This guide walks you through creating a full character—from species and attributes to Domains and starting gear.

💡 You can also create a Pre-Domain Character (a beginner, apprentice, or origin-phase character) by completing every step except choosing Domains. This option is great for narrative prologues or survival scenarios before characters step into their heroic roles.

Choose or build a Species by selecting two features from the list on rules:species. These features define unique traits like senses, movement, resistances, or special talents.

Species also provide lore hooks: lifespan, origin, social customs, and so on. These don’t usually have mechanical effects unless tied to a feature.

Choose a Body Type that describes your physique—such as Stocky, Wiry, Compact, or Broad. Each one affects your HP, Stress, or Thresholds in small but meaningful ways.

Think of Body Type as both mechanical and descriptive: it helps anchor how your character endures hardship and handles physical strain.

Assign 12 points to your six core Attributes. Each Attribute starts at 1, and no score may be higher than 5 during character creation.

• STR – Strength
• DEX – Dexterity
• CON – Constitution
• INT – Intelligence
• WIS – Wisdom
• CHA – Charisma

You may use a Standard Array or other approved method. See rules:progression for alternatives like Point Buy or Narrative Assignment.

🌀 You do not increase Attributes when creating a character. Attributes are only raised through Domain Tier progression.

❗ Skip this step for Pre-Domain Characters. You will gain Domains later through story progression.

Choose two Domains. These define your training, identity, and abilities.

Each Domain specifies:

• A Domain Aspect – a specific Attribute pair used with most Domain actions
• A Base Card – showing your core Domain feature
• A selection of Tier 1 Feature Cards – choose two
• Access to spells, combat techniques, or unique abilities (depending on Domain)

You do not gain or assign Aspects here—Domains declare which Aspect they use. The Aspect Value is simply the sum of its two Attributes.

Mark your Domain Base Card with the current value of the Aspect it uses.

If your Domain provides access to spells, you'll choose a source tag (like Arcane, Divine, or Nature) or elemental type (like Fire or Lightning), depending on the Domain.

Spellcasting rules and limitations are detailed in each Domain. They vary in how they use Action Dice, cost resources, or interact with the action economy.

Your Domains may provide:

• Special movement or exploration actions
• Combat finishers, reactions, or crowd-control options
• Roleplay abilities that shape your social influence or insight
• Recovery or support features tied to Stress, HP, or exhaustion
• Ways to mark HP or Stress to gain powerful Blood Surge effects (at higher Tiers)

Each Aspect is derived from two Attributes. For example:

• Agility = STR + DEX
• Tact = INT + CHA

(See rules:aspect_table for the full list.)

Your Aspect Values are equal to the sum of their Attributes. These are also your Action Dice Pools—you roll a number of d4s equal to the Aspect Value when taking an action with that Aspect.

Mark the Aspect Value used by each of your Domains on the corresponding Base Card.

Each Domain suggests a starting equipment kit. Work with your GM to pick gear that fits your character’s background and role.

For Pre-Domain Characters, limit gear to:

• Basic or handmade clothing and tools
• No magical items, armor, or weapons (unless narratively justified)
• One or two personal items like a family token, heirloom, or artisan tools

These characters are defined by potential, not yet by power.