Character Creation Rules:

 When you create a character, chances are you want to apply that character to a specific campaign. The best way to do that is to Click on Available Worlds and then go to the RPG setting you want to play in (AD&D 3rd Edition, GURPS, Whatever). Look at the list of worlds and find one that interests you. Note the last time the Referee logged in - if the Ref has not been on in 2 months, you may want to look at a different world. Read the world description, some Refs have Internet web pages that have tons more details and guidelines for character creation.

Your goal is to get the Referee to want your character in his game. The best way is to create a really good character. Follow the steps below and they will keep you from making some common mistakes:

 *Read the Ref's directions carefully - they often include rules on how a character can be created or what races/classes are open. Turning in a character that does not follow the Ref's instructions is a sure way to be rejected. Do not waste your time or the Ref's in creating a character the Ref cannot accept. *

Referees often have stringent restrictions on ability scores or score totals. Pay strict attention to these when creating your character - exceeding limits set by the Ref will certainly not make the Referee more likely to accept your character.

Besides the referee's guidelines the best thing you can do is create a character with an interesting history. A character with a good history tells the Ref that you care about your character. The more interesting and detailed your history, the more likely the Ref will be to accept you. A one-sentence description with a three-sentence history will not capture anyone's imagination. Tell about where your character is from. What drove them into the life they now lead? Why are they out adventuring? What are they trying to overcome, or what are they striving towards? Try to avoid old tired clichés - parents killed by Orcs and now he hunts them with a burning hatred. There is nothing wrong with that, but it has been done; many times over. Perhaps his parents died in the plague and he lived with his grand parents or an uncle. The uncle is merchant whose caravan is lost in Orc territory. He never returns home. Is he dead? The character needs to know what happened and so leaves home. Referees will often weave subplots involving such stories into the campaign, making your character a central part. It enhances the story for everyone and makes you feel more a part of the campaign. Use your imagination - you must have one or you wouldn't be playing RPG!

Using the Character Builder:

The Character Builder is fairly straight forward. You click the Create Character button and fill in the most basic details - the only two you need to do immediately are the Name and the Rules Type. Click on the Rules Type for the character you are creating - you can always change it later if you like. Everything else you can fill in later if you want. There are spots for Gender/Age/Height/Weight/Hair/Eyes and the spaces for the Character Description and the Character History. Inside a game, the history can only be seen by the Referee while the description is viewable by the other players as well. Try to keep your description accurate to your character. People often put a lot about their mood or reaction to certain things, but it is better to do that through the way your character acts and reacts in the game. Keep the description to the physical as much as possible. There is nothing wrong with describing your character as ‘one who takes no crap from anyone’ but what does that mean to somebody who sees the character on the street. Is it a tell-tale swagger, an arrogant jut of the chin? Describe the character, don't give out thoughts or beliefs. What is the character wearing, what weapons are visible? How does your character move? Talk?

When you have filled out these first few sections then click the Create Character button.

Once your character is created you will need to modify it for the campaign you are applying for. Click the Modify Character button in the Character Builder to finish the character up. There are the following sections:

Abilities/Attributes - Here is where you can put your scores for the attributes used by the game system you choose, Strength, Agility, Intelligence and such are examples of what might go here. There is a space for the type of ability, the base score and a modified or current score.

Spells/Powers - You can put any spells or spell like powers in this section - there is a spot to put the name, level, number available and a description. I like to put spell components needed and some basic information about each spell, like the range, casting time or the like.

Skill Proficiencies - Any skills, languages or proficiencies are entered here. There is a space for the skill, a skill value and a description. Useful for Weapon or Non-Weapon proficiencies – if your character has skill in playing the flute or fletching arrows, this is the spot to write it down.

Inventory - The place to record all your possessions. Referees have different rules about how detailed you have to go. I like to put down a fairly detailed list. If your inventory says you have a needle and thread the Ref won’t have a problem with you using it later. If your inventory does not list it - you don't have it.

Additional Information - You can record your Level, your Race, Class, Experience Points, Armor Class and the like in this area.

Other - This is a spot to put things not covered anywhere else. If you have a magic ability like Night Vision or the ability to sleep anywhere any time, put it here.

When you finish make sure you click the Update Character button.

[=] TIP: Every time you update a section, like inventory or whatever, click the Update Character button - if you lose your internet connection after 20 minutes of typing and you didn’t click  update, you could lose it all!!!

 You can also click the Delete Character button if you want to get rid of the character - it is irrevocable though - once you click the Delete Character button and then confirm with a Yes, you cannot get it back - gone forever.