Character Generation in Tien Tao

General Guidelines

These are the general anti-munchkin rules that are in effect:

Styles:

A character should not start with a "Western" style. GM approval of chosen style is vital in the Tien Tao setting.

Attributes:

A starting character may not have a one-dot and a five-dot attribute in the same category (Physical, Social, Mental).

Abilities:

A starting character may not allocate more than three points to an Ability (Talent, Skill, Knowledge) to begin with. Further points may be bought with Freebie points.

Techniques and Special Maneuvers:

A starting character may not allocate more than three points to a Technique. Further points may be bought with Freebie points.

Chi and Willpower:

A starting character may not have more than 15 points in Chi and Willpower, combined.

Backgrounds:

A starting character may not allocate more than three points to a Background. Further points may be bought with Freebie points.

A starting character may not have more than one Special background (Animal Hybrid, Demon, Elemental, Mutant, Ninja Clan Heritage).

Styles and Sensei

In the Tien Tao setting, your style and your sensei has a major impact on your fighter. To simulate this, characters sharing a style may also share Sensei background - in effect, adding together the background points each character has in Sensei to determine the true level of the sensei.

Note, however, that it is not necessary to determine exactly who your sensei is to begin with. This will often be revealed in time, in true Wuxia fashion - it is sometimes the most unassuming person that is revealed to be the best sensei. Did Karate Kid know why he painted the fence and house, and why he polished the car?

Suggested Styles

Appropriate styles for the Tien Tao setting are many - and any individual GM may approve any other style not on this list. However, what follows is a suggested styles set for starting characters in the Tien Tao setting:

Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kabaddi, Kung Fu, Shotokan Karate, Tai Chi Chuan, Wu Shu