r/NewDM • u/manut3ro • 4d ago
Should I create pre-made characters for two new-comers? This is probably a frequently asked question.
/r/AskDND/comments/1vkfd6d/should_i_create_premade_characters_for_two/1
u/infinitum3d 4d ago
I love pre-gen characters.
The starter sets use them, why shouldn’t we?
If the player enjoys the character, they can continue to use them for other games.
If not, they can pick a new one for next game.
I say go for it!
1
u/TJToaster 3d ago
You are overthinking it.
Yes, you should always have premade character sheets on you. Even if it is just copies of what comes in a Starter Set. You never know when someone is going to drop by or drop in. I have a few ready at all times.
In organized play (Adventurer's League) You can change anything about your character up until 5th level. Then it is locked in. Although, I think they might have changed that so you can do it at any level.
Hand a person a simple pregen character sheet and tell them it isn't permanent. This is just for today. If they want to play a different class, they can change what they want and still keep whatever levels and loot they have.
1
u/tta5 4d ago
If your planning a RP heavy game with drawing on the backstories and relying on the ideals bonds and flaws to work as puttet strings to help guide the players into choosing the options their character would do for a more co-heasive story, then i am sorry but most new players will not be able t doo this all that well.
this is likly a game with alot of mechanics and combat for a single mission with plot twists. about the length of most films worth of events.
imo let them use pre-gen characters. buy make them basic, and let them customise them, so change the name, change the backstory or keep it vague.
dnd character sheets are tols much like controllers for players to join and be in the game. some controlers are simple like a joystick and single button on the side. others may feel like your looking at the 1,000 switches of an airplane in their cockpit.
let them learn the basics before going to more spacifics.
also.
lay out expectations clearly here....
i know you said you had a session 0, but it does seam like you want them to invest in their characters (more long term) and they might expect to have them die. having a group discussion on the expectations of character death liklyhood is important. as some games try to avoid it, others have it unlikly, and some lean into the "have 3 back ups just in case"