5e Starter Set with Custom PCs?

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Sanctum1972

Aug 28, 2014 8:40:48

I have not purchased the D&D 5e starter set and am aware that it's got pre-generated PCs and is a module in itself. However, I can't help but wonder if it's possible to create custom characters instead of the pre-gens, unless this set is designed strictly for the latter?

 

I've been considering jumping into 5e since the days of DMing 2nd Ed, but not until I generate some interest from one or two possible friends rather than strangers. I'm hoping to game with the right people close to my age ( ie. 25 and up ) even though it's not always possible especially living in Vermont.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks,

 

-A

#2

Thoughts_My_Aim

Aug 28, 2014 8:53:29

Custom PCs should work fine. Obviously if you wind up with less powerful characters it will be harder, and if you wind up with more powerful characters it will be easier, but RPGs are flexible.

 

You can use the PHB for character creation, or the basic rules on the website. I *think* the starter set includes character creation rules but I couldn't swear to it.

#3

OrwellianHaggis

Aug 28, 2014 8:57:17

It's okay to create your own PC's, but you'll have to work to give them the same grounding in the setting. Each starter set PC has things tying them to Phandalin and the people who live there.

(Reply to #2)

Brightmantle

Thoughts_My_Aim wrote:
#5

Sanctum1972

Aug 28, 2014 15:46:50

OrwellianHaggis wrote:
#6

Sanctum1972

Aug 28, 2014 15:47:50

Thoughts_My_Aim wrote:
#7

Zardnaar

Aug 28, 2014 15:49:18

We used D&D basic characters for our game. There was a bit of power creep though as the pregen characters are not very good. 

#8

Sanctum1972

Aug 29, 2014 6:58:12

Zardnaar wrote:
#9

Thoughts_My_Aim

Aug 29, 2014 7:08:05

The flip side of this is that the original adventure is balanced for a party of five, so playing with a smaller number of player-generated PCs might work roughly the same.

 

I'd also point out that player-generated PCs won't *necessarily* be better than the ones in the starter set. It depends on the players.

#10

alienux

Aug 29, 2014 7:09:15

I'm running a game with 3 custom characters (2 from the Basic rules [rogue and fighter] and a ranger from the PHB) and 1 pre-gen from the Starter Set (the wizard). It's been going just fine so far, although we did adapt the personal goals from some of the pregens to the rolled characters.

(Reply to #7)

The_White_Sorcerer

Zardnaar wrote: