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Since the first thread got completely overrun with unrelated tangents right from the start, I'm starting a new one, this time with a much clearer post on what my goals are here...

Overview:
1. The goal here is to provide a system for generating ability scores that both caters to the random roll and the point-buy options, and eliminates the need for the array option.  Why eliminate the array option?  Because in a balanced system between random roll and point-buy, it's not necessary.  The modifiers produced are always equal which was the goal of the array option.
2. The system is easy to understand and intuitive to use.  This is the reason that 1 point spent is 1 point of ability score.  Having changing values here is unintuitive, at least to someone that has never used such a system before.  It's also much easier if you can simply shuffle points around without having to worry about the conversion rate.  It's also easy to double check, as the total of the values beyond 10 should equal 12.  It's easy to modify too, by simply changing that 12 to a higher or lower value, as you like.
3. The system produces completely balanced results (thus the requirement that your modifers total +6) whether you use the random or point-buy option, so different players can use the same system in the same game.
4. The system produces heroic characters.  You'll notice that no scores go below 10, as quite simply, how heroic is it to be a total weakling or a clumsy oaf?  It's not, that's correct.

*Also note that even if this is the "standard" method of generating ability scores in 5E, there can still be other options like "classic method" (which is 3d6 either in order or arranged as you like), "boosted classic method" (which is 4d6, either in order or arranged as you like), "array method" (which is one of 3 different arrays, depending on the power-level desired), etc. - I am not proposing there not be other methods available in the books, it's your game once it hits your table so do whatever you want, really.  I'm talking about what's used at organized play sessions, what's the assumed "standard party" in the written scenarios, monster design, etc., which is also a method that can, of course, be used at your table if you like.

So, the player chooses either of the following:

Standard Point-Buy Method:
All of a character's ability scores start with a value of 10.  The player has 12 points to spend to improve their ability scores from 10.  Each point spent is an increase of 1 for the score.  The total of the ability score modifiers must also equal +6 after spending these points, not counting any bonuses from race or class.  The maximum value allowed in any score is 18, including any bonuses from race or class.

Standard Random Roll Method:
There will be a chart, which I'll not provide here - so use your imagination, which lists every possible combination of ways one could spend the 12 points on their 6 ability scores, matching the criteria set above.  The player rolls some dice and uses whichever set of numbers corresponds to that roll, effectively doing the math for him.


What you need to do is:
1. Decide if you can live with this as the standard method, even if you ignore the standard method and use one of the optional methods (or modular methods if you prefer that term) instead.  If not, why not?  And "because I said so," "because I prefer something else," and/or "because I don't like it" sort-of answers really are of no use to the thread, provide real, concrete details, please.
2. Are there glaring flaws with the system?  Or did I miss on any of the goals? Again, real, concrete details, please.

Sep 12, 2012 -- 6:30PM, BohoMojambo wrote:

I really quite like it.

Thanks, I'm glad someone does and says so...

Sep 12, 2012 -- 6:46PM, DemoMonkey wrote:

"4. The system produces heroic characters.  You'll notice that no scores go below 10, as quite simply, how heroic is it to be a total weakling or a clumsy oaf?  It's not, that's correct."

Sorry, you state that like it's a universal truth. It's not. Ask any 10 pre-4E D&D players about their favourite character ever and I guarantee 3 of them will tell you about one with a gimped stat that made them fun to roleplay.

It is a universal truth, or very close to it.  There's nothing heroic about not being able to do what your class pigeon holes you to do, being too stupid to speak, being unable to hold onto any object because of your 3 DEX, etc.

Not that it can't be fun, I'm sure for some people it can be, personally I'd find it funny (not the same as fun) at best.  And it's not the poor stat (the mechanics) that makes the character fun to play, it's the method in which the character is roleplayed (or role assumed) and the experiences had, IME.  Besides, you can always play your Fighter with an 18 INT as not too bright if you want to play that character despite his/her stat.  They'll just succeed more at skill checks and whatnot than someone with a 10 INT is all.

Sep 12, 2012 -- 6:54PM, Hocus-Smokus wrote:

Truth.
Roleplay produces heroic characters.
Higher ability scores produce mechanically-efficient characters.

Indeed, this.

Sep 12, 2012 -- 6:53PM, Crimson_Concerto wrote:

As for the method, I think that it sort of misses one of the major draws of rolling randomly, the chance that you'll end up with some spectacularly above average. Without that chance, there's no point to rolling, no point in not just using the point buy to put your ability score right where you want them.

Indeed, and that's what the other "non-standard" methods are for.  The reason for rolling here is really just for that feel or rolling for stats (even without the pros/cons), and/or because you want inspiration from the dice for the character and you also don't want to be gimped or godded by the randomness - basically, you're coming to the table having no idea what you want to play, so you just roll it and do whatever.