How should we determine attributes?

[JRRNeiklot]

3d6 in order
str
int
wis
con
dex
cha

This.

 

[Crothian]

Been there and done that. It is a good way when you want to build a character defined by the stats one rolls. We aren't doing that.

 

[Jhaelen]

Been there and done that. It is a good way when you want to build a character defined by the stats one rolls. We aren't doing that.

Exactly. If you're deciding on a character concept before thinking about game mechanics, you should definitely not roll anything randomly. Point-Buy all the way!

 

[Crothian]

Here is what we decided on, or at least no one yet has said they don't want to do it. Sometimes with my players i have to take no response as an affirmative.

Each player will describe their character to the others. We have our own message boards we do everything on, so it will be typed up so people can read and reread it at their leisure. Each player will then pick stats for all the character including their own. I'm asking that none of them share with the others what they are coming up with. Then I as DM will balance it out and tell them each what they have.

 

[Woas]

So each character will have X set of stats, X being equal to the number of players. Then you're going to pick the set that seems to most fit the description of the character, is that right?

 

[Crothian]

So each character will have X set of stats, X being equal to the number of players. Then you're going to pick the set that seems to most fit the description of the character, is that right?

More then likely it would be taking the average of scores or something less stringent. I might just end up giving them the scores they pick and ignore what everyone else gives them. I can't really say how it will work until I see the numbers. If everyone gives Character A around 36 point buy but gives Character B 28 point buy then obviously I'll need to do something a little more extreme to make the characters even.

 

[Tilenas]

I like it when the PCs don't always exactly have the exact scores the player want, so I like them to roll up characters using the organic method, but combined with the floating reroll.
This means players roll scores in order, during which process they get to reroll the lowest die once, then they get to reroll a score of their choice, then get to swap any two scores.
To make the floating reroll work, I let them determine the order of abilities they roll on in advance (as it's good to roll your important scores first, when you still have the reroll available).

 

[Jhaelen]

I like it when the PCs don't always exactly have the exact scores the player want

Yeah, but do your players like it?

Me, I wouldn't like it _unless_ I didn't have an idea what to play. Then I'd just roll the dice (in order) and let the stats inspire me.

Alternatively, especially for one shots, I actually like pregens.

I.e. either give me full control or none at all. Anything inbetween is something I don't care about.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Personally, I like rolling dice for stats. The results make me think.

However, I've also used point-buy and "you-pick-'em" for stats as well.

I think it comes down to personal preference and the nature of the campaign.

If you want "realistic" parties- IOW, parties that look like the PCs came from all walks of life- use dice.

If you want "heroes only," use point-buy or "you-pick-'em" to ensure that you get that result.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Yeah, but do your players like it?

I like it when I'm a player. I find that it makes the character more believable, more "realistic." Total control bores me; I like the challenge that comes with some degree of randomness.