So, I proposed a whole new method for making characters (HERE). I also ran 3 sessions with players using some of these characters, to good reviews.
Today, I’d like to roll up some characters to see how they stand up. I don’t mean mechanically, I mean, are they interesting to play? Do my houserules make compelling characters?
Let’s find out.
I’ll be playing close attention to two houserules, the Description and Life Purpose. The latter was liked by my players, and gave them self-directed story hooks. The former was met with puzzlement, so I’m hoping to see if it is worth rehabilitating or unnecessary.
To review, Life Purpose was decided on the following table, and players had to interpret it for the gameworld.
LIFE PURPOSE
Example Verbs Example Nouns
1 Find 1 Gods
2 Lose 2 Ruler
3 Protect 3 Homeland
4 Destroy 4 Family
5 Oppose 5 Love
6 Serve 6 Wealth
I originally had intended Description, based on the highest and lowest attributes, as a ‘bennie’ that could be milked for story effects. My intent was too vague, and now I see it as a description to help roleplaying instead. Basically, by noting the highest and lowest attributes of a character, the character is fleshed out in a way that reflects the attributes. Additionally, it gives a first impression for NPCs encountered. Lastly, describing characters is a forte of Mr Moorcock, and so a mechanic emulating this should be welcome in a game based on his works.
Let’s begin!
Name: Behet Nationality: 68 Argimiliar (no mods)
Purpose: 6,1 Serve the gods Description: Weak-limbed (STR) but hearty (CON)
Profession: 62 Farmer Cult: Grome & Lassha
STR 6 CON 16 SIZ 14 DEX 13 INT 8 POW 14 CHA 9
Hit Points: 16 Damage: NA Armor: leather Weapons: cudgel & spear
Professional Skills: Blacksmith (INT x 2), Track (INT x 2), Cudgel Attack (DEX x 3) Parry (STR x 3), Small Ax Attack (DEX x 3) Parry (STR x 3), Plant Lore (INT x 2%), 2H spear Attack (DEX x 3) Parry (STR x 3)
Other Skills: 4 + 2 = 6, left open
Story: Behet’s family farm in the hinterland of Argimiliar once thrived, but was destroyed by a succession of unnatural events - swarms of locusts, endless drought, crop circles. Behet took this as a sign that the gods who watch over the fields, Grome and rain bringing Laasha, must be at war with the forces of Chaos and Law, who overturn the rhythms of nature. He left his ruined homestead and along with his sister, Leharn, he has vowed to travel The Young Kingdoms to aid in the fight of the Elemental Lords against the forces that seek to destroy the world.
Name: Leharn Nationality: 74 Argimiliar (no mods)
Purpose: 3,4 Protect family Description: Unassuming (POW), but nimble (DEX)
Profession: 56 Hunter Cult: Grome
STR 9 CON 12 SIZ 8 DEX 12 INT 7 POW 3 CHA 8
Hit Points: 12 Damage: NA Armor: leather Weapons: Bow & cudgel
Professional Skills: Cudgel Attack (DEX x 5) Parry (STR x 5), Self Bow Attack (DEX x 3) Parry (STR x 3), Set Trap (DEX x 5), Ambush (DEX x 5), Track (INT x 5), Blacksmith (INT x 2),
Other Skills: 3+2=5, undetermined
Story: Whereas Leharn’s family disowned her brother, Behet, when he announced his ‘mission’, the huntress made it her mission to protect him wherever he roamed. She doesn’t know if she believes her brother’s claims, but feels a great sense of purpose in keeping him safe.
Name: Ohlga Nationality: 18 Shazaar (+ 1D6 CON = +2)
Purpose: 2,4 Lose family Description: Charming (CHA) but conventional (INT)
Profession: 88 Beggar Cult: Arkyn of Law
Affliction: Missing one ear
STR 10 CON 11+2= 13 SIZ 9 DEX 12 INT 9 POW 10 CHA 15
Hit Points: 13 Damage: NA Armor: leather Weapons: dagger
Professional Skills: Persuade (CHA x 6), See (INT x 6), Search (INT x 3), Pick Lock (DEX x 5), Dagger Attack (DEX x 1) Parry (STR x 1) NB: + 1 per other beggar around
Other Skills: 5+2=7, undetermined as of yet
Story: Ohlga was the daughter of a Shazaaran beggar clanmaster, and spent her life learning how to beg and steal on the streets. One day she was accused of keeping profits to herself, and as punishment the clanfather, her own father, sliced off her ear. The next day she left Shazaar and never looked back. Ohlga wants to find somewhere where her old clan can never find her, ideally among a new ‘family’ that will treat her well. Falling in with Behet and Leharn feels like a good first step to her, and she will use her wits and charm to protect them.
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