Getting tired of point buy

[strayshift]

The stats of the 5th level Sorcerer in the game I DM'd using a 4d6 (take best 3) grid system:

Str: 12
Dex: 14
Con: 15
Int: 14
Wis: 9
Cha: 19 (started @ 18 counting race bonus)

A 28 point build, he is more survivable but not as optimised as a 25 point buy character and there is a penalty to will saves which has cost him 2-3 times already.

On one hand superficially more powerful, on the other hand, not.

[Steve Geddes]

thejeff wrote:

I wouldn't do a 3d6 grid unless you really wanted to play hardcore mode.

Generally, I don't like it. It takes away too much freedom of choice and doesn't really add anything.

Yeah, it's certainly more restrictive than point buy. In our case, my preference is 3d6 six times, in order - so the array method is actually an increase in choice.

We find the array method a good compromise between those amongst us who like to plan out characters before choosing their stats and those (like me) who prefer getting their stats allocated and then constructing a character to fit.

It's a pretty signficance philosophical shift, in my view, more about one's approach to character generation than about strength or weakness of the characters created (you can always tweak the power level by adjusting the method of generating each cell in the array).

[Kryzbyn]

We usually do:
4d6, re-roll ones, drop the lowest. 2 columns, choose best column.

For quick games, we've done 1d6+12.