements of health like energy and vitality.
Cunning - This would be a measure of a character's cleverness, guile, and penchant for duplicity. I see it as combining the tricksy aspects of Charisma, the common-sense aspects of Wisdom, and quick-thinking as evidenced by 4e's take on Intelligence (where it adds to Reflex and AC).
Dexterity - Pretty much what it always has been. A character's nimbleness, grace, and speed.
Intelligence - This stat would be refluffed a bit to a character's ability to notice detail in addition to mental acuity. Thus it would cover perception and insight - indeed, I may even just change the name to "Insight." I mean, most highly intelligent people I know are able to see things I wouldn't see, so it works for me. The "book-smart but not street-smart characters could take high Int
Spirit - I also like the word "Mettle," but this would cover the force of personality aspect of Charisma. However, I would also expand it to general grit and determination, meaning it could be used to overcome injuries or hardship through sheer will.
Under this schema, Strength and Vigor would be the Fortitude defense pair, Cunning and Dexterity would be the AC/Reflex defense pair, and Intelligence and Spirit would be the Will defense pair.
Retrospective: Shadowdale
18 hours ago
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