In Defense of Group Character Creation

Oftentimes GMs will have their players create the character they need for the game at home before they arrive to the table for the first session of play. Arrays and point buys have eroded the need for ‘GM confirmed’ rolls for attributes and there are so many systems out there that allow for easy character generation for most major systems. Making the character before the game saves a session of time, but what is the cost of this convenience?

I have always felt that by having characters generated before the game starts, we lose out on a chance for our players to appreciate the setting. Watching over their shoulder while they consider their choices allows you to both make sure you are providing an adequate challenge, but you can also help strengthen their bond with the setting. Offer suggestions from the handout (if there is one) about how certain classes can tie in with existing organizations. Talk about the terrain and certain events while they create which can give them ideas as to what would be strong in the campaign. Talking about a setting will churn thoughts among your peers more than simply placing it on a piece of paper. Speak with a tone that shows you care about what you created and you can easily encourage your friends to think about their in-character choices.

With everyone in the same room, you also allow for the group to synergize better with one another. You have an easier time filling class roles, and people can work together to create a bond that works in-character for the campaign. Probably one of my biggest gripes is when players come to the table with multiple characters rolled ready to go when I ask them to roll at home. It gives of a feeling of caring only for the game portion of the campaign, not the setting itself. It’s a nice gesture in order to make sure roles are established to avoid shortcomings, but it feels hollow unless they have a good back story for each.

Newer players will always benefit the most from group creation, with veterans helping them determine the direction they should go for the idea the new player has in mind. Many systems that offer a lot of complex choices also suffer from the Ivory Tower gaming theory where certain options seem appealing, but are useless. These options are traps for new players who only know the basics, and can deteriorate playing experience in later sessions. The group experience can also make sure that the player’s character is in line and 100% correct for game time to help keep the game time flowing smoothly.

The best reason though to create characters as a group is the bonding aspect of it all. Knowing what design process went into each character, interacting with each other by providing suggestions and support for character ideas and themes, all of this can result in a greater experience at the table come game time.