Character Creation
Character Creation
Creating a character in the Alternity game is a step-by-step process that defines your character’s physical and mental abilities, their background, and their role in the galaxy.
1. Develop a Character Concept
Before you start crunching numbers, think about what kind of character you want to play. Are you a rough-and-tumble space marine, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist, or a cunning free-lance spy? Your character concept will guide your choices in the following steps.
2. Choose a Species
Several sentient species are available for play. For detailed descriptions and stats, see the Species Section.
- Human: Versatile and culturally diverse.
- Fraal: Ancient, psionically gifted starfarers.
- Mechalus: Cybernetically integrated logic-driven humanoids.
- Sesheyan: Winged hunters with multiple eyes.
- T’sa: Fast, reptilian tinkers.
- Weren: Large, furry philosopher-warriors.
3. Choose a Background
Unlike the traditional career labels, a Background in AAA is a foundational element of your character. It represents your life before adventuring and provides tangible mechanical benefits:
- Favored Skills (Discounts): Each Background identifies a set of “Favored Skills.” You pay 1 point less to purchase or raise these skills.
- Market Value: While you pay less, the skill’s full “Market Value” is used to calculate your Character Level.
- Unique Ability: Every Background grants a special trait or capability unique to that life path.
For a full list of available options, see the Backgrounds Section.
4. Pick a Profession
Every character chooses a Profession, which represents their current role and primary training. Each Profession has unique requirements, benefits, and a dedicated list of Favored Skills.
For full details on each path, see the Professions Section.
| Profession | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Combat Spec | STR 9, CON 9 |
| Free Agent | DEX 9, WIL 9 |
| Tech Op | DEX 9, INT 9 |
| Mindwalker | WIL 9, PER 9 |
5. Assign Ability Scores
You have 60 points to divide among six Abilities. Scores must meet profession minimums and species limits.
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Strength (STR) | Physical power; base for STR skills and melee damage. |
| Dexterity (DEX) | Agility and reflexes; affects Action Check and ranged defense. |
| Constitution (CON) | Health and fitness; base for durability and actions per round. |
| Intelligence (INT) | Mental quickness; determines starting skill points. |
| Will (WIL) | Mental fortitude; base for psionics and resistance. |
| Personality (PER) | Social abilities and charisma; determines Last Resort points. |
Resistance Modifiers
Higher scores provide a “resistance modifier” that penalizes opponents trying to act against you.
6. Purchase Skills
Using the skill points provided by your Intelligence score, you purchase Broad Skills (base abilities) and Specialty Skills (specific training).
Market Value vs. Purchase Cost
In AAA, your Level represents the total “Market Value” of your skills. This ensures that Level accurately reflects your character’s power, regardless of how efficiently you acquired your training.
- Market Value (List Price): Every skill has a standard “Market Value” equal to its List Price. This value is used to calculate your total experience and Level.
- Purchase Cost: If a skill is Favored (by your Background or Profession), you receive a discount. You pay 1 point less than the List Price to buy or raise it.
- The “Coupon” Logic: Think of Favored Skills as having a permanent coupon. You pay less to get them, but they are worth their full price on your character sheet.
- Example: A skill with a List Price of 5 that is Favored costs you 4 points to buy, but adds 5 points to your total “Skill Value” for leveling purposes.
7. Select Perks & Flaws
(Optional) You may choose up to three perks (advantages) by spending skill points, and up to three flaws (disadvantages) to gain extra skill points.
8. Choose Attributes
Define your character’s Motivation, Moral Attitude, and Character Traits. These provide depth for roleplaying and can earn you achievement points.
9. Complete the Character Sheet
Calculate final values:
- Action Check Score: (DEX + INT) / 2 + Profession Bonus.
- Actions per Round: Based on CON + WIL.
- Durability: Based on CON (Stun, Wound, Mortal, Fatigue).
- Movement Rates: Based on STR + DEX.