Doom Squad

In the Humanocentric Duchy of Klanistan, the deadly career of adventuring is left to the press-ganged prisoners in the dungeons under the Shining Citadel.

Whether they be in the Duke's dungeon for : breaking the law, monster profiling [Monster characters being caught in a land that hates/fears them], framed for a crime they didn't commit, inciting sedition against the Duke [and his draconian laws], an adventurer with a death wish, or are one of the Duke's loyal servants that is along to keep an eye on the criminals, all PCs have volunteered for the Doom Squad! - an elite force despatched on missions in the Duke's best interests.

The team is eclectic, but most importantly give the Duke deniability if their missions should fail.
PCs have in some way been pressured into the team whether it be for early release, deportation to a friendlier locale [or just to get out of Klanistan], to keep the treasures acquired on such outings, to serve their Duke, or for the sheer challenge of it all.

PCs are the equivalent of 3rd level - ie a 3rd level standard race OR a character from the Monster Manual or Volo's Guide - where up to 1/8 CR = level 0, 1/4 CR = level 1, 1/2 CR = level 2, CR 1 = level 3. Remaining levels up to 3 can use PHB, SCG, DMG classes. The players cannot be chaotic evil

eg. Characters
* A character whose soul has been returned to his body AFTER he has died and it has been re-animated as a skeleton. The assumption would be that the creature was evil or at the least [since being undead] dangerous. Locked away for public safety reasons. Put on the undead registry.
* A human seeking equal rights for non-humans could be in the dungeon, and expendable.
* A suit of animated armour that has become sentient.
* A Bugbear
* A level 3 Bullywug
* A Bear possessed by the soul of a deceased Druid
* A Dryad environmentalist, trying to curb civilisations encroachment and logging of her forest.
* A Duergar slaver, caught whilst attempting to harvest his wares.
* A level 3 Flumph Wizard, out to see the world. Captured as an "abomination".
* A Githzerai Monk, exiled to the Material Plane. Arrested for attempted sedition.
* A Battlemaster Fighter in service to the Duke who has volunteered to keep an eye on the squad.

As you can see, the only limit is your imagination.

Characters can be selfish, greedy, manipulative, heroic, dangerous etc. but they must all be able to work together. The Duke's representative has control of the magical bracelet that each PC must wear and can harm the character if they get out of control.