More on Point Buy

Gamer asks about a 4d6 system:

I know the Point Buy method is the default character generation method (which I like), but I’m also curious if BioWare will include the 4d6 rolling method for DM’s who choose to use this in their private games?

Well, at a personal best guess, no. I say that based on the fact that from day one they’ve been reluctant to putting in “half” features. What I mean is that if they build in a 4d6 method anywhere in the game, and even if they make it clear that the feature is *only* for private “unofficial” games, there will be a tidal wave of confused gamers the day after release screaming that they can’t use that feature anywhere, including the official Vault.

It’s one of those Pandora situations 😉 and like the blank place holder skills and feats suggestions, will *probably* be something they leave up to us. The more uniform the hard coded gaming system the less chance for mishaps and misunderstandings among their customer base.

So, no, I doubt they’ll build in more than one method of direct PC creation, but this is one of those times that I’ll be happy if I missed my guess ;-)….

Quote(Rob Bartel, NWN Co-Lead Designer):

Just to jump in here and put everyone’s mind to rest, there are some back door methods of superseding our front end requirements for a point-buy system. I’ll outline a few here:

1) DM modification: If you’re running a small campaign with friends, the DM will be able to jump in and change characters’ stats to fit the needs of the campaign. Make them more powerful, make them less powerful, apply the actual results of 4d6-drop-the-lowest, or whatever other system you want to use. You’ve got full control.

2) Script-based stat overrides: For those running persistent worlds (such as Quick’s Greyhawk), player stats are totally exposed via scripting. On the front end, we’ll have to force a point-buy system but, once they’re in your world, they’re yours to do with as you wish. You could have a vast Newbie Hall where characters go through an entirely new character creation process of your own devising (down to reassigning race, class, gender, ability scores, skills, feats, level, etc). This could either be done through dialog with NPCs or through a series of text popup windows, whatever suits your fancy. The key point is that, once created, it’s self-maintaining. You don’t have to burn all of your DMing time into constantly overseeing it.

In other words, rest easy, everyone. The argument is already moot. The official point-buy system will be the default standard and any Vault-sanctioned character will have to conform to that. Non-Vault characters can be moulded and shaped however you see fit.

Leaving a light on at the back door,
Rob Bartel
Lead Writer/Designer
Neverwinter Nights
BioWare Corp.

:End Quote

So, at worst you’ll have to implement your own solution, but don’t worry if you aren’t a scripter, within a week of release I’m sure there will be a dozen different PC generation script packs up for download around the web. You’ll just need to pick the one you like best ;-).

Cord Grimwinder