skatay 1210786289|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
To level out the playing field, and to create the character you want to play, I'm suggesting 60 points over the 6 stats. Look at the example of 'Bork' in the basic book, that guy is strong where a fighter needs to be strong and weak where a fighter can be weak. Every player starts out with the same amount of luck. And every stat, even Cha, is used in our gameplay with retainers.
Whutchoo think?
Quendalon 1210791087|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
While I generally prefer point-buy for modern incarnations of D&D, I think the crappy "3d6 in order" stats have a certain charm, especially if we're aiming for old-school Red Box feel. I'm willing to be convinced otherwise, but that doesn't guarantee the success of any attempts at persuasion. :-)
I suppose there's always the stat draft…
James_Nostack 1210816432|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Point worth considering is that, statistically, you're going to average 63 points on 18d6. So you'd be giving up a slight bit of ooomph for control. But keep in mind:
So, manipulating your stats this way might be fun, but it's not the end of the world.
By the way, I like the system here too [http://odd74.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=menmagic&action=display&thread=347]
skatay 1210864348|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Elphy had awesome stats, but still ended up in a situation where he had a 20% chance of dying - stats won't save you. Maduro's stats (comparatively) blow, yet he's the highest level PC so far - stats don't kill you.
20%? Wasn't there a dex check against D20 in there? Elphy had a 9 dex, lol. That check had a 55% of failure, or are you referring to some other roll? Also, volunteering gets you totally killed. That's the moral of that story.
I would play a mage who never fights, but there's always the chance I could be the weight that activates the unseen pit trap, or my retainers could not close in time for me to miss the lethal 6 or so points of damage heading my way.
James_Nostack 1210880886|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
I know the number I had in my head was 80% chance of survival, and that's the one you blew. I think we talked about making a Dex check and I rejected it as too dangerous for you …
skatay 1212085317|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Clamdigger has 63 points in stats as well, and is unplayable.
Hell, I would take 9s in every stat with one 13 as a 'bailout' alternative to any of the other suggestions, since at least it gurantees minimum non-embarrassing playability.
So, in summation, my suggestion as to the 'best' method:
roll 3d6, do that 2 for 1 swap where/if it works.
Hate that? You can do all 9s with one 13 where you want.
Quendalon 1212088528|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Quendalon 1212161248|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
While I think Clamdigger is technically playable (inasmuch as any first level magic-user is playable), I admit that his crippled Constitution might be a serious downer. Since his stats seem to be interfering with your ability to enjoy the game, if you still feel the same way if/when he escapes the dungeon, feel free to retire him and roll up a new character.
Interestingly, while all 9s and one 13 is below average in terms of total stat points, it's actually above average in terms of bonuses, so it doesn't work as a default. And anyway, there is a "bailout alternative" already in the rules: if your character sucks badly enough, just roll a new one. (A player can have his character commit suicide-by-goblin anyway, and this way is faster. ;)
skatay 1212165723|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Hmm. I may just have to die in battle then. I'm trying to see if I'm the only one who feels this way, and if it's true that I am, then I'll just play this guy.
Quendalon 1212168448|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
As I said, you can always retire him after the adventure and roll up a new character for the next adventure. This has the added advantage that you can bring him back later if you feel like it; keeping a stable of characters is a traditional old-school approach.
Invincible Overlord 1212194296|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
This is just a sucky area of BD&D, why fret? Have him succumb to bad case of acne and roll a new character. Even better, roll stats again to get something un-hopeless and say that he was there the whole time. The hopeless thing is the key for me. It's just a lark of a game, but if I couldn't even secretly imagine a great career cuz I'd always be slayable in one hit, I'd lose interest.
James_Nostack 1212206842|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
As the new driver, I am going to play the hell out of this guy. Can you imagine how terrified he must be? And what ecstasy he must feel, to have survived even this far? Let's not go into the self-esteem issues he must have …
Yes, this guy is almost inevitably Goblin Chow, but damn, how incredible would it be to survive?
