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2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
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2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
BTW, I was thinking of using one of the 2 for a quick PBP I was thinking of running before CotCT.
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The first method you suggest (2d6+6) wouldn't create characters any more powerful than are already possible, but they would be on the high end of things. I like to use rolling systems like this for particularly challenging one-shots or for small groups of players.
Your second method is also reasonable for starting stats imo.
Using the 2d6+6 method I got characters with stats equal to point buys of 44,32,33,48,33, and 49 points.
Using the 3d6+2 method I got builds equal to 24,27,48,20,38,and 42 points.
Granted, I think my dice are loaded, thats why I've been looking for an alternative rolling technique, so your results may vary.
2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
I've used the first system - in fact my very first character used that system - it is quite decent. The only "thing" about it is 2d6 are much more random than 3d6 (or 4d6), so a particular character can be a good bit more powerful than another.
For instance, the odds of rolling an 11 or lower is 27%. Odds of rolling *All* 11 or lower is about 1 in 2000 - somewhat high considering how icky that would be. 1 in 200 for 12 or lower. On the flip side, same 1 in 2000 for rolling 15 or higher, 1 in 200 for all 14 or higher.The second system would even out the distribution, but since D&D rewards high stats, particularly very high stats, more than it penalizes low ones, that would tend to be the better system to roll under. I'd suggest offering something like "roll in order", and maybe make it +3.
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2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
Mathematically, there's a pretty big difference between the two. Basically, the more dice you roll, the more likely you are to get the average. So, for 3d6, the average is 10.5, so 10 and 11. For 2d6, the average is 7. Now, using your methods, you get an average of 13 for the 2d6+6 and 12-13 for the 3d6+2.
The main difference, however, is that your results will be more varied with the 2d6 version than the 3d6 version. Rolling 18 with 3d6 is expected to occur once every 216 rolls, whereas rolling an 18 with 2d6+6 is expected to occur once every 36 rolls.
So all in all, I think that both systems would work pretty well in generating more powerful characters. The 2d6+6 would increase the chance of getting a very high 18, and even when you roll a 2, it's not crippling since you end up with an 8 anyway!
The 3d6 method gives you a character that will probably be between 11-15 in every stat, with someone being truly exceptional (19-20) a rare sight. If I were to choose which one I would want to use, it'd be the 2d6+6... I don't like stats less than 8! And the appeal of getting an 18 is always nice...
I like the 2d6+6 method. It would be handy to have the lowest ability you can roll a 8. I rolled a character with a 4 constitution once, and that was pretty lousy.
Were I give a choice, I would choose 2d6+6 for my character, but for the group it probably would be more interesting to play 3d6+2-rolled characters...
As said, 2d6+6 has lower randomness and thus power levels between the characters are bigger. And it is nice to have those high-end stats exceptional...
If the end result you want is higher character stats, why not just issue scores that they can arrange in order?
I give players an 18 16 14 12 10 8 array, and two +1 adds that can't go on the highest score. It works very well, Is fair, allows a lot of flexibility in character concept, and takes very little time.
Now about your two methods, I would go 2d6 +6 if rerolling was not allowed, and 3d6 +2 if it were. An insurance policy of sorts.
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If the end result you want is higher character stats, why not just issue scores that they can arrange in order?
I give players an 18 16 14 12 10 8 array, and two +1 adds that can't go on the highest score. It works very well, Is fair, allows a lot of flexibility in character concept, and takes very little time.
Now about your two methods, I would go 2d6 +6 if rerolling was not allowed, and 3d6 +2 if it were. An insurance policy of sorts.
I hate having a set array of numbers, even with a couple modifier points. Part of D&D to me was always rolling up a PC. Point buy and arrays just doesn't appeal to me.
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I would take the 3d6+2 method. 1 high ability score and 2 or 3 average ones are usually enough for a good PC and the prospect of starting out with a 19 or 20 is intriguing.
Also, if you run the PbP, can I put my hand up to be in it?
