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D&D Point Buy Calculator 5e

Point Buy System:

\[ Points = \sum(cost\_table[stat] \text{ for each stat}) \] \[ \text{where cost table: } 8=0, 9=1, 10=2, 11=3, 12=4, 13=5, 14=7, 15=9 \]

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1. What is the D&D 5e Point Buy System?

The Point Buy system in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition allows players to customize their character's ability scores by spending points. This method ensures balanced characters while allowing customization.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard D&D 5e point cost table:

\[ Points = \sum(cost\_table[stat] \text{ for each stat}) \]

Where the cost table is:

Explanation: Higher ability scores cost progressively more points to reflect their increasing value in character power.

3. Importance of Point Buy

Details: The point buy system ensures fair character creation where all players have equal starting potential while allowing customization to fit character concepts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select each ability score from the dropdown menus. The calculator will automatically sum the point costs. Standard array (15,14,13,12,10,8) costs 27 points.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the standard point budget?
A: Most games use 27 points, but DMs may adjust this (typically 25-32 points).

Q2: Can I go below 8 or above 15?
A: The standard system doesn't allow scores below 8 or above 15 before racial modifiers.

Q3: How do racial bonuses affect point buy?
A: Racial bonuses are applied after point buy and don't count against your point total.

Q4: Why does 14 cost 7 points instead of 6?
A: The cost progression increases more sharply at higher scores to balance power.

Q5: Is point buy better than rolling stats?
A: Point buy ensures balance, while rolling can create more varied (but potentially unbalanced) characters.

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