Chuck Dee

#rpg #gaming #writing #characteraday

Build

Step 1: Concept

Shogunate, Former Toro Ronin

Step 2: Physical Description

Wiry, with a runner's build, Tak is graceful in motion. He's tall by Shogunate standards, standing at 180cm, and weighs 70 kg, with every inch of his upper torso and arms tattooed in a gorgeous painting of a tiger stalking through a fantastical background. He keeps his black hair messy- he used to keep it perfectly coiffed, but since his queue was cut at his banishment, he hasn't worried overmuch about it. With his glittering black eyes, he'd be handsome if his features weren't so haunted. He was allowed to keep his armor, so he is well kitted for a Ronin, though he's painted it muted colors as he's not allowed to fly Toro colors, though his mask still bears the image a proud tiger, betraying his origins.

Step 3: Choose Personality Traits

He borders on obsession with three tasks: finding out how and by who his father was betrayed, finding and freeing his family, and taking down the corrupt overlord that he knows had something to do with his fall. He's still unsure of the Emperor, and teeters between cursing and thanking him for the burden that lies on his shoulders. He seems serene, and holds a tight rein on his emotions, but when stirred out of that, the emotions that simmer beneath the surface become like a raging fire, burning any that come close. Because of this, he walks the line between suicidal and determined, depending on how heavy the burden lays on his shoulders. In those few times he finds peace, he is introspective and gracious, but soon enough, the memory returns to ruin any semblance of a normal life he might reach for.

Step 4: Story Hooks

There is the obvious of the corrupt overlord, finding his family, and finding out how his father was betrayed. Less obvious is why the Emperor spared him and those few friends sympathetic to his fall. There is also the House of Tremontaine in Hydra- during his height, he was the cause of their fall when he foiled an incursion of their experimentation in the badlands. They've not been able to directly strike at him because of the simmering cold war between the City-States. However, he's not under the protection of the Shogunate anymore, so is at risk.

The next steps are where we spend character points. I'll go with 150 points.

Step 5: Characteristics

I'm remembering now that this game is a bit more chart heavy that I normally like. Stats are rated from -3 – +5 with 0 being average. I'll make him faster, and a bit stronger.

Dexterity (DX): +3 (60) Strength (ST): +1 (10) Intelligence (IN): 0 (0) Power (PW): 0 (0)

Total Characteristics: 70

Step 6: Special Characteristics

Your base Characteristics help determine your special characteristics, though you can increase them within limits. I'm just going to give him increased life to fuel his Bugei abilities.

Movement Rate (MR): 5 Carry Capacity (CC): 100 kg Life Force (LF): 15 (6)

Total Special Characteristics: 6

Step 6: Advantages

Pretty standard fare here- spend points on advantages. I'm figuring that even at his worst, he still has the regal bearing that made people follow him. He'll also practice Niten Ichi-ryū, so ambidexterity helps there. He has a Karmachip and is on his second life- though the Lords of Karma will judge him harshly if he goes before them now, so that's 0 points. He also sleeps lightly.

Ambidextrous (10) Karmachip, Disabled (0) Lightsleep (5) Charismatic (10)

Total Advantages: 25

Step 7: Disadvantages

He is, of course, a Ronin, but still follows Samurai principles. He's obsessed with the Overlord that ruined his life, and is hunted by House Tremontaine, even if not fiercely.

Ronin (-5) Samurai Code of Honor: Total (-30) Obsession: Hatred of Katsunosuki Hiraka (-30) Hunted: House Tremontaine (-15)

Total Disadvantages: -80

Step 8: Skills

This is where the tables get really annoying, as they are a lot like GURPS buy tables, with cumulative costs per level based on complexity of skills.

Acrobatics +2 (7) Blade +3 (10) Climbing +2 (3) Dodge +3 (16) Driving (Skimmer, Wheeled) +1 (3+2=5) Forceblade +4 (11) Martial Arts +3 (10) Quick Draw (Force Blade, Blade) +4 (11+2=13) Handgun +3 (6) Ride (Horse) +3 (6) Stealth +1 (1) Swimming +1 (1) Awareness +2 (4) City Lore (Shogunate) +1 (1) Courtier +1 (4) Intimidate +1 (1) Leadership +1 (1) Lore (Tactics) +2 (3) Navigator +1 (1) Survival +1 (1)

Total Skills: 107

Step 9: Special Abilities

He will of course have the Tau, Way of the Tiger, and all of the skills, and the Bugei for Tiger Roar (Kiai shout) and Blazing Tiger Spring (Iaido).

Way of the Tiger (5) Tiger Strike +1 (1) Tiger Spring +2 (4) Tiger Claw +1 (1) Claw Swipe +1 (1) Tiger Roar(5) Blazing Tiger Spring (5)

Total Special Skills: 22

Step 10: Equipment

Medium Ceramic Armor (AR:6) 2 Force Blades Blaster Pistol Heavy Horse with Dermal Armor (AR:1)

–> On To Day 3