OSR Review: Sailors of the Starless Sea

This week I take a look at the amazing character funnel 0-level adventure from Goodman Games for their Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG, Sailors of the Starless Sea!
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• RPG Retro Review:Keep ...

[@magicgeek1237]

The monster pictured is the beast man leader from the tower, the chaos lord is the cyclops

[@zug1974]

Totally deserves it's rating...It could be debated if it's the best module of all time, but in my mind it is hands down the best OSR module of all time.

[@captcorajus]

Certainly not the best module of 'all time' but its the first one that I've reviewed that hits all the marks in my rating categories. lol

[@lotsaspaghetticodejr.6488]

What is OSR? I'm new to DCC. Only played 3 games so far.

[@zug1974]

@@lotsaspaghetticodejr.6488 OSR=Old School Renaissance. Basically a game that uses the feeling of pre-3rd edition D&D while often using modern mechanics. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Renaissance.

[@scottbarrie1279]

I didn't think a natural 20 would be possible, but this module deserves it. A perfect flagship adventure for DCC.

[@RobbyMaQ]

For sure, Sailors is to DCC as B2 was to Basic D&D. A brilliant classic intro module that covers all that's needed (and much more) in an intro adventure...

[@drewwill6497]

Nice to see DCC get some love! My follow players and I started this adventure with a large group of characters, but by the end there were only 3 very injured characters heading toward the island. When we saw the large group of beastmen, we wisely kept rowing to live to fight another day. It was still fun!

[@captcorajus]

Yeah, its clear to me, I've really been neglecting this GREAT game. More to follow!

[@sunsin1592]

Our party lost 10 of 16 of the characters, which was perfect for creating a regular party. But we never got around to playing with the 1st level characters. Gonna rectify that this summer.

[@TheConfessor]

There's a reason this module is the first one out of people's mouths when it comes to DCC, even after a decade.

[@captcorajus]

Clearly I agree!

[@midnightgreen8319]

This adventure absolutely deserves that nat 20!

[@autieri]

This is by far one of the best adventures I've ever played and I totally agree with your rating. I also want to encourage you to cover more DCC and MCC modules in the future. I really love these games and there is such a rich vein of adventure mine from all of them. Keep it up!

[@captcorajus]

Thanks. I definitely plan on giving DCC more love.

[@PagrZero]

I consider the module a modern classic. I've run it twice! A "must-run" for any group that wants to try DCC!

[@captcorajus]

Great terminology. Absolutely true.

[@MrSteveK1138]

The Level 0s are mad as hell, and they're not gonna take it...ANYMORE!!!

[@midnightgreen8319]

I absolutely love this adventure! It's a ton of fun and my group had a blast. I had one player that really wasn't sure about playing a funnel, but he has the most fun of the whole group!

[@midnightgreen8319]

DCC is like a mix of BECMI and 3rd edition.

[@travelingwizard7185]

Character funnel pushes the player to think outside of the typical TTRPG box. Most things are going to kill you in 1 hit... so with that there is mental freedom. If this wacky idea fails... oh well, he was going to die anyway. We had a level 0 in our game, who was a cheese monger with a piece of stinky cheese in his inventory, save his friends life by fooling the Rot Grub just burrowing into his friends body with said cheese (and a well timed luck roll). That same Cheese monger found the magic ring and eventually helped lead to the destruction of the Effigy. This character had 1 HP, max. It's these types of character origins that are what make DCC and the funnels so interesting.

[@midnightgreen8319]

@@travelingwizard7185 it's awesome, because sometimes the player will protect a sub par character just because they like something about them. It's a genius idea for character creation! I absolutely love DCC

[@Ziggy7800Pro]

I played this module and it was a blast! I had two of my characters survived Thorum the Dwaran Ratcater and Butchy the Butcher. It made fall for DCC and want to play more. I did have a Noble that was killed by the champion beast men. Great review! Will buy this one ro run it myself.

