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how to run a character creation session on vtt

January 23 (8 years ago)
I've played in real life but any advice on how to run the zero session for character creation on the vtt.
January 23 (8 years ago)
Nibrodooh
Pro
Sheet Author
Here are a few things that i have found to be useful:
  • Have house rules and what source books are allowed/disallowed typed up as either a handout or as the background of the map to avoid confusion.
  • Have information about the setting that might be relevant ready as handouts. This varies by game, but might include: a world map, information about organisations or religions in your setting, where the campaigns starting point will be, any backstory/lore that the characters need to know.
  • Have some tokens ready to go: Having some art work ready to use as character tokens is useful. this artwork might be replaced pretty quickly, but it allows you to create tokens to use in the meantime.
  • Be familiar with the character sheet for your system, it really helps to know the sheet so you can help your players if they have questions.
  • Run it like you would a regular session. The goal of a VTT is to enhance your game, but don't let those enhancements bog you down. Run things as you otherwise would, making use of features that you think would be benneficial
January 23 (8 years ago)

Edited January 23 (8 years ago)
plexsoup
Marketplace Creator
Sheet Author
API Scripter
One little quirk is that you can't assign a character sheet to a player until they've logged into the game once. 
So ask all the players to log into the game before your session, or assign each character sheet to be controlled by "all players".

Make a landing page to set the tone.

If you're playing with strangers, consider a tool to get everyone on the same page. It might help prevent your group from imploding after a few sessions.


Depending on how you generate characters, it would be helpful to have some premade macros ready to roll for generation of abilities.  You might want to even create some rollable tables, if the system calls for it.  For example, I once ran a Cyberpunk 2020 campaign which had a whole flowchart for creating a character's backstory.  I turned the chart into a set of rollable tables with macros that the players could click on to roll on them during the character creation session.
January 23 (8 years ago)
keithcurtis
Forum Champion
Marketplace Creator
API Scripter
I like your questionnaire, Plexsoup. I think it would be even better if you could make it part of a LFP post, before people even decide if they want to play. It looks like it could save a lot of wasted time for both GMs and players.
January 23 (8 years ago)
Or you could go completely off your meds and create a 200 rollable table monster like I am working on. Really don't do that, it steals your soul.
January 23 (8 years ago)
Arthur B
API Scripter

keithcurtis said:

I like your questionnaire, Plexsoup. [...] It looks like it could save a lot of wasted time for both GMs and players.

I was thinking exactly the same. Wish I had that some months ago.
January 23 (8 years ago)
The Aaron
Pro
API Scripter
Plexsoup, that is a fantastic questionnaire!  While I agree with Keith that it would be nice to see a way to do this as part of an LFG application, I like the way having it in Roll20 lets it be a group discussion.  Nice way to use the tools in new ways!

Same Page Tool has some discussion and questions that might be nice to consider: https://bankuei.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/the-same-...