Character Generation

GM confirms that all players have reviewed the Campaign Briefing, including the agreed starting level. † (See Exhibit: Campaign Briefing)

Generate ability scores using Method I: roll 4d6, drop the lowest die, and record the total. Repeat for each of the six ability scores. †

Method I is used in Oath-Bound because it statistically skews the distribution curve so that player characters are probabilistically marginal exceptions against the standard NPC population — the mechanical expression of the Exceptional Actor premise.

Player selects race — human, dwarf, or halfling. † Human players may also select culture — Velasian-descended, Markish, Skeldic, Cwym, Bryt, or Celt, among others as the campaign context permits.

Racial ability score adjustments do not apply in Oath-Bound. The exceptional Strength percentage bonus does not apply.

Player selects actor domain — Martial, Divine, Arcane, or Gray. † The selected domain grants a starting set of domain competencies at Basic level, which the player records on the Competency Profile. These represent the professional baseline for a practitioner of that domain and are not subject to mediated agreement — they come with the domain. (See Exhibit: Basic Competency Catalog)

Determine starting Foundation affiliation or theological position, if any. † Divine Actors must establish Foundation affiliation at this step — it is the institutional relationship from which their concord, fidelity, and miracle access derive. Exceptional Actors of other domains may establish a theological position or leave it open. (See Exhibit: Visage Catalog)

Establish the starting Competency Profile by mediated agreement between player and GM. † The profile is a combination of domain competencies, starting known spells or Foundation-sanctioned miracles as appropriate to the actor category, and the mundane expertise accumulated through the character’s life to the current day — childhood, background, culture, and experience. (See Exhibit: Basic Competency Catalog) (See Exhibit: Spell Catalog) (See Exhibit: Miracle Catalog)

Determine starting equipment by mediated agreement. † Default loadout bundles are available by domain and campaign context as a convenient starting point — players are encouraged to mutate them to better reflect their character. (See Exhibit: Equipment List and Default Loadout Bundles)

Determine starting money by mediated agreement. † The vanilla AD&D random starting money formula does not apply. The agreed amount should reflect what is customary and reasonable for a character of this background in this campaign context.

Player declares the character’s name, physical description, and any other attributes that do not contradict or modify what has already been agreed.

Establish oath status. † Exceptional Actors other than Divine Actors are not obliged to enter play oath-bound, though existing oaths or bonds may be established at the player’s discretion. Divine Actor oath obligations are already recorded in the Competency Profile.

Record all characters in the Rutter as its first entry. † This is the campaign’s first Session Journal — the collective record of who these people are at the start of play.

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