[@tharkwarrior]

I unconditionally believe everything you tell me Cap'n. I have had DCC and half a dozen sets of funky dice on stand by for years now. My 2022 will be the year.

[@iamnottim.]

I recently bought DCC and am blown away with how dope the system is. Now I need to convince my gaming troupe to give it a shot so I can run this module.

[@Minodrec]

I ran it 4 times. I even run it foy my uncle who made us play RPG when I was a kid. A truly awesome module. Glad you reviewed it.

[@captcorajus]

Absolutely. It was obvious to me when I played it that this was the kind of module that Refs would run multiple times.

[@jdRamza]

What an unexpected surprise of a review!

[@captcorajus]

Me too! Lol.. I actually played out the character funnel not too long ago and knew this module needed a review. lol

[@pez5767]

SOLD! Great pitch. I'd love to see you cover a few more of the DCC modules or some of the other 3e modules you mentioned during the vid. Great job!

[@samuelbroad11]

this was the start of our 1st level 5e dnd campaign two years ago, still have fond memories. About 9 survived, still playing with half at 10th level! You feel on the back foot a lot but also so intrigued and very slightly epic. Beautiful art, Kovacs is king.

[@SuperKernel32]

Great review as usual

[@jv7x]

We had a blast with this adventure! Definitely in my 10 adventures of all time.

[@davidmunoz2176]

Wow, first ever Critical Hit! Cool

[@Nnonetwo]

This is an amazing video. Great production value! I really appreciate the detailed info on the adventure itself. It's always weird to me when videos avoid spoilers because obviously only Judges/GMs will seek out videos like these.

[@matthewconstantine5015]

I had fun running this one. I didn't run it as a funnel, though. My group was a mix of zero through 2nd level characters (for reasons), and they still found it very challenging. Several died. Those that survived actually had their bacon saved in the very end by a player's halfling who'd been missing for weeks showing up in a flying ship, as the island collapsed & sank, after discovering that he was, for all intents & purposes, an Eternal Champion. ...Anyway... It's a great module. I think you're right about the top part being a great one-shot, too. I could see characters revisiting things several times. Once to clear out the tower. Once to clear out the vine-pit. And perhaps again to clear out the underground...and them maybe discover more underground adventures. Cool review. Natural 20! Wow.

[@ILoveEvadingTax]

I think it can definitely work well for players up to 2nd level, a mix of individual 1st and 2nd level PCs with a cluster of 0s seems quite a good handicap, so long as the 0s aren't just used as human fodder all the time

[@Lightmane]

Well now I have to buy this module. Thanks for the review

[@francoisdumont4105]

I played that module last night at my local game store. It's really cool to see the things we missed.

[@captcorajus]

Yeah, that can be a lot of fun after going through something like this adventure!

[@p-leif630]

100% agreeI started with 5eand own all 6 of the current available OAR adventure books and there is a reason I want to move over to dcc

[@travelingwizard7185]

It was a fantastic session. The version you have had a few more features than the version I had, the image being one; I really thought that was needed. The Leviathan stopped attacking because you asked your patron to send stalactites down on it and that felt clever to me. It retreated even though it had SO MANY HP. It can be an easy TPK with a Judge without nuance. Glad you enjoyed.

[@captcorajus]

Yeah, I definitely used some spell burn on that one! It was sick! But, yes, it was a great time. Thank you!

[@rrekrut]

This was the first rpg module I had ever run in my first time as a dm with a group of new players. The group I ran it with had a blast, and we're still playing. My only complaint is that it maybe sets the bar too high, as it's a really tough act to follow! That and my players wanted to just do more funnels right after. We did the vines of horror section and it definitely added another session to our game. There were some more fatalities and I had to come up with reasons why players could get some replacement characters, but they had a lot of fun with it. There were some nice magic items that they gained for their troubles (the players only recently were brave enough to try the fruit that they kept and had sitting around from that section). 10/10 module, would definitely run it again to introduce new players to dcc or rpgs in general.

