It might just be me, but I put my abilities based on what I want my character to be. Do you want him to be charismatic, or smart? I tend away from min-maxing and decide what would make the most fun role playing element
I do that too, but these questions had nothing to do with my character concept. He had to be strong and have a high con for character concept, and a low charisma, and use a polearm. Beyond that, dexterous or wise or intelligent were basically not related to character concept and not a part of his backstory that was created before I rolled.
New game, starting at first level, going through Yawning Portal adventures.
I am playing a fighter - the only fighter-type in the party. I will be responsible for tanking I suspect.
I usually go point-buy or use the standard array for ability scores, but the DM encouraged rolling, so I went with it and rolled. 6 straight rolls in Roll20 for the DM, 4d6 drop lowest.
I got 18, 17, 17, 11, 9, 6. (First roll was 6, 6, 6, 6).
Playing a dwarf (mountain). So that's 20 Str, 19 Con, 17 (?), 11, 9, 6.
And that's the unusual problem. I've never had THREE high scores before. At least, not in 5e. I think the last time I had three high scores was 30 years ago or so.
Strength and Con are set. But, what do I assign other 17 to?
Do you guys suggest Dex, so I can have some competency with ranged weapons in addition to melee (because some day there may well be a flying dragon as a foe) and I benefit from better initiative and slightly better AC until I get plate? In which case I'd assign 11 to Wis.
Or do I go Wis so I can have better perception and better saves against the most deadly spells (and often weakest aspect) that fighters face? In which case I'd assign 11 to Dex (9 Int, 6 chr).
These are surely first world problems. What do you think?
I'd say Wisdom if you decide to not go with Dex. Lots of spell saves are either Wisdom based or Dex based.
Keep in mind that Barbarian can effectively double your hp while raging. I know it's limited to slash/pierce/bludge, but that will cover most dmg types at low levels. And if u r really concerned, just drop fighter and be straight up barb. Then at lvl 3 go bear totem, and u r all tanked up.
However, if u r set on fighter, keep in mind that pole arm can give u battlefield advantage against many low level melee types, as u will be able to hit them from 10 feet away where they can't hit you. (Mobility may be a feat to look into at some point.) This will help you to avoid some damage, without worrying about your AC. There's also the part where if you kill them first, they can't damage you at all ;)
To answer your stat question then: if u go barbarian route, Dex for sure. Fighter route, I'd have to agree with Wis for the saves/skills.
Keep in mind that Barbarian can effectively double your hp while raging. I know it's limited to slash/pierce/bludge, but that will cover most dmg types at low levels. And if u r really concerned, just drop fighter and be straight up barb. Then at lvl 3 go bear totem, and u r all tanked up.
However, if u r set on fighter, keep in mind that pole arm can give u battlefield advantage against many low level melee types, as u will be able to hit them from 10 feet away where they can't hit you. (Mobility may be a feat to look into at some point.) This will help you to avoid some damage, without worrying about your AC. There's also the part where if you kill them first, they can't damage you at all ;)
To answer your stat question then: if u go barbarian route, Dex for sure. Fighter route, I'd have to agree with Wis for the saves/skills.
i would put it in dex so you can use ranged weapons as well