I'm a fairly new DM, and once my current campaign is over I'm planning on running "out of the abyss" with some homebrew.
My thoughts are to have the characters pick races only and be forced into a prisoner class or not have a class, and roll stats in order with the option to switch 1 pair of stats.
They will have certain proficiency based on their back grounds, but no starting equipment. They will need to steal and scavenge what they need to survive and escape.
I am wondering if anyone has a prisoner class made up, or advice on making such a thing.
Prisoner seems more like a circumstance than a class... really not sure how that would work.
You can just say they have no starting equipment, and if you want to make the players weaker for a bit, you can make them commoners with whatever stats they rolled until they get the chance to “gain a class.”
That is a very interesting proposal. D&D 5e doesn't consider starting with nothing.
Commoner is a great option, but it has some strict definitions in 5e. I'm trying to think of making unique characters with their own flavors rather than a standard single language and standard +2 to melee hit (which brings up the question of what happens with that bonus upon leveling past a commoner).
I'm trying to think backward down a level from level 1 with a mind on the 5e character creation process and leveling. I'm trying to figure out a zero-sum kind of leveling when going from level 0 to level 1 so that a level 1 would be the same as a standard-created character but still with advancement from level 0.
Race is a given. No changes to ability score bonuses. Right? Skipping picking any class is also a given. Ability score generation that takes a step back from Level 1. I'm not sure how to handle this. Standard score generation but a required choice between -1 on two scores or a -2 on one score? No proficiency/expertise on anything? All weapons are basic, no-proficiency damage? No race-granted player-chosen Feats until Level 1? -150 XP at level 0 if you're not using milestones? Advancing to level 1 in any class includes the whole +1 on 2 ability scores or +2 on one, but no option of Feats unless that's part of the race description?
I can see value in keeping backgrounds with level 0.
What about race-specific features like dark-vision?
Racial magic is an issue. How do you go down a level with race-granted magic if it's able to be cast as spells of higher level? Do we cancel that altogether until level 1 making all level 0s melee-only? This one, I can't wrap my head around. (Might be because I haven't had lunch yet and it's lunchtime.)
So many things to consider if we're wanting advancement in a similar style of 5e rules.
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Human. Male. Possibly. Don't be a divider. My characters' backgrounds are written like instruction manuals rather than stories. My opinion and preferences don't mean you're wrong. I am 99.7603% convinced that the digital dice are messing with me. I roll high when nobody's looking and low when anyone else can see.🎲 “It's a bit early to be thinking about an epitaph. No?” will be my epitaph.
The first AL Eberron adventure has the party play as "Level 0" characters. Basically standard array stats, pick race and background, and use a d6 for your hit die, plus starting equipment. Due to how OotA starts, that equipment would be locked away in the barracks, of course.
Roll stats in order: STR, DEX, ect. You can swap 1 set of values, that way if you roll a 16 in strength but want to be a mage, you can pick whatever spellcasting stat to swap with strength.
Pick your race, and any bonuses to stats, skills like dark vision all apply. Ratial feats and spellcasting are fine, but the prisoner compound is awarded against magic.
You choose 1 simple weapon to have proficiency in.
I was planning to have every level gain something, alternating ability score increase (1 point not 2) and feats.
Choosing feats would be how you gain proficiency in armors, other weapons and learn spellcasting. As far as plot, I was thinking the gods would grant you visions teaching you the skills you need. It's basically multi-classing with specific requirements needed in certain stats.
They would start with no equipment and would need to find, scavenge and steal whatever equipment they can as they make their escape from prison
Most people do not like "Roll Stats In Order" as it forces too much randomness onto characters, unless you intend for them to reroll stats again once they start gaining real levels.
If you just go through regular character creation, but skip the "Choose a Class" step and use a d6 for hit points until they hit level 1, it will make the transition from Level 0 to Level 1 much simpler. (Though I would consider also giving them whatever the weapon and armor proficiencies of the class they want to take are as well)
Once they gain their first level, just start regular class progressions, at that point they should be out of the prison anyway.
Honestly, "Prisoner" sounds more like a background than a class.
I agree with this. Unless the PCs have been enslaved for their entire lives then they should still have some training and skills fromtheir former careers. That said, the "Start as level 0" suggestion is also an interesting one. :)
This was done in 1st edition Treasure Hunt. Almost the same scenario; ex slaves working together and the process define their alignment and class. It set things up so there was a number of options that the player could explore. It was fun module IMHO, and worth picking up from DriveThruRPG for ideas on zero to one.
Borrowing a bit from it, IMHO, here is what I would do mechanically.
Point buy or standard array the stats
Let the characters choose the race
Let the characters choose a background that is BEFORE they became a prisoner. They get the skill/tool proficiencies based on that.
HP start at 6 + Con modifier (the die 6 max). They get more HP when they become level 1.
Do not use a proficiency bonus for anything BUT the background proficiencies. They have no weapon, or class based profs yet.
For going from zero to 1 I would milestone it. If you choose an XP level, I like the above idea of filling up a -150 XP debt.
Note their actions? Do they pray for guidance? Cleric. do they try to commune with Nature? Druid. Punch things? Monk.
Skills they try to use are candidates for what they acquire.
Make sure a spell book is around, so someone can be a wizard, if they want to read it. A way to make or find a holy symbol (crude wood is viable)
This!!! This is the kind of thing that i was looking for!!! Thank you so much!
as far as choosing classes, i was thinking of just having them meet the Multi Class requirements and Select them as Feats. My plan was to give ASI every odd level (only 1 point) and the option to take a feat or ASI on every even level. This would help them build up their stats to meet the requirements required for the Multi Class selection, while helping them grow into the character they want to be.
