Is Making Pregenerated Characters A Bad Thing?

[Nightfall]

I'm a fan of letting the players have their say. Certainly I try to monitor their character creation closely, but I try to let them have free reign. Lately though, I feels like they are defiant, and certainly if my Decanter question is any indication, getting a little TOO smart for their own good. So in response to this AND my added need to run a SL campaign, (I can only stomach so much humilition. ) I decided to make some pre-generated characters. They are all fifth level, each being a little unique. One is a male Unseeing Slitheren Monk, a male Dwarven Fighter 2/Barbarian 3 from Albadia whose on a mystic quest for one of the sorceress of the Helliann, A human male paladin trying to learn the ways of the Order of Silver, and sorceress half elven wizard that wants to learn more of the secrets of necromancy...and entranced by it's easy power.

Now my question is, does this seem fair and right, even though it helps keep my players in check AND still let's them have fun since they are adventuring? Or should I not bother?

Btw the other reason I'm doing is to eliminate the time it takes to create a character since it seems that's all we've done for the past three-four weekends.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I don't see a problem with it (they sound like interesting characters) but it's really up to your players I suppose.

By all means though, if everyone is complaining that character gen is taking to long. then present these characters as options.

 

[Crothian]

To paraphrase one of my favorite novel

"It can be the best of things, it can be the worst of thing....."

You have to have playerts that are willing to do this first. Next, I suggest you leave some of the details up to the player. Maybe let him assign some of the swkill points or pick a feat, too.

THe positives is the DM can build in great story elements and build the plot exactly how he wants it to be.

THe negatives are many Players don't like it becasue they feel they have no control over their characters, and the character doesn't feel like it is theirs.

 

[Nightfall]

Well I guess I can try it then this weekend. If they don't like the option, I'll try something else. Btw, I'm writing up four more so there's some variety. One will be male half orc theif/fighter that's in the service of House Bloodhawk, a female wood elf ranger from the Stricken Forest, trying to help heal the Hornsaw and the surrounding areas, a female human bard/sorcerer that's interested in learning from Mourners of Hollowfaust, and a half elf female cleric of Idra who has a prediliction for young dark haired girls. Though she's not adverse to men. She's there seeking some pleasure.

(I'm setting this in Hollowfaust btw.)

 

[Nightfall]

To paraphrase one of my favorite novel

"It can be the best of things, it can be the worst of thing....."

You have to have playerts that are willing to do this first. Next, I suggest you leave some of the details up to the player. Maybe let him assign some of the swkill points or pick a feat, too.

THe positives is the DM can build in great story elements and build the plot exactly how he wants it to be.

THe negatives are many Players don't like it becasue they feel they have no control over their characters, and the character doesn't feel like it is theirs.

Well I admit I created the history of their characters and selected their feats and skills. But I probably will let them write their goals, thus maybe giving them something. I don't know if I want them picking feats but perhaps writing up a story/history. I just would like for ONCE to have some party cohesion AND some fun for everyone.

 

[Crothian]

(I'm setting this in Hollowfaust btw.)

As if I would expect anything else from you.

 

[Nightfall]

Well if I could I run it in either Calastia or Albadia. Ankila was another choice. I just figured it would be a change of pace from the places where they all just run around and don't get punished much.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

So much of the D&D Game is controlled by the GM, that I really think that they players should be able to run the charachter that
they want to.

3 or 4 sessions to do it in sounds rediculous however. I'd set some serious limits at this point -- IE : Tell them that if after all this they come back to the tabel with an illegal ( outside the rules ) charachter, then you will make adjustments yourself until the rules are met - like it or not. You might have to show some leniency if someone really does not understand the generation guidelines, but you have given them fair warning. The game must go on...

Use your pregen PC's as NPC antagonists, or as back up PC's in case of death or new players joining mid action.

J

 

[Nightfall]

Big,

The trouble is, I'm not ALWAYS the one running a session. I ran a one shot last time, then the time before, different characters yet again. Also I've written up probably FOUR different characters for the same DM/GM even if it's not the same campaign. Trouble is it doesn't matter WHO runs, it always seems like no one wants to REALLY commit to a long term type deal.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

In that case, a stable of pre-gen PC'S is a great idea!

Better yet though. move to the beach in my neck o' the woods of California, and we'll start the most bad-ass SL campaign ever...