D&D 5E What is your current way to roll stats

[AaronOfBarbaria]

One of the earlier editions (AD&D 2e?) had a method of starting with 8 in every score, rolling 7 6-sided dice, and adding the values of each die to ability scores. You didn't total the dice, however, you added each die result to one score.

For example, rolling 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 6.
You might go STR 8+6+2 = 16, DEX 8+2 = 10, CON 8+3+4=15, INT 8, WIS 8, CHA 8+3+1=12.

Has anyone tried this, or similar, in 5E?

I've used that method fairly often in the past.

The only hang-ups I've ever had about it is that you end up looking at either having 2 high scores and a bunch of 8s - which wasn't a big deal in AD&D - or you have your highest score end up a 15 only with great luck - which was a disappointment in AD&D, but might actually be more manageable in 5th edition.

 

[ccs]

When I DM I allow each player to choose wich method they'll use.
The allowed options are:

1) Roll 4d6 drop one x6. Place resulting scores as you please.
If you choose to roll:
You will roll in front of the group.
High stats, mediocre stats, or low stats, you WILL play the resulting character in good faith. If you won't? I'll kick you out of the game. And no, suicidal slayer types with low stats are not allowed. If you're not ok with the possibility of having low stats? Do not choose to roll in my games.

2) use the standard PB listed in the book.

3) use the standard array.

Stat envy: if you suffer from it? Keep it to yourself & concentrate upon making YOUR character awesome/interesting, not bit ching about someone else's stats.
If you can't do this, don't play in my games.

 

[Sebastrd]

2d6+6, reroll 1s and 2s

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Roll 2 sets and choose one.
3d6 in order, replace one dice result (lowest number) of each 3d6 roll (if less than 4) with a 4.
this results in a range of 6-18 but getting a 17 or 18 still needs to be rolled naturally.

if I was to allow rearrange I would let you do one direct swap.

Still doing 3d6 replace the lowest with 4 even if all are higher to prevent 17s or 18s in primary stats.
I do like your method though and strongly consider it. My only additional restriction will be that race bonuses may not take you higher than 18 or 19 at most. I maybe allow for a swap then.

 

[werecorpse]

Still doing 3d6 replace the lowest with 4 even if all are higher to prevent 17s or 18s in primary stats.
I do like your method though and strongly consider it. My only additional restriction will be that race bonuses may not take you higher than 18 or 19 at most. I maybe allow for a swap then.

the thing about 5e (as opposed to 1e which is where I started) is that starting with a 18 or 20 in a prime stat (as long as all needed stats aren't great) helps a lot at low level but by 8th level isn't such a big deal as most characters will have added to their prime stat and any gap will have decreased. You don't have to be as nervous about imbalance in 5e as in previous editions.

i do recommend limiting arrangement unless you have a player who really wants to play a particular class.

I am running a game where a player rolled an 18 strength and a 9 con. He is playing a 20 strength 10 con half orc paladin - a real glass cannon. His fellow front line fighter rolled 12 strength and 16 con and is playing a 14 strength 18 con mountain dwarf bear totem barbarian - a hit point sponge with much less offensive power. They each appreciate the others strength and weaknesses and as such don't step on each other's niche toes.

 

[Yunru]

2d4+1d10... if I'm going for a 3d6 variant. Still haven't worked out how to make a variant of 4d6r1... maybe 2d4+2d10r1?

 

[UngeheuerLich]

the thing about 5e (as opposed to 1e which is where I started) is that starting with a 18 or 20 in a prime stat (as long as all needed stats aren't great) helps a lot at low level but by 8th level isn't such a big deal as most characters will have added to their prime stat and any gap will have decreased. You don't have to be as nervous about imbalance in 5e as in previous editions.

i do recommend limiting arrangement unless you have a player who really wants to play a particular class.

I am running a game where a player rolled an 18 strength and a 9 con. He is playing a 20 strength 10 con half orc paladin - a real glass cannon. His fellow front line fighter rolled 12 strength and 16 con and is playing a 14 strength 18 con mountain dwarf bear totem barbarian - a hit point sponge with much less offensive power. They each appreciate the others strength and weaknesses and as such don't step on each other's niche toes.

Oh I know. I just find it nice if there have to be done some hard decisions whether to take a feat or which stat to increase. My method is still better on average than 4d6 drop lowest.

 

[Horwath]

27 or 32 point buy.

I like more 32. 15 is still the max buy, but it has less "tanked" abilities.

 

[GMMichael]

3d6 straight down. If you don't like your rolls, tell your in-game mom to put you back where she found you.

 

[Arial Black]

3d6 straight down. If you don't like your rolls, tell your in-game mom to put you back where she found you.

....and then locate another 16-year old, roll their stats. If you like them, keep them. If you don't, give them back to their mommy.

Eventually you'll come across a kid with real potential. Play that one.