1. Generate a character using standard SWADE rules. Use the example character in Applications as a guide. Do not write money values on the char sheet—you will get a Resources die instead (likely d6).
Start at Novice with two advances. One advance can optionally be switched for the Great War training package, and one optionally for a professional package (below). These choices must make sense—e.g. a STA d4 char is unlikely to have passed an army medical.
Optional training packages
Great War package
Get one point EACH in athletics, shoot, fight
AND one of EITHER drive, repair, medic OR CK.
Profession packages:
Academia
Get one point EACH in academics, research, CK
AND one of EITHER science, persuade, occult OR perform.
Copland
Get one point EACH in notice, research, shoot.
AND one of EITHER drive, persuade, fight OR thievery.
Underworld
Get one point EACH in notice, stealth, thievery.
AND one of EITHER drive, fight, shoot OR athletics.
Press
Get one point EACH in investigate, CK, persuade
AND one of EITHER drive, perform(writing), notice OR stealth.
The Road
Get one point EACH in survival, notice, athletics (jump!)
AND one of EITHER repair, stealth, perform OR thievery.
Life of Leisure
Get one point EACH in persuade, CK.
AND TWO of EITHER boat, occult, pilot OR fly.
2. Add a Sanity (SAN) stat calculated as SPI/2 +2. Tough sanity checks occur when scary stuff happens.
3. Describe your character’s profession in a phrase or brief sentence. Any ideas welcome but I’m keen on the following: antiquary, author, bank robber, barber, bar tender, book dealer, burglar, cop, dilettante, drifter, mobster, journo, museum curator, (wannabe) occultist, photographer, PI. This determines your:
Resources. Most professions give a resource die of d6 or d8, a dilettante might have d10 or (GM’s discretion) d12.
Networking. +1 to interact in your local professional network—cops, academics, etc.
CK bonuses: +1/+2 for CK checks against relevant professional knowledge.
4. Languages. Equal to half Smarts.
5. Possessions. List a few assets. D6 resources indicates a modest house, savings, moderate income. D8 suggests a more impressive abode, car, housekeeper.
6. Description: briefly describe your char’s appearance.
7. BRIEF history/ motivation. Indicate a reason why the character might join an effort to defend Arkham from mythos threats.