This is the area where the character’s basic information is fleshed out, the aspects of existence with little (if any) game effect. These are roleplaying aspects—the things that define the character as a character, not simply as a list of characteristics and skills. The player can fill out this information now in full, or partially, and skip to characteristic and skill generation, or can hold off until they know more about the character’s game system aspects.
Identity includes the following:
- Name: A suitable name for the character.
- Race: These basic rules cover ‘Human,’ but other races are certainly more than possible.
- Gender: Write ‘Female’ or ‘Male’ or whatever other gender works in a particular setting—there are no game system differences between genders.
- Handedness: Is the character right- or left-handed? Pick one—there are no game system differences.
- Height and Weight: Choose these using the Size (SIZ) characteristic (see below) as a guideline. These don’t have to be specific numbers, and could be as vague as ‘Tall,’ ‘Average,’ or ‘heavy.’
- Description: This is a brief physical description of the character, and might include coloration (hair, eyes, skin), attitude, mode of dress, etc.
- Age: Pick an age appropriate to the character, keeping characteristics in mind.
- Distinctive Features: Using the Appearance (APP) characteristic as a guide (see below), does the character have any notable features? This can be an impressive scar, a broken nose, an exotic hairstyle, or an unusual mode of dress. Make up a few. The higher or lower the APP, the more distinctive features.
- Profession: The character’s career or the occupation they are most identified with, or how they make their living. A list of professions is provided in section 2.7.
Sections
- 2.1 The Character Sheet
- 2.3 Characteristics
- 2.4 Characteristic Rolls
- 2.5 Derived Characteristics
- 2.6 Skills
- 2.7 Professions and Professional Skills
- 2.8 Personal Skills
- 2.9 Equipment
- 2.10 Final Touches