Building Your Character

Every PC starts from a playbook — a template that points at an archetype while leaving room for a unique character. There are nine: The Blessed, The Fox, The Heavy, The Judge, The Lightbearer, The Marshal, The Ranger, The Seeker, and The Would-Be Hero. No doubling up; each player picks a different one.

• Background — how you became exceptional, and what role you play in Stonetop. Each comes with a unique move, a bonus move, or a special possession.
• Instinct — how your PC tends to behave, for better or worse. Demonstrate it (or struggle against it) and mark XP at session end.
• Appearance, place of origin, name — flavor, no mechanical effect.
• Stats — most playbooks distribute +2, +1, +1, +0, +0, -1 across STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA. The Would-Be Hero starts weaker but has Potential for Greatness.
• Playbook moves — start with 3 or 4; gain a new one each Level Up.
• Special possessions — the unique items you own or have access to. Common gear is on the Inventory insert; this is the stuff most folks don't have.

• STR: physical power. Clash, or Defy Danger with might.
• DEX: grace, fine motor control. Let Fly, or Defy Danger with speed.
• CON: stamina, grit. Defend, or Defy Danger by enduring.
• INT: memory, quick thinking. Know Things, or Defy Danger with expertise.
• WIS: intuition, awareness. Seek Insight, or Defy Danger with willpower or senses.
• CHA: charm. Persuade, or Defy Danger socially.

Each playbook ends with prompts to connect your PC to the others and to the village. The GM walks the group through these together during the first session — asking lots of questions, building on each answer. New PCs joining an ongoing game pick a background that fits a newcomer or an NPC stepping up, then introduce themselves through play or a pared-down version of the procedure.

Make characters together. Show up with ideas if you want, but hold them lightly.