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Originally posted by Lord: quote: Originally posted by Aragorn1: I knew that there were this different incriments, but I always wondered WHY they existed, and why only around the number 18.

i recently read in a thread somewhere why they did this, although I don't remember where it was and I don't exactly remember why they did it. I think it had something to do with cheating or every one putting their strength up to 18 or something for any class...I really don't remember. Do a search for the thread if you want. [/QUOTE]That's not it, as the rules for exceptional strength go back to 1st edition AD&D. They are deisgned for pen and paper. I guess it's just to reduce the odds that you can roll the same strength as an ogre from 1 in 216 to 1 in 21,600. The increments basically show an increasing lack of probability for getting the best rolls. The odds are:
17: 1 in 108
18/01-18/50: 1 in 432
18/51-18/75: 1 in 864
18/76-18/90: 1 in 1,440
18/91-18/99: 1 in 2,700
18/00: 1 in 21,600

Of course once you let anyone get +1 strength (whether through being a half-orc or through a tome) that little scheme goes right out the window - this individual can jum directly from 18 strenth (1 in 216) to 19 strength and skip the 5 intermediate stages. Really it would be better if the +1 strength were treated as + 10% to the exceptional score instead (so a half orc who isn't a fighter could at best have 18/10).