Character Creation and Advancement
What you need
Great! You made it. Time to take the character from your imagination and put it to paper! A few things you may need first.
- Dice! You need to get a d20 Dice set. Here is a URL to help get you started Google Search for "d20 Dice Set"
- A Character Sheet. We have one for free here!
A Character Idea
Often over looked but also important is a simple idea of what you want to roll play. If roll playing is new too you or just not your thing you can roll play yourself or simply yourself in a much more "ideal" or "ridiculous" persona.
You also do not need to go over board. Some people love to talk about their character ideas. Backstories, history, family history, that one time they ran into that one guy on that one planet and shins ensued. You can start your character off at whatever level of detail you want as long as the important bits of the Character sheet get filled out.
Its nice to ask a few questions.
- What is your Character's alignment? Is he good or evil? More on this on the Alignment page.
- What is your Character's dream, big objective or end game?
- What is your Character's name?
- What is your Character's sex?
- What may your Character's appearance be like on a normal day?
You can go as deep into these questions as your like.. or just simply answer it as quickly as possible to move on. Either is fine. But Alignment/Name/Sex are things that need to be recorded on your Character sheet for it to be complete.
Editing Character Sheet (Alignment/Name/Sex): At the top of the Character sheet to the right of the "Future Path" title is a series of fields with the titles directly below each field. The first few fields you may want to file out now. "Character Name" "Alignment" and "Player Name" (Thats your name in case you lose or sheet at a group event or something). There is also a bunch of other details such as "Sex", "Weight", and "Height".
If you feel stuck here. Getting a creative block that is ok. If you already think you know what Class you want to play as go ahead with the rest of the steps and come back to this one when you are done.
Ability Scores
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| 7 | –4 |
| 8 | –2 |
| 9 | –1 |
| 10 | 0 |
| 11 | 1 |
| 12 | 2 |
| 13 | 3 |
| 14 | 5 |
| 15 | 7 |
| 16 | 10 |
| 17 | 13 |
| 18 | 17 |
The next step is the foundation of your Hero. There ability scores. These scores are explained in more detail here. They are a suppose to sum up a Characters generic abilities ranging from Strength too Charisma. They are also used to to decide a wide variety of details and stats for your all your characters future interactions.
Editing Character Sheet (Ability Scores): You only will want to read the sections below for different choices and more details on setting up your ability scores. The short summary is roll 4d6 (four six sided die) remove the lowest roll and add the other 3. Do this 6 times so you end up with 6 total scores. The numbers will range from 3 - 18. Reroll the dice for any total below 5. The Ability Scores section of the Character sheet is on the first page near the top just below the "Future Path" title. It is a vertical column starting with STR and ending with CHA. Each Ability has a SCORE/Modifier/TEMP SCORE/TEMP Modifier. We will only need to file out the SCORE for now.
Below is a description of how to get your Ability Scores filled out on your Character Sheet. However ultimately the GM can decide how Characters choose ability scores. So the below section is more for the GM to read then a player. If want to be the GM or just want to roll up some Character sheets for fun then by all means read ahead. If not skip to: Choose A Species
There is two primary ways to decide Ability Scores. But of course table top games and the d20 system has been around for a while and so naturally over time there has been lot of additional rules added. In gaming the GM may want to create a "High Fantasy" or "Low Fantasy" like setting. "High Fantasy" simply means the stats are on average are going to be higher. Big epic battles with Characters that are well above the cut. Where as "Low Fantasy" you may have a less powerful character that is closer to the average Joe, although some may argue that having a lower fantasy hero have to overcome greater odds is even more epic. It all depends on the style the GM and Players want to play.
The two different systems below accommodate for both "Low" and "High" fantasy play styles. They are just different ways of pretty much doing the same thing.
- Dice roll. Like all things table top dice roll decides all. In this case 4d6 (4 six sided dice). For each Ability score roll 4d6 and remove the dice with the smallest number. Add up the remaining 3 dice. Do this 6 times. One time for each ability. There are a few different additional rules that GMs may have for there game.
- You can roll for each Ability one after another starting with Strength and ending with Charisma. Or you may record the totals on a sheet of paper. And then take the totals and apply them where you feel they will be needed the most.
- The GM may want players to re-roll totals that are too low. Or perhaps totals that are too high.
- The GM may also offer to have the player roll the 4d6 7 total times and remove the lowest total.
- Point Buy. This system is similar to a lot of RPGs in computer games. The Player spends points given to them at level one to buy ability points. The Player automatically starts out with 10 which is considered "average" or "normal" level for that ability.
- The amount of points given to the player to spend can change depending if the GM wants to play in a "Low","Standard","High","Epic" level of Fantasy/Sci-Fi. There is a table to the right detailing the ability points per fantasy type.
