Aliens and Point Allocation

[Sevya]

I have a couple of questions about how people treat non-human characteristics when using the point allocation option for character generation (p. 40 in the Core Rule Book).

1) Are the characteristic modifiers applied before or after buying the score? For example: if I were to make a Vargr character with a Dex of 12, would I pay 10 Points for the 12, or 8 points for an 11, then add the +1 to Dex for a Vargr?

2) How are point values for characteristics above 15 determined? The stats for K'kree in the Core Rule Book would allow for a roll of 18 in Str and End, possibly pushed higher in character generation, and in Classic Traveller could rise as high as 25.

So, how do you people work with these?

Sevya

 

[BP]

1) 8 for 11 then add normal +1 (otherwise points are buying 'intrinsic extra').

2) Do you mean DMs? That is simply (# minus 6) divided by 3 (round down). So 15-17 is +3, 18-21 is +4, etc.

 

[Sevya]

2) Do you mean DMs? That is simply (# minus 6) divided by 3 (round down). So 15-17 is +3, 18-21 is +4, etc.

I was still asking about the Point Allocation method of character generation. On the table in the book, a 14 costs 15 points, a 15 costs 18 points, but it stops there. There seems to be a pattern, but it gets choppy around 8-9. If I ignore that little hiccup, I can extrapolate, but I just wanted to see if there was a different method in place.

Sevya

 

[BP]

Ah - gotcha... unfortunately, at a glance, it looks quite arbitrary (or a very odd curve).

From 6 on the difference is +1, +1, +2,+1, +2, +2, +3, +3.

Very seriously doubt you will ever get an 'official' ruling on this one. IMO, given the range starting from 3 rather than 2, it should be a completely different table (given how odds change) - or at least 'shift' values to start from 3 and then add +3 each for 17 and 18.

Given the characteristic modifiers, I would actually have 'jumps' in point cost at the DM range starts, but that doesn't appear to be how it is presented.

 

[rinku]

A stat of 9 is the threshold at which you get any +DM. I'd have thought the +2 points from the cost of 8 is there to reflect that. On the other hand, a stat of 10 usually has no great advantage over 9. Don't forget that these stats represent *post* generation values. Most Traveller characters get a few plus stats and the odd minus during genration and that makes the average distribution... complex.

Relating to Alien characteristics, generate the base stat (i.e. pay the cost) and then apply the alien mod, same as when rolling. The average Aslan has Str 9 and dex 5 and should only pay average costs; all the standard aliens are pretty much balanced.

The table stops at 15 because that is the normal human limit. Augmentations are outside the points allocation system - that's a form of equipment. Alien stat adds may add to the upper threshold. In the case of alien characteristics generated on 1D6 or 3D6, there are currently no official rules for maximum stats, and these do not translate onto the table.

 

[AndrewW]

The table stops at 15 because that is the normal human limit. Augmentations are outside the points allocation system - that's a form of equipment. Alien stat adds may add to the upper threshold. In the case of alien characteristics generated on 1D6 or 3D6, there are currently no official rules for maximum stats, and these do not translate onto the table.

Maybe not yet. Power Armour covers epic characteristics above 15.

 

[rinku]

Yeah, but that's the Dice Modifier table, not the points allocation character generation one. Stats can go above 15 by virtue of equipment or drugs or psychic powers or Referee's fiat, but none of that has any meaning as far as the normal cap of 15. Aliens have their own caps, but the basic set does not define these.

 

[AndrewW]

Yeah, but that's the Dice Modifier table, not the points allocation character generation one. Stats can go above 15 by virtue of equipment or drugs or psychic powers or Referee's fiat, but none of that has any meaning as far as the normal cap of 15. Aliens have their own caps, but the basic set does not define these.

Didn't say it was the points allocation. Just mentioning at least some coverage of higher stats.