Odd Game Advertisement Question

[Auron3991]

So, I'm thinking of doing something slightly inadvisable: attempting to run a game of BD&D (using a module because I haven't completely taken leave of my senses). My main issue is with coming up with a way to handle the character applications, since I do want to use the system's character creation method for the feel. However, that means players don't have a lot of control over their stats and won't be able to pick a class prior to having them, which has some tension with a fair portion of the meat of standard character applications (i.e. character having time as a knight's squire in backstory but rolls a 5 for strength). I had an idea of creating some pre-gens with name, class and quick backstory to send applicants with a scenario to RP, but am I overthinking it? Or would it be better to just toss the stat generation for one with more control so a standard application makes more sense?

[Admin Dirk]

Be upfront with the stat gen method prior to applications, then ask that people be ready (if accepted) to be creative with weaving the fiction of their backstories with the facts of the rolls.

The applicant who was a knight's squire? Still happened, and they have fond memories of the time they were a squire, before the virulent Oxymondus Flu swept through the shire. The squire barely survived his bout with it, one of the lucky ones, but ever since, he has been sick, weak and tired all the time.

The would be wizard doesn't even remember the accident that busted his head, just that everyone tells him he used to be so smart and gifted, and had a real mind for magic.. until the accident. He doesn't remember it, not much anymore, and certainly doesn't have the intelligence for wizardry like he once had. Now, however, it turns out he's strong as an ox, and not bad with a sword. Who knew?

[lostcheerio]

Or... you could just have people apply as players, with the understanding they'll be rolling for characters. More like taking a compatibility test than pitching a character. They could answer questions about their playing style, and link to posts they've made in other games. I bet you'd find plenty of people who would apply to play old school, and work with whatever character the dice directed.

Do you mean like In Search of the Unknown where you roll for class and spells and such?

[Auron3991]

Thanks for the suggestions. They make much more sense (and are a lot less work) than my idea.

Originally Posted by lostcheerio

Do you mean like In Search of the Unknown where you roll for class and spells and such?

Using a later version of the Basic rules (Rules Cyclopedia) so it's not quite as random if I recall correctly, but that's the general idea.

[zevonian]

If you do make pregens, consider not giving them names or genders prior to game. Just class and backstory for each. That way the selected applicants have some control over the characters before game. You could ask "How did the character get that name? What does it stand for or mean?" In that way, backstory involving parents or other name givers get made by the players.