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Writing Your Path, Step 1 — Scouting Ahead

‣ What to do in this Step

Gather information on what kind of adventure lays ahead. This can include asking your Game Master what the Campaign Setting of the adventure is (or which it most resembles) or asking the other players what kind of characters they’re planning and brainstorming together. See the sections below for more tips on what to consider.

There are no decisions to be made in Step 1, it is primarily included to frame your ideas.

‣ What to do Next

Once you have some information to help you generate ideas for your character, move on to the next step, choosing your Character’s Ancestry→.

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Gathering Information

Campaign Setting

An important question to ask when creating a character is “what campaign setting is the adventure set in?” Will it be set in the dark landscape of The Shattered Lands, filled with mysterious castles and dungeons? Or perhaps its a woodland adventure set in The Fairmarches, where almost all of the characters are stalwart Wardens?

Knowing the campaign setting can inform a lot about what a suitable character might be to take part in the adventure. On the other hand, perhaps the knowledge might also give a player ideas on how to subvert expectations (if the game master is willing to allow it).

It is recommended that new players peruse the descriptions and art provided in 01 - Settings Overview when making their first characters in an adventure or campaign — each of the settings also includes guidance on the rarity of character Ancestries and Backgrounds in that setting. Game masters may require players to adhere to the rarities and guidance provided.

What are other Players Planning?

Under Construction

Other Useful Questions

You may also consider asking your Game Master what their vision for the campaign is. This can include;

• Will the game focus more on social aspects or action and adventure?
• What is the premise? Are there any elements of that premise that can be known to the players up-front? (e.g. will they be fighting Demons? Vampires? Are there any iconic antagonists ahead or particular places that will be explored?)
• What is the game master’s vision of the player party? (if any) Or, what kind of protagonists would be the best counterpart for the antagonists of the premise?

And finally, where will the adventure begin? In a city or small town? In a tavern? This might help you decide what your character could be doing during the lead-up to the first session of the game.