Just in case that's a genuine question, Geala...
In 5e, the default method recommended for generating your ability scores is to roll 4d6 and add the highest three together (that is, a possible total between 3 and 18, weighted to be higher), six times, and then allocate those 6 scores as you wish. Most people choose their class first, and then allocate their scores in a way that fits the character they want to make.
The 5e handbook also provides a few other optional, alternative methods of generating stats, included the point buy system (which is what we have in BG3 currently), and the standard array, which is a fixed set of six scores (15, 14, 13, 12, 10 and 8 - totals that add up to the same value as point buy allows).
Outside of that, individual DMs and players utilise other variations of rolling ability scores. Some like 'hard' rules, which are a straight up rolling of 3d6 per score, with no 'drop' die, which naturally tends to average lower scores, just as one example. At the other end, some DMs allow players to roll 4d6 seven times, instead of six, and drop to lowest of those seven scores, pushing the overall ability score average up slightly more - this is good for heroic campaigns where players are particularly cut-above and expected to take on epic challenges.
Rolling is the norm, and is standard at the majority of tables - it's more flexible and allows for more unique ability score spreads - with more extremes of highs and lows - than using point buy. Several folks here on the forum do strongly prefer point buy for their own reasons (bad experiences with extreme power imbalances between players that their DM didn't handle well or allowed to actually become a problem, is usually the type of horror story that is reported), and there are positives and negatives to each method.
I've never heard of a DM who insists that players pick a class first, and then roll down-the-line (as in, rolling each ability in turn without allowing allocation) as well... that would be pretty cruel and silly, and the only times it's really done is for short-form or silly/joke games.
Last edited by Niara; 06/04/22 01:54 PM.