[@captcorajus]

If the problem is that it sets the bar so high, that's a good problem have. Clearly I agree with your assessment. lol. I played in it, now I'm going to run it next Saturday.

[@jamesnell1999]

The adventure is almost too dramatic for funnel fodder. What do they have to look forward to after a ride like this one? I still like to make new players try to kill pack of orcs that are capturing and eating travelers on the road. Play a little recon "battleship" style to determine who is going to ambush who. This seems like a second or third adventure, but Sailors of the Starless Sea would start things off with a bang. That's for sure. Also, I don't want to sound like too much of a fuddy-duddy, orcs always have a +1 sword, a potion, and a scroll of some type. That lets level one characters have a little more fun.

[@tatuira93]

The art present in most materials from DCC never ceases to amaze me, really the best in the business right now.

[@FatalDevotee1]

More DCC reviews please!

[@bryansmith844]

Love this one so much. Have run it many times and it’s a complete blast everytime

[@thefrenchspy81]

Great review! This module deserves all the praise. Thanks for bringing it to the attention of new players. DCC is so much fun.

[@aaronsomerville2124]

Great to see a Natural 20! A truly worthy recipient. I would have liked to see B2 get one as well, but there's no denying that this module deserves its halo.

[@guyfrattallone6029]

Crazy! Great description of the module! After reading all the feedback I feel sorry for never buying any of this rules set and adventures for my group.

[@jamesnell1999]

Wow... a 20 rating! First one ever! Great review Captain. Keep up the good work.

[@captcorajus]

Thanks! Will do!

[@sanktimarus]

Thank you for the great review, Mr Captcorajus! I have just run this very adventure for my group yesterday and it was awesome. Just one thing - I think the beast you show in 19:44 is in fact the Beastman Champion from area H (Tower of the Beast), as he is described as a "feral bull" wearing a torc made of bleached skulls.

[@captcorajus]

Yes, I double checked. You are correct

[@kamilwiekiera6217]

I'm stoked that you've decided to review a DCC module Captain, this one in particular! Fingers crossed for another DCC material in the future.

[@captcorajus]

yes, definitely!

[@jenniferbenson1059]

This is excellent. I have run a sea tower module from Goodman games, my player loved it. Those guys know they're rpg.

[@thomaskiser3886]

Hommlet on acid is how I always viewed this module! Or an almost more complete version. It is awesome! Always gotta throw a giant toad in the moat!

[@tombolenbaugh4030]

I haven't used the vine horror section yet, but I plan on using it to restart my DCC adventure. My players' characters settled back into the nearby village, so it'll be a nice return to action.

[@mateofantasma]

I fully agree with your review! This is so good. I am itching to run this with my group!

[@captcorajus]

At this point I've played it and ran it. Its a blast.

[@manofaction1807]

Traditionally, in the old days, low level characters died almost regularly... It was a rare thing for them to make it to level 10.

[@thechaotimagnet]

Ok if we are doing DCC adventures now, my vote is doom of the savage king.

[@captcorajus]

I'll check it out!

[@travelingwizard7185]

@@captcorajus Don't read it yet... ;)

[@travelingwizard7185]

That one is very interesting, I have it but I haven't run that one yet.

[@captcorajus]

@@travelingwizard7185 Lol... okay!

[@Genesis19-26]

One of my favorite modules and my introduction to OSR play, loved the review!

[@captcorajus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chicksandwich]

Portal under the stars is also a great one (Its in the back of the core rulebook). There is a 3rd party dungeon tile set for it too

[@originaluddite]

What a brutal character generation method! If I were GMing such a game, I'd ensure that the surviving character periodically dreamed of those three lost friends that could have been adventurers, living on now only in memory.

[@captcorajus]

Yes! Love it!

[@trentfarrell]

Hey, this is Justin who played with you and Matt. I look forward to our next sesh and seeing if Curd’s luck continues to be as stellar as it had been. 😂

[@captcorajus]

Hey Justin! See you Wednesday

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

Congratulations, Captain, on your very first perfect score. Thus, proving your scoring system ain't, dare I say isnt, broken. If you haven't done so already, I cant wait for your first scoring of all 1's. Though I admit I haven't seen everyone of your videos so far. Well done, Captain.

[@captcorajus]

On the point of 'all 1's' I can say you'll never see that. First reason is that I would never crap on another creative's work like that, and two, I wouldn't waste my time on a sub par product. There is one review that I gave a 'bad review'... Fantasy Wargaming. Check it out if you haven't alread!

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

@@captcorajus Thank you for hearting my comment. I know more about modules from watching KZbinrs than playing them. I don't get much chance to play RPG'S with someone. I guess I'm noot trying hard enough is the true reason. I appreciate the compliment, Captain. Take care.

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

Thanks again for another heart. I do appreciate them. I hope I'm not overdoing it with the replies to every heart or reply from you, Captain. Keep up the good work.

[@carrotsongRPG]

Love this adventure!! My group absolutely grumbled at the idea of having to run 0 level characters that they didn't get to craft themselves.... BUT, when we really got into playing, we had an absolute blast. Two players had to make additional characters, and they enjoyed cataloging the various fatalities the party of commoners suffered. If any of you are on the fence about the concept, you seriously have to give this game a play. I know it looks strange on paper... but the 0 level character mechanic is a blast at the actual table. In the end, players learn to treasure the lucky character or two that emerge from the other side.

[@matthewbennett1972]

And that’s what it used to be all about. Now you’re a 1st lvl superhero which is ok but I struggle with lvl 1 characters being adventurers. How are you a 40 year old guy that’s lvl 1? Realistically you would be about 4 years older at lvl 4. I know it’s fantasy it’s a game but if you’re going to start at lvl 1 as a human you should be young imho

[@carrotsongRPG]

@@matthewbennett1972 I know what you are saying. When we have someone start as an older Lvl 1, I usually work in a valid reason why. A battlefield injury that took time to heal, or a person who lived a simple life working at an inn.... both of these can explain why someone is now "rusty" and having to work out all of those skills once more. (And we add to character depth in the process!)

[@RPGImaginings]

We happened to have characters with a lot of valuable items, so I tried giving the Leviathan treasure. It liked it and we didn't have to fight it. :) It is a great example of how to encourage creativity in role-playing. DCC strips characters to their bare bones. When you do this, the only real assets you have are your own creativity. It doesn't feel like the "gotcha" that is so much early OSR writing, because you are provided with four characters and the opportunity to acquire more through heroic rescues. This is DCC. No power-gaming. No min-maxing. 3.5 aficionados will likely hate DCC, and that's a good thing. It is a different style of play that needs to exist in the hobby.

[@darthjoel6357]

Great video Captain! I finally picked up all the basic DND gazetteers from drive thru Rpg after your reviews. Something tells me they should be giving you a cut of the sales! 😊

[@Johnny_Nitro]

Wow a trifecta of 20's! I didn't think we'd ever see it's like. You do realize Cap, that now the bar is set to Vault 111. I know, I know. You only review modules that have some redeeming qualities. Maybe you could do a contest or poll for people to recommend the worst i.e. critical fail, old school dnd product or module? Just my 2 cents.

[@ricardoblikman2676]

It sound extremely fun!

[@spaceranger7683]

OH YEAH! Thanks for reviewing some DCC material, Cap! Please do more, as not only does this game rock, the folks at Goodman Games are some of the greatest lovers of old school gaming on the scene right now.

