D&D (2024) Suggestions for level 1 one-shot.

So tomorrow one of my main groups is doing a first level one-shot due to one DM being unavailable and the other active DM not wanting to run their adventure down a person (a position I support). It is three player, I have no idea what others are picking, and the rule is only material from the 2024 PHB (no legacy material). Array or PB stats. Standard starting equipment choices.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Fun trumps effectiveness (but at the same time, 1st level and 3 PCs has real TPK potential...). Mostly my thought is what actually is up and running (however you want to define that) at level one. Please suggest the whole concept (species, background, and class, along with initial selections like spells or weapons used) if you have ideas to the thing as a whole.

A few ideas I'm already mulling over:
Noble Orc Barbarian -- Background suggests some actual mental stats, so thinking 12+ cha. Towering individual with a barrel chest and oversized laugh, and a monocle. Kind of a Teddy Roosevelt or British adventure-aristocrat figures that laughs when you knock them to the ground, saying "good show, old sport" before getting up and clobbering you.
Wayfarer Goliath (cloud giant heritage) Warlock -- Pact of chain as invocation. Kind of a pokemon trainer. Decent dex and 2/day 30' teleports to stay safe while hit pet (sphinx he calls 'Kitty' or an imp with poorly-made bunny ears he calls 'Harvey.'). Doesn't have the starting GP to treat the familiar as expendable, but at level 1 they are on par with much of the party.
Scribe Dwarven Ranger -- Skill master. 8 starting skills and good Dex, Con, and Int. Rangers also seem to have one of the better starting equipment packages (start with studded instead of leather, etc.), so that is a plus for level 1 as-is play.

Anyways, anything you want to suggest is appreciated. Remember the framing (whatever you want to work, it needs to do so right out the gate) and the more detail the better.
Thanks in advance.
 

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Wow. 135 views and no responses. Okay, let's simplify it --
If you were going to do a 1st level one-shot, and didn't need to care about your long term advancement, what would you choose?
Thanks!
 

Gorck

Prince of Dorkness
Honestly, when I read the thread title "Suggestions for a level 1 One-Shot," I thought you were looking for advice on a one-shot to run, not advice on a character to play.

Of the three options you listed, I like the idea of the Barbarian the best. But, then, I've always been a fan of that class in case my avatar wasn't a huge hint.

I think the Warlock would be more fun if it were level 3+, since they seem to be more interesting with their subclass (but that's just my opinion).

I think I'd find the Ranger more interesting if you could pick up some Thieves' Tools (Criminal or Wayfarer). I'm not sure how Wayfarer would fit with a "ranger." Maybe your character became a "ranger" because they are a outlaw (Criminal) on the run (maybe a bit of Robin Hood thrown in the mix).
 

TwoSix

Master of the One True Way
For a1st level one shot, it's much more important to get a strong narrative and personality hook going over any sort of mechanical consideration. I mean, if you die or fail, who cares?
 



Voadam

Legend
If you want to go for survivability go for a barbarian d12 HD or as high an AC tank as you can work. An AC 16 monk or barbarian from two 16 stats works fine for that.

Mostly I would focus on a fun unusual distinct character hook I would not normally do. Perhaps an accent that I would not like to keep up for a whole campaign.
 

Honestly, when I read the thread title "Suggestions for a level 1 One-Shot," I thought you were looking for advice on a one-shot to run, not advice on a character to play.
Noted.
Mods? Any possibility we can get 'Character ' shoved in front of the thread title?
For a1st level one shot, it's much more important to get a strong narrative and personality hook going over any sort of mechanical consideration. I mean, if you die or fail, who cares?
Mostly I would focus on a fun unusual distinct character hook I would not normally do. Perhaps an accent that I would not like to keep up for a whole campaign.
Yes? I mean, 2 of the 3 ideas I posted included that and I stated fun trumps effectiveness. What distinct personality or character hooks come to mind for you and/or would you suggest?
Of the three options you listed, I like the idea of the Barbarian the best. But, then, I've always been a fan of that class in case my avatar wasn't a huge hint.
For one shots, I'm always partial to barbarians. Means I don't have to think too hard and have a lot of fun just hitting stuff.
If you want to go for survivability go for a barbarian d12 HD or as high an AC tank as you can work. An AC 16 monk or barbarian from two 16 stats works fine for that.
Barbarian is certainly a strong contender*. Mechanically just do their thing and let that get out of the way for more characterization. The big-boisterous noble idea is to subvert the standard 'Grokk smash' trope. Certainly there are others that would be fun as well.
*pun not intendedtotally intended
 

Voadam

Legend
Noted.
Mods? Any possibility we can get 'Character ' shoved in front of the thread title?


Yes? I mean, 2 of the 3 ideas I posted included that and I stated fun trumps effectiveness. What distinct personality or character hooks come to mind for you and/or would you suggest?



Barbarian is certainly a strong contender*. Mechanically just do their thing and let that get out of the way for more characterization. The big-boisterous noble idea is to subvert the standard 'Grokk smash' trope. Certainly there are others that would be fun as well.
*pun not intendedtotally intended
Fun is going to be subjective and individual.

You're Teddy Orcevelt sounds fun to me.

I endorse your first thoughts here.
 

Stormonu

NeoGrognard
My only suggestion is if it's going to do a one-shot to do it at a slightly higher level - 3rd or 5th. Those levels give the characters a bit of a buffer for doing more interesting things and getting away with it, and you can use more interesting and strange foes to throw against them.
 

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