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I'm a fairly new DM, and once my current campaign is over I'm planning on running "out of the abyss" with some homebrew.
My thoughts are to have the characters pick races only and be forced into a prisoner class or not have a class, and roll stats in order with the option to switch 1 pair of stats.
They will have certain proficiency based on their back grounds, but no starting equipment. They will need to steal and scavenge what they need to survive and escape.
I am wondering if anyone has a prisoner class made up, or advice on making such a thing.
Prisoner seems more like a circumstance than a class... really not sure how that would work.
You can just say they have no starting equipment, and if you want to make the players weaker for a bit, you can make them commoners with whatever stats they rolled until they get the chance to “gain a class.”
Edit: typo
That is a very interesting proposal. D&D 5e doesn't consider starting with nothing.
Commoner is a great option, but it has some strict definitions in 5e. I'm trying to think of making unique characters with their own flavors rather than a standard single language and standard +2 to melee hit (which brings up the question of what happens with that bonus upon leveling past a commoner).
I'm trying to think backward down a level from level 1 with a mind on the 5e character creation process and leveling. I'm trying to figure out a zero-sum kind of leveling when going from level 0 to level 1 so that a level 1 would be the same as a standard-created character but still with advancement from level 0.
Race is a given. No changes to ability score bonuses. Right?
Skipping picking any class is also a given.
Ability score generation that takes a step back from Level 1. I'm not sure how to handle this. Standard score generation but a required choice between -1 on two scores or a -2 on one score?
No proficiency/expertise on anything?
All weapons are basic, no-proficiency damage?
No race-granted player-chosen Feats until Level 1?
-150 XP at level 0 if you're not using milestones?
Advancing to level 1 in any class includes the whole +1 on 2 ability scores or +2 on one, but no option of Feats unless that's part of the race description?
I can see value in keeping backgrounds with level 0.
What about race-specific features like dark-vision?
Racial magic is an issue. How do you go down a level with race-granted magic if it's able to be cast as spells of higher level? Do we cancel that altogether until level 1 making all level 0s melee-only? This one, I can't wrap my head around. (Might be because I haven't had lunch yet and it's lunchtime.)
So many things to consider if we're wanting advancement in a similar style of 5e rules.
Human. Male. Possibly. Don't be a divider.
My characters' backgrounds are written like instruction manuals rather than stories. My opinion and preferences don't mean you're wrong.
I am 99.7603% convinced that the digital dice are messing with me. I roll high when nobody's looking and low when anyone else can see.🎲
“It's a bit early to be thinking about an epitaph. No?” will be my epitaph.
The first AL Eberron adventure has the party play as "Level 0" characters. Basically standard array stats, pick race and background, and use a d6 for your hit die, plus starting equipment. Due to how OotA starts, that equipment would be locked away in the barracks, of course.
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My idea is the following
Roll stats in order: STR, DEX, ect. You can swap 1 set of values, that way if you roll a 16 in strength but want to be a mage, you can pick whatever spellcasting stat to swap with strength.
Pick your race, and any bonuses to stats, skills like dark vision all apply. Ratial feats and spellcasting are fine, but the prisoner compound is awarded against magic.
You choose 1 simple weapon to have proficiency in.
I was planning to have every level gain something, alternating ability score increase (1 point not 2) and feats.
Choosing feats would be how you gain proficiency in armors, other weapons and learn spellcasting. As far as plot, I was thinking the gods would grant you visions teaching you the skills you need. It's basically multi-classing with specific requirements needed in certain stats.
They would start with no equipment and would need to find, scavenge and steal whatever equipment they can as they make their escape from prison
Most people do not like "Roll Stats In Order" as it forces too much randomness onto characters, unless you intend for them to reroll stats again once they start gaining real levels.
If you just go through regular character creation, but skip the "Choose a Class" step and use a d6 for hit points until they hit level 1, it will make the transition from Level 0 to Level 1 much simpler. (Though I would consider also giving them whatever the weapon and armor proficiencies of the class they want to take are as well)
Once they gain their first level, just start regular class progressions, at that point they should be out of the prison anyway.
Site Info: Wizard's ToS | Fan Content Policy | Forum Rules | Physical Books | Content Not Working | Contact Support
How To: Homebrew Rules | Create Homebrew | Snippet Codes | Tool Tips (Custom) | Rollables (Generator)
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Feats | Spells | Magic Items
Other: Beyond20 | Page References | Other Guides | Entitlements | Dice Randomization | Images Fix | FAQ
Honestly, "Prisoner" sounds more like a background than a class.
I agree with this. Unless the PCs have been enslaved for their entire lives then they should still have some training and skills fromtheir former careers. That said, the "Start as level 0" suggestion is also an interesting one. :)
This was done in 1st edition Treasure Hunt. Almost the same scenario; ex slaves working together and the process define their alignment and class. It set things up so there was a number of options that the player could explore. It was fun module IMHO, and worth picking up from DriveThruRPG for ideas on zero to one.
Borrowing a bit from it, IMHO, here is what I would do mechanically.
GLHF
This!!! This is the kind of thing that i was looking for!!! Thank you so much!
as far as choosing classes, i was thinking of just having them meet the Multi Class requirements and Select them as Feats. My plan was to give ASI every odd level (only 1 point) and the option to take a feat or ASI on every even level. This would help them build up their stats to meet the requirements required for the Multi Class selection, while helping them grow into the character they want to be.