[@gamervideos11]

Another great review

[@danielrowan4716]

Captain, I haven’t seen this one yet by a Critical Hit assessment from you carries a lot of weight. If you’re looking for another old school (1e AD&D) module featuring 0 level players, check out Treasure Hunt, published in ‘86.

[@captcorajus]

Its available for POD, and I got it, so its already in the cue

[@danielrowan4716]

@@captcorajus AWESOME. I ran this back in ‘89/90 with my group and we still talk about it to this day. It’s a classic and was the start of a memorable campaign.

[@maxwellpatten9227]

HELL YEAH!!!!

[@thegameoverclub]

Awesome review as always, DCC is the best in the bussiness today bar none! Goodman Games and all their products are top of the line. I really hope you review more DCC/MCC modules coming up :)

[@captcorajus]

!Yes they are! And yes, more to come!

[@TheIoPC]

I love adventures that take the average villager, and show how they rise to be adventures. 😁 ~ Adam

[@B.-T.]

That full color picture isn't of the Chaos Lord Effigy... It's of the Beastman Champion you fight just before descending into the lower levels of the keep.

[@AnotherMike2]

Alas, my poor rutabaga farmer fell to a birdman’s spear. That 1 hit point hurt so much. My cowardly barber survived!

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks.

[@rossvanderweide8067]

make more of these!

[@captainharris8980]

I never played it, but it sounds exciting.

[@johnscotto5045]

CC, this adventure sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the review. I may have asked this before but how does the funnel system in DCC compared to the attempt in module N4, treasure hunt, which featured zero level D&D characters?

[@captcorajus]

Seeing as that module is in my cue, I'll let you know.

[@johnnyo3535]

Ah, once again, very good my liege.

[@carpma11]

This is a fantastic module for a fantastic game system. DCC has completely replaced D&D for me and mine, especially with the Lankhmar setting.

[@yummyiop2]

Finally

[@roarliger3736]

from what book is the first artwork (two Vinehorrors gets breakfast) and the georgeous beastmaster? Its not in the version of the sailors I own.. very nice video, thank you! :)

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

hey thanks for the reply, Captain. I truly appreciate it. And thanks for not taking offense at my unintending implication I would crap on another creative's work. I don't like doing that either if it comes to it and I meant to ill intent I was just curious about a score of all 1's. Now I know better. I'll go check out Fantasy War gaming sooner or later thanks for directing me.

[@captcorajus]

Absolutely. Here's link to the Fantasy Wargaming review. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ-lZ2eAjLR2nLs

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

Hey thanks for another heart, Captain. I got your link for Fantasy War Gaming and will probably watch it sometime today before I go to bed. Keep being you if that doesn't sound too corny. I don't know it's a phrase I've heard, and it fits a nice guy like yourself.

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

@@captcorajus The scoring may have been fair, but brutal, however I commend you on your nice attitude towards the game makers even when you were calling them out for being sexist and racist. Thank you for the amusing review, well done, Captain.

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

Thank you again, Captain. Happy Memorial Day to everyone!

[@jamiemcdonough6548]

Thanks for the heart, Captain.

[@stratuvarious8547]

I've no experience with DCC, but I've a little with MCC. And from what I've seen from MCC is that they have a lot of prewritten level 2 modules. Several 0 level, but not near enough of the other levels. DCC has more modules printed, so hopefully, they've done a better job of filling in the level ranges.

[@WildDieWoodard]

Nice overview of this great adventure! The ONLY minor quibble... It's 'Sailors ON the Starless Sea' not 'Sailors of the Starless Sea.' Thanks for the video!

[@epimetrius7348]

Dadgummit I just bought it last night, so I can't really use the code. But even just reading it made it worth my purchase.

[@handleofvecna2443]

Would it be possible to run this or other DCC adventures using B/X dnd rules or lamentations of the flame princess?

[@captcorajus]

Possibly, but not nearly as much fun. DCC's modules and system really kind of go hand and hand.

