Roll 3d6 for each of your character’s ability scores: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma in order
If you roll a character with very poor ability scores—for example an 8 or less in every score or an extremely low rating in one ability—the referee may allow you to discard the character and start again.
Select one of the races available, bearing in mind the minimum ability score requirements of some races.
Ability score modifiers: If the selected race lists ability score modifiers, adjust your character’s ability scores as indicated. Bonuses that would raise an ability above 18 or penalties that would lower it below 3 are ignored.
Select one of the classes available to your race, bearing in mind the minimum ability score requirements of some classes.
If using the optional rule for multiple classes, you may select more than one class for your character as long as their ability scores meet the requirements of all selected classes.
If you wish, you may raise your character’s prime requisite(s) by lowering other (non-prime requisite) ability scores. For every 2 points by which an ability score is lowered, 1 point may be added to a prime requisite. The following restrictions apply:
▶ Only Strength, Intelligence, and Wisdom may be lowered in this way.
▶ No score may be lowered below 9.
▶ Some character classes may have additional constraints.
Now that your character’s ability scores are fixed, make a note of any associated bonuses or penalties
The level progression chart for your character’s class lists your THAC0 score. This indicates your chance of hitting opponents in combat, as determined by the Attack Matrix.
For quick reference, it is convenient to look up the values in the matrix row corresponding to your THAC0 and record them on your character sheet. 1st level characters have a THAC0 of 19 [0], resulting in the attack values shown opposite.
If using the optional rule for Ascending AC (p13), record your attack bonus on your character sheet, instead of the attack matrix quick reference.
| 1st Level PC Attack Values | ||||||||||
| Attack Roll | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| AC Hit | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Record any special abilities possessed by your character as a result of their race and class, as well as their saving throws. If your character has a spell book, ask your referee which spells are recorded in it. The referee may allow you to choose.
If using the optional rule for weapon proficiency, select which weapons your character is proficient with, choosing from the list of weapons usable by the character’s race and class.
Determine your character’s hit points by rolling the die type specified for your class. Modifiers for high or low Constitution apply. Characters always start with at least 1 hit point, regardless of CON modifier.
If you roll a 1 or 2 (before applying any CON modifier), the referee may allow you to re-roll. This is in order to increase the survivability of 1st level PCs.
Decide whether your character is Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic
Your character’s race determines their native languages. Characters with high INT may also choose additional languages. See Languages
Your character has 3d6 × 10 gold pieces. Consult the equipment lists and decide what to purchase with this initial wealth.
Remember: Your chosen race and class may restrict your use of some equipment (e.g. weapons and armour).
Your character’s Armour Class is determined by two factors:
▶ Armour: The armour worn determines your character’s base AC
▶ Dexterity: See Ability Scores
If your character has no armour, their base AC is 9[10].
Your character begins play at 1st level with 0 XP.
If using the optional rule for secondary skills, determine which skill your character has.
Finally, choose a name for your character. You are now ready for adventure!