Fifth Edition Funnel (2016)

Turning Peasants Into Heroes Since 2016

From the introduction:

Ever wanted to face the cold, dark, and dangerous unknown without the advantages of a fantasy hero? This is your chance!

Low-level play has always been an RPG staple, but the Funnel..puts a brand new spin on slaughtering fresh player characters. In the Funnel, each participating player quickly generates several 0-level characters blessed with the abilities and low survivability of your average commoner. Those that survive the funnel will be promoted to 1st-level heroes. Most players will have more than one surviving character, thus creating a ready supply of raw recruits to fill the gaps when a hero or heroine dies.

The funneling process serves to bond characters over common challenges they meet and (hopefully) overcome. The surviving 1st-level characters share a common origin as adventurers. Instead of merely rolling dice, there is a trial by fire where average people overcome the odds to do something heroic (or hide under a table in a tavern).

The Fifth Edition Funnel has three distinct phases. First, your group of characters is randomly generated. Second, your freshly created villagers go on a small adventure. Third, the survivors are promoted and upgraded to true heroes.

User summary:

Includes the 0-level adventure Lord Dunnywit's Manor.