Not sure if this is the right forum. I’m about to start a campaign for three friends. Three experienced role players and a new player. None are familiar with the setting or mechanics of L5r. I think the beginner box is perfect for this. Then follow onto the PDF and GM kit scenarios. As this will be an ongoing campaign I’d like to give the players more say in character creation. Has anyone ran Beginner Box this way? I’m wondering if it would go smoothly.

Yes, I have, but I wouldn't recommend it for new-to-L5R players.

Why?

• Because a good, useful build is rather different than what most players try to build as character #1.
  • I've seen excessive focus attempts quite often in L5R, and then the player soon discovers that it's essential for even the Bushi to know Culture... This happened in Old-5R, L5R 5eβ, and L5R 5e corebook. A bunch of 1's is more important than a single 3. Less so in 5E (and 5eβ) than in 3e, but
• Because the Beginner Game adventure is written with specific skillsets in mind - skillsets which may be lacking in novice built (or cluelessly built) characters
• the BG folios do not have as many abilities as the corebook characters do.

Now, it can be (and I have successfully ) run with custom built characters. It's a good adventure. But, at least for the BG's adventue, I'd suggest using the pregens. Swap out between it and the DLC follow-on. The'll have a much better idea what the skill levels really do, and are far more likely to have a social or two for the bushi, and a martial skill or two for the courtiers and shugenja.