[G,DG&H] Question about Gods - '20's for their Abilities

[peterlind]

Here is a quote from Gods, Demi-Gods, & Heroes, p. 1:

"NOTE:

Unless specifically noted otherwise, all Gods' and Demi-Gods' pre-rolled abilities (strength, intelligence, etc.) are considered to be 20. . . "

In the OD&D game, what does having a "20" in any Ability score mean, in game terms?

[Deleted]

Nothing.

[Lord Cias]

It means a PC must have a score of 18 magically raised twice to be equal to a god in an ability.

[Deleted]

At a time when character generation was straight "3d6 in order," I think it was intended to show "Gods are higher than you could ever be."

[oakesspalding]

Though given the soap opera type goings on in the Greek myths, Norse Myths and others, the claim that all (or even most) of those gods have a Wisdom of 20 is obviously false on its face.

[talysman]

Are you *trying* to get yourself turned into a spider?

[oldkat]

G,DG&H came out after Greyhawk--which established the concept that abilities meant morethan what originally appeared in Men&Magic. This, in addition to what editor T. Kask states in the intro/foreword(don't remember which)is meant to show that the "gods" are in charge, and montytype characters(at the time, reports of certain college groups boasting about L30/40 types)need to get back in line and quit being assinine.

The stats, "20+" for the gods, do--IMO-- have value and meaning if one is using GH. If one is not, then its like some of the others have said--just to show that the gods are above mortals.

[talysman]

Even in the context of D&D without Greyhawk, ability scores of 20 can make sense. Remember, the GM is supposed to judge the likelihood of foiling traps based on Strength, or the likelihood of completing some actions based on Intelligence and Wisdom. No guidelines are given for this; the ref is just supposed to make something up based on a gut feeling, such as requiring a 1 or 2 in 6 roll for an action, or even disallow an action, if an ability is below a specific score. And in any contest of Strength or Intellect with an opponent, an obvious way to set the minimum score is to use the opponent's score. Chance to break free from a grapple, for instance, could be low or nonexistent if your Strength is less than that of the opponent grabbing you.

And Thor, with a Strength of 20, would be d**ned hard to break free from.