After the group establishes the scope, tones and themes of the camping it’s time to look at individual characters. Not everyone may have a strong idea of what kind of character they want to play at this point. To help players, they are asked four basic questions to help define their character. These questions become part of the character’s make up and don’t just focus the creation process but become personal themes they are rewarded for exploring in game.
- Background: Other than being a hero, what defines the character?
- Origin: How did the character obtain their powers?
- Catalyst: What drove the character to become a hero? (This may have occurred before they had powers.)
- Drive: Where does the character draw their inner strength? What pushes the character to go beyond their limits?
- Powers: Describe the nature or core of the character’s powers.
Paul is planning a character and answers the questions as follows:
Crossfire
- Background: A former soldier Crossfire is a survivalist and archery instructor.
- Origin: Soldier turned Survivalist
- Catalyst: Pulled back from the Brink
- Drive: Prevent Another War
- Powers: None. However Crossfire is a trained Army Ranger, expert archer and has a custom made bow, Willow.
By answering these five questions Paul now has an outline for Crossfire. This framework is something Paul will be able to refer to when selecting Crossfire’s Talents, Fighting Styles and Gear.
These character elements will also help Paul in game play as he can draw on his Origin, Catalyst and Drives to help drive the narrative and influence the overall story.
