Well, the point-buy system is pretty straightforward. It's in the DMG but it's easy enough to retype here.
All abilities start at 8. To increase an ability costs a certain number of points.
Here's the ability score and the number of points each costs:
- 9 = 1
- 10 = 2
- 11 = 3
- 12 = 4
- 13 = 5
- 14 = 6
- 15 = 8
- 16 = 10
- 17 = 13
- 18 = 16
Some DMs allow you to take a score down to 7 for +1 point, 6 for +2 points, etc., but not all so check with your DM.
It's fairly obvious the point of diminishing returns is from 14 to 15. Paying for a 16 isn't too bad, especially since with a non-human you can bump your favored racial stat to an 18 (or in your case with a Minotaur, to a 20). But paying for a 17 or 18 means a few 8s, 9s and 10s.
For a Minotaur with +4 Str and -2 to Dex, Int & Cha, I'd probably buy the following stats (with their point values) + racial adjustments = totals:
Code:
[size=3] Str 16 (10) +4 = 20
Dex 14 (6) -2 = 12
Con 14 (6) = 14
Int 10 (2) -2 = 8
Wis 12 (4) = 12
Cha 8 (0) -2 = 6[/size]
I could easily see switching the Dex & Int around, but as a Fighter I figured you'd appreciate the extra +1 to your AC and Reflex saves more than a couple extra skill points per level. YMMV.
Hope that helps.
DrSpunj