Character Creation for WLD

[Faradon]

I'm gearing up to start some players up on the Worlds Largest Dungeon and wondering what experiences any of you have had with different character creation methods vs the dungeon.

Just trying to get a feel for what point buy the book was written in mind with... mostly because I want to change as little as possible. The experience of the players is pretty varied with some long-time players and a few who are brand new.

Thanks for your time and input.

 

[DaveMage]

There's an extremely long thread on the first page that can give you all types of responses to your question, but my suggestion is that if you are playing with novices that you give them 32 or 36-point buy. (Maybe even more.)

This is a tough dungeon, so just make sure they have a rogue and cleric, and maybe even two of each would be a good idea.

 

[BlueBlackRed]

The WLD spoiler thread has a huge amount of information (over 1800 posts before the crash).

If you're just now gearing up, you have plenty of time to peruse that thread.

 

[Hussar]

I play my bunch with a 34 point buy. If I did it again, I'd probably drop it to 28.

For the most part, the character's stats aren't going to make or break them. There is a huge benefit to players who can think creatively in the game - tactics, problem solving - and straight up trying to slog through everything in the WLD will result in dead PC's.

Over the long run, hp racing always favours the DM.

 

[Faradon]

thanks for all the responses guys... I've tried reading through the mega thread and the other one, but not many people talk about what they let their characters use for generation.

Other than the skills listed in the books and how druids get hosed and all the stuff they give you in the forward, anyone else have any warnings to add for character creation?

Should I allow Psionic characters?
Sounds like 28 point buy seems the most popular so far... any other thoughts there?
Any other character classes have troubles? Bards, Rangers... etc.

Any feats / skills / class powers / prestige classes that "break" the dungeon that I should be on the look out for when going over their character sheets? (while they won't have prestige classes at 1st level I usually require they "set goals" of prestige classes during character creation if they are going to be gunning for one.)

Appreciate the help in advance.

 

[Kafkonia]

I have everyone roll 4d6 and drop the lowest, then arrange the 6 stats to taste.

It keeps them from getting too attached to their characters, since this is a game with very real possibility of PC death (they've lost one so far in two sessions.)

If I run a second group through it, I'll probably give them a point-based run because they have different personalities than my first group. Or maybe I'll just give them the elite array.

 

[rvalle]

I used a 28 point buy system and started everyone at 2nd level with max 2nd level gold to buy equipment.

Its worked well. Characters are now 7th level and just about ready to head into Region I after one more knock-down drag out fight with the Baghests there.

2 character deaths so far, so averaging 1 per Region.

rv

 

[Satori]

Absolutely

Positively

Without a Shade of a Doubt

Outlaw

Vow of Poverty


Other than that, I can't think of anything that could break your game. Warlocks, Soulknives, and Monks will be exceptionally powerful since the WLD doesn't hand out items, and Darkvision becomes HUGE once torches and oil run out.

I've always wanted to play a Xeph Soulknife/Pyrokineticist Dual Wielder in the WLD, but never got a chance.

 

[smootrk]

For the WLD, characters must not be dependant upon too much help civilization, as they are trapped for the bulk of their explorations. Having some self-sufficient types (as far as skills for survival, basic crafting of armor/weapons/equipment) and characters types that will not require the services of organizations will do best.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

Absolutely

Positively

Without a Shade of a Doubt

Outlaw

Vow of Poverty
QUOTE]

But I thought that was just common sense in any game.