How do I determine my ability scores?

Question

So I am a new player of D&D and am making my character. I am not sure how to get the numbers for abilities: (wisdom, strength,..etc).

I read the manual and it did not go into detail about how to get these numbers. I have also looked online and it talks about rolling 4d6 and removing the bottom one but the numbers I have seen are like 1's, 2's or in the negatives when you do the method listed above you get way bigger numbers.

I might just be missing something obvious but I really need help. This is for 5e if you are wondering. I don't really know what I can do to make this more specific as I do not know much about this game.

The character is a half elf, Bard and my background is Outlander if that matters.

Answer 1

You are correct to roll 4d6 and discard the lowest of the 4, as detailed on pages 12-13 of the Player's Handbook¹. Add together the remaining three dice results, which will give you a number somewhere between 3 and 18. Repeat this process six times and then assign the numbers you get to the six abilities.
(Racial ability score increases may also apply, check under '[Race] Traits' in your race's description further in the PHB).

Once you have determined your ability scores, look at the table (also on page 13 of the PHB) to find out what your ability modifier is or calculate it yourself², a number between -5 and +10 (these could be where you've seen negative numbers - it's important to know the distinction between your ability score and your ability modifier).

Specifically for your half-elf bard, once you've assigned the six random numbers from the dice, you should increase your Charisma score by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice by 1 each. You will also be able to increase ability scores at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th levels.

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1. There are two other methods detailed on p13: you can use the scores 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 (distributed as you please), or (at your DM's discretion) you can use a point-buy system to get specific scores.
2. To calculate your ability modifier subtract 10 from the ability score, then divide by 2 and round down.
   For example if your ability score is 17: floor((17-10)/2) = floor(7/2) = floor(3.5) = +3 modifier.
   Or if your ability score is 9: floor((9-10)/2) = floor(-1/2) = floor(-0.5) = -1 modifier.

Answer 2

There are 3 ways to determine ability scores:

1. roll 4d6 drop the lowest, repeat six times;
2. take the scores 15,14,13,12,10,8 (the "standard array");
3. generate scores using the point-buy.

No matter which method you choose, you then assign the six resulting scores to abilities however you choose. P.13 of the PHB describes the methods in a bit more detail.

...but the numbers I have seen are like 1's, 2's or in the negatives .

Those are the ability modifiers you're seeing: each ability score corresponds to a modifier, tabulated (again) on PHB p.13. The modifier is actually used much more frequently than the raw score, so you'll see things like "dex +3" more often than "dex 16" in conversation.

Answer 3

Roll 4d6 and take the lowest one away and add the other three together and repeat 6 times