This is the players handout for the first adventure on Oceana. It also applies to creating characters for the first adventure arc.
The first step in character creation is to generate ability scores. The description of ability scores, modifers and such can be found at the on-line System Reference Document, under Basics & Ability Scores. Characters are built using the point buy system using 28 points. See page 169 of the DMG version 3.5 for detailed rules since it is not Open Gaming Content. Be sure to check out the other sections of this site dealing with character creation.
The second step in character creation is to choose your race and class. The description of the core races and classes can be found at the on-line System Reference Document, under PC Races and PC Classes. Additonal notes on race and class specific to this campaign can be found at the links below. Also the special multi-class notes are listed. It is important to note that I am not using the favored class by race rules. As part of choosing your race, you will have to adjust your ability scores, record your race and class skills, feats and abilities. Players are encouraged to peruse various d20 books for additional base and prestige classes. Inclusion is not automatic, but will be considered.
The third step in character creation is to select skills. The description of the core skills can be found at the on-line System Reference Document, under Skills. I will eventually add in additional skills, along with feats, special abilities, etc as I obtain more books and have time to review them.
The fourth step in character creation is to select a feat. Certain classes and races get an extra feat. The description of the core skills can be found at the on-line System Reference Document, under Feats. I will eventually add in additional skills, along with feats, special abilities, etc as I obtain more books and have time to review them.
The fifth step in character creation is to review chapter 6 of the Player's Handbook. This includes alignment, religion, height and weight. I am not using the core rules book religion. Oceana has it's own religious set up. Characters can be Jewish or Oceanic polytheistic. Note that as part of their background, players can earn extra XP for detailed background.
The sixth step in character generation is to purchase equipment. Characters start out with the maximum gold for their class or primary class. Equipment is listed in the Player's Handbook, on-line at the System Reference Document under Equipment. Players should also look at the Arms and Equipment Guide for more equipment listings.
The last required step is to calculate combat numbers.
Additional material for consideration.
All members of the party know each other from the city of Dulichium. You have been hired by a sage, Diomedes, who works for one of the noble houses (Lynkeus) of that city. The city-state is located on the island of Krisa, in the Deer Run Reaches.
Those players who want to start out with some extra experiance points can do so by creating a more detailed character background.
The party starts in the town of Minyai, on the island of Bythacica. The town and island are part of the Aspledon Marches, which is part of the Kingdom of Erumia. There are three other known inhabited towns on the island.
The party arrived in Minyai via Kyllene, the capital city of the Aspledon Marches. All travelers to the other islands of the Marches must enter and leave the Marches via Kyllene. When arriving in the Marches, they must clear local Customs, register all their magical items and pay an entrance tax. They must also deposit an amount equal to 1% of the value of any magical items they have.
When leaving the Marches, they must again clear Customs. They must also pay a departure tax, and more importantly, a 1% tax on the value of any magical items or treasure they are trying to remove from the Aspledon Marches that hadn't come into the Marches with them.
It is a 1 and half days sail from Minyai to Kyllene. It is not a straight line distance of 240 miles, but instead involves going around some other islands, fighting currents and the winds. It would take 2 days from Kyllene to Minyai if you could find a ship that was going directly between the two ports. It is normally a one week to 9 day trip from Kyllene to Minyai because the few commercial ships travel a specific circuit around the Marches. Ships call sail by Minyai every week, but only pull in if they are notified by flag to do so.