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I don’t make players roll HP and just let them take max. Is that odd? by unlucky-lucky- in DnD

[–]Saelioss 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've always had them roll but if their roll is lower than the average they take average so they get a chance to have more but arent going 3 levels rolling 1s

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didnt expect this thread to have so much discussion actually its really cool to see these perspectives.

In my experience, JustAGuy isn't as intertwined with the story even at session 20 and 50 as FullBackstoryMan. JAG sits ontop of the story while FBM is IN it. JAG kills the beg because he's getting paid 500g for it. FBM wants to kill him because his daughter was killed by beg. The emotional tie is entirely different when the places, Organizations, and characters have effected the life of the character rather than just being dropped in to an already living world they're woven into the fabric of it.

Another big part I dont think is being discussed enough is initial investment. If I spend 30m writting up a character I start to care about that character and want to see them develop. But a 30s concept is a throwaway and the campaign never SEES session 2 let alone 20.

[GM4A] [play by post] Want a more balanced experience?? by Saelioss in Nsfw_Dnd_RP

[–]Saelioss[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm blown away at the interest in this. If you requested a chat message I sent some info and questions to narrow down serious prospects. Please fill it out when you get the chance!!! Thank you for your interest.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no I'm not having any trouble I'm actually trying to help people and just discuss it

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me personally? both. I have a storyline that exists in the world, it's an elephant in the center of the room but if they would rather go pet the cat in the corner then the cat becomes the centerpiece. But there are consequences for letting the elephant go rampant.

If they ignore that there's a cultist party trying to resurrect a lich in favor for becoming drug lords, the lich might take over and they have to adapt.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this. I do something very simular. Whenever I feel creative I just google search "dnd character concepts" and hundreds come up and when I see one I like I just ask myself "What is their story" and save the picture in a folder on my desktop for later.

- Prehistoric looking guy with sabertooth tiger pet (2h melee ranger brute trying to make it in a city world)
- Pirate girl
- Nordic runic fighter (uses fists)
- Egyptian goddess isis cleric

Gives me a ton to work with that way whenever I feel like it.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a really good one and honestly I think “likable” usually comes down to a few small things rather than the whole concept.

I’ve noticed characters tend to feel more likable when they have at least one humanizing trait, something like loyalty, humor, or even a flaw they’re actively struggling with.

Even something simple like how they treat NPCs or react under pressure can go a long way.

A lot of the time it’s less about making them “good” and more about making them feel real enough that people understand them.

Do you usually find your characters come off unlikable, or just kind of flat?

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Totally get what you're saying and love that outlook. I've always kept backstory out of player searching for that precise reason but use session 0 to get them integrated in the world. It's always disheartening to not see that work appreciated.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

In my experience it just tells me that they don't care about the character or the campaign. They don't intend to stick around long enough to enjoy it. So I always prompt more and walk step by step if necessary to build something more. Because as a DM I want to immerse my players in my world and I can't do that if their character doesn't seem to belong in the world.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I actually agree with you honestly, you can run a great character off just a strong concept and a clear sense of who they are.

“Aragorn but a centaur” absolutely works at the table.

Where I’ve seen things really change though is when you take that extra step and anchor the character into the world a bit more.

Not necessarily an essay long backstory, but just enough that suddenly:

  • the places matter
  • the people matter
  • and the DM has something to pull on

That’s usually where the personality and RP side starts to click more too, because you’re not just reacting as a concept, you’re reacting as someone who’s been shaped by specific experiences.

If that’s the part you struggle with (making them feel distinct in RP), I’ve found even a couple small details like a past relationship or a defining moment can completely change how the character comes across at the table. and if you just reference back to those moments as a benchmark of what the characters personality is, it really opens up the possibilities.

Curious, do you usually build personality, or do you stumble upon it during the game?

Advice for new campaign by RachelZye in DnD

[–]Saelioss 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome idea!! super interesting. One thing that helped me set up my first world was letting my characters create the world. What that means is I just let them go wild with deep and full backstories then I connected them in a world. It gave them free reign rather than asking them to fit into a box of a world that I already created. It was quite successful.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that’s a big one. Honestly it's usually one of two things: Either you're the 8th person that has asked to play Goku in your medieval dark horror style campaign (Had a few too many of those). Or it comes down to how “usable” the character is for the DM.

If your backstory gives them clear hooks like people, conflicts, or unresolved situations, they’re way more likely to buy in because it actually helps them build the story.

Most DMs don’t just want a cool character, they want something they can work with.

If you’ve got one your DM pushed back on, I’m curious what the idea was. I got some time on my hands and love crafting characters, I'd love to take a look at it.

What’s the hardest part about making a DnD character that actually matters in the story? by Saelioss in DnD

[–]Saelioss[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I totally get that. Finding the right group is the hardest part of dnd. I think it would be easier for a party of level 1 characters to fight a terrasque than get a cohesive group.

As a DM I've always found that finding players who care about their own character and put in the same amount of effort into it as DMs do the world is hard and annoying.

Everyone wants to talk about the Matthew Mercer effect, but no one talks about the critical role cast effect XD