- You can have players start out at 9 or 8 instead of 10. The ability score isn't just a score that provides modifiers when rolling. It also is suppose to represent rolling playing aspects of a character. Perhaps your character isn't that Strong or Charismatic. Force characters to start lower and pay more for advancing may help them to think about not only the strong parts but also the weaknesses of a character.
| Campaign Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Low Fantasy | 10 |
| Standard Fantasy | 15 |
| High Fantasy | 20 |
| Epic Fantasy | 25 |
Both "Dice roll" and "Point Buy" have there advantages and disadvantages. Although this is more information then what a starting out player needs to know. This is more for a GM who is likely to request one over the other. Some people do not like the point buy because it is likely that characters will all look to much alike. If you are a Strong/Soldier Hero you know exactly where to spend your points for the most optimal build for that class and it is likely that all of Strong/Soldiers will look the same. On one hand this gives the Player the most control of there character and can avoid Players that may "Power Roll" super high scores. But on the other hand this removes a certain amount of individuality by creating a more "cookie cutter" character. The Dice Roll method puts a certain amount of chance into the creation of the Character. Sometimes working around unexpected bad ability scores can be interesting/fun and bring a challenging different aspect to roll playing.
In the end its up for the GM to deiced. "Dice Roll" or "Point Buy".
Once you roll or buy up your ability scores you will want to record them on your Character Sheet. Your ability score may also be modified by Species you pick. You pick a species in the next section. But don't forget to add any ability score bonuses that a species may provide. And then once you figure out what your total score is you may want to record what your modifier is. Below is a table with the modifiers per ability score.
Editing Character Sheet (Ability Modifier): Below is a list of what a Ability Score's modifier is. The math for this is also: "(ability/2) -5 [round result down]". Normally we wait to fill this out until you have picked your Species which is the next step. The reason for this is to avoid having to erase and rewrite the score.
| Ability Score | Modifier |
|---|---|
| 1 | –5 |
| 2–3 | –4 |
| 4–5 | –3 |
| 6–7 | –2 |
| 8–9 | –1 |
| 10–11 | 0 |
| 12–13 | 1 |
| 14–15 | 2 |
| 16–17 | 3 |
| 18–19 | 4 |
| 20–21 | 5 |
| 22–23 | 6 |
| 24–25 | 7 |
Choose A Species
At the moment we do not have a list of playable species. We are working on that. For the time being we will just use humans. And because we are still working out all the specie rules lest have them not make any changes.
Choose A Base Class
Base Classes are in the Future Hero Base Class section. You can review your choices there. Base class represents a Characters starting point. Nobody starts out instantly a Soldier, Dogfighter or Diplomat. It takes time to perfect ones abilities and understand your strength and weaknesses. Your Base class is your foundation and each one represents a Characters strong suits and what that character best attribute is.
The choices in summary are as follows:
Picking a Base path helps define your Character's path and direction. However this isn't a restriction. It just means it may be easy to go in a direction that focuses on Strength if you play as the Strength base class, however its not a requirement.
Editing Character Sheet (Path): Near the top right of the Character sheet is couple of different sections for writing down things such as Character and Player Name. There is also a section Titled: "Character Classes and Levels". Here you will put what Path you take and your level in it. For example: "Path of Strength - Lvl1"
Editing Character Sheet (HP): The Base class informs the character a lot about how a Character is to advance including there "Hit Die". This defines how much HP a character gets per level. A Hit Die of d8 means you roll a d8 to determine your HP. A level one you take your maximum which means you just take whatever your highest possible number from the roll is. For a d8 that is 8, for a d6 its 6 and so on. However a character does get a modifier for there HP. And that is the Characters Constitution modifier. A Character gets to add the CON modifier to the Hit Die for your total HP. You can now take your Base Classes Hit Die's maximum and add the CON modifier to get the your Character's total HP at level one and then record that to the right of the black "HP" square where it says "Total".
Advance Classes
Advance Classes are a more specialized Class that better defines your Character. Think of it almost like a career choice. It adds more specific Talents and special abilities too your character. However Advance Classes have requirements that usually are not met until your Character is also at level 3 or 4. Also some Advance Classes are easier to get to then others depending on the Base Class/Path you took.
You can read up more on choosing an Advance Class below in the Character Advancement section.
Allocate Skill Ranks
Skill rules can be exampled in the Skills Basics page and the skill list can be found on the Skills page.
On the Future Hero Base Class page each Base Class has a list of skills. These are your class skills. They will never change from level 1 onward. However you may add ranks into these skills the fact that they are your starting out class skills will not change.
