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Character Creation

This game is far from freeform, despite the fact that I rarely ask for dice rolls. With that in mind characters need to be created. White Wolf has kindly gone to a lot of work to work out creation rules for the various groups that are allowed here. Those groups being, in no particular order, Mage: The Ascension, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, Vampire: The Masquerade, Changeling: The Dreaming, Demon: The Fallen, Mummy: The Resurrection. These games and their supplements, are what are played mostly in this game. Though there are a few extra house rules.

What is quite important in this game is character history. The history is something that helps the player define the character and for the ST, me, to get a better idea of the character and how the collection of abilities, attributes and special abilities all come together. It is very important that the event that lead your character become what they are be mentioned. The Awakening, the First Change, the Chrysalis, the Embrace, and so on. A description of how this affected your character and the training and time to follow helps in character development, and is required in the character history which must be enclosed with the character's stats. Please also explain in the history about any flaws and merits your character has, and how they came to be.

Other important rules, or changes to the rules are listed here Below.

Extra Freebies

 Almost all characters begin play with an extra 25 freebies to spend during character creation. The exception to these rules are those rules for special characters such as the Kindred Elder, which has creation rules different from the standard creation allotting for more points during creation and a background that grants even more freebies if chosen.

Finality

 Once a submitted character has been accepted for play by the ST any further changes to the character must be done through play and the spending of experience points. During the submission process however, changes to the character can still be made as necessary.

Affecting All

The following changes apply to all character types. These changes reflect the uniqueness of the setting and the slow change from what was towards a better tomorrow:

  • People are slowly becoming more accepting of the Gifted or Supernatural, and slipped seemings, and other obvious markers of what someone is are no longer as troublesome as they were. Even moderate use of one's abilities is tolerated, however abuse of power, running about in animal form in public places without good reason, shifting forms in front of witnesses are frowned upon. In many cases can cause the offender to end up punished either by their own race or by the Crystal Order, who's job it has become to police all the gifted for such abuses of power.
  • Litanies, Masquerades, and other laws or rules governing the behavior of the various races still apply however the laws and rules regarding secrecy are not as strict and stringent as they once were. There is no need to hide what you are, just to be wise and thoughtful in using the power you have been invested with.
  • Military Service is a background that you have to purchase. Look in Important Info for more information.

Mortals

The following changes apply to Mortals and all others as applicable:

  • Fame, Influence, and similar backgrounds, including things like Night Club, require ST pre-approval

Changelings

The following changes apply to Changelings and their Kin (as necessary)

  • Chimerical Companions, Mentors, Dreamers, Freeholds and like backgrounds require ST pre-approval.
  • The current King of the Kingdom of Willows is Alinar Darkheart ap Fiona.
  • The current High King and bearer of Caliburn is Shannen Darkheart ap Fiona of Legend. A very old, old, soul with a young heart.

Demons

The following changes apply to Demons:

  • Demons with ST approval only.
  • Pacts, followers, Eminence, Paragon are backgrounds that need discussion with the ST.
  • Raveners are not an acceptable faction.

Mages

The following changes apply to mage and possibly sorcerer and psychic characters:

  • The Avatar Storm has passed, the Stormwarden merit no longer has bearing in this game.
  • Backgrounds such as Node, Sanctum, Mentor, Talisman and Familiar require ST pre-approval.
  • Wonders and Devices require ST pre-approval.
  • Paradox is not as bad as it once was but it is still a problem. Paradox is not gained for successful use of vulgar magics, but it is gained on botches. Paradox backlashes are still possible on botches at ST discretion.
  • Unusual Familiars such as lions, tigers, wolves, bygones, or others that fall outside of the normal, and are visible and easily noticed require the purchase of the License To… Merit found in the Guide to the Technocracy. You only need the 1pt version. This shows that your familiar has been properly registered with the proper authorities, usually a Crystal Order Agent in other places and here with the Crystal Tower, and that you take full responsibility for any problems that might arise because of your familiar.
  • For Numina costs please use the costs listed in the Sorcerer Revised source.

Shifting Races

The following changes apply to all types of shifters as appropriate:

  • Starting Gnosis, unless stated otherwise by Breed, cannot exceed 5.
  • The Merit, Silver Tolerant is disallowed as an available merit in this campaign.
  • Fetishes require ST pre-approval.
  • It should be noted that this is not a hack and slash game, and that your shifter will be expected to work with others who he or she was most likely taught are the enemy. Keep this in mind when you create your character, an unbending hard line warrior will not be comfortable in Asheville and may well find him or herself driven off if not killed.
  • Gaia's Heart Mountain is open for all shifters who wish to visit or live. Accommodations can be found for those who wish to live on or near the mountain, please arrange for such during play.

Vampires

The following applies to Vampire characters and their Dhampyr:

  • Malkavian vampires are not normally allowed. Those who wish to play such, must prove their ability to role play such a character responsibly before they will be considered.
  • There are no Nosferatu in Asheville. Some Sabbat clans require ST approval or are banned entirely from this game.
  • The political set up in Asheville for the Vampires is different from what one might expect. Those older vampires who call Asheville home hold no alliance to either the Cammarilla or the Sabbat. The vampire leader in Asheville is a Toreador who goes by the name of Seraph.

Kindred of the East

The following applies to Kuei-Jin and their Dhampyr:

  • Jade Talisman and Magic Artifact require ST approval.
  • The Kuei-Jin court is located at the Dancing Dragon Massage Parlor and Restaurant.
  • The current Ancestor and Elder of the Court is Tobias "Toby" Koellermeier, a Resplendent Crane. Though the court is home to the Honored Ancestor Han Liu, who has taken up a position in the Military as an instructor.

Characters should be in text, doc, or rtf format and contain both stats and the character history. When ready for submission they should be sent to the ST at griffon at wmis dot net. If you have questions you can ask them in the irc channel #cbhq on irc.magicstar.net or use the widget on the home page.