Dice rolling for the number crunchers

[Fritz_Brown]

Just an analysis I did for all you number crunchers out there. If you roll 3d6 or roll 4d6 and subtract the lowest die, what do you get? This graph shows by percentage.

This is based on odds rolling one die at a time (3 chances of a 4: 1,1,2 or 1,2,1 or 2,1,1).

 

[Chuck Anumia]

Thanks!

I had to print this out for my files. Great work.

 

[Keklas Rekobah]

With full knowledge that using any other die than a six-sider is heresy, here is also something to consider...

Each of these die combinations yield the same average value of 7.5 and spread of 0 to 15, but have different deviations:

1d16-1, 3d6-3, and 5d4-5

Also, instead of rolling 4d6 minus the lowest die, try 3d4+6. The average will be 13.5, and the spread will be 9 to 18, which guarantees an 'heroic' character for most games based on 3d6.

If the spread is 2 to 12 (Classic Traveller), then try:

2d4+0 for low-level characters (NPC's)
2d4+2 for avaerage characters (Newbies).
2d4+4 for heroic characters.

If the spread is 3 to 18 (AD&D), then try:

3d4+0 for low-level characters (NPC's)
3d4+3 for avaerage characters (Newbies).
3d4+6 for heroic characters.
3d4+9 for god-like characters.


-KR-

 

[Fritz_Brown]

KR, did you look at this earlier? Like, right after I posted it? I ask because the original graphic showed 1-15 on the x-axis. I caught it and fixed it, and I figured I was safe because nobody was responding, yet.

But, I do like your inputs on the dice (though I get a little twitch at non-d6

). I might use that in a computer generation system.....

 

[Fritz_Brown]

BTW, your odds of getting an "average" stat or better (10+) go from 62% to 82% by using that 4th die, and subtracting the lowest. (Yeah, I know, 62% is odd, but I couldn't figure out how to get a 10.5 stat, which is really average on 3d6.)

With 2d6 vs 3d6-1d, you go from 58% to 80% for getting a 7+.

I think I am going to have to incorporate this in MTU chargen for CT.