Norrathians: Character Creation
Contents
Restrictions
Only non-evil classes and races are available as starting options. This will be a game based on being heroes in the world of Norrath, fighting against the likes of the Heretics of Paineel and the shadow knights of Grobb’s Nightkeep. Also, the vah shir are not a playable race, as the means to get to Luclin’s surface has not yet been discovered.
Races
Use the information in the New Racial Information handout. The racial traits and attribute adjustments are different than what appears in the EQrpg PHB. There are also new half-breed races that exist in the world. These are all, collectively, half elf and half human. As such, they all replace the information presented in the EQrpg PHB for the half elf race.
Background information for the playable races has not changed from the EQrpg PHB. The half-breed races do not have extensive background information presented, but mostly these characters are the product of their parent cultures.
Ability Scores
Ability scores are purchased using the point buy system, with a pool of 23 points. All stats start at 8, and higher scores cost points one-for-one, up to 14. Higher scores have the following costs: 15 (8), 16 (10), 17 (13), 18 (16). Starting ability scores cannot be purchased lower or higher than this range.
While usually it is more efficient to have even-numbered ability scores, don’t worry about having an odd number. Your ability scores will frequently be altered by items and spells.
In addition to the racial ability score adjustments, characters gain ability score bonuses based on their first class level, as follows:
- Bard +2 Dex, +1 Cha
- Beastlord +2 Dex, either +1 Str or Con
- Cleric +2 Wis, either +1 Str or Con
- Druid +2 Wis, +1 Con
- Enchanter +2 Cha, +1 Int
- Hexblade +2 Dex, either +1 Int or Cha
- Magician +2 Int, +1 Con
- Monk +2 Dex, either +1 Str or Con
- Necromancer +2 Int, either +1 Dex or Con
- Paladin +2 Str, either +1 Sta or Wis
- Ranger +2 Dex, either +1 Str or Wis
- Rogue +2 Dex, either +1 Str or Cha
- Shadow Knight +2 Str, either +1 Con or Cha
- Shaman +2 Wis, either +1 Con or Cha
- Warrior +2 Str, +1 Con
- Wizard +2 Int, +1 Con
Hit Points
As the class information states, you gain your maximum hit points for your first Hit Die. Each additional Hit Die is rolled. Results that are less than half of the total possible may be re-rolled until the result is at least half, but the first die result that is half or more must be accepted.
Starting Level and Equipment
All characters will start at level 3, and cannot be multiclassed. Future levels may be gained in any class, restricted only by your character’s ability to gain acceptance in the guilds which train members of the desired class. (For example, if you are a high elf enchanter, you are already a member of the Keepers of the Art, and may take your fourth level as a magician if you so wish. But, you will have to work to get accepted into The Clerics of Tunare in order to take your fourth level as a cleric.)
Up until this point, your characters have been working faithfully for their class guilds. Starting equipment will reflect this service, and will be granted according to your character’s class. Included in this will be starting gold that may be spent on more specific equipment.
Spells and Songs
If your character is a dedicated spellcaster, your first level spells and 2 second level spells will be fully provided from the spells that your guild keeps on hand. This may or may not be the full list of spells available. For bards, the same applies for starting songs.
Background Information
Your character has a real history in the world. He or she should be motivated to serve the best interests of god and guild. However, the character need not be a one-dimensional stereotype. Think through why your character has made the life decisions that have lead him or her to this point in life.
Aside from background information that defines your character’s motivations, you also need to create some secondary players in your character’s story. This is called a “3x3”. A 3x3 lists 3 contacts, 3 allies, and 3 enemies of your character. Your 3x3 need not be limited to only three of each, and could have other information as well, such as locations of interest or family members. This information will likely be used in plot points during the game, so don’t include information that mirrors highly personal elements of your own life, or subjects that you would feel uncomfortable discussing and dealing with in-game.
Get Started!
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