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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Goddess FallenAngel" data-source="post: 937256" data-attributes="member: 11434">I've only run once, and that was a while ago (I enjoy playing far more) but I've gamed a zillion times... and I live with my favorite DM (he's my S.O.), so I can offer advice on what he does, and my experiences from years of gaming.1) There are several ways you can handle this: a. Ask for character backgrounds before play starts. Several of the DMs I run under have done this. 1 of them insists on character backgrounds before you even role up the character. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something to get a feel for the character.B. Pick a place you would like to start the campaign, and inform the players. When I ran, I told the players "We are starting in Waterdeep.... give me a character background, and a reason for you to be there. If you can't think of one, or need feedback, let me know and I'll be more than happy to work with you." It worked just fine, and I was able to work with the players to help set their characters in the world. I think that it made running easier as well, because I already knew the characters.c. Let the players pick their own relationships with the other PCs. I've been in groups were we were all related or friends before the "Big Adventure" to groups where we were all strangers thrown together by circumstances. In my experience, you have the same triumphs and failures with all different types of groups (as far as PC to PC relations). However, in games where we as players were "forced" by the DM to all know each other (or not, as the case may be) it didn't work as well. Nothing major, but no one likes to be forced into a certain way, even if it is one she would have chosen anyway.2.) Generally, what I have noticed works best is letting the players choose thier own races and classes... within reason. If you are starting the game at 1st level, PHB races are probably best... higher levels, probably allow a little more leeway. As for classes, I for one, hate being told "This is what we need, split them up between you." If you decide that you really need, for instance, a sneaky type, mention it. For instance: "It would probably be a good idea for someone to play a sneaky character for what I have planned, at least as first." Although, most of the DMs I have played under will create a NPC of the needed class if the party is lacking in an area.3.) Hmm... this, I can't help on. When I ran, I insisted on group cohesion - I basically told my players (who were the same group I gamed with in under other DMs) "Look, I'm a new DM, and we are all notorious for strong-willed characters... but please, for the sake of my sanity, play characters just this once who will work with a group? At least until I learn a little more about running?" (It got a laugh, and worked perfectly).</blockquote>

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