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Thursday, May 09, 2024

Ability scores generation: method X (B/X? S&S?)

In the past few days, I've been considering the many methods of generating abilities scores (again...) for my S&S game. 

The most popular are 3d6 in order (OD&D, B/X, etc.) and 4d6, drop lowest (AD&D, Method I). However, AD&D has several other methods - why can't I find a favorite?

Well, someone else did the math. Turns out that 3d6 in order gives you an average of 10.5, and Method I gives you 12.24. And ALL the other AD&D methods give you results that are HIGHER than 12.24. 

So there is nothing between the two most popular methods.

But remember, B/X modifiers are bigger than AD&D. If you look at damage modifiers, for example Strength 13 in B/X is similar to 16 in AD&D (+1 damage), and a 16 in B/X means 18 in AD&D (+2 damage). A B/X PC with lots of 16s and 17s looks too powerful, adn a 18 should be extremely exceptional.

I like stats that look like the picture below: above average but not "epic". An average of 11-12, a couple of impressive abilities (14-17), and almost NO dismal abilities. I think someone just chose these abilities instead of rolling, but they feel about right for me.



[Notice that HP is also above average - maybe maximum HP at level 1?]

I feel that what is missing is a list of B/X methods, similar to AD&D: start with 3d6 in order and add several options that give you slightly higher results.

Anyway, I've heard one method I particularly liked: roll 3d6 in order, but re-roll 1s. 

This gives you:

- Average 12.
- Minimum 6.
- Low ability are unlikely or impossible, but high ability scores are not so common either (less than 1% chance of getting a 18, which is lower than AD&D).
- A decent chance of getting a 15+ for one ability at least. 

If you want the possibility of sub-par abilities, re-roll 1s ONCE, so you could STILL get a 3... But it is very rare.

The typical abilities would be something like 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. Feels almost perfect!


I'm probably using that for my S&S book. 

A regular adventurer is above average in MOST things, can still have a flaw, but is unlikely to be Conan by level 1 either. 

I'll certainly include ability score improvements as you level up, so you can eventually get that 18 if you want.

[IF I were to use point buy, I'm thinking that maybe giving PCs something like 75 points to distribute - but positive modifiers costing points, so that 18 (+3) would cost 21 - would encourage fewer low abilities but also not many high ones. But that is probably for another post...]

10 comments:

  1. If you want to boost characters a little more consider 2d6+6. Avg 13.5.
    Min of 8. High likelihood of at least one 15+.

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    1. 2d6+6 has a good range (8 to 18), but avg 13.5 is a bit too high for me.

      I've heard 4d4+2 which sounds fine too.

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    2. 4d4+2!!!! Dont do that to yourself man hahah

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    3. Hahahah I know it sounds horrible but the numbers kinda work for me.

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  2. Huh, I'm pretty sure 3e's standard abilities array was 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 too, though I'd have to go back and check.

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    Replies
    1. I think this is 3e "elite array" or something

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  3. But what exactly is what you dont like the 3d6 in order? Is it because you feel that the characetrs are underpowered on a median? If so, one way to help it is to allow to increase attributes during the game. This will not complicate character creation and serve as a dopamine boost from time to time. You can tie it to level ups or to magic items, and make it random like "roll over stat on a d20 to increase it"

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    Replies
    1. The issue with 3d6 in order is how frequently under-powered characters will be produced. An array of 12, 11, 9, 8, 7, 4 is undesirable. The alternative methods are intended to hedge against that.

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    2. Yes, exactly, I just feel PCs should be a bit above average. Even at level 1.

      Especially, I want to avoid very low stats.

      But I also agree with Jack that increasing during the game is a viable alternative.

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    3. I like the system you came up with. S&S characters, in the fiction, start out competent. So the game characters should have at least a bit of an edge, too.

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