Getting ready to run a one-shot game at a convention (for the first time) has me thinking about how to streamline a lot of the character creation process, as well as things that I can do to improve the thematic elements of the game. Instead of rolling for starting money, then doing some virtual shopping with associated book-keeping I'm going to use the following.
All characters start with:
- 1-Handed Melee Weapon (not a sword)
- Clothing
Up to 5 items from this list:
- 2-Handed Weapon (including a Bow or Crossbow)
- Armour: Leather or Chain Mail
- Cheese
- Crowbar
- Dagger
- Flask of Oil
- Garlic
- Grappling Hook
- Holy Symbol
- Holy Water
- Lantern
- Mallet + Iron Spikes
- Mirror
- Musical Instrument
- Pouch with 20 Silver Coins
- Quiver (20 Arrows / Bolts)
- Rope (50')
- Shield
- Spellbook
- Torches (6)
- Upgrade Weapon to Sword
- Wine
- Wolfsbane
I think I'd use that for any D&D game. For this specific game, I'm going to let the players choose from one of the following as well:
- Start at 2nd Level
- A loyal Retainer (HP:5, AC:6, Dmg d6/d8, Morale:8)
- Two friendly Villagers (HP:3, AC:9, Dmg d4/d6, Morale:6)
- 1 Random Magic Item (Roll d4):
- Potion of Healing
- Scroll of Protection from Magic
- Ring of Protection +1
- Lucky Medallion (re-roll 1 failed save)
For a different game / campaign I'd put different things on the list of starting items, or different things they could choose as an 'upgrade' at the beginning. Eg. Horses, Boats, Minor Nobility, etc.
UPDATE:
Added 'Musical Instrument' and moved Armour to under optional items.
