"Elite Array" vs. Point Buy?

[erik_the_guy]

Yes, the standard array is just one possible choice for the point buy. It's also a good starting point. You can choose the standard array when you start making your character, then worry about race and class etc, then go back and fiddle with it when you have a better idea where you want your stats. Just remember to use the point buy BEFORE applying racial modifiers.

I personally thing that the standard array is below average, because it doesn't take an 8 like many point buy methods. I would advise using 16 14 14 12 11 8, and dumping the 8 into a useless stat.

 

[theNater]

Plus, I find the distribution of the elite array annoying - two odd numbers (no help till level 10), and like Mr. Teapot, I prefer the option of having an 8.

Having a few odd numbers is actually one of the things I like about the standard array, because it makes the ability boost at level 11 more meaningful.

Then there's the costs. 13, 12, 11 costs the same as 14, 11, 10. It provides the same total bonus during heroic and epic tiers, and a slightly higher bonus during paragon tier. Of course, single stat bonus can be more valuable than total bonus, but it does encourage well-rounded stats to a degree.

I'm with you 100% on the option of having an 8. Sometimes it's just plain fun to play a character who is clumsy, or unlovable, or whatever. But the array is a quick and handy way to spend the points when not going for such a character.

 

[keterys]

I tend to prefer point buy, but I did the standard array for a less serious more 'one shotty' game that I wanted people to create characters for quickly and honestly, I was pretty happy with how it worked out.

Sufficiently so that I might be tempted to do it for most games that we're making characters at the table (rather than over email beforehand or somesuch).

 

[chris.crouch]

I would advise using 16 14 14 12 11 8, and dumping the 8 into a useless stat.

I tend to use 16 14 14 13 10 8 as my "default" array - that extra 13 to start with can qualify for more feats right from the start.

Chris

 

[Talaeden_Denthiir]

Hey, and for a 'best of both world's' approach, so you don't have to wrack your brain during character creation trying to figure out the points (it took me a long time to relearn the new point buy method, as I was constantly adding it up in my head the old way...), you can use one of the examples of point buy on the top left of p. 18 in the PH to kind of pick a point buy 'array'.

 

[OakwoodDM]

My players, when we were doing character gen for the game I started a couple of weeks ago, both chose the Array to start with, then used the point buy rules to tweak it to suit. That seems to be a nice middle ground between overwhelming options and underwhelming flexibility.

 

[Xorn]

I tend to use 16 14 14 13 10 8 as my "default" array - that extra 13 to start with can qualify for more feats right from the start.

Chris

I've seen this one used a LOT. It's really nice spread. I'd dare say one of the best "all-comers" buys.