[@drwatkins68]

I really like SOTSS but 3 x 20s?!?!? Cap'n Corajus REALLY likes SOTSS! 😊

[@TheLordLuther]

What's the best adventure (if any) to follow this with?

[@captcorajus]

That's really a hard one to say. I would say "one of your own creation." The reason for that is because the adventure ends with the characters full fledged adventurers with a nice sailing ship that can basically take them anywhere they want to go. Who knows what the players will choose, and the DM should really leave it open for them... what a cool way to begin a campaign!

[@gwargumm9511]

Would you recommend this for a first time DCC judge or would it be better to save this one after you have some experience running DCC?

[@TheLordUrban]

To me DCC is like the love child of 3.5 and 1e Warhammer role play

[@calbarog]

Dope

[@Se7enBeatleofDoom]

Dark Sun meets Waterworld.

[@thefallenmonk605]

how much converting would you have to do to run a 2ed as DCC

[@captcorajus]

Well, if you use the rules for 0 level characters for 2E nominal really.

[@ForgottenEssenceX]

It's a meatgrinder.

[@WarhavenSC]

What coupon code were you speaking of, if I may ask, to get this module for free?

[@captcorajus]

On the cover page of the modules from DCC there is a coupon code to buy the PDF from drivethruRPG for free.

[@WarhavenSC]

@@captcorajus Ah, okay. TY.

[@foff3804]

I remember playing this years ago, and it was a resounding meh. It turned into a monotonous meat grinder. Everyone either got killed off or got bored and wandered off.

[@jriggan]

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer module…🙂

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

I find here in Australia, Goodman Games products are way to expensive.

[@Leftylives]

It seems to me the characters would level up about half way through the module. The xp to get to level 1 must not be that high.

[@captcorajus]

There is no 'XP' value to reach level 1. You complete the funnel adventure and you make level 1.

[@Leftylives]

@@captcorajus I see.

[@ctvtmo]

Thanks for the excellent review. It seems like this shouldn't be a level 0 module, however. Chaos Lords? Giant sea monsters in an enchanted ocean guarding a lost forbidden temple? Sounds like 10-14 level. Personally, I think it's a mistake to introduce such grand baddies that level 0 heroes can best. It might be fun for a dungeon run but it's laying a bad story foundation for the future. Just my two cents. It's a game, however, and if people have fun with it then it was successful.

[@evanolson7027]

This is actually just part of the style of DCC. There’s a level 1 adventure where you try to steal from the plane of law on behalf of the Chais Lords. Not to mention level cap is 10. So level 14 doesn’t exist.

[@dwi2921]

I wonder what would be required for running this under 5E rules? I mean, this is fundamentally the exact opposite of the narrative style that 5E has. Just rolling up all the necessary characters (for yes a single player would still need at least two in order to complete this even with 5E) would take ages. Running this with BECMI D&D might work but I still feel like this might not be the best option though. As a campaign starter this has potential, but I question it's ending. Seems to me that the options lead to certain death, even escape to the light of day, which would/could make this adventure a rough sell for campaign use. Investing in characters is a thing after all. And coming up with one character that is entertaining to play is hard enough for some people, let alone four. On the otherhand, I feel like this would make a great beer and pretzels night adventure! I can also see great replayability here, even with the ending. A good hack and slash can be just the relaxation needed after a hard day's work. Might have to pick this up for that reason alone. Anyway, thanks for the review.

[@captcorajus]

I think you misunderstand HOW the DCC system works. Granted, its very counter-intuitive to how 5E operates. In 5E you come up with a background for your character using the background rules. In DCC... YOU PLAY YOUR BACKGROUND OUT. DCC's Core mechanics are analogous to 5E in several ways. Ascending AC, DCs for skill/ ability checks, etc. The beauty here is you don't 'come up with a character concept'. You create 4 TOTALLY RANDOM PCs... and then whichever one survives is your character. I encourage you to TRY it rather than try to absorb it though the cold words of the page. Every 5E player I've talked to LOVES DCC. As a campaign starter, this is a beautiful thing. At the end of the adventure the players basically go wherever the Judge decides, AND they have a cool magical Viking ship that can take them anywhere they want go. Maybe I wasn't clear, but completing the adventure gets the character to 1st level. The player CHOOSES what class they wish to progress in. Its that easy.

