D&D 5E Point Buy vs Rolling for Stats

[Caliban]

I like rolling more for the element of chaos than any pretense of "realism". Clattering dice on the table and then figuring out how it makes my concept easier or harder is fun.

That said, I always allow players to use the standard Array if they think their rolls look unfun.

And really, that is the most valid reason for using one or the other - one way seems more fun to you.

Neither is inherently superior to the other, except on a personal preference level.

Some people like the uncertainty of rolling, others prefer the control of point buy/array. Ultimately it's the DM's choice for their game, but it is usually heavily influenced by the player's preferences (if they have one).

 

[Satyrn]

It would be interesting to ask though, and why they didn't just use the point buy systems of previous editions.

My guess for the 8/15 limits is that it mimics the Standard Array''s limit. This way "System Mastery" or min/maxing or whatever tool gets used can't overshadow the array in terms of maximum achievable stat, while still providing room to tweak for build optimizing.

 

[Lanefan]

Exactly who do you think is forcing you to use point buy or array?

The game is, if one wants to play in AL.

 

[Caliban]

The game is, if one wants to play in AL.

Pretty sure Maxie doesn't play in AL - at least they haven't mentioned anything about it so far. So that's not a correct answer.

Now if you are talking in general - you still aren't "forced" to. You always have the option of not playing in a campaign if you don't like the required character creation rules. Just like I generally won't play in someone's campaign if they want me to roll stats for my character. I've done it a few times and more often than not, I haven't enjoyed it. Just doesn't suit me.

 

[Lanefan]

Pretty sure Maxie doesn't play in AL - at least they haven't mentioned anything about it so far. So that's not a correct answer.

Now if you are talking in general - you still aren't "forced" to. You always have the option of not playing in a campaign if you don't like the required character creation rules. Just like I generally won't play in someone's campaign if they want me to roll stats for my character. I've done it a few times and more often than not, I haven't enjoyed it. Just doesn't suit me.

I don't play AL either (this is part of the reason why), but my answer to your question of who forces PB/array remains true: AL does. (I was looking at the question in broader terms than just what might specifically apply to Max.)

I don't like that AL forces this char-gen method, if only because AL is a first point of contact with the game for many new players and it gives them the wrong philosophical idea right off the bat: that the game is all about working within predictable hard limits (just like almost every other game including CRPGs and MMORPGs) rather than being more random and open-ended (tabletop D&D's true strength).

 

[Satyrn]

The game is, if one wants to play in AL.

That would be AL's organizers, not the game.

 

[Caliban]

I don't play AL either (this is part of the reason why), but my answer to your question of who forces PB/array remains true: AL does. (I was looking at the question in broader terms than just what might specifically apply to Max.)

I wasn't asking in broad terms though. I was asking in very specific terms. So your answer was and remains invalid.

I don't like that AL forces this char-gen method, if only because AL is a first point of contact with the game for many new players and it gives them the wrong philosophical idea right off the bat: that the game is all about working within predictable hard limits (just like almost every other game including CRPGs and MMORPGs) rather than being more random and open-ended (tabletop D&D's true strength).

*shrug* You don't play AL. You are welcome to your opinion, but it doesn't really matter. I doubt they are going to change anything on your say so.

You are just going to have to live with the fact that thousands of people all across America play point buy and enjoy it. No matter how much badwrongfun you think it is.

 

[Maxperson]

Pretty sure Maxie doesn't play in AL - at least they haven't mentioned anything about it so far. So that's not a correct answer.

I don't play in AL. Also, you call me Max or Maxperson. Maxie is an insult coming from you, so don't use it any longer. Further usage will be reported.

 

[Caliban]

I don't play in AL. Also, you call me Max or Maxperson. Maxie is an insult coming from you, so don't use it any longer. Further usage will be reported.

*shrug* People have called me "Cali" in the past and I don't take offense. It's just a nickname because "Maxperson" doesn't feel like a name to me. But since you have decided to take offense where none was intended, I'll keep your demands and threats in mind for the future.

 

[Oofta]

I don't like that AL forces this char-gen method, if only because AL is a first point of contact with the game for many new players and it gives them the wrong philosophical idea right off the bat: that the game is all about working within predictable hard limits (just like almost every other game including CRPGs and MMORPGs) rather than being more random and open-ended (tabletop D&D's true strength).

I don't know that you could have a different option for an open game like AL. There would be no way to police or verify a roll, and it would only take a handful of people who "rolled amazingly well" for it to start falling apart.

As far as giving them the "wrong philisophical idea", that's an interesting opinion. By it's very nature there are compromises with AL over a home game (continuity, individual impact on the world, so on). Saying that a 1 time roll of the die or lack therein makes it "predictable" ... well let's just say that there are some times I don't understand the depth of the conviction.

That's OK. I don't understand why people like raw fish and horseradish that's been turned green with food coloring either.