Although we'll create your D&D characters together when we meet for the first game session, it's a good idea to plan out some things in advance to save time when we meet up. Use the following guidelines.

Here is the link to a character sheet.

What books do I need?

None really. I'm sure someone at the table will let you borrow the necessary books. If you are interested in purchasing a rulebook, the only one you will need is the Player's Handbook. Right now Amazon has them for $23.07.

What else do I need?

• Dice.

• Scratch paper.

• Some form of writing implement.

• A miniature (optional). You'll need one to represent your character on the battlemat. I have plenty to choose from if you don't want to buy one for yourself.

Step 1: Generate ability scores

We're going to use a non-standard point buy system. Everyone will start with 80 points and distribute them as desired over their six ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). After you spend your points, no score can be lower than 3 nor higher than 18.

Note that my method (spending 80 points) is much more generous than the methods on page 17-18 of the PHB. ;-)

Step 2: Select a race

Here's the list of available player character races. All of the standard 4E races are available, plus I'm allowing warforged characters. 

After you select your race, make any necessary modifications to your ability scores.

Step 3: Select a class

I'll list the available classes below. Since the books aren't out yet, you can check out "unofficial" background information on the new 4E classes here.

• Cleric

• Fighter

• Paladin

• Ranger

• Rogue

• Warlock

• Warlord

• Wizard

Step 4: Select an alignment

I'll list the available alignments for 4E below. If you choose to be non-good, provide some rationale for your character to cooperate with the other player-characters. Use common sense.

• Good

• Evil

• Lawful Good

• Chaotic Evil

• Unaligned

Most of the alignments are self-explanatory, except perhaps for Unaligned. Here's a note from a blog of one of the game designers that might clarify this a bit:

"One major change to this system in 4E is the fact characters can choose to be 'unaligned,' having no significant impulses towards good or evil. Characters can still choose to be good or evil, but most characters and monsters will be unaligned. Unsurprisingly, most spells and powers that revolve around alignment are now gone."

Step 5: Select a homeland

Where are you from? The campaign will begin in eastern Emerlene, but you can choose to be from any location I've detailed on the Scarlet Blades site. 

Fallcrest might be a good choice.

The campaign is roughly based on medieval Europe of around 900 AD—in fact, the current year is 900 AR (see the Timeline for details). Very rough European equivalents to the nationalities of Erythea are as follows:

• Arthedain = Scotland (though a bit more militant)

• Aziiryan = Ancient Rome/Greece (now reduced to individual city-states)

• Cedara = Ireland

• Emerlene = England

• Hraalvar/The Grey Isles = Viking kingdoms

• Karvejia = Italy (the city-state of Venice would be a closer match)

• Menderlyne = Wales

• The Drachenskrav - Germany/Romania/Eastern Europe

• Voldaire = France/Spain

Step 6: Jot down at least five character Hooks

I don't need a 3-4 page essay about your character's background. Instead, your character will begin the game with at least five Character Hooks (but feel free to offer more!). Character Hooks are noteworthy qualities, people, events, locations, or even objects that help describe your character more fully. These items help describe the character and flesh out his personality, history, and other elements that both the players and the DM alike can use as hooks on which to hang an adventure. 

Prepare a quick bulleted list of Character Hooks and bring it with you to the first game session. I will likely add a hook or two to your characters as well.

For example, the wizard Armandius who hails from Voldaire might choose the following Character Hooks:

• Curious

• Vengeful

• Carries his late father's wizard staff as a cherished heirloom.

• Raised spiretop dragons as a young boy.

• Veteran of the 2nd Trade War (fought for Voldaire).

• Hates the Karvejian merchant, Vito Genaro, who was responsible for the death of many of his comrades during the war.

The Timeline and various nation write-ups on this site are great resources. Mine them for ideas!

Step 7: Find a character image

Unless you want me to choose one for you, browse around the net and find a decent image to represent your character. I'll use your image on the website when I create your character page. I like to use the D&D Art Gallery from the WotC site or the Elfwood fantasy art repository. Just email your image to me as a jpg attachment.

Step 8: Show up for the first game session

Bring your notes and we'll finish up your characters when we meet up. That's when you'll buy feats, skills, and equipment, select a deity, etc. See you then!

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