45 Savage Worlds Character Creator
Introduction
Welcome to our in-depth guide on the Savage Worlds character creator! Whether you're new to the system or a seasoned player, this article will provide you with all the information you need to create compelling and dynamic characters in the Savage Worlds role-playing game. From choosing your race and attributes to selecting skills and hindrances, we'll walk you through each step of the character creation process. So, let's dive in and start crafting your perfect hero or villain!
Step 1: Choosing a Race
In Savage Worlds, the first step in creating a character is choosing a race. This decision will not only determine your character's physical attributes but also provide you with unique abilities and advantages. Whether you want to play as a human, elf, dwarf, or any other fantastical race, Savage Worlds offers a wide range of options to suit your preferences.
Human
As the most common race in most fantasy settings, humans offer a balanced set of attributes and abilities. They have no inherent strengths or weaknesses, making them a versatile choice for players who want to customize their characters.
Elves
Elves are typically portrayed as graceful and long-lived beings with a deep connection to nature. In Savage Worlds, they often excel in agility and magical abilities, making them excellent archers and spellcasters. However, their physical fragility can be a disadvantage in certain situations.
Dwarves
Dwarves are known for their resilience, craftsmanship, and love for underground dwellings. In game terms, they possess exceptional toughness and a natural affinity for mining and crafting. While they may lack agility compared to other races, their durability and combat prowess make them formidable warriors.
Step 2: Determining Attributes
Attributes are the core characteristics that define your character's capabilities in Savage Worlds. There are five primary attributes:
Agility
Agility represents your character's physical coordination, reflexes, and dexterity. It influences skills related to agility, such as shooting, dodging, and stealth.
Smarts
Smarts reflects your character's intelligence, knowledge, and mental acuity. It impacts skills such as spellcasting, investigation, and persuasion.
Strength
Strength measures your character's physical power and raw muscle. It affects skills like fighting, grappling, and lifting heavy objects.
Vigor
Vigor represents your character's overall health, toughness, and resilience. It influences their ability to withstand damage, resist diseases, and recover from injuries.
Spirit
Spirit reflects your character's willpower, mental fortitude, and connection to the supernatural. It affects skills related to spellcasting, resisting fear, and commanding others.
Step 3: Assigning Skill Points
Once you've determined your character's attributes, it's time to allocate skill points. Skills represent your character's learned abilities and areas of expertise. There are over 60 skills to choose from in Savage Worlds, covering a wide range of actions and disciplines.
Selecting Core Skills
Start by selecting a few core skills that reflect your character's background and profession. For example, if you're playing a gunslinger, you might want to invest points in shooting and quick draw. If you're a sneaky thief, you may prioritize skills like stealth and lockpicking.
Choosing Supporting Skills
After selecting your core skills, consider adding a few supporting skills to round out your character's abilities. These could include knowledge skills, social skills, or specialized combat maneuvers. Think about your character's personality, backstory, and role in the game to determine which skills would be most beneficial.
Balancing Skills and Attributes
When allocating skill points, it's essential to strike a balance between skills and attributes. While skills determine your character's expertise in specific areas, attributes provide the foundation for success. A character with high agility and shooting skill, for instance, will be a deadly marksman, whereas a character with low agility but high shooting skill may struggle to hit their targets.
Step 4: Hindrances and Edges
In Savage Worlds, hindrances and edges add depth and flavor to your character. Hindrances represent flaws, disadvantages, or personal quirks that make your character more interesting and provide additional skill points or character creation options. Edges, on the other hand, are special abilities or advantages that enhance your character's capabilities.
Selecting Hindrances
Choose a few hindrances that align with your character's personality, backstory, or role-playing preferences. Hindrances can range from physical disabilities to psychological weaknesses or even unresolved debts. Remember that hindrances should not only provide mechanical benefits but also create narrative opportunities and challenges for your character.
Acquiring Edges
Edges allow you to customize your character by granting unique abilities or advantages. There are various types of edges available, including combat edges, social edges, and arcane edges. Consider your character concept and playstyle when selecting edges, as they can significantly impact your character's capabilities in specific situations.
Step 5: Gear and Equipment
No adventurer is complete without their trusty gear and equipment. In Savage Worlds, gear encompasses weapons, armor, tools, and any other items your character may need during their adventures.
Weapons
Choose weapons that suit your character's playstyle and preferences. Whether you prefer a sword and shield, a pair of pistols, or a magical staff, Savage Worlds provides a wide array of options to cater to different combat styles.
Armor
Armor is essential for protecting your character from harm. It's important to find the right balance between protection and mobility, as heavier armor may reduce your character's agility and impose penalties on certain skills.
Tools and Equipment
Consider your character's profession and skills when selecting tools and equipment. Whether you're a master lockpicker, a skilled healer, or a cunning investigator, having the appropriate tools can make a significant difference in your character's effectiveness.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Now that you've completed the major steps of character creation, it's time to add the finishing touches to bring your character to life. Consider the following aspects:
Name and Appearance
Choose a name that reflects your character's personality, culture, or background. Additionally, think about your character's appearance, including physical features, clothing, and accessories. These details can help you visualize your character and make them more relatable to other players.
Backstory
Create a backstory that explains your character's origins, motivations, and goals. This narrative framework will not only provide depth to your character but also serve as a guide for role-playing and decision-making during gameplay.
Alignment and Personality
Consider your character's alignment and personality traits. Are they a noble hero driven by justice, a cunning rogue motivated by self-interest, or a chaotic trickster who revels in chaos? Understanding your character's moral compass and personality will help you make consistent choices and react to different situations in the game.
Conclusion
Creating a character in Savage Worlds is a creative and engaging process that allows you to shape a unique persona within the game world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to craft a compelling and dynamic character ready for thrilling adventures and epic quests. So, gather your imagination, grab your dice, and let the Savage Worlds character creator unleash your heroic potential!