Character Stat systems

[randy]

Question for the assembled wise ones-

My game currently uses the "roll 4D6 and drop the low die" system to determine the character's primary stats. I let them switch two stats to shore up something they really want. Some characters are killed at birth if the rolls are too bad. (The one player who kept such a character is our most famous archer- the legendary Bunce Tiddley).

Likes- Bell curve for abilities is good. Characters with 18's in an ability are rare and thus add unique things to the party.

Dislikes- Player gets what they roll, not necessarily what they would like to play

I'm starting a fresh campaign next year, so if I'm going to change rules I have a great opportunity. I would be interested in two things-

Systems you like as a GM-
Systems you like as a player-

[djkester]

DM
I like point buy.

Player
I like point buy.

That said, their is something cool about random luck or unluck. What I think if there is to be any rolling during a character startup it should be equally cool no matter the result.

So if you roll for stats then should be another part of character generation that is cooler if you have bad stats.

Like I said, I like point buy. One thing I like about Hero system is that you can trade points from stats for other abilities since everything is purchased from a single set of points.

[anarkeith]

Randy,

I'm torn between letting the dice have a strong say in the makeup of the character, and being able to construct a character that matches my interests and enthusiasms at the time of creation.

My compromise is that I'm willing to roll the dice (as opposed to point buy, although I like point buy for the convenience and perceived balance), if I'm allowed to arrange the numbers to suit my vision. This way, if the dice dictate a notable weakness, I still must place it, but I can build it into the character I want to play (and find a way to roleplay that.)