3d10 xp, for realism

alsih2o · Mar 2, 2005

At the start of my latest campaign I had all the player roll a d10 3 times. Placing these numbers in order you get a number between 1 and 1000 (OK, 0 and 999, but give me some gamer slack).

This number was how many XP they started with, giving a gap of experience between players. I think it has worked well, and added something to the game.

What non-phb randomizers have you added?

AuraSeer · Mar 2, 2005

At a con once, I ran a 2e one-shot where I had players roll 2d6 for starting level.
This was an arena-type game, where random champions were summoned from across the multiverse. The huge discrepancies in power were meant to keep things interesting, but I designed an extensive handicapping system to give everyone an equal chance in the arena.

Turns out the handicapping wasn't necessary. I had seven players, and not a single one of them rolled a starting level above 4.

Kae'Yoss · Mar 2, 2005

I go the other way: no randomizers for character creation.

shadowlight · Mar 2, 2005

I generally use no random factors at all in PC creation, but I really like the idea of random starting XP. I'll definitely try that next time I DM.

Zappo · Mar 2, 2005

I, too, go the other way - eliminate randomness in character creation and progression. I like PCs to be as balanced as possible, and I also want the players to be able to create exactly the character they want (within balance constrictions). Not only I use point buy, but I also give fixed hit points per level when advancing.

shilsen · Mar 2, 2005

Zappo said:
I, too, go the other way - eliminate randomness in character creation and progression. I like PCs to be as balanced as possible, and I also want the players to be able to create exactly the character they want (within balance constrictions). Not only I use point buy, but I also give fixed hit points per level when advancing.

*erases name from "What ... said" flag, inserts "Zappo", and waves it*

Ravellion · Mar 2, 2005

shilsen said:
*erases name from "What ... said" flag, inserts "Zappo", and waves it*

"look behind you! A three headed monkey!"
*steals flag and waves it*

Rav

Conaill · Mar 2, 2005

Why not let them roll a d20, and then use that as the starting *level* for their PC. Wouldn't that be cool!

Hey Rav, quit hogging that flag. There's plenty of flag to go around for the three of us!

Morpheus · Mar 2, 2005

At the beginning of a campaign, I have each player roll 1d6 and that is how many months I want them to come back to the game. It gives me a nice break from the players...

spider_minion · Mar 2, 2005

Does anyone else think its strange that characters get hit points randomly, while the less-important skill points are set? Has anyone tried rolling skill points?