Arrays

The "baseline" method of assigning Ability Scores is to pick an array. You then take the numbers in the array and assign one to each of your ability scores of your choice. Racial or other modifiers to your ability scores are then added. Your DM will determine which array or arrays are available for you to choose from. The following are merely examples and ideas, the DM can adjust the specific numbers of the arrays to fit the game:

Standard Array. 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. This is the default array presented in the Player's Handbook, and is generally a good array to use for any type of campaign.

Well-Rounded Array. 14, 13, 13, 12, 12, 10. This array redistributes some of the top end of Standard Array into the lower end, giving you a character with less extreme strengths and weaknesses.

Specialized Array. 15, 15, 13, 11, 9, 8. This array does the reverse of Well-Rounded, giving you a character with more extreme strengths and weaknesses.

Heroic Array. 17, 16, 15, 14, 12, 10. A higher array, each number has been increased by 2, giving you heroic, very capable characters even at low levels.

Peasant Array. 12, 11, 10, 10, 10, 8. A lower array, with significantly decreased numbers, giving you low-power, commonfolk characters.

Random Array Distribution

Character Discovery, in which you let the dice determine what kind of character you will be creating, is a classic aspect of D&D and one that can be a lot of fun. The traditional methods of rolling random values for stats, in order, allowed for this, but also often creates noticeable power differences between characters. This method allows you to let fate decide what your stats will be, without introducing imbalance.

Select an array, such as Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8). Beginning with the first number in the array, roll a d6 to determine which ability score that number will be assigned to. Do this until all six numbers have been assigned to different ability scores. If you roll an ability score that already has a number assigned to it, reroll the die. After you've assigned two ability scores, switching to a d4 may save you time in rerolling.

Random Array Selection

For even further randomization of ability scores, without introducing imbalance into the party, you can roll a random array for your character on the table below. Each array has the same point value (as per the Point Buy ability score system in the Player's Handbook) as all the others, but arranged in different ways. Once you have rolled an array, you can either assign the numbers yourself, or use the Random Array Distribution method to assign them.