*applauds* Very nice. I've a small contribution as well: I came across this in the PHB the other day, and I think it has pertinence here:
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(From Chapter 6, "Description" - references have changed to fit Layo)
LooksDecide what your character looks like using the
descriptions of the various races in LORE as a starting point. Characters with high Charisma scores tend to be better-looking than those with low Charisma, though a character with high Charisma could have strange looks, giving him a sort of exotic beauty.
You can use your character's looks to tell something about her personality and background. For example:
- Krusk the half-orc is missing part of an ear and bears many scars that are the result of the violent life he led among the orcs that raised him. He keeps claws and fangs from beasts he has killed on a necklace.
- Alhandra the paladin has the Ankh of Toran branded on the inside of her forearm to show her devotion to him.
- Hennet the sorcerer wears an eclectic, makeshift outfit that is different from day to day, suggesting his chaotic nature.
PersonalityDecide how your character acts, what she likes, what she wants out of life, what scares her, and what makes her angry. Race and alignment are good places to start when thinking about your character's personality, but they are bad places to stop. Make your Lawful Good dwarf (or whatever) different from every other Lawful Good dwarf.
A handy trick for making an interesting personality for your character is including some sort of conflict in her nature. For example, Tordek the Scout is lawful, but he's a little greedy, too. He might be tempted to steal if he can justify it to himself.
Your character's personality can change over time. Just because you decide some basic facts about your character's personality when you create the character doesn't mean you need to abide by these facts as if they were holy writ. Let your character grow and evolve the way real people do.
(Ed note: And it makes for wonderful CDT fodder!)BackgroundDecide what your character's life has been like up until now. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:
- How did she decide to be an adventurer? Did she decide, or was it forced on her?
- How did he acquire his class? A fighter, for example, might have been in the militia, he may come from a family of soldiers, he may have trained in a martial school, or he may be a self-taught warrior.
- Where did she get her starting equipment from? (The items you purchase at character-start, that is.) Did she assemble it piece by piece over time? Was it a parting gift from a parent or mentor? Do any of her personal items have special significance to her?
- What's the worst thing that ever happened to him?
- What's the best thing that ever happened to her?
- Does he stay in touch with his family? What do they think of him?
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If you've covered the points in Silverdraco's post, and answered the above questions, there should be no question as to who and what your character is going to be.. and things will move that much faster. *chuckles*
