Having run Open Legend with a few different groups, I have some opinions on how to get character creation going and have fun playing at level 1.
To really maximize character creation:
Make it an event! Schedule character creation with your group (commonly called a Session Zero), especially if this is the first time the group is playing Open Legend. This works best as a face-to-face session, whether that's in person or over video chat. I have done this through Messenger as well, but time delays and message threads make cohesive campaign prep harder.
Explain some of the rules and how they work. My quick list would be:
Have your players discuss concepts. Try to eliminate strong overlap (unless you want that). Talk about the Attributes, Feats, Perks and Flaws and what they mean.There are great character creation questions to ask at this stage in the Character Creation section of the Open Legend rules.
Get those characters made! openlegend.heromuster.com makes this really fast and keeps track of points for you. Even when sitting around a table together this can shave a lot of time off character creation. You can use computers, tablets or phones to access this character builder, then save them for play. Print the sheets out if you like.
Some things can be left alone as you work through character creation. My good friend Scooter (@discopreacha) is a big advocate of assigning Feats and Perks/Flaws over the first few sessions, so unallocated points are not a bad thing. If you do have players finish these, I think it's a good idea to allow them to change during the first couple of sessions.
Really have players look at the Flaws. These are a core mechanic in Open Legend for receiving Legend Points, which will give you Advantage on rolls when spent. This can make a real difference in your game! Also, take the time to make sure each character gets unique flaws. I think this is a place where every character should stand out and be different. Try to finish character creation with every character having 1 flaw (or the maximum of 2).
Attributes are important, since these drive play. Have players take a look at the Banes and Boons and decide what they want their character to be able to do. If you can avoid strong overlap, try to. In my opinion, it's better pick a few things that you want to do well than to spread points out. Because you don't have a class, narrow your character down to a few things you want to excel at. Take a 5 in your prime stat. Pick a couple other stats to have 4s or 3s in. Don't forget that Fortitude, Presence and Will determine defense values and Hit Points.
Feats give flavor and specialization to your character! Focus on what you want to see happen in play. There are great options for combat and non-combat. Great non-combat Feats are Craft Extraordinary Item, Craft Mundane Item, Knowledge, Master Tracker, Unending Charm and Well-Rounded. Combat Feats can be things like Bane Focus, Persistent Bane, Boon Focus. They can also be 'enabler' Feats that allow new abilities, such as Alternate Form, Attribute Substitution, Battle Trance and Lightning Reflexes.
Perks are also fun and build roleplaying opportunities, but don't forget those Flaws!
My final suggestion for character creation is to take the characters for a spin. Do a test-drive. In the first part of character creation, you can talk about an event that made your team/party work together. You don't have to play the whole thing out, but pick a fight scene. Play it out. Don't make it overly difficult but use it to get used to rolls, Banes, Boons, resist rolls and damage. If everything gets done, your players should be much more comfortable evaluating their creations. If they like them, great! If not, this is a chance to make changes before the next session.
To really maximize character creation:
Make it an event! Schedule character creation with your group (commonly called a Session Zero), especially if this is the first time the group is playing Open Legend. This works best as a face-to-face session, whether that's in person or over video chat. I have done this through Messenger as well, but time delays and message threads make cohesive campaign prep harder.
Explain some of the rules and how they work. My quick list would be:
- All Attributes, no Skills.
- Everything is a roll, no modifiers.
- All dice explode!
- Explain Banes and Boons. No spell lists, more than just Attacks.
Have your players discuss concepts. Try to eliminate strong overlap (unless you want that). Talk about the Attributes, Feats, Perks and Flaws and what they mean.There are great character creation questions to ask at this stage in the Character Creation section of the Open Legend rules.
Get those characters made! openlegend.heromuster.com makes this really fast and keeps track of points for you. Even when sitting around a table together this can shave a lot of time off character creation. You can use computers, tablets or phones to access this character builder, then save them for play. Print the sheets out if you like.
Some things can be left alone as you work through character creation. My good friend Scooter (@discopreacha) is a big advocate of assigning Feats and Perks/Flaws over the first few sessions, so unallocated points are not a bad thing. If you do have players finish these, I think it's a good idea to allow them to change during the first couple of sessions.
Really have players look at the Flaws. These are a core mechanic in Open Legend for receiving Legend Points, which will give you Advantage on rolls when spent. This can make a real difference in your game! Also, take the time to make sure each character gets unique flaws. I think this is a place where every character should stand out and be different. Try to finish character creation with every character having 1 flaw (or the maximum of 2).
Attributes are important, since these drive play. Have players take a look at the Banes and Boons and decide what they want their character to be able to do. If you can avoid strong overlap, try to. In my opinion, it's better pick a few things that you want to do well than to spread points out. Because you don't have a class, narrow your character down to a few things you want to excel at. Take a 5 in your prime stat. Pick a couple other stats to have 4s or 3s in. Don't forget that Fortitude, Presence and Will determine defense values and Hit Points.
Feats give flavor and specialization to your character! Focus on what you want to see happen in play. There are great options for combat and non-combat. Great non-combat Feats are Craft Extraordinary Item, Craft Mundane Item, Knowledge, Master Tracker, Unending Charm and Well-Rounded. Combat Feats can be things like Bane Focus, Persistent Bane, Boon Focus. They can also be 'enabler' Feats that allow new abilities, such as Alternate Form, Attribute Substitution, Battle Trance and Lightning Reflexes.
Perks are also fun and build roleplaying opportunities, but don't forget those Flaws!
My final suggestion for character creation is to take the characters for a spin. Do a test-drive. In the first part of character creation, you can talk about an event that made your team/party work together. You don't have to play the whole thing out, but pick a fight scene. Play it out. Don't make it overly difficult but use it to get used to rolls, Banes, Boons, resist rolls and damage. If everything gets done, your players should be much more comfortable evaluating their creations. If they like them, great! If not, this is a chance to make changes before the next session.
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