Help with tough ability score system

[snoosnaa]

Hello,

I am going to be playing a new campaign with my group soon where we roll 3d6, in order, for each ability, with no modification at all.  I obviously wont know what class to go with until the scores are rolled, but was hoping to get some advice on possible options concerning low rolls.  First, are there any particular races that work well or offset some lower scores?  I could use a +1 level adjustment, but would not like to go higher than that.  What are some good classes for low or average scores? Any advice or suggestions along these lines is greatly appreciated.  And also, what is this type of ability roll system called?  Not sure how to google something like this(I will google for low ability score advice).  Thanks

[Yirrare]

As you say, what to play will depend strongly on what you roll. By probability, it will probably be hard to get stats for a MAD class. For a SAD class however, such as a caster, all you need is a good roll in their casting stat.
As for races, I would spend my time before the stats are rolled to look at races with bonus to con. Because while you might be able to work with a 3 in any other stat, a 3 in con will hurt alot.

Best Regards
Yirrare

[Maat Mons]

This method is called “random average characters” by the DMG.  If your DM is going strictly by that, you can reroll if the sum of your modifiers is -3 or less or if you have no score of 12 or higher. 

Wild shape mostly ignores you physical abilities. 

Any sort of minion isn't hurt at all by low scores.  The wild cohort feat, a druid's animal companion, and the skeletal minion ACF for wizard are all options. 

Warlock and dragonfire adept can probably work with no good score. 

If your con sucks, becoming a necropolitan would be a good idea. 

[Nunkuruji]

Dragonfire Adept if you luck out reasonably on your con

Druid Wildshaper, or Wildshape Ranger/Master of Many Forms

Summoner focused caster

[muktidata]

Desert Kobold -> Dragonwrought

[Cyclone Joker]

Unseelie Magic-Blooded Primordial Half-Giant Druid with Dynamic Priest. There, complete Cha-sad and a massive bonus to Cha.

Or Necropolitan abusing Desecration and other at-creation undead boosters. Can wind up giving you free Improved Initiative, +4 Str, and an equivalent of 18 Con, plus much more. Pretty good deal.

[Rebel7284]

Unseelie Magic-Blooded Primordial Half-Giant Druid with Dynamic Priest. There, complete Cha-sad and a massive bonus to Cha.

It's a faerie giant!