Played the system, getting ready to switch home campaign over. All characters are level 5, close to level 6 (2 fighters, Rogue, Wizard, Cleric and Monk [and an NPC fighter]).

Here's my issues:

*Not a fan of 18 skills. Have set up to use ability rolls instead, using DMG optional rule. Some of the ratings still seem rather low, especially as a Moderate check (DC15) is still pretty tough at mid-levels, even if you have at 18 in the stat (for +7 ability check).

*Have see in the "warts" thread (and in play) that saves can be pretty tough, even as you level. Not sure I'm a fan of THAT.

SO, here's my question:

*Since I want to use Abilities over Skills, and since I think characters SHOULD get better at saves as they level, would it be unreasonable for me to simply add the Proficiency bonus to all abilities, killing two birds with one stone?

Ok. Some thoughts on saves using my Warlock.

With an 18 CHA at level 12. So +4 and +4

My spells save is 8+4+4=16
My own saves on the other hand with a WIS of 8 is -1 so a +3 while CHA saves are +8. Everything else is standard stat bonus and never changed unless your stat does.

That is where the issue arrises. My STR, CON, DEX, and INT saves are effectively the same at level 1 as they are at level 10 and level 20.

Against someone fully tricked out at level 20 with a 20 stat that is a save of 8+5+6=19. At level 1 thats a save vs a 13 assuming they had a 16 starting stat. 14 if they pumped up to 18 for the casting stat.

So level 1=13, level 10=16, level 20=19

So right out the gate you have say a 65% chance of failing your non class saves and at level 20 thats up to a 95% chance.

Assuming my math is right of course.

So does that mean you think it's a good idea to add proficiency to every Ability? You seem to make a good case for characters not advancing as they should (and I've heard this one more than once, so I'm thinking there's some credence behind that claim).

IMC I give the PCs Proficiency in all saves, they still fail a lot but it works well. I give them Proficiency in all their class skills and anything else that seems reasonable, but not in everything - eg the Barbarian doesn't get Arcana.

Edit: I also suggest taking 5 off the listed DCs - so Easy 5, Moderate 10, Hard 15 etc.

Left as is an interesting thing was we found we were developing some tactics based on what the casters were percieving to be an opponents strengths and weaknesses. Using a less potent spell beacuse you know the Rogue is weak to STR save spells for example. Assuming you have any. My Warlocks Arms of Hadar spell for example. Whereas an enemy caster who figures out I am a Warlock would know that trying to nail me with a Charm Person type spell for example is alot more likely to fail.

This instead of spamming the most powerful widget you have forever because its all the same pretty much.