Determine Your Statistics

Alacrity uses four primary statistics to define a character’s core physical and mental attributes: Strength (Str), Dexterity (Dex), Body, and Mind.

Default Method: Roll & Add

The standard method for determining these is straightforward and produces capable adventurers suitable for most campaigns: Roll 1d10 and add the result to 10 for each of the four stats. This generates scores ranging from 11 to 20. Record these totals on your character sheet. Additionally, you may optionally roll a d10 separately for Appearance, giving your character a simple 1-to-10 rating in that area. This default method ensures a solid baseline competency for all characters.

GM Options for Stat Generation

However, the Game Master might prefer alternative methods to suit the specific tone or power level of their campaign. Here are a couple of options the GM can choose from:

Standard Array

For GMs seeking balance and predictability, a standard array offers a pre-set selection of scores that players assign to their Str, Dex, Body, and Mind stats as they choose. A balanced array for the 11-20 range might be: 18, 16, 14, 12. This method ensures no character starts significantly ahead or behind due to random rolls and allows players to strategically prioritize their character’s strengths.

Point Buy

For maximum player control and customization, the GM can implement a point buy system. All stats start at the minimum base of 11. Players then receive a pool of points to spend on increasing their statistics, with each +1 increase costing 1 point. Crucially, regardless of the point pool granted by the GM, no single statistic may be raised above 20 during character creation using this method. The GM decides the total point pool based on the desired campaign power level. Here are suggested tiers:

Point Buy: Grit & Gutter (Low Power) Start with 15 points to distribute above the minimums. This typically results in characters with mostly average stats (perhaps in the 12-14 range) and one moderately high score (maybe 16 or 17), or potentially sacrificing one stat slightly below average to push another higher. This level emphasizes resource scarcity and forces meaningful choices about specialization versus breadth.

Point Buy: Adventurer Standard (Medium Power) Start with 25 points to distribute. This allows for more capable starting heroes, generally sufficient to achieve one high statistic (18-20) along with another solid score (15-17), or a more balanced spread of clearly above-average scores across the board (many stats in the 14-16 range). This tier represents the standard for competent fantasy adventurers.

Point Buy: Heroic Legacy (High Power) Start with 35 points to distribute. This creates powerful starting characters, often capable of having multiple high stats (achieving two scores at 18-20 is feasible) or maximizing one stat at 20 while still maintaining strong scores (15+) elsewhere. This tier is suitable for high-fantasy campaigns where characters begin as notable figures or possess exceptional innate talents.

The GM sets the final point pool and confirms the maximum starting score (usually 20). This method requires more calculation but allows precise character optimization.

Derived Statistics

Regardless of the method used to determine the primary statistics, several crucial Derived Statistics are calculated from them. These reflect your character’s resilience, speed, and combat potential:

• Hit Points (HP): Roll 1d10 for each point of Body and add your Strength score. This determines your overall health and ability to withstand physical damage.
• Stun Points (SP): Equal to your maximum HP. These represent resistance to fatigue, shock, and non-lethal damage.
• Movement: Calculate as (Dex + Str) ÷ 2, then multiply by 10 feet per round. This is your tactical speed in combat.
• Strength Damage Adjustment (SDA): Your Strength score divided by 3, rounded down. This value is added to damage dealt by most melee attacks.
• Quickness: Calculated as (Dex + Dex + Mind) ÷ 3, rounded down. This determines your initiative order in combat.

Record all these primary and derived statistics clearly on your character sheet. They form the core mechanical foundation of your Alacrity hero.

 

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File Created: 04/28/2025
Last Modified: 04/28/2025