Editing Character Sheet (Class Skills Box): Too the right of the first page of the Character Sheet there is the Skills list. Notable the largest section of the sheet. The Skills list has multi columns starting with two check boxes and then the Skill Name, Total Bonus, Ability Mod, Rank, Misc Mod. At this point we care only for the first square check box. You can check these off as your class skills.
Once you have identified what your Class Skills are you can spend your first set of points. Again in your Base class you picked it tells you how many skill points you get to spend on each level. This is under the "Skill Points" section just before the Class table. To summarize spending points: To add a rank in a class skill you spend 1 point. To add a rank in a non-class skill you spend two points. In order to add ranks in any skill you first need to "unlock" it which requires spending two additional points. You can not have more ranks in a skill then you have in player levels with the exception of Language Skills and Tech skill.
Editing Character Sheet (Skill Ranks): Skill points are based on what your Characters Base Class plus there INT modifier. So Path of Strength Hero that has a 12 in INT would get 4 skill points to spend. You simple add a rank to whatever skill you desire following the correct rules for spending points which you can read up on the Skills Basics page. Do not forget that you get a bonus 3 to any Class Skill you have at least one rank in signifying your predetermined affinity with those skills. Normally the best place to put this skill is in the "Misc" column as it is not actually a rank. You may also want to note that the second column square check box is to signify unlocked skills and that all Class skills are unlocked by default.
Choose Feats and Talents
Talents and Feats are extraordinary abilities that can be either passive (always active like Spier-Man's Spidy Sense) or active (Must be declared by the Player to the GM and the rest of group). Or in some cases it can have aspects of both. You will need to read the descriptions located on the Feats page. Talents are based on Class and Talents are available for both Base and Advance Classes. Some Talents are based on a theme of sorts and are in "trees". Talent Trees are simply groups of Talents that are grouped together under a specific theme and sometimes require Talents from the same Talent Tree. Ever Hero starts with at least one Talent at level one and must pick from the Base Class they choose. Most characters will not start out with any feats but gain them as they level up. They are exceptions based on what Species you pick.
Talents
Determine how many Talents your Character starts out with, (usually one) which is based on the class level. And pick one from that classes available Talents. You will see them listed below a the Base Class or Advance Class table.
Editing Character Sheet (Talents): Located on the second page of the Character Sheet underneath the panel for "AC Items" and slightly to the right is the "Feats and Talents" section. Here you can record both Talents and Feats that your character gains overtime.
Feats
Determine how many feats your character receives, based on his class and level, and select them from those presented in Feats.
Editing Character Sheet (Feats): Located on the second page of the Character Sheet underneath the panel for "AC Items" and slightly to the right is the "Feats and Talents" section. Here you can record both Talents and Feats that your character gains overtime.
Determining Wealth and Getting Equipment
Determining Wealth
I have yet to finish writing the rules on how to determine starting wealth and accumulating wealth thru work via the "Profession" skill. I will be playing around with the idea of Professions/Jobs that have certain Ability and Skill requirements. Depending on what Profession you pick and how many ranks you have in your Profession determines your wealth. NOT your base or advance classes.
More about using and spending wealth on the Wealth page.
Editing Character Sheet (Wealth): On the second page at the bottom left hand corner is the "Wealth" panel. In this box is "CREDIT SCORE" and "BONUS INCOME".
Getting Equipment
I have not yet finished finalizing items.. especially advance technology items. Never the less there is a list of Armor/Weapons/Equipment under the "Wealth and Equipment" category to the left of the Future Path Wiki.
Determining, Initiative, Attack Values, Defense Values
Initiative
Your initiative shows your Characters quick ability to react and how often they will attempt to react. Using a bit a lock with a d20 check a person with a high initiative is more likely to go before another Player or opponents in combat rounds. You can read up more about how initiative is involved in game play in the Combat page.
Editing Character Sheet (Initiative): Your Initiative is located below the "HP", "Wounds/Current HP", "Non-lethal Damage" sections. Your Initiative is normally just your Dexterity modifier.
Attack Values
There are two primary Attack values. One for Ranged and one for Melee. To learn more about both you can read up on the Combat page.
Ranged Attack
Ranged Attack is based on your Affinity Bonus and your Dexterity Modifier bonus. So Range Base Attack Bonus = Affinity + Dex.
Editing Character Sheet (Ranged Attack): You record what your Ranged Attack bonus currently under "Base Attack Bonux" However this will change as the character sheet is under going changes.
Melee Attack
Melee Attack is based on your Affinity Bonus and your Strength Modifier bonus. So Melee Attack Bonus = Affinity + Str.
Editing Character Sheet (Melee Attack): You record this under CMO (Combat Melee Offense) which I will be changed to MA (Melee Attack).
