Subject: Point Based Character Creation

From: "John W. Marvin"

System: Stormbringer

[again, this is pulled from the old Stormbringer mailing list -sda]

I've evolved my character creation into a point based system (turning
away from Chaos, are we? :-), and would like to share it:

CHARACTER CREATION

1.  Each player starts with 82 attribute points, to be distributed
    later.

2.  The GM will give the player a choice of one or more nationalities,
    which should make sense based on where the campaign is at.

3.  The player rolls three times on the class chart for their nation.
    If they don't like their choices, they can gain another roll for each
    attribute point they spend.  After their fourth extra roll, spending
    another attribute point (a total of five have been spent) lets the
    player choose any class available to their nation.

4.  A character's base age is 25.  They can gain extra attribute
    points by trading experience for potential, or gain age by trading
    potential for experience.  For every year under 25, add one attribute
    point (max gain is 7).  STR, DEX, CON & SIZ may not exceed age.  For
    every two years over 25 (round in PC's favor), subtract one attribute
    point (max loss is 7).

5.  Further attribute points can be gained by giving the PC
    disadvantages.  These can come up naturally from play (tongueless
    slaves of Melnibone...), or can be fairly generic.  The GM may adjust
    as best fits their campaign:

     Chaos Lord hates you                   10 attribute points
     Lawful Lord hates you                  9
     Elemental Lord hates you               9
     Theocrat hates you                     8
     Major sorceror hates you               5
     Outlaw in one nation                   3 (+1 for each extra nation)
     Major figure hates you                 3
     Minor figure hates you                 1

6.  Player then distributes attribute points as desired, max 18, min 3.

7.  Player then rolls any nationality bonus (max may go over 18, min
    may not drop below 1, subtract from highest attribute if a low score
    would go to zero or below).  Priests roll for INT bonuses based on
    age.