D&D 5E 3 players, 3 starter set pre-gens. Which ones?

[cheops]

I'm about to run the starter set adventure, but I will only be able to run it with three players. I'm pondering what pre-gens would fit this scenario best. Can I let the players choose freely, or are some of the pre-gens better suited for this? Should I consider the backgrounds/ideals/etc, as well as party dynamics? I'm thinking I will simply run the encounters as written and subtract one or more opponents in larger encounters.

All the players are first-timers by the way, and I'm not terribly experienced either...

 

[Juriel]

You could just let the players choose what they want, and run a 4th pregen as an NPC. That way the combat challenge should be as intended, and if no-one wanted to play a Cleric, then they still get a healbot along.

 

[Nemio]

(This is coming from an inexperienced DM so be warned )

I'd let them pick the characters that seem fun to them and worry about the rest later.

I have the luxury of having 5 new players that want to play but you could use the same principle.

I sent everyone the character sheets, created a (translated) overview and asked them to send me their top 3 of characters they would like to play and one they wouldn't like to play.

This way I hope to give everyone at least their second choice.


The cleric might be useful to have because he has the highest AC and second highest hit points combined with healing powers.

But if noone picks him then perhaps you could hand out more healing potions or rest more often?

 

[Agamon]

(This is coming from an inexperienced DM so be warned )

I'd let them pick the characters that seem fun to them and worry about the rest later.

I agree with the so-called "inexperienced" guy.

 

[Nemio]

I agree with the so-called "inexperienced" guy.

Hurray for me

I was just avoiding any possible "Are you nuts? You can't play without a <insert class here>" comments.

 

[Beleriphon]

Hurray for me

I was just avoiding any possible "Are you nuts? You can't play without a <insert class here>" comments.

You can't play with the most important type of class.... a wicked cool DM.

 

[wedgeski]

I agree with the so-called "inexperienced" guy.

Me too! It doesn't seem that any class or combo is essential, although of course some combinations of PC's and game types might struggle more than others. Playing what you most want to play trumps all other considerations IMO.

 

[fba827]

I would let them freely choose whichever has a concept or personality that appeals to them to try. Just be ready to reduce the difficulty of the encounters ( maybe reduce an enemy or two here and there)

The point a to have fun, not grind through game mechanics to get from start to finish. So they are more likely to have fun if it's a character personality that they want to/excited to play.

That said, if, and only if, they are staring at you overwhelmed for guidance, I'd probably go with the cleric cause he heals and has a good connection to the starting plot hook and good ac, the noble fighter since he has the potential to be one of the most proactive personality type ( compared to the cleric that is very passive waiting for others to lead) and he has good durability, and for the third I'd probably say wizard for his potential to hit multiple targets depending on spell choice.

I did also really like the rogue for having a distinct personality but the smaller the party the less likely he'll be able to get his sneak attack bonus. Likewise the folk hero fighter is primarily best at ranged attacks but with a smaller party he has fewer meat shields to distract attention. That's my take anyway.

But again, I'd only suggest those 3 if and only if they are totally lost in terms of picking themselves. For instance maybe none if the players wants to learn about spell casting, in such instance the two fighters and rogue are your best mix, etc.