Rolling for Ability Scores vs. Standard Array

Chainsaw · June 22, 2014, 01:39:36 PM

Quote from: jibbajibba;760277I gave the Players an option of using that or rolling. The rolling rules were they rolled 4d6 drop highest for 3 attributes (named and rolled in order).

Drop highest?

Sacrosanct · June 22, 2014, 03:12:17 PM

I prefer, and usually use, 4d6 drop lowest. However, I have done array (usually when the DM wants it that way) and have had no issue with it. But I prefer the risk associated with randomness

Spinachcat · June 22, 2014, 05:10:32 PM

Quote from: Omega;760045In 5e though a 9 gets you a -1 penalty. 10-11 is the new baseline.

Unfortunately, due to 3e and 4e, the new baseline is 18. And this isn't new. There were plenty of players from 1e/2e era who bitched if their character didn't have an 18 in a prime stat.

I blame 1e for the stat inflation. That's why I always preferred B/X where you got a +1 at 13 and +2 at 16 so players didn't groan (as much) rolling stats.

Quote from: Brad;760280I suppose 2d6+6 would work just as well (when considering the lowest possible attribute modifier)...anyone have an opinion of that?

I knew plenty of DMs from the old days who did that. They also did 6+D6 for Traveller stats. Your average stat becomes 13 and if you are doing C&C, that should make players happy.

TristramEvans · June 22, 2014, 05:53:17 PM

If we're talking D&D stats, I dont really know why they bother keeping the stat range when all the game uses is the bonuses.

Brad · June 22, 2014, 06:40:12 PM

Quote from: TristramEvans;760323If we're talking D&D stats, I dont really know why they bother keeping the stat range when all the game uses is the bonuses.

In most of the D&D games I've played in, there has been an attribute roll system of "roll under stat with XD6" where X is an arbitrary number of dice, increasing in number as the roll got harder. It definitely makes the difference between a 9 and a 12 much more important.

jibbajibba · June 22, 2014, 09:08:42 PM

Quote from: Chainsaw;760281Drop highest?

Yeah sorry wrote that at 1am when I should have already been asleep

crkrueger · June 22, 2014, 10:21:24 PM

Quote from: Brad;760280Going to start Yet Another D&D(ish) campaign (probably Castles & Crusades because it requires zero effort on my part to run combats...I think I'm finally being swayed toward high AC vs. low AC w/table due to laziness). Most likely I'm going to use 3d5+3, which is mathematically equivalent to 3d6, reroll ones.

I suppose 2d6+6 would work just as well (when considering the lowest possible attribute modifier)...anyone have an opinion of that?

2d6+6 is what RQ6 uses for Size and Int, so you don't get a Lenny or a Halfling-sized human, rest is 3d6. 2d6+6 just gives you characters without any major flaws. Conan D20, in which the characters were more hardy, was 10+1d8.

It all depends on what you're going for. If it's just extreme flaw prevention then 2d6+6 is fine or you could say 3d6 minimum of whatever you want.

Omega · June 22, 2014, 11:25:50 PM

Quote from: Brad;760280I suppose 2d6+6 would work just as well (when considering the lowest possible attribute modifier)...anyone have an opinion of that?

2d6+6 will net on average scores of 13 at the peak of the bell. With sharp drop offs on the sides. Lowest score will be 8.

whereas 3d6 will average 10-11 at the peak. But with a more gradual drop off on the sides. Almost a 9-12. Lowest score will be 3. But not very often.

Omega · June 22, 2014, 11:33:47 PM

Quote from: TristramEvans;760323If we're talking D&D stats, I dont really know why they bother keeping the stat range when all the game uses is the bonuses.

DMG suggests stat checks to cover the unforeseen. Several modules have stat checks for this or that event.

INT check to remember some fact, CHA check to resist a charlatan, DEX check for some traps.

Marleycat · June 22, 2014, 11:58:18 PM

2d6+6 basically guarantees nothing better then a 13 for me and more 8's then you can actually believe can actually be possible.

5d6 like Dark Sun.... what are the general thoughs?

Omega · June 23, 2014, 01:24:26 AM

Quote from: Marleycat;7604042d6+6 basically guarantees nothing better then a 13 for me and more 8's then you can actually believe can actually be possible.

5d6 like Dark Sun.... what are the general thoughs?

What version of Dark sun used 5d6? I dont have the boxes handy?

jibbajibba · June 23, 2014, 01:29:34 AM

Quote from: Omega;760398DMG suggests stat checks to cover the unforeseen. Several modules have stat checks for this or that event.

INT check to remember some fact, CHA check to resist a charlatan, DEX check for some traps.

but that could easily be changed to d20 + bonus vs DC

I moved my heartbreaker to bonus only because it just seemed like common sense and saved space on the character sheet.

Opaopajr · June 23, 2014, 03:00:06 AM

Quote from: TristramEvans;760323If we're talking D&D stats, I dont really know why they bother keeping the stat range when all the game uses is the bonuses.

Again. that's WotC. TSR had multiple functions, many situation dependent or optional, that'd check attributes. And when I run my campaign rolling against attributes is one of the easiest improv functions I have available.

Marleycat · June 23, 2014, 11:24:48 AM

Quote from: Omega;760420What version of Dark sun used 5d6? I dont have the boxes handy?

I know the 2e version did. The first one. Was just wondering what kind of stats would that method be expected to produce.

Marleycat · June 23, 2014, 11:27:24 AM

Quote from: Opaopajr;760426Again. that's WotC. TSR had multiple functions, many situation dependent or optional, that'd check attributes. And when I run my campaign rolling against attributes is one of the easiest improv functions I have available.

Looks like 5e is going back to that at least in some form.