ST-based magic [Thaumatology]

[RedMattis]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

As noted above, ST really does not give that much, and what it does give becomes much less valuable with the existence of magic in a setting.

The abillity to wear armor without crippling your dodge. The ability to deal more damage and use meaner weapons. The ability to do wrestling moves on people. The ability to take blows and use HP for spells. The ability to push things around or carry people.

For sure DX and IQ are often better, but especially in Low-Tech settings ST is pretty dang useful. Now in over-the top fantasy with DR 30 tunics, or in sci-fi settings where you've got Jedi-knights and weightless force-fields, then it starts becomes pretty crappy for the point cost (especially if you're buying tons of it).

ST is one of the most setting dependent traits around. It is easy to make it both fantastic, or absolute garbage. F.ex. Starcraft Power Armor requires ST and amplifies your strength (you've seen how huge the guys inside are, right?). Awesome, good ST value. Versus a Power Armor that has ST 220 and can be used by anyone, ST is now a near-complete waste of points.