Pathfinder 1E Pathfinder Character Creation: Point Buy or Roll of the Die?

[DM-Frost]

I've tried point-buy before, to balance out our games. However, it often ends up that each character feels rather same-y since their stats are either near-even across the board or they have an 18, and 8, and none of the other stats really matter.

I prefer the 4d6, reroll 1's, drop lowest method. It can really give some variety to characters when they're faced with the chance of getting an 18, but also faced with the chance of getting a 6. It makes rolling stats its own game in and of itself.

And if a player throws a hissy fit when you make them re-roll a set that's too high, then just look at them and say "GM".

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

My method is a little Byzantine, but it does generate some 'different' characters. My thinking is:

1. Everyone, even every Hero, is not created equal.
2. Sometimes one's natural 'abilities' don't actually match what one really wants to be when one grows up.

I ask my players to let me know what class they want to play before generating stats. If they stick with that class, they keep the roll. If they change classes they roll a new set of stats. Of course, they're free to multiclass as soon as they earn their first new level.

I use the 'Grid' Method described over at IC, rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest. For a higher powered game I reroll 1s as well.

I give extra skill points to each character based on the difference between their stat total and the highest stat total in the group. Sometimes (depending on class and the amount of the difference) this translates into a bonus feat rather than skill points.

I've done this for three games, and each time ended up with parties that are quite well balanced, but without the homogeneity of ability scores I used to get with point buys.

 

[Votan]

And if a player throws a hissy fit when you make them re-roll a set that's too high, then just look at them and say "GM".

I try to have consistent policies because I don't want to ever give the impression of not being impartial.

For AD&D I liked roll 3d6, in order, replace any one score with a 15. But I find that tends to make fairly sub-optimal characters in 3E where many character elements are heavily driven by ability scores.

I kind of agree with point buy leading to cookie cutter characters, though. No really smart ideas how to fix that, though.

 

[Starbuck_II]

I agree whole heartedly about the fact of a flaw and playing it out, after all this is a Role Playing Game. But I stopped leaving it to chance about 3 campaigns ago when one of my players managed to have his way with probability right in front of me and get the following rolls: 13, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18. This was using the same method you are currently using. When I proceeded to ask the player to re-roll one of the eighteens, he threw a fit.

Well, think about it. You just won the lottery and your friend wants you to give it back because you are too lucky.

I'd be upset too.

 

[Votan]

Well, think about it. You just won the lottery and your friend wants you to give it back because you are too lucky.

I'd be upset too.

Agreed -- but I see the solution as not setting up the situation where this issue comes up to begin with.

 

[Jhaelen]

Actually, these days I prefer neither rolling dice nor using point-buy. I just use one or more standard arrays. This eliminates chance since many players don't like that and it also prevents min-maxing going overboard.

 

[Aus_Snow]

3d6 in order, baby.

 

[billd91]

Actually, these days I prefer neither rolling dice nor using point-buy. I just use one or more standard arrays. This eliminates chance since many players don't like that and it also prevents min-maxing going overboard.

I prefer rolling, but I would say that standard arrays are probably my second choice. I prefer them over point buy for D&D.

 

[Perram]

My player's prefer to roll, so that is what I let them do. Myself? I prefer point-based.

 

[coyote6]

If I run D&D/d20/Pathfinder again, I think I will have the players roll -- but then each player can use any player's rolls. That way, if one player rolls spectacularly well, everyone gets to share their luck.