So far I have been letting my players choose from three methods:

1. Our timeworn AD&D standard: 4d6, drop 1, seven times in order, eliminate one score and collapse the rest. Allows a little more choice and pushes stats up a bit.

2. 4d6, drop 1, six times, in order

3. 3d6 six times, in order.

For methods 2 and 3, I have been allowing either 50 starting XP (100 for method 3) or one reroll for HP or starting gold (method three can be 2 rerolls or a combo of 50 XP and one reroll).

I'm actually finidng that AS&SH characters are more survive-likely than AD&D ones, so I'm thinking about going strating 3d6 or maybe 3d6 7 times and collapse.

The name and characteristics generators are pure gold.

I like 3d6 straight down in games where stats don't matter as much, like OD&D. I've generated many a good PC this way. In something like AS&SH (or 1E), where stats matter more in play and in class selection, we use 4d6/drop lowest, arrange to taste. On top of this, I allow a stat to be lowered by two in order to raise another by one (max 17). In 1E, Gygax recommends at least two 15s, so it's not as if there is no precedent for such methods. As Jeff said though, if a guy insists on 3d6 straight down because he enjoys playing what's put to him, that's cool too. I won't go any easier on him though, so he better bring his A-game.

Regardless, as with all things RPG, you have to do what works for you and your group.

3d6 in order makes sense for games in which characters are disposable and the goal of the game is trying to get as far with a random character as you can. Such characters are not meant to have personalty, a backstory, or interactions with the game world. If your stats are terrible, have a laugh as he barely makes it through one or two encounters, and then start another one. Or in rare cases everyone might be amazed how the character simply does not seem to die, against all odds.
Can be lots of fun.

But I don't think it works at all for a game in which the players are supposed to give the character a personalty and an active role in the world. When players are meant to create an interesting character to become the hero of his story, it doesn't make any sense to randomly assign each player what choices they can make.
All classes and races should be equally open to all players, and the ability scores match the character concept. It's not fun for anyone in the group when some players are just waiting for their disposable character to die, so they can get another chance of making the character they want to play.

I allow methods I-IV, the only caveat is that if people use 3d6 in order then they roll twice on a custom "life events" table that I created. These "events" cover a wide spectrum and each provides a range of advantages; from small boons, mechanical advantages, bonuses, to minor magic items (potions, scrolls, consumables, etc.). Methods II and III roll once on the table and characters that were made with Method IV don't get to roll on the table.

Fo my own part I like the idea of choices and consequences. And the idea of providing a carrot for picking less advantageous methods appeals to me. The best thing I can say about it is that players have split their choices about evenly amongst the methods.

Last edited by NAJones (7/13/2014 6:59 pm)

Chainsaw wrote:

NAJones wrote:

I allow methods I-IV, the only caveat is that if people use 3d6 in order then they roll twice on a custom "life events" table that I created. These "events" cover a wide spectrum and each provides a range of advantages; from small boons, mechanical advantages, bonuses, to minor magic items (potions, scrolls, consumables, etc.). Methods II and III roll once on the table and characters that were made with Method IV don't get to roll on the table.

Fun! Care to share the events tables?

Sure. Unfortunately I'm at a cabin for the next 4 or 5 days, but when I get back I'd be happy to share it.

Full disclosure, I borrowed liberally from the Crypts & Things 'life events' table and then edited it to fit my setting.

Last edited by NAJones (7/13/2014 11:49 pm)

in DCC i go 3d6 down the line. In ASSH 4d6 drop 1 assign as you go rather than roll all then assign. With more experienced players i'd be inclined to go straight down the line in ASSH but i tend to find my players aren't good at team work or decision making so i give them some slack. Perhaps i should be harsher though, they might learn.

I sometimes allow point trading with the mental stats, Int and Cha in particular. I do expect my players to an extent to roleplay, and thus think and speak like their characters. So if they don't feel they can perform stupid for a campaign i recommend they raise int to a middle of the range result. Although sometimes I also state that Int is really just memory (the mechanical role of it) and Cha is attractivness, the ability to deduce and speak manipulative words are as the player chooses to roleplay them. I then simple consider their Cha and Int as modifiers to how they act when determining the result.

Chainsaw wrote:

For me, rolling method is less about the outlook for PC longevity and heroism, but what the rules system implies about attribute relevance.

This. For me it's less about a particular preference towards character generation, and more about what the system itself says about said rolls.

My players have always done the 4d6 drop lowest, assign as desired method. They get to play what they like. Unless there is a general consensus towards another (possibly harsher) method (like 3d6 down the line), I generally keep things are they are. I've absoutely loved the times when we've done 3d6 down the line for Basic though. As characters are prone to death, stats matter little; running away often does!