Creating a Character

Character Creation

When you create a character, imagine their past, personality and worldview: this sets the stage for how you'll roleplay them. Once you know who they are, what they like and what they do, choose the options in this chapter that best fit the concept.

Not sure who you want to be? Let the dice decide. Every set of options here is also a rollable table (in the Roll Tables compendium, Character Creation and Origins folders), so you can generate a completely random character from scratch, or mix rolling and choosing in any combination you'll enjoy.

Steps

1. Concept. Decide who your character is.
2. Origin. Choose or roll your upbringing: +1 to an ability, a bonus talent, 2 skills at rank 2, a feature, and four personality aspects (Quirk, Ideal, Pledge, Flaw). Or build a Custom Origin.
3. Virtues & Vices. Pair each aspect with a Virtue or a Vice: exactly two of each.
4. Ability scores. All start at 0. Apply your genetic modifiers, your origin's +1, then spend 8 points (no score above 4 at 1st level).
5. Genetics. Two Genetic Talents, up to three Cosmetic Features, and optionally up to two Genetic Drawbacks for extra Genetic Talents.
6. Personality. Optionally roll or choose a few roleplaying touchstones.
7. Derived statistics. Max HP, Strain limit, saves and Speed.
8. Next steps. Spend 6 skill points (see Skills), pick 3 talents (see Talents), and develop Bonds with the other players (see Bonds). Buy starting gear (see Gear).