Totally depends on the game, but we like to roll dice. Because dice are harsh mistresses, we have various stipulations to avoid "bad" characters. In my first campaign, we used standard rolls, but you could default to the array after you rolled (making it the minimum). Two other DMs have methods they use to figure out the average value of the group, then give a bonus to everyone below that average. My current game has multiple characters per player, so players roll 3 sets, using 2 of them to build characters, preventing one set of bad rolls from ruining a character.
D&D 5E A Proper Ability Score Generation Preference Poll
Wiseblood
Adventurer
Sigh... In an ideal wolrd. Pick any scores you want. I can think of two players that sit at my table right now that would make this suck. I can think of a handful of players that I would trust with this power. To be honest, I would rather play with the ones in the latter category. In my case I literaly take the good with the bad.
Oofta
Legend
OK, I'll bite. Dwarven rogue. What are my ability scores, and why do you care*?
Edit: I sure hope my characters are more than just a pile of numbers; if my character is "boring", shame on me for not giving them a unique spin whatever their ability scores happen to be.
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Oofta
Legend
We use point buy, in large part because I've had horrible experiences with rolling (the person with super-high stats was just as unsatisfied as the person with low stats). In addition, most of my players are either newbies or are people we met through AL play.
Even when we rolled way back when, there was a great deal of "fudging". Subtract from one number to add to another, roll multiple characters and so on.
I don't see any advantage to forcing people into "hero" and "sidekick" roles based on a one time roll of the die unless that's the type of game they enjoy. Our campaigns tend to last at least a year with fairly slow advancement at lower levels, and normally last two to three years so that may be part of it.
Standard disclaimer lest I be accused again of saying that rolling is "wrong": do what you and your group enjoy.
Even when we rolled way back when, there was a great deal of "fudging". Subtract from one number to add to another, roll multiple characters and so on.
I don't see any advantage to forcing people into "hero" and "sidekick" roles based on a one time roll of the die unless that's the type of game they enjoy. Our campaigns tend to last at least a year with fairly slow advancement at lower levels, and normally last two to three years so that may be part of it.
Standard disclaimer lest I be accused again of saying that rolling is "wrong": do what you and your group enjoy.
redrick
First Post
We always use standard array/point buy. Yes, it leads to more homogenous ability scores, because the point buy only allows a 7 point spread out of 15 possible rolled scores, but it simplifies power levels and lets people create characters at home, which most of us like to do. The variation comes in the kinds of characters we create, not in the ability scores. At the end of the day, our group enjoys that mechanical stability.
I wouldn't mind doing a "pick your own ability scores" game, because I think our group is mature enough to handle it. My guess is that we'd mostly clock in with a lower power level than the point buy.
I wouldn't mind doing a "pick your own ability scores" game, because I think our group is mature enough to handle it. My guess is that we'd mostly clock in with a lower power level than the point buy.
Satyrn
First Post
Ha! The reason I don't like point buy is because I'll be that guy.
Satyrn
First Post
I'd probably just wind up using the standard array so I don't have to bother thinking about anything.
Why I dislike Standard array and 27-point buy.
I dislike standard array because you are guarantied a negative stat modifier. I have no problem playing with an 9 or less if I end up with one but not guarantied or having to pick a race and use its stat bonus to remove it instead of boosting a stat. I usually play human/variant human so standard array the best I can get 1 16 and 2 14 and cant even out that 8.
27-point buy pretty much the same issue, while you can get 2 16 with human the rest of your stats will be low or below average.
To me both methods limit you.
As always this is just my opinion.
I dislike standard array because you are guarantied a negative stat modifier. I have no problem playing with an 9 or less if I end up with one but not guarantied or having to pick a race and use its stat bonus to remove it instead of boosting a stat. I usually play human/variant human so standard array the best I can get 1 16 and 2 14 and cant even out that 8.
27-point buy pretty much the same issue, while you can get 2 16 with human the rest of your stats will be low or below average.
To me both methods limit you.
As always this is just my opinion.
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