[@dwi2921]

@@captcorajus Oh I see, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks for letting me know!

[@GrandLordGeek]

Anyone else unable to get this vid to play?

[@THEFabianValenzuela]

Bump

[@fadetoblack1026]

Has anybody actually tried running this in 5e?

[@Nexusofgeek]

So can it be really called a retro-review when the module is only about four years old?

[@captcorajus]

Note that I DID NOT call it a 'Retro Review' in the title.... Its an OSR Review. ;)

[@Nobleshield]

The whole 0th level funnel thing to me is a gigantic turnoff. Doesn't sound exciting or interesting all, and the whole "you have to EARN being an adventurer" is a joke to me. As a result I've ignored this system like the plague despite it having some interesting things. It's bad enough to have the game tell you what you are "allowed" to play rather than being able to choose what you WANT to play, but this whole approach seems like some ridiculous notion of how D&D used to be, when it was never like that.

[@captcorajus]

But... but.. its FUN! Fun is a turn off? Everyone I've ran it for LOVES it.

[@Nobleshield]

@@captcorajus I haven't tried it myself but there doesn't sound anything fun to me about "make a few random 0th level peasants and see if they survive"

[@rustybollocks3827]

This game's character creation system shows that people now instead of wanting munchkins are now insistent on making the worst characters possible. Wow. Innovation, now instead of trying to game the system to make powerful characters, people now want to make the most worthless characters. I guess there's no more middle ground. I honestly can't understand how people can't role play a character unless it has something stupid about it.

[@captcorajus]

Brother, the DCC system created POWERFUL COOL characters. It does so creatively with the funnel system. Yes, you start off with a worthless peon of a character, but after the zero level adventure, you make first level, and become a genuine heroic character. The thing is, rather than using some 'charts' or 'just making all of it up' you've actually played out the character's origin story.

[@rustybollocks3827]

@@captcorajus I guess if you want your origin to be a worthless peon.

[@jamesnell1999]

I have been most inactive in D&D for many years. But I think I have encountered the type of players you are talking about Rusty. They drove me away from the game for years. I look for the group with the half-orc wizard and the gnome paladin and then go in the opposite direction, "...how people can't role play a character unless it has something stupid about it." It seemed to me that these people were mocking the game and the group playing it by doing this type of thing. But they always claim they are just having fun. The character funnel is not an invitation to make four versions of "Spurt the kobold" from Critical Role. My suggestion is to get some better people to play D&D with. Sorry, D&D comedians...

[@midnightgreen8319]

This all sounds like a personal experience problem. DCC characters are awesome. This just makes players think, instead of using their character abilities.

[@rustybollocks3827]

@@midnightgreen8319 It's not just experience, it's the attitude that rolling 3d6 in order is the best way to play and most of the comments are about people enjoying the role playing, which is apparently not possible with decent characters. I get some people like playing peons or they need game mechanics to prevent them from min maxing.

[@YouTubeShortsSuck734]

Got so hyped when I saw DCC content :p

[@john-lenin]

If you give each player four characters they’re going to game the system to keep their favorite alive. It’s better to roll up the entire pool of characters and let the characters pick one. The remainder become NPCs. When a character dies the player gets to pick one from the pool.

[@captcorajus]

Sorry, but I suggest you PLAY this.. there's no 'gaming' the system as what the four characters are , are rolled randomly. Trust me, they die easily. What DOES happen is that the character the player WANTS hangs in the back and the others go first. lol.

[@john-lenin]

A bit too much like a Disney ride.