Creating Characters In Genesys

(This page requires updates to fit new rules. Speak to your GM if you're here and unsure of what to do.)
Whatever setting or type of roleplaying game you play, you need to make a character to play in it. Creating a character for Genesys takes a few short steps, allowing you to get involved in the action right away. To create a character, you need access to this rulebook, a character sheet (found at the end of this book), and a pencil. You also need access to ten-sided dice (d10) for rolling on certain charts. Finally, a few sheets of notepaper are not necessary but might be helpful.

Character generation uses a point-buy system, meaning you have a budget of experience points you can invest in different aspects of your character. Selecting a character’s species or archetype determines the character’s starting characteristics and starting experience points. After making that initial choice, you’ll invest those experience points to improve starting characteristics, acquire training in key skills, and learn special talents.

Character Concept

The section that follows provides the rules for creating a character, both as they exist as a person, and as they interact with the game mechanics. The central core of the idea for your character, however, must come from you. You need to start out with the seed of a concept for a character that fits into the game you’re going to play.

At the earliest stages of character creation, you, your fellow players, and your Game Master should have a detailed discussion about the types of characters to create. If your GM has a specific campaign framework in mind, it could require the presence of specific types of skills or even focus on a limited subset of species or archetypes. A campaign that takes place exclusively in a city might have less need for the Survival skill, while one set in a war might focus more on combat skills than on skills related to diplomacy. Sometimes your GM might want to adjust the campaign based on the players’ wishes, and you’re likely to appreciate the opportunity to tweak your initial character ideas. Information shared at this stage can help you and your Game Master work together to create characters that complement the types of stories envisioned for the campaign.

While some character concepts can be a better fit for a campaign, seldom is a concept truly wrong. Roleplaying games often work best when everyone willingly works in a collaborative fashion. Constructive criticism as well as meaningful compromises during character creation can lead to a more fulfilling gameplay experience. You and your friends should be open to one another’s ideas at this stage. Working together to bring out the most fun and entertaining aspects of different characters can be a great way for you to establish a rapport that lasts throughout a campaign.