Boosting Player Constitution: Strategies For Success

what to do if player constitution is too low

When creating a character in D&D, players are advised to avoid starting with a low constitution score. This is because it is the single most difficult ability score to increase during the game, and it increases your health points. A low constitution score could mean that your character gets sick more often, lacks stamina, or is generally pallid and malnourished. If your character has a low constitution score, you may want to consider their strengths and how the narrative plays into their flaws. For example, you could play a character with low constitution as a fat, cowardly merchant. Alternatively, if clerics have the ability to cure physical diseases in your campaign, you may be able to get rid of the roleplaying reason for your character's low constitution score.

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Consider a different class

If your player constitution is too low, you may want to consider choosing a different class. This is because a low constitution score can negatively impact your character's health, stamina, and toughness, as well as their ability to resist certain effects and recover from them.

For example, a low constitution score can result in fewer hit points, making your character more vulnerable to damage in combat. This is especially important for frontline combatants who are more likely to take damage. Additionally, a low constitution can make it difficult for spellcasting classes to maintain concentration, which is crucial for Wizards, Sorcerers, and Bards.

When choosing a class with a low constitution, it is recommended to consider classes that do not rely heavily on constitution. This includes classes such as Rogues, who have damage reduction abilities, and Clerics, who have more spell slots available. Artificers are also a good choice, as they have access to spells like shield, absorb element, and false life, which can help compensate for low hit points.

Another option is to choose a class that can maintain a high constitution form for a limited time. For example, Druids can use wildshape to temporarily boost their constitution, but they become vulnerable if they run out of wildshapes before the party can short rest. Alternatively, you can play a Dex-based fighter using ranged weapons, as you will be safer from melee attacks and will have proficiency in Con saves.

While a low constitution score can present challenges, it also creates opportunities for interesting role-playing. Your character's flaws can add depth and create unique storylines. Just remember to coordinate with your party so they can help protect your character in combat.

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Focus on non-combat skills

While many RPGs offer non-combat abilities, these are often not as useful as they are made out to be. For example, in games that feature a "Barter" or "Persuade" skill, the extra money obtained is often useless due to the Money for Nothing feature. However, some non-combat skills can be useful in certain situations. For instance, in Dragon Age, the Coercion skill can be used to make other people craft items for you.

If you are playing a game with a party, it is likely that you will have a range of skills at your disposal, as each character will have their own strengths. In this case, non-combat skills can be useful for solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles. For example, in Age of Decadence, players are challenged to plan out a non-combat solution to a quest. In this case, focusing on non-combat skills can provide a different and interesting way to play the game.

In some games, non-combat skills can be used to avoid enemies altogether. For example, stealth can be used to sneak by enemies, and diplomacy can be used to negotiate with them. However, this approach may not always be the best strategy, as it can prevent you from gaining experience and loot rewards that would be obtained through combat.

In terms of character creation and role-playing, a character with low constitution might get sick easily, lack stamina, or generally be pallid and malnourished. This can add an interesting dynamic to the character and the narrative, but it is important to consider how this will affect their adventures, as they may struggle with intense physical activity.

Overall, while non-combat skills can be useful in certain situations, they may not always provide the most optimal solution. It is important to consider the specific game and your party composition when deciding whether to focus on non-combat skills.

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Avoid heavy armour

While creating a character, it is best to avoid starting with a low constitution as it increases your likelihood of dying early in the game and is the most difficult ability score to increase. It is also the least attractive increase during the game, as it only increases your health points and CON save.

If you have a low constitution, you should avoid wearing heavy armour. Heavy armour is for low-dexterity characters, and wearing heavy armour negates the dexterity bonus. It is also disadvantageous for stealth checks, as it is hard to sneak around in heavy, clanking armour. If you are wearing heavy armour without proficiency, it will give you a disadvantage with ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls made with strength or dexterity, and you won't be able to cast spells.

Heavy armour is best suited for characters who are on the front lines and require heavy armour to soak up damage and protect their allies. These characters rely on strength for their attacks and abilities and have a low AC.

If your character has low constitution, it is better to focus on their strengths and avoid making their flaws more pronounced by wearing heavy armour.

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Play smart

Playing smart is a great way to compensate for a low constitution. If your character has low HP, don't put them in danger. Ranged and caster characters are a good choice for this strategy, as they can avoid the front line.

Constitution is a difficult ability score to increase, so it's best not to start with a low score unless you have specific reasons for doing so. It is also the single most important ability for keeping your character alive, so it's a risky strategy to neglect it.

If you do decide to play with a low constitution, consider roleplaying a character who gets sick more often, or lacks stamina. You could also play a character who is cowardly or weak, and use their low constitution as a reason to avoid dangerous situations.

It's worth noting that a low constitution will impact your character's ability to perform intense physical activity and carry heavy loads. So, if your character has a lot of equipment, or you're planning a campaign with a lot of travel, consider investing in some horses and carts.

Finally, if your character has access to clerics, you may be able to cure physical diseases and thereby increase your constitution without changing your character's core attributes.

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Seek cures

If your character has a low constitution, you may want to seek a cure within the game. This could be in the form of magical healing or finding a cure for a specific disease or ailment. Here are some ways to approach this:

  • Clerics and cures: In some campaigns, clerics may have the ability to cure physical diseases. Consult with your Dungeon Master (DM) to see if this is an option. If so, you might be able to remove the roleplaying reason for your low constitution score without changing the score itself, which can add interesting choices and developments for your character.
  • Magical items and potions: Keep an eye out for magical items or potions that can boost your character's health and constitution. These could be found as treasure during your adventures or purchased from a magical shop.
  • Herbal remedies: If your character has knowledge of herbalism or alchemy, they might be able to craft their own remedies or potions to temporarily boost their constitution. This could be a fun roleplaying opportunity, as your character forages for rare ingredients or experiments with different concoctions.
  • Rest and recovery: Sometimes the best cure is time and rest. Ensure your character gets adequate rest and recovery between adventures. This can help them regain their strength and improve their overall health, even if their base constitution remains low.
  • Quest for a cure: Your character's low constitution could become a driving force for their actions and decisions. They might embark on a quest to find a legendary cure for their ailment, making deals or facing ethical dilemmas along the way. This can add depth to your character's backstory and motivations.

Remember that while seeking cures can be a fun aspect of roleplaying a character with a low constitution, it's important to respect the mechanics of the game and the narrative possibilities that a low constitution score presents.

Frequently asked questions

A low constitution score could mean that your character gets sick more often, has less stamina, or is generally pallid and malnourished.

You can increase your character's constitution score by gaining levels, using feats, or finding magical items that boost constitution.

A higher constitution score will increase your character's health points and make them less likely to get sick or tired.

Yes, a low constitution score can make your character more vulnerable to attacks and may limit their ability to perform certain tasks or take on certain roles within the party.

You can role-play a character with a low constitution score by emphasising their weaknesses, such as being sickly or weak. You can also play up their strengths in other areas, such as intelligence or charisma, to balance out their low constitution.

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