Character Generation Preference Options

[Crimson Jack]

When building characters, I've found that the point system is the most flexible for me. Which do you prefer? Are there some house-rule chargen methods out there?

[Toshiaki]

I'll generally go with point based creation as it allows me to get a bit closer to the character that I envision.

However, I'll use the priority method without complaining if the GM wants them. I also find it useful for quickly building characters. Great for when the fabled PC killing GM steps up to the screen.

[Kagetenshi]

Point, always point.

The two big house-ruled methods are BeCKS and Sum-to-10 (which in previous editions was canon).

~J

[Smiley]

I'm a big fan of Build Points. I gotta get in there with a pencil and some paper and really hash everything out. Helps me get to know the character.

We use any system we want to, though. It's all up to the player.

[Capt. Dave]

Now BeCKs is the one to get in there with a pen and paper to hash out a character. Takes for fraggin' ever. Of course, it usually works out better to use BPs, IMHO.

My personal favorite is Sum-to-Ten. Easy slot selection with more options/combinations than Priority. I usually try all of them with a bunch of sample characters, and I find that some characters work out better with different systems.

[kevyn668]

Points. All the way.

[Chance359]

BECKS (I've usually got alot of time to waste)

[Smiley]

[kevyn668]

I like BeKCs a lot, too. That system lets me spread the points around. If you don't like the number crunching, use the NSRCG.

[hahnsoo]

Priority system here... it's less flexible, but good for playing metahumans (assuming you are using the More Metahumans rules that are canon now in 3rd edition), especially the priority D metahumans. It's also one of the few ways to take the million, be magically active and still have decent skills and attributes. Depends on your point threshold, though. Although the SR Companion suggests 120 points, our group has found 125 to be better balanced against the Priority system. Most of the characters that I make with Priorities actually end up being 127 to 130.

[kevyn668]

Its only good for metahumans if you don't play Trolls or Elves.

Is there a way to play the meta-varients with Priority or Sum to Ten?

[toturi]

Priority is good for metahumans, even if you play Trolls or Elves. Just that it does not benefit them as much. To use metavariants, by Canon, you have only one route: BP.

[hahnsoo]

[kevyn668]

So if a player wanted to create a Night One or a Giant it would be Priority B? That's pretty harsh. What happens if he/she wants to me an Adept or Aspected Magician?

I don't see how Sum To Ten is cheesy but you may have had bad experiences with it.

[Xirces]

Points or Priority have to be the way to go, IMO. I don't like the karma based way of doing things as characters end up with way too many skills - quite frankly min-maxing is a problem with players not the chargen system - if a player doesn't see the need for well rounded characters, good luck to them.

I'm not sure why I don't like it, but sumto10 *does* seem a bit cheesy... I get the impression it was created *just* to allow for million nuyen, 30 attribute samurai (I know I can achieve the same with points, but it's not quite the same) in response to the "mundane humans get screwed" school of thought.

Fact is, using points allows for the greatest flexibility without allowing the creation of characters with hundreds of medium level skills - a value of about 125 seems about right (any less and mages are disadvantaged over the priority system) and given the additional rules since the BBB was written allows for the unawakened to get some advantages (MA maneouvers, SUT as an active skill, off-hand skills etc).

[Luca]

[Grinder]

Point - ever since it was introduced in the companion.

[Garland]

I likes the BeCKS. I think it creates more generalized and plausible characters.

My real beef is with the Priority system, where you'd be stupid not to max out those primary skills (whatever they are for your character). BeCKS at least makes you suffer for specialization.

As a side note, I tend to run VERY long campaigns, so a slightly less specialized start lets the fun go longer without the characters becoming unstoppable in their chosen field too quickly.

[Grinder]

We're using a house rule on char gen, saying that only a fair number of skills can be at rating 6, 5, etc.
How many skills are allowed to be at which rating is GM call. Works fine so far and the GM is able to balance the power level of the characters, preventing chars with five skills at 6 in the beginning. If he want to.

[Fortune]

I've done the same type of thing in my games. I typically only allow the use of the Build Point system, but if a player really insists on handicapping himself with Priorities, well, they can go for it.

I really dislike BeCKS, although I can see its appeal for some people.

[hahnsoo]

[Large Mike]

Sum-to-10. I've seen points math-crunched once to often to like it, and priority often seems to limiting, so I think this is damn near the perfect balance.

[Xirces]

[Xirces]

[James McMurray]

My group has never done anything but priority.