The Grab-Bag Party!

[Mark]

The basic thought is this: Pick a whole bunch of minis that you like that have some kind of link to your campaign and put them in a bag (or box or coffee can or whatever opaque container you want to use). Then have each player reach into the bag and pull out a single mini at random: this represents their PC.

I think I'd make a list and match it to cards, then draw cards.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

*facepalm*

Somehow, I think that might work.


AND you'd get more randomization, too.

 

[Mark]

You can call it the Minis Shuffle. Fifty-two options or more if you add cards from a second (identical) deck.

 

[Ahrimon]

you could do it dirty santa style. That'd add some fun and allow players a little bit of choice if they're not happy with their draw.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I'm not sure I could tell a bunch of guys "We're going to generate this party DIRTY SANTA style!"

...whatever that means.

 

[I'm A Banana]

I'd hate it as a rule, but I'd love it as a group.

Meaning, I'd try it, and love it, as a fun twist, but I probably wouldn't like a game in which that was the default.

So yes, I'd be down to try it.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

I'm not sure I could tell a bunch of guys "We're going to generate this party DIRTY SANTA style!"

...whatever that means.

One variant of Dirty Santa is posted here

This would give the players a bit more choice over what mini they ended up with.

 

[Herobizkit]

I got the fallen villager mini.... wtf?
anyone got a concept for a human in a tunic, with no weapons, lying on the ground?

Stealthy Monk using Crab style martial arts?

 

[DJCupboard]

I got the fallen villager mini.... wtf?
anyone got a concept for a human in a tunic, with no weapons, lying on the ground?

Earthsoul Genasi wizard who's VERY tied to his manifestation for his arcane powers?

 

[DJCupboard]

I think I'd really enjoy flexing my creativity around such an interesting character restriction, and making a party work (both functionally and story-wise) would be a fascinating challenge for both the players and the DM.

I'm not sure if this interpretation is warranted, but this restriction also seems (to me, at least) to tend more towards a light-hearted, almost goofy (in a good way) campaign - a great Saturday afternoon diversion!