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IC: Random Character game.

Posted by PsychoJester
PsychoJester
member, 292 posts
Why so serious?
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 07:09
  • msg #1

IC: Random Character game

I usually post this kind of stuff in the wrong place, but since it concerns interest for a type of game, I'm hoping this is the right area.

Anyway, I'm wondering what the interest level for a random character game would be. Random meaning the sheet's already been created and fleshed out, you just step up and play. No requests, no changes, just "Here's your sheet, have fun."

What system would you be more inclined to play if you were? Would it be a deal breaker to not have the ability to make changes in the sheet? Would you be more inclined to play if you had a choice of class?
Sleepy
member, 155 posts
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 07:29
  • msg #2

Re: IC: Random Character game

This board sounds perfect for this post.

A completely random sheet has a lot of potential, but it depends strictly on the system to how much fun it could be. Some examples:

M&M has a template system where you can choose a base concept and it randomizes the actual build, meaning you can choose a base concept and see what you get.

BESM has the Unknown Power ability, where the GM is required to build the character's powers, but the player can build everything else from scratch.

That said, I think you won't draw a lot of attention without first having a fleshed out idea for the RP side of the game. I think you need more than the character creation information before you should accept input on who's interested, because if people like the random character idea but don't like the genre of the game, they won't likely join.
deadmanshand
member, 1894 posts
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 07:30
  • msg #3

Re: IC: Random Character game

Much like Sleepy said it really depends on the idea as it could work with almost any system.
PsychoJester
member, 294 posts
Why so serious?
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 07:50
  • msg #4

Re: IC: Random Character game

Well, if I were to run it, I would either do PF or Dungeon World. I love M&M 3rd's character creator in the GM Kit, but I already have a game running with that.

Oh, I guess another question to throw at would be what level? Low level? Mid? High?
deadmanshand
member, 1895 posts
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 07:51
  • msg #5

Re: IC: Random Character game

If you go Dungeon World I'd recommend starting at 1st. Pathfinder is just entirely dependent on what you are running.
CosmicGamer
member, 71 posts
Traveller RPG (Mongoose)
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 11:51
  • msg #6

Re: IC: Random Character game

For the game I primarily play, "random" chargen is the default chargen system and while the player can make some decisions, they mostly use die rolls to determine a characters characteristics and skills.

What you are describing is what we call pregenerated characters in this game.

Personally, from the GM perspective, I do understand the use of having pregenerated characters for a pre defined, detailed, adventure, to ensure the right mix of characters is in the group with all the skills and abilities necessary.  There are other times when such can be useful like for conventions where there is not a lot of time for chargen or for a new player joining a game already in progress.

Still, there is something about just being handed a character sheet...  Myself, and I think most people I know, would prefer to have at least some input in the generation of the character.
This message was last edited by the user at 11:53, Sun 06 July 2014.
Sleepy
member, 157 posts
Sun 6 Jul 2014
at 13:35
  • msg #7

Re: IC: Random Character game

You want to know what level to start at, but that depends on the genre. Survival horror? 1. Hero proving himself? 5. Those aren't set in stone either, my suggestion is as follows:

Post your entire idea, otherwise any advice/interest you see on this thread is thinly veiled and won't serve as accurate data.
Jarodemo
member, 605 posts
Vestibulum nescio latine.
Thu 10 Jul 2014
at 06:39
  • msg #8

Re: IC: Random Character game

In reply to PsychoJester (msg # 1):

Maybe give the players a list of pregen PCs and let them choose the one they want. They can then flesh out personality to go with the stats.
scuff
member, 104 posts
Thu 10 Jul 2014
at 13:43
  • msg #9

Re: IC: Random Character game

A superhero game where you submitted a normal person and then the GM assigned powers would be really fun.  I'm less excited about this idea as a PF game.

Maybe if the class and stats were nailed down, but the player had some input on skills/feats/spells/equipment.
Tileira
member, 332 posts
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 14:30
  • msg #10

Re: IC: Random Character game

Kind of depends on the scenario.

If it's just pregenerated character sheet you pick and choose from (even with freedom for personality), not so much.

If the premise of the game means your character doesn't fully know their own capabilities that's more interesting. Like the random mystery powers in superhero games, or a scenario where the player characters begin with identity amnesia and have to learn who they are and what they can do in the course of the adventure.

But I would advise letting the players have control of developing the sheets (spending the exp) or letting them know how they can specifically target the development of certain stats if you mean to adjust their sheets according the way the characters behave.
jamat
member, 277 posts
P:5 T:7 W:0 F:0 B:3
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 15:17
  • msg #11

Re: IC: Random Character game

Make a group of pregen characters you want to have played in your game and give them all a number. Get the players to roll and thats the character they get.
Zadian
member, 86 posts
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 15:46
  • msg #12

Re: IC: Random Character game

For a superhero game. You could have a group of people endowed with the Mimic power. But uncontrolled and permanent. So that they copy powers randomly off of villains and heroes they encounter. Maybe even off of animals and tech. Would be interesting to see how that plays out.
RossN
member, 200 posts
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 20:02
  • msg #13

Re: IC: Random Character game

jamat:
Make a group of pregen characters you want to have played in your game and give them all a number. Get the players to roll and thats the character they get.


I like that idea.

Perhaps employ a 'Quantum Leap' style setting where the players suddenly find themselves inhabiting bodies with set powers, appears, identies and so on but have the freedom to develop their personalities any way they want?

For instance a person who randomly rolls up Superman in a superhero setting would play someone who suddenly finds him (or her) self in Clark Kent's body with the resof the world looking at them and seeing Superman.
hobgob
member, 230 posts
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 20:25
  • msg #14

Re: IC: Random Character game

jamat:
Make a group of pregen characters you want to have played in your game and give them all a number. Get the players to roll and thats the character they get.

I've actually considered running a game like that, but wasn't sure if anyone would play such a game.
PsychoJester
member, 307 posts
Why so serious?
Mon 14 Jul 2014
at 21:44
  • msg #15

Re: IC: Random Character game

Alright, so I think I wil do a Pathfinder game. 5th level.
Merevel
member, 436 posts
Gaming :-)
Very unlucky
Wed 16 Jul 2014
at 00:28
  • msg #16

Re: IC: Random Character game

Could be interesting. I love the quantum leap reference. I have pondered this and many of my game ideas come with characters and a story points, call it cannon idk. I would always be willing to let someone take control of "cannon" Characters as long as they could rp another person's concept well enough.

Oh wait you said pathfinder, I know nothing!
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