The default method of generating attribute scores for a random adventurer is quite easy. You roll 4d6, remove one of the dice (usually the lowest), and add up the remaining 3 dice. This generates your Brawn Score. Do this again for your Heartiness score, Agility Score, Precision Score, Logic Score, Reason score, Savvy score, and Presence score in that order. This should generate a random character with attribute Scores between 3 and 18.
A GM may set a different order for which you roll your scores, such as Brawn, Agility, Logic, Savvy, Heartiness, Precision, Reason, Presence. The order in which you generate your attribute scores should be discussed in Session 0, and if it isn't discussed, assume it's the normal order in which attribute scores are listed.
Once you have your attribute scores, note them down, you can record the modifiers as well if you like. It is possible for your attribute scores to change before play, so some folks may fill in their modifiers at the end.
<aside> <img src="/icons/die6_gray.svg" alt="/icons/die6_gray.svg" width="40px" /> The most common variant rules for attribute scores
One of the most common variant rules is the ability to customize your attribute scores. Using this method, rather than rolling for a specific attribute score, you roll the sum of “4d6 drop lowest” a total of 8 times, generating 8 numbers between 3 and 18. Then you simply assign these rolls to your attributes as you see fit.
Alternatively, if you are a GM who wishes for all characters to be even, you can use a “Standard Array” Each character gains the following attribute scores to assign as they wish: 16, 14, 13, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7 This gives all characters 3 attribute scores that have a positive bonus, one with a negative bonus, and 4 scores with no bonus. Do not apply attribute equalization when using the standard array.
People may wish to do a point buy, which has become common. If you wish to do point buy, you have 37 points to spend, and you can purchase the following attributes scores for the listed number of points. As you can see, the standard array is the same as a 37 point buy, but you can have a little more variety with your attribute scores if done this way. Like the standard array, you do not apply attribute equalization when using point buy.
| Score | Point Cost | Score | Point Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 0 | 13 | 6 | |
| 8 | 1 | 14 | 8 | |
| 9 | 2 | 15 | 10 | |
| 10 | 3 | 16 | 13 | |
| 11 | 4 | 17 | 16 | |
| 12 | 5 | 18 | 20 |
I do recommend that people attempt to use the default generation. As much of a “bummer” as rolling your attribute scores down the line can be, it is in the spirit of the game. You should be creating a random character, and playing that character as long as you like. If you don’t like them, the GM guide will have rules for bringing in new characters, and not losing all of your progress in your campaign.
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Although your attribute scores are numbers between 1 and 30, these scores are not often used. Rather your attribute score modifiers are used instead. Your modifiers are based on your score.
| Score | Modifier | Score | Modifier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | -4 | 8 - 12 | 0 | |
| 3 | -3 | 13 - 15 | +1 | |
| 4 - 5 | -2 | 16 - 17 | +2 | |
| 6 - 7 | -1 | 18 - 19 | +3 |
When random rolling a character, there is potential to generate a character who is simply not suited for adventuring. If you add up all of your characters attribute score modifiers, and they are -2 or lower, reroll your character (unless you want to play that way!). Additionally, if you have two attribute scores that are 6 or lower, you should reroll your character (again, unless you want to keep it).
Some GMs may have additional stipulations for allowing you to start over with new rolls, or methods of handling new rolls, furthering the importance of a session 0.
As you create your character, and go on adventures, you will have small chances to improve attribute scores.
Some ability scores are loosely tied together for the purposes of equalization. For example, brawny characters tend to also be hearty, but you may have rolled an excellent brawn score with a poor heartiness score. Although a character can be both high brawn and low heartiness, it’s not as likely, which is why equalization works.
If you used the optional point buy system for character generation, you cannot perform Ability Score Equalization.
For the purposes of ability score equalization, treat the following scores as “tied together”
Brawn and Heartiness
Logic and Reason
Agility and Precision
Savvy and Presence
Any character can select 1 pair of attribute scores listed above to equalize. Selecting that pair then allows you to decrease one score by 1 point to increase the other score by 1 point. You must always do this “towards” each other (the scores need to grow closer together). You can perform this a maximum of 2 times.