Quote Originally Posted by prabe View Post
I've seen too much variation in initial starting competency to be entirely happy with any random method, but the point buy system in the PHB is ... boring. So, I worked out a different method for the campaigns I run: Pick your ability scores, any number 3-18; half of them must be odd, the other half must be even; you may not pick any number more than twice. Now, apply racial bonuses; you may not adjust an ability past 18 at level 1.

EDIT: The total modifiers cannot be greater than +9. The bonus could be anything; I picked +9 because I explicitly wanted competent starting characters.
So for say a pally half orc you could do 16+2, 10, 17+1, 5, 11, 18? That lets you have a +4 in 3 stats AND not hurt your important saves too much.

For a SAD caster it's even easier, especially if you pick a class that gets a + to either your casting stat, DEX or CON. IE a Bugbear Wizard. 3+2, 17+1, 18, 18, 11, 11. 3 18s, and you only have to dump strength, which you won't need anyway.

Of course, this only happens if you have obnoxious minmaxy players.