I was curious about balance issues between 5ED DnD races with +1 versus +2 in the primary ability for their class. Obviously, this type of analysis targets minmax gamers, so obtaining the highest bonus in the primary ability as quickly as possible is the main objective. Analysis shows the two type are in mathematical balance, but there is still significant advantage for a +2 race.
The math of a +2 race:
A +2 race, say an Gnome Wizard with +2 INT, starts with a 15+2=17 (+3 bonus).
A +2 race, say an Gnome Wizard with +2 INT, starts with a 15+2=17 (+3 bonus).
At level 4 you get an ASI and take, say, Observant feat that grants you a few powers and a +1 INT; 17+1=18 (+4 bonus)
At level 8 you take the full ASI for +2 INT and max out; 18+2= 20 (+5 bonus).
The math of a +1 race:
On the other hand, a Human Wizard with +1 INT starts with a 14+2=16 (+3 bonus).
At level 4 take a full ASI for +2 INT; 16+2=18 (+4 bonus)
At level 8 take a full ASI for +2 INT; 18+2=20 (+5 bonus)
So the difference is a +2 race has a combo feat/ASI and gain the benefits of the "extra" feat for 8 levels.
OR, they can use it as a full ASI and add a point to another ability, say a +1 ability which maybe they used a 14 base so 14+1=15 (bonus +2), which means that first ASI at 4th level would add bonus +1 to the prime by taking it to 18 (+4 bonus) and another bonus +1 to the secondary via 15+1=16 (bonus +3). Double whammy!
ASI: Ability Score Improvement. 2 points added to one or two abilities. OR, take a feat. Some feats award 1 point to one ability in addition to other benefits.