BTW, just so you know what I am thinking of for the PBP, I am probably gonna run a one-shot of Hollows last hope and then start a new PBP Campaign. I wanna do a short quick PBP to cut my teeth, as this would be my first PBP as a DM, and I want to work out the kinks. After that I was gonna start a campaign(haven't made a firm decision as to what yet) and allow the One-shot players to use their current characters if they wish. I was thinking of running some(not all) Gamemastery modules with a background thread to tie them all in to each other. I am leaning towards the 3d6+2 for abilities also.
I like the first method of the two.
While it I think it would be great to start above an 18 (you are heroes after all) I would hate for the 1/2 orc with 22 strength to dominate the game. I am currently struggling with a 20 str monk bypassing all DR (overcoming it might be more accurate) while the rest of the party can't scratch (or sometimes even hit) a given critter. It has led to a few lopsided combats--fun for him, but a little frustrating for the rest.
I would also like to join your game Fakey.
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I would take the 3d6+2 method. 1 high ability score and 2 or 3 average ones are usually enough for a good PC and the prospect of starting out with a 19 or 20 is intriguing.
Also, if you run the PbP, can I put my hand up to be in it?
Hey, Wandering Bard. I have started the discussion thread for the PBP, Head on over HERE and start getting ready.
2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
I'd use the 2d6+6 method; it assures you that your lowest score will be an 8 but you can't get higher than an 18 like you can with the 3d6+2 method, thus making your minimum score 6 and your maximum score 20 using the standard racial ability adjustments.
BTW, I was thinking of using one of the 2 for a quick PBP I was thinking of running before CotCT.2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
There space on your list of CotC players for me?
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There space on your list of CotC players for me?BTW, I was thinking of using one of the 2 for a quick PBP I was thinking of running before CotCT.2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
Changed my mind, I'm runnin' Hollows Last Hope as a test run then taking the players into Gamemastery territory. If you want in, head over to the False Hope Discussion thread.
I'll squeeze ya in.
There space on your list of CotC players for me?BTW, I was thinking of using one of the 2 for a quick PBP I was thinking of running before CotCT.2d6+6 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 13. A range of numbers from 8-18. Seems like a good heroic stat building method but not overpowered.
3d6+2 placed as desired. I believe the average would be 12.5. A range of numbers from 5-20. I kinda like that you could roll fairly low but not a 3 and have the possibility to get over an 18.
If you were given the 2 options for character generation what would you choose OF THESE 2 METHODS and why?
Thanks for the thoughts.
Changed my mind, I'm runnin' Hollows Last Hope as a test run then taking the players into Gamemastery territory. If you want in, head over to the False Hope Discussion thread.
I'll squeeze ya in.
Sounds fun but I figure that I've got time for one more PbP and I want to go through CotCT as a player before I DM so thanks but no thanks. Have fun and good luck though.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4
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I quite like both of them, although I use a 30 pt. version of the DMG's point-buy system for my home games - too many guys who can honest-to-god, no-cheatsies roll a series of three 18s in a row.
But anything, anything, ANYTHING would be better than my ill-fated 1d16+2 character-build system.
I mean, you pick up a rare sixteen-sided die at a con, and you're like, WOW! You ask yourself questions like: "What do I even DO with this?"
Don't use it for character-generation, is all I'm saying.
/although a 2d8+2 build might work . . .
//average of 11, after all . . .
///5d4-2, maybe . . . off to go get some scratch-paper!
/although a 2d8+2 build might work . . .
//average of 11, after all . . .
///5d4-2, maybe . . . off to go get some scratch-paper!
Hmm, I think I have a file somewhere in my computer where I had calculated probabilities, expected values and deviations for several different methods...
But generally, when you add more dice chances of rolling medium stats grow. 4d4+2 is rather nice method if you want to keep extremes rare but possible, spread is 6-18 with most stats being around 12 (9d2 would be very very boring).
I have the worst luck with rolling characteristics. I am point buy.