I sense there are two widespread methods, commonly used for character creation. I call them Prologue and Prelude. Named after some widespread character- and background-building session names. (Between "Session Zero" and "First Session".) *Prologue* Here players create their characters together and in parallel, knowing what the other players are making. Advantage: It is easy to intertwine the backstories of the characters, and thus start out connected to each other. Downside: Quite often this creates a group, rather than characters. *Prelude* Here the players create their characters alone not knowing what the other players are making. Advantage: Often results in more interesting characters and the Game Master gets to know the characters well. Downside: A session for each player is a lot of extra work for the Game Master. Which method is the better one is very situational. If people are used to one method, then they clearly gain a lot by trying out the other. It depends on the RPG system in use. Prelude is best for rigid systems. Prologue is best for fluent systems. Many systems (For example, Call of Cthulhu) sit in a grey zone between rigid and fluent systems.
I sense there are two widespread methods, commonly used for character creation.
I call them Prologue and Prelude.
Named after some widespread character- and background-building session names. (Between "Session Zero" and "First Session".)
*Prologue*
Here players create their characters together and in parallel, knowing what the other players are making.
Advantage: It is easy to intertwine the backstories of the characters, and thus start out connected to each other.
Downside: Quite often this creates a group, rather than characters.
*Prelude*
Here the players create their characters alone not knowing what the other players are making.
Advantage: Often results in more interesting characters and the Game Master gets to know the characters well.
Downside: A session for each player is a lot of extra work for the Game Master.
Which method is the better one is very situational.
If people are used to one method, then they clearly gain a lot by trying out the other.
It depends on the RPG system in use. Prelude is best for rigid systems. Prologue is best for fluent systems.
Many systems (For example, Call of Cthulhu) sit in a grey zone between rigid and fluent systems.
I like the notion of leaving some skill points in the table for using during the campaign.
I'm a great fan of letting background develop at the table, rather than presenting a novel of prose locking in my character