Character Creation - The Next Step:
(By Magestar)
When people think of character creation they usually think of statistics, class,
skills, and equipment. While that is not bad, it's not really complete either.
Often times people overlook what really makes your character: History.
Without these details your character is nothing more than a smart puppet with a
voice.
Take for example the story of Pinocchio. Pinocchio before a fairy gave him the
chance to become a real boy was nothing more than a wooden puppet. No one knew what
his motivation was, what his goals were, and what he wanted with his life. After the
fairy gave him the chance to become a real boy we discovered Pinocchio's ambitions, goals,
hopes, and dreams.
It is these details that add life and rememberance to your characters,gives them a
sense of purpose, and makes them more than a puppet being controlled by strings. So
if possible create a background for your character as rich in details as you can, and then
let them be the driving force for your character's actions.
Was your character once a prisoner in the depths of Court Mardin's dungeons? Why was he
there? Was he framed for a crime he didn't (or did) commit? Does his seek vengance
for those who did him wrong? Did somebody show him compassion or mercy there, that he
would like to repay? How did he get out, a royal pardon, served his time, escaped?
Did he leave friends behind that he wishes to rescue? All these
questions lead to just a touch of this character's creation.
Remember your only limited by your imagination.
Bigger is not always Better when it comes to Histories.
(By Magestar)
Many times when I receive a new character sheet the first thing I really read after
checking for munchkin (a super powered characters) abilities is the character's history.
This is where those tips in my last "article" can backfire. Often
times people submitting characters will give me the stereotypical backgrounds:
My family was killed by goblins, hobgoblins, gnolls, etc. so I left my home for the
adventuring life, forever seeking to kill the monsters that killed my family.
My character has a long scar running from one end of her face down to the chin. Typical
with characters who believe Charisma is the weakest attribute, but usually there is no
reason why this scar appeared other than it happened while adventuring.
Of course there are the backgrounds that have absolutely nothing to do with your
campaign at all or are so bizzare that you read their histories in confusion or horror and
wonder where people come up with this stuff.
My suggestion would be to keep your descriptions normal, and somewhat realistic, you
might find that your character is better for it.
Hints and
Tips