D&D 4E Should Ability Scores in 4E Be Randomly Determined?

[Roman]

Should Ability Scores in 4E Be Randomly Determined?

To clarify: This poll is about the default PHB ability score generation variant. Your choice does not preclude more DMG options.

 

[Roman]

I think ability scores ought to be determined randomly, as I like a bit of randomness in both PC and NPC generation. My players prefer rolling to point buy too, so I hope it stays in the 4th edition.

 

[HellHound]

I think that a set of systems should be provided, just like with the current edition.

We always play with random ability scores, but I also understand why people like point buy.

Why only have one option?

None of your poll options suits this answer.

 

[Fifth Element]

I would vote yes, so long as you can also roll to see how many feats you get at 1st level (assuming feats still exist), and roll to see how many skill points you get (ditto).

I vote no, because randomness in game play (representing chance) enhances the fun of the game, while randomness in character creation detracts from it. You really want to play a super-strong fighter? Too bad, your highest roll was a 14. Tough.

 

[Nifft]

Should vary by group, just like it always has. Each group has a different standard of fairness. I suspect 4e won't change that standard.

(I voted "pointless".)

Cheers, -- N

 

[ThirdWizard]

Point Buy default in the PHB with Dice Variants in the DMG.

 

[Roman]

I think that a set of systems should be provided, just like with the current edition.

We always play with random ability scores, but I also understand why people like point buy.

Why only have one option?

None of your poll options suits this answer.

Sure, I agree with options to do it in various ways. There is no real danger of non-random ability score generation (currently point buy) disappearing, but there is the potential of random ability score generation being cut, at least as an equally valid option. Hence, voting for random generation is voting for having the random option as a rule equal in status to the non-random option.

 

[GreatLemur]

I honestly think randomly rolling is kind of fun and interesting, if you don't start with any character concept in mind, and you're not allowed to redistribute your scores. But that ain't something that ought to be any kind of standard practice. Point buy is a hell of a lot more fair and sensible.

Also, by God, can we stop with the 3-18 business if all we're going to use is the resulting modifier?

 

[an_idol_mind]

I like random ability scores and random hit points, as long as there are safeties to keept players from being stuck with a result that will make them unhappy (such as a 1 on hit point rolls or all 3s for ability scores). Rolling for ability scores is a fun part of character creation; you get to see what fate hands you and then mold that into a character concept. I'm really hoping that random ability scores are at least an option in 4e.

 

[Wormwood]

lso, by God, can we stop with the 3-18 business if all we're going to use is the resulting modifier?

Oh gods yes. Those numbers are worse than meaningless in a point-buy system---they actually impose a speed-bump in rules comprehension.