Fixed initial sum total preferred over rolling in 3ed?

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Or is that only Bioware's idea? I noticed people play that way sometimes, but mostly give more points to spend. 75 is ridiculous. Average rolls give more (some 80-85) and when people do ad&d tests they turn out to have about that same amount (my own is 73+STR unknown, many people have higher scores). So is this only for 'balance'?

 

I'm afraid I won't like 3ed... It's impossible to make a normal paladin with 73/75 points to spare and maybe 80 finally. It spoils the fun too. Seems all d&d games will be like that from now on... Eh, good I still have my BG2.

 

well rolling exist in 3e too. It just seems to be standard to use pt buy for upcoming crpg.

Your problem is with the games, not the system.

[ January 31, 2003, 04:39: Message edited by: Lokken ]

 

My friend wrote a computer program which determines average stats for 4d6 drop 1, which equates to 12.5 +-.2 [bad memory] or somewhere in that region. either way that makes about 75 points for 4d6 drop 1. 48 + 25 is 73, which is pretty dang close. The only bad thing I see about point buy is that normally you aren't allowed to "sell" points, or at least DMs are hesitant because this creates min-max'ing. Where are the Dwarves with 1 charisma, or orcs with 1 intelligence?

 

Many min-maxers don't understand the consequences of dropping stats so low. 1 intelligence is animal intelligence, you cannot speak. And an orc with one charisma would be the most repulsive, spineless creature most partys would encounter, and would find it hard to put up with him. A good DM will exploit a min-maxer to make them see what they are doing.

 

Indeed. However, in CRPG's, having an INT of 1 doesn't hurt you. (Well, not alot until you come across MindFlayers anyway ) That's where a lot of people come from. And yes any DM that would allow point buy will (ab)use such min/maxing to teach the person that wise lesson.

Unless you like roleplaying a stone

 

Actually, I have a dwarf in my campaign right now with 1 charisma. As far as looks go, he is the most hideous beast to ever ride atop stumpy legs. But he wears a suit reminiscent of Gorm Gulthyn [double weight full plate], coats himself dayly in sweet perfumes conjured by the party druid, and is Silenced before any diplomatic encounters by the party sorcerer. But when he ISN'T silent, I hold him to [and he enjoys] roleplaying the rudest, filthiest-talking, rambunctious terd known to exist. He insults everyone from commoners to little girls to priests of Helm, and gets the party often into a lot of trouble. They don't complain toooo much, because come to crunch time, he's got 22 STR and 26 CON. Tank.

 

Ah, but now we're talking dwarves. It's in their blood to be like that. I mean, a diplomatic dwarf, somehow seems a bit off.

"Negotiating? That'll go much better with mah axe in ye bellay!"

[ February 01, 2003, 13:44: Message edited by: Faragon ]

 

I remember one scene in particular...

A cleric of Ilmater approaches the party in the inn after they have completed a quest for him, and now needs another favor.

...

Dwarf: "Oh, ya want ta talk, do ya? Ya nancy-fairyin' gutrag. I feel sorry for whatever mother had ta' pop ye out 'er arse. Always stumblin' about bleedin' and cryin' like a wee baby, why don't ya turn yer backside around this-a-way and I'll plunge my boot-"

Interrupted by the group paladin-

"What our foul-mouthed friend here is trying to say, I believe, is that we've done great services for the Temple of Ilmater already, and would gladly do service once more, but we are currently fatigued and need rest."

Dwarf, chiming back in, "Don't presume to speak for me, ya shiny priss. I don't need no rest, I need an ale and a wench. Bring me those things, priest, or I'll bring you closer to your god."

ME: at this time, the innkeepers daughter, a little girl around 5 years old, approaches you kindly with her father's ale cup at his direction, offering you some. She lingers, holding out her hands for a coin or two perhaps, for gratuity.

Dwarf: "I spit in her palm and give her a boot to the rump, 'Get outta here kid, yer botherin' me.'"

...praise be to W.C. Fields

[ February 02, 2003, 01:22: Message edited by: Amon-Ra ]

 

Wow

But back to the topic: Point buy has it's advantages and disadvantages. It prevents crappy rolls, as well as very good ones.

 

There are some better or worse tests to determine player's own stats. Not a bad idea to allow this since one of the 'schools' prefers PCs mirroring players. I won't my pally dex 13, con 11, int 15, wis 17, cha 18. Something for strength as well when I finally have checked it.