DCR Gamer Forger Listener Email - How Do You Speed Up Character Generation

Gamer Forge Listener Email:

Name: Targ of Malboone
Comments: I am starting up a new group and playing for the first time. Any hints or suggestion on how to do character creation quickly?

We are running 3.5.

Gamer Forge Response:

To speed things up, DCR says:

1. Use the pre-generated score arrays. The D&D fourth edition core rulebook gives a listing of scores that, when used, put everyone on the same level playing field. This also takes a step out of the process of generating ability scores and now all the players have to do is assign those scores as they see fit. Also, the 3.5 handbook assigns starting equipment packages to the classes, USE THEM. Let characters shop later. You've got a game to play!
2. Time limit. Give them a set amount of time to finish characters, or at least be ready to play with characters and stick by it. You say 20 minutes, the game starts in 20 minutes. You mean business and so should they. Veteran players should be able to finish in 20 minutes. Which brings us to...
3. Let 'em try on some shoes. Certain things don't need to be filled in to start the game. Final skill point allocation, feats, and even spells can be cemented once the new players have had a chance to see exactly what does what. Let 'em play once and see how the mechanics work and what more than can do, then by the next session, have them cement their final statistics. Also, vitals, such as height, weight, hair color, and favorite color don't need to be written in to start. Give a little leeway on that. In the end, its not what's written on the paper, its how the players describe it.