<aside> <img src="/icons/stars_gray.svg" alt="/icons/stars_gray.svg" width="40px" />

Writing Your Path, Step 3 — Selecting an Age

‣ What to do in this Step

Using the guidance of this chapter, choose your character’s age and record this on the Biography page of their Character Sheet. Pay attention to what age range this number corresponds to, given their ancestry (the ranges are young adult, adult or middle aged & older). Once their age has been selected, separately (e.g. using spare paper), record the corresponding Past Experience as appropriate for their age-range. This value is used during later stages of character creation.

‣ How age defines a Character

Age determines two main aspects of a character, their level of past experience and if any restrictions apply to their starting attribute scores. Both are discussed further in later chapters (see Attributes→, Vocation→ and Past Experiences→), but as examples, a Character’s age can initially limit their Strength, Constitution or Insight while being older can grant past experiences that confer useful knowledge or expertise.

‣ What to do Next

Once you have assigned your characters Age, the next step is completing their attribute assignments and determining their and other derived statistics. This is discussed in the next chapter, Attributes→.

</aside>

About Age

The age of a character is more than just a number — it's a defining element that shapes their experiences, abilities, and outlook on life. Different ancestries also bring unique life spans and stages of development. Each ancestry has its own distinct age ranges, which determine the stages of youth, adulthood, and maturity. For instance, while humans transition from young adults to elders within a few decades, elves enjoy centuries of life, experiencing extended periods of growth and wisdom. Similarly, dwarves are known for their long-lived endurance, maturing at a slower pace but retaining their vigor for many years.

When crafting your character, consider what age they might be. Their age influences their skills, perspective, and interactions with the world. A young orc may be brimming with raw emotions and impulsive energy, while an elderly warden could possess a wealth of knowledge and a contemplative demeanor.

By thoughtfully selecting your character's age, you not only add depth to their personal story but also enhance the dynamic interplay of diverse races and cultures within the game. As age also influences their starting attributes and level of past experience, your character's age will be a cornerstone of their identity in the adventures that lie ahead.

Age Ranges by Ancestry

Past Experience for each Age Range

Bonus Past Experience:

• Humans Characters gain an additional 20 Past Experience from their Ancestral ability, Adaptive.
• Similarly, Half-Orcs gain an additional 10 Past Experience from their Ancestral ability, Hard Lives.

Starting Attribute Restrictions for each Age Range

While this shall be discussed in greater detail in the next chapter, players may want to be aware of the following;

• Young Adult characters have limits on the amount of attribute points that can be invested in their Strength or Insight.
• Middle Aged and Older characters have limits on their Strength and Constitution.

Regardless of the age chosen, however, the total number of attribute points a character can have is the same.

Tips on Selecting an Age

The Adult age range for each ancestry represents a balance of acquired experience and overall versatility, making it a safe choice for most adventures. New players are especially encouraged to consider creating an Adult aged character, and it serves as the default for the game. However, feel free to explore other age ranges if it fits your vision for your character's narrative and adds depth to their story. When choosing your character's age, consider how it aligns with any ideas you may have about their potential background, skills, and personality.