@ERode Exactly. I want them to be designed without the assigned powers in mind. That said, I've considered having a portion of the RP before giving them to players but.... I feel like that might be too slow paced and ultimately boring for the start. In fact.....
For anyone interested, would you prefer a scene exists where the cast mingle before the powers and killing game are revealed, or do you prefer that the characters get thrown right into things?
Well what are you considering for the set up? Kidnapees forced into it, or volunteers (with or without knowing it's a killing game)? If the former, I think being thrown right in might be better for a more exciting start. For the later, the mingling beforehand could provide some relationship building before having to ultimately start fighting each other.