In recent decades we've seen stats get smaller, both in terms of numerical value and in terms of number of stats. And this is fine, but let's talk a little about larger stat ranges.
One seemingly strange thing about D&D is the way that stats "actually" range from -3 to 3, but it's printed as 3-18, right?
There so many "useless" values that resolve to the same result. 9-12 is all the same number. 13&14? Same value. 15&16? Same value.
The first thing we can do is change the probability as you level up.
The probability of rolling an 18 is around 0.5%. But if you hand out bonus stats on level up, players can reach an 18 from a 17 or even a 16. This means more experienced adventurers "flatten" the bonus curve, which is a fairly nice way to make the filler numbers work.
Sure, a 14 is the same tier as a 13. But a 14 + a bonus point is a 15, which is a tier better. A 13 would require two bonus points to reach the next tier.
Rather than saying something like "a wizard can't use warrior weapons", we instead say "a wizard tends to use strength as a dump stat, so their weapon selection is limited by that".
You want to be a wizard with a longsword? Allocate 14 strength!
Even the difference between 11 and 9 is valuable. 11 unlocks spears! (Or whatever)
By creating stats where every value has a different payoff, you can create stats where every player wants a specific different stat for any given build.
Or, if using randomized stat values, every value creates a different build possibility.
If you get a character with a 14 strength, it's basically a given you'll use a medium-heavy weapon like a longsword.
To take advantage of the stat you have.
Whereas with a 13, maybe you'll take advantage of the extra inventory capacity...
Making a party of Jedi padawan? Everyone draws five "character element cards". Pass two left, pass two right. Choose three.
This is a fascinating and interesting way to create characters.
A) it creates a party experience where you have to decide who might like which of your promising cards.
B) it informs you about the world while allowing you to weigh in on what you want to do, rather than requiring you to do a lot of upfront reading and deciding.
Fantasy weapon pet peeve: Swords vs. bows. We all know that swords are favoured by hulking barbarians (when they're not using axes), and bows are the choice weapon of rogues, elves and other less musclebound types who favour skill over brawn.
In reality, it's the other way around. Bows are much more reliant on strength than swords are. And a weaker person who's good with a sword can absolutely kill a stronger, less skilled opponent.
@Craigp diablo 2 did this exactly right, and one of my favourite characters was a melee necromancer who did the job with a giant fuck-off two handed sword
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