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  1. Notes

Character creation

Game mechanic
  1. Start with a fresh character sheet. You can download a form-fillable one here. You can either fill it in and use it on your computer, or print it off and do it in pencil. 
  2. Roll 3d6 in order for your character’s ability scores, as described in the ACKS rules under Character Abilities, and write the results after the names of the abilities. Write down the ability score bonus or penalty for each score, as shown on the Ability Score table. Also roll 3d6 for starting wealth. 
  3. Choose a class which suits your character’s abilities from the Classes and templates page (be aware that a magic-using class is more complicated than a non-magic class). All classes have prime requisites, which means that ability score must be at least 9, and higher scores in your prime requisites can give you an XP bonus. Some classes also require higher minimum scores for some abilities. If your character's abilities are not quite high enough for the class you would like to play, you may switch any two ability scores, or one ability score and your "starting wealth" roll--this may only be done one time. Write down the special abilities of your class, as described for each class.
  4. Note on your character sheet that your character has zero (0) experience points (or XP); you may also want to note the number needed to advance to second level, as shown in the table for your class.
  5. Take the maximum hit points for level one. Do this by starting with the highest roll you could get with your class's hit die (e.g. 6 for a d6), then adding your Constitution bonus or penalty, and note the result as your hit points on your character sheet.
  6. Record your character’s attack throws and saving throws on your character sheet. Attack throws and saving throws are listed with each class, and described fully in the Adventures chapter. Note that attacks with melee weapons are modified by your Strength, while missile weapons such as bows or thrown daggers are modified by Dexterity. Don’t forget to adjust your attack throws to reflect these modifiers. Also, all saving throws are modified by your Wisdom modifier.
  7. If you would like to speed character creation, I recommend using a template. To do so, consult the Classes and templates page, find the table for your class, and take the proficiencies and equipment that corresponds to your "starting wealth" roll; also remember to choose extra proficiencies, languages, and spells if you have an Intelligence bonus. If you want to choose proficiencies and equipment yourself, skip this and move on to step 8.
  8. Choose your character’s starting proficiencies from the Proficiencies chapter (with some proficiencies modified according to the Heroic Fantasy Handbook, the link includes these changes). Apply any modifiers to your ability scores, hit points, attack throws, or saving throws from proficiencies. If you have chosen to play a magic user, roll for your starting spells, as described in the Spells chapter.
  9. Generate your character’s starting wealth by multiplying your "starting wealth" roll by 10--this is your money in gold pieces (gp). Use this to purchase equipment for your character from the lists in the Equipment chapter. Write your purchases on your character sheet, and note how much money remains afterward. Make sure you understand the weapon and armor restrictions for your class before making your purchases. Since you now know what armor your character is wearing, note your Armor Class (AC) on the character sheet based on the type of armor you choose. Don’t forget to add your Dexterity bonus or penalty to AC. Likewise, record your weapon damages based on the type of weapons you choose, modified by your Strength bonus or penalty. Calculate your character’s encumbrance based on how much weight he is carrying.
  10. Give your character a name, and create a description of what your character looks like, his personality, and maybe even a brief note about the character’s background. Then choose an appropriate Alignment for your character. Your Judge will have information on the setting of your character’s world that can be helpful in naming your new character
    and developing his background.