Create Your Own Epic RPG Character

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing a Tabletop System
3. The Basics of Character Building
4. Old School Essentials: Advanced Fantasy
5. Character Classes and Races
6. Determining Ability Scores
7. Adjusting Ability Scores for Classes
8. Saving Throws and Class Abilities
9. Weapons and Armor Selection
10. Choosing an Alignment
11. Leveling Up and Experience Points
12. Buying Equipment
13. Character Example: Robert John Sickens
14. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Welcome to this guide on creating a role-playing character for a tabletop system. In this series, we will dive into the process of building a character for various tabletop RPGs. Building a character is not only an essential part of learning a system but also a fun and creative way to explore the game. In this article, we will focus on creating a character using the old school Essentials system.

Choosing a Tabletop System

Before we jump into character creation, it's important to choose the tabletop system you want to play. There are numerous systems available, each with its own unique rules and settings. Take some time to research different systems and select one that aligns with your preferences and interests. For the purpose of this guide, we will be using the old school Essentials system.

The Basics of Character Building

Character building is the process of creating a unique persona for your tabletop RPG adventures. It involves defining various aspects of your character, such as their abilities, skills, background, and personality. When building a character, it's crucial to consider the rules and mechanics of the system you are using, as they will dictate the options and limitations available to you.

Old School Essentials: Advanced Fantasy

Old School Essentials is a popular tabletop RPG system known for its classic and straightforward gameplay. In this version, called Advanced Fantasy, players have the option to create characters using rollover or roll-under rules. Rollover uses a d20 dice to determine success, while roll-under uses a target number that the player must roll under.

Character Classes and Races

In the old school Essentials system, character creation begins with choosing a character class and race. The character class determines the abilities and skills your character will have, while the race contributes to their background and unique traits. There are various character classes and races to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Determining Ability Scores

Ability scores play a crucial role in defining your character's capabilities. In old school Essentials, ability scores are determined by rolling 3d6 for each attribute. These attributes include strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and charisma. These scores will influence your character's effectiveness in different situations, such as combat, spellcasting, and social interactions.

Adjusting Ability Scores for Classes

Once the ability scores are determined, they can be adjusted based on the chosen character class. Certain classes have specific requirements or bonuses tied to particular attributes. For example, a cleric may require a high wisdom score for spellcasting abilities. Players can lower some scores in exchange for raising their prime requisite, enhancing their character's specialization.

Saving Throws and Class Abilities

Saving throws are an essential mechanic in old school Essentials. They represent your character's ability to resist or evade a variety of threats, including physical harm, magical spells, and other hazards. Each character class has specific saving throw modifiers and class abilities that further define their strengths and weaknesses.

Weapons and Armor Selection

Equipping your character with suitable weapons and armor is crucial for their survival and effectiveness in combat. Old school Essentials offers a range of options, from basic weapons like swords and maces to more advanced choices like crossbows or magical artifacts. Armor selection also plays a vital role in protecting your character from harm and determining their Armor Class (AC).

Choosing an Alignment

Character alignment is an ethical and moral compass that influences your character's behavior and actions within the game world. In old school Essentials, common alignment choices include lawful, neutral, and chaotic, combined with principles of good, neutral, or evil. Alignment can have narrative and mechanical implications, shaping your character's interactions with NPCs and their abilities.

Leveling Up and Experience Points

As your character progresses through the game, they will earn experience points (XP) by overcoming challenges and completing quests. Accumulating enough XP allows your character to level up, gaining new abilities, increased stats, and unlocking new opportunities. The rate at which characters level up and the amount of XP required for each level vary depending on the system.

Buying Equipment

Before setting off on your adventures, it's essential to equip your character with suitable gear and equipment. In old school Essentials, players typically start with a certain amount of gold pieces to spend on buying equipment. Players should consider their character's class, abilities, and personal preferences when selecting weapons, armor, tools, and consumables.

Character Example: Robert John Sickens

To put everything into practice, let's create a character using the old school Essentials system. Meet Robert John Sickens, a level one cleric. His ability scores are not the strongest, but his saving throws and class abilities compensate for it. Robert wields a mace and wears chainmail for protection. He follows the lawful alignment and is ready for an adventure with his limited resources.

Conclusion

Character creation is an exciting and crucial part of tabletop RPGs. The old school Essentials system provides a straightforward and classic approach to character building, allowing players to explore various classes, races, abilities, and equipment. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to dive into the world of role-playing and embark on thrilling adventures with your custom-made character.

Highlights

• Understanding the basics of character building in tabletop RPGs
• Exploring the old school Essentials system for creating characters
• Choosing character classes and races to shape your character's abilities and background
• Determining ability scores and adjusting them for optimal character performance
• Exploring saving throws, class abilities, and weapon and armor selection
• Navigating character alignment and its impact on gameplay
• Leveling up and earning experience points for character progression
• Buying equipment to prepare your character for epic adventures
• Building a sample character (Robert John Sickens) using the old school Essentials system
• Embracing the creativity and excitement of role-playing with custom-made characters

FAQ

Q: Can I use the old school Essentials system for other tabletop RPGs? A: No, the old school Essentials system is specific to its own rules and mechanics.

Q: Are there restrictions on which races can be paired with certain classes? A: While certain races may be more suited for specific classes, the old school Essentials system allows for flexibility in choosing character race and class combinations.

Q: Can ability scores be adjusted after character creation? A: In most cases, ability scores are fixed after character creation. However, some game systems may offer options for adjusting scores through in-game events or character progression.

Q: How important is character alignment in gameplay? A: Character alignment serves as a moral compass and can impact how NPCs and the game world interact with your character. It also influences certain abilities and powers in some systems.

Q: Are there limitations on the amount of equipment a character can carry? A: Depending on the system and the DM's discretion, characters may have limitations on the amount of equipment they can carry based on weight, encumbrance rules, or other factors.

Q: Can characters multiclass or switch classes? A: Some systems allow characters to multiclass or switch classes as they progress. However, each system may have its own rules and restrictions regarding multiclassing and class switching.