Would you roll the d4 if...

[mmu1]

I voted that I don't like it, but it would be more accurate to say that I don't really like this particular implementation of the idea. Not enough variety, and the risk/reward ratio is really unappealing.

 

[Kralin Thornberry]

I would probably roll the dice, if rather than rolling for a specific misfortune, problem or skeleton, those lists were suggestions and I could choose or, along with the DM, work out my own version.

I don't mind randomness in characters, but not so much when it comes to the backstory. I want that to be my own.

I agree. If/when I do this, I would fix the tables to match my players though.

 

[Corsair]

I'd be happy to roll. Personally I would enjoy any roll other than a 2. 2 - 2 is especially annoying for a starting character (wizards mostly).

That being said, I wonder what the reactions would be of your players if you let them choose one of the four options on table 1, then the DM would pick the issue from the appropriate sub table? I suspect that would be more interesting than just asking whether or not the player would roll.

In that case, I'd pick either 1 or 4, depending on my mood. Both seem interesting.

 

[KB9JMQ]

If I was already firmly fixed on a character concept from the beginning then probably not.

But if I was building on the fly (my normal way) well Roll dem Bones ....er bone.

 

[Gez]

As for the weapons and gold - you had it yesterday, its just a little hook for your first side-quest (the intent wasn't to just screw you out of some items). Someone took them, you have to find them and figure out what they want.

With the caveat that we're assured of getting it back quickly, then yes, no problem.

Otherwise, I'd roll the bones, but only if I'm not playing a wizard. Starting a new campaign at low level as a wizard without a spellbook... It's like starting the campaign as a smarty-pants commoner.

 

[Seonaid]

original Traveller.

Exactly. Give me the d4!

 

[I'm A Banana]

Safe is boring.

I'd roll the dice.

Bingo. I'm an adventurer, might as well start stuff off with a bang!

I don't see it as being "slightly gimped" at all. The DM is basically telling me that I can know a little bit about the XP nugget coming my way down the line, rather than being caught by surpirse.

 

[Jhaelen]

I hate all randomness at level up and character generation, which is why I always push for point buy and some sort of house rule on HP. I'd enjoy this if it was a case of choosing instead of randomness.

Same here. IMC I use point-buy (28) and allow the option to add average hp instead of rolling - though none of my players actually chose to use that option yet ^^

I might be inclined to make the first d4 roll, but I definitely wouldn't want to roll on one of the other tables. They're too limiting. Just let the player choose a fitting skeleton, problem, or misfortune!

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Hmm... looks like I'm a second level adventurer who has a rival that wants me dead. So like real life...

 

[IcyCool]

I'd roll, but only if I weren't playing a wizard. It'd be a little tough for me to get my things back as a wizard with no spells.

But since I don't often play wizards, let the good times roll!