Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Malcaor 09-10-07, 05:01 PM	I had an idea for an adventure. It is for a level one party. They all begin as level 1 commoners with 10 on all their stats. They are in a strange dungeon where the Laws of Reality are thin. In the dungeon there are 4-6 challenges. Each challenge corresponds to a character sheet. The challenge requires that the PC step up to do something that character would do. Step into a hallway full of traps for a rogue, take on monster for a fighter, help a wounded ally for a cleric etc. The idea is that they were all great warriors that were caught in an ancient magical device that stole away their powers. Start from level one, enjoy. The device trapped them in a dreamworld, which they have to break out of (the first dungeon). When they break out they get a tiny fraction of their power back. I want this adventure to be designed for new players jsut beginnign D&D. That is why the character sheets are pre-made. However I don't want them to feel like I am forcing them to play certain characters. I thought of giving them semi made sheets where they can pick feats, skills, and equipment (with suggested options if they are unsure what they want). So, I am looking for some feedback on this idea. Poke holes in it as much as you can of course.
Kamin_Majere 09-10-07, 05:04 PM	Seems like a pretty intresting way to get new players to pick classes they would enjoy. Its pretty creative if i say so myself
rks 09-10-07, 05:05 PM	I think this sounds good. I played a commoner once as start of one campaign and it was really challenging and after some kind of service to a lesser diety we got to trade the commoner level to a class level. Good fun!
Goon_for_Hire 09-10-07, 05:43 PM	That is a way-cool idea. I would recommend asking the players about their basic leanings in the game. You won't even have to bring class or race into the discussion, just something as simple as their favourite cinematic/video game/literary heroes. That way you know who is likely to most enjoy a given character. Once you have that, you can describe each PC as feeling a 'pull' toward the task that would offer the most suitable character for the player.
TyWebb 09-10-07, 08:31 PM	That's a cool idea, and similar to one I had once toyed with (but never did anything with). Maybe let their skills and feats come to them through player actions as well. Have them start with no skills or feats. If someone tries to investigate a lock, bam, they get ranks in Disable or Open. If someone's trying to tie a rope, they get Rope Use. I would, however, maybe implement retraining rules down the road so the new players don't get locked into first-level choices that they have made. I'm curious...how are you going to handle spellcasting? One thing, though. With ability scores of 10 across the board, they aren't going to be very effective at anything, and you'll have to adjust encounter levels and DCs downward to compensate. Maybe they could do a point-buy after they get out to bring them up to at least standard, if not elite, arrays.
Malcaor 09-10-07, 09:41 PM	They won't actually be doing anything as commoners. For isntance the fighter encounter would involve single handedly fighting something... maybe a goblin or two. As soon as the commoner steps up to the task he is imbued with great inner strength and becomes a fighter, whoops the goblins and feels good about it. No idea what i'm gonna do for casters yet. I was thinking maybe a riddle for a wizard (high Int), but that has nothing to do with spellcasting.
Goon_for_Hire 09-10-07, 09:52 PM	No idea what i'm gonna do for casters yet. I was thinking maybe a riddle for a wizard (high Int), but that has nothing to do with spellcasting. How about having them make use of magic items like say a chime of opening (with only one charge left) and dust of illusion to overcome obstacles?
Thubby 09-10-07, 09:55 PM	its an interesting idea, but i think it might be a little over the top for new players. i would suggest something a bit more down to earth to get them used to the whole fantasy world thing.