Modified Robot PCs

[Ymdar]

Background: In my campaigns, players usually create PCs by the point buy system.
Now, what if my players want to create robot heroes not using the standard array D20 Future presents?
So if I run a campaign, where for example the players get to create PCs from 32 points, what happens to a robot PC? Since I want my players to create any kind of PCs they like, if I follow normal rules, noone would be able to create an effective robot Charismatic Hero. (I'm talking bioreplica androids). That's why I think a robot PC could be generated the same way as a normal PC. But if I allow a player to create a PC with 5 stats from 32 (or 30, or etc) points, that PC would be stronger than the others.
Now my real question is: How much stronger is a PC that only has 5 stats, and can buy stats from the same number of points, as every other PC? ECL+1? ECL+2?

 

[Turanil]

Simple quick method: substract from 32 the cost of an ability score of 11, and there you go for bio-droids.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Simple quick method: substract from 32 the cost of an ability score of 11, and there you go for bio-droids.

Exactly, that would have been my solution, too.

 

[Ymdar]

... would you explain, why the cost of an ability of 11? Why 11?

 

[whydirt]

The average ability score (i.e. taking (3+18)/2) is 10.5, rounded up to 11.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

... would you explain, why the cost of an ability of 11? Why 11?

The average stat is 10 to 11. (That was at least before the time of the "non-elite array", but it's still the assumption for all monsters).
Another take: A stat of 10 or 11 will give you no ability penalties or bonus. With a non-ability, you also get no ability bonus, so it should cost a similar point-buy price.

You might argue that an assumed score of 10 could be enough.

 

[Ymdar]

Thanks! I'll consider this option. While doing so I'd like to have some feedback to my other question: How much is a PC with only 5 abilities stronger than a PC with 6 abilities, if they both are created from the same number of points? ECL+1 or +2?

 

[whydirt]

Honestly I think it would depend on the ability score not used and the setting of the campaign. If you trust your players, start at ECL +1 and see how it works out.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Thanks! I'll consider this option. While doing so I'd like to have some feedback to my other question: How much is a PC with only 5 abilities stronger than a PC with 6 abilities, if they both are created from the same number of points? ECL+1 or +2?

If you only think in terms of point-buy gains/losses, an ECL +1 would be enough (maybe it's even too much, but it can't be ECL +0 )

But further modifications might be neccessary depending on the non-ability. Constitution as a non-ability would probably require a few more adjustments, since it grants a lot of immunities. But I assume that this is already considered with the Biodroid ECL.