Defense Values
There are two primary Defense values. One for Ranged and one for Melee just like Attack values. To learn more about both you can read up on both the Defense and Combat pages.
Ranged Defense
Ranged Defense is based on a lot of different things. Currently this is called. AC (Armor Class) and it represents not only how hard it is to hit you but how hard it is to have a hit that is capable of doing damage, (penetrating armor/shields). It is a base of 10 + Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Dexterity Modifier + Size Modifier + Natural Armor (If Any) + Deflection Modifier + Misc Modifiers.
There are also states that you can be in that change your Defense. There is your "TOUCH" defense. This is the how easy it is to simply be touched. Normally this is used in Melee. And there is also "Flat-Footed" representing that the Character is for whatever reason unable to move. (Chained down, force field, surprise attack)
Editing Character Sheet (Range Defense): Currently you can edit the "Ranged Defense" in the "AC" Section of the Character sheet and below that is the "TOUCH" and "Flat-Footed".
Melee Defense
Melee Defense is similar to Ranged defense but removed the Armor and Shield Bonuses. It how effect the person is to avoid Melee of any kind. However Armor and Shield still come into the equation as DR (Damage Reduction). You get your Melee Defense by 10 + Melee Attack Base + Dexterity Modifier + Size Modifier + Misc Modifiers. And DR is: (Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Natural Armor + Misc Modifiers) / 2 (Round up).
Editing Character Sheet (Melee Defense): Currently you can edit the "Melee Defense" in the CMD (Combat Melee Defense) section. However this will change to MD when changing CMO to MA.
Finial Description and Personalities
One of the most exciting parts of making a Character is helping to describe it and breath life into it. Some people would argu that you need to do this first before making the character at all. Even though this is probably a better approach it isn't very "noob" friendly. In other words, new players to Table Top games probably dont think as much about that aspect or do not know how far fetch to imagine the character without first playing in the universe and seeing how it all fits together.
Once people get into a genre or style of Table Top they probably find it easier to make back stories. So for that reason I have left this step for the very end.
So why bother writing this down on a character sheet? There are no rules for this right? Well there are Traits and Difficulties. Which help add more personality as well as better describe to a Player how to roll play the Character. Forcing a Player to pretend they are afraid of something or pretend to be a kleptomaniac.
Editing Character Sheet (Description/Personalities): On the 3rd page of the Character sheet is a section dedicated too the description of your character and any personality traits or difficulties. Also there is a section for writing a brief back story.
Advancement
Character Advancement is based on experience gained by Players achieving goals, beating monsters, solving problems, etc... The GM usually assigns experience at the end of each game and can even give out bonuses for game play, roll play and/or epic moments. Below is a chart that details the experience a Player much have to reach the next level. There is 3 columns for XP. Labeled Slow, Medium, and Fast. These repersent the speed at which the GM wants the Player Characters to progress.
| Character Level | Experience Point Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slow | Medium | Fast | Feats Talents |
Ability Score | |
| 1st | — | — | — | 1st | — |
| 2nd | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,300 | — | — |
| 3rd | 7,500 | 5,000 | 3,300 | 2nd | — |
| 4th | 14,000 | 9,000 | 6,000 | — | 1st |
| 5th | 23,000 | 15,000 | 10,000 | 3rd | — |
| 6th | 35,000 | 23,000 | 15,000 | — | — |
| 7th | 53,000 | 35,000 | 23,000 | 4th | — |
| 8th | 77,000 | 51,000 | 34,000 | — | 2nd |
| 9th | 115,000 | 75,000 | 50,000 | 5th | — |
| 10th | 160,000 | 105,000 | 71,000 | — | — |
| 11th | 235,000 | 155,000 | 105,000 | 6th | — |
| 12th | 330,000 | 220,000 | 145,000 | — | 3rd |
| 13th | 475,000 | 315,000 | 210,000 | 7th | — |
| 14th | 665,000 | 445,000 | 295,000 | — | — |
| 15th | 955,000 | 635,000 | 425,000 | 8th | — |
| 16th | 1,350,000 | 890,000 | 600,000 | — | 4th |
| 17th | 1,900,000 | 1,300,000 | 850,000 | 9th | — |
| 18th | 2,700,000 | 1,800,000 | 1,200,000 | — | — |
| 19th | 3,850,000 | 2,550,000 | 1,700,000 | 10th | — |
| 20th | 5,350,000 | 3,600,000 | 2,400,000 | — | 5th |
Each level a Character gets new skill points to spend as well as more HP. Also depending on Character level you are leveling up to you may also get, an ability score bonus, Feat, Talent, or Special Ability associated with your Advance Class.