Character Creation: Ability Score Generation

Prior to taking an action that requires a roll, you need to determine your Ability Scores. Open Game Content provides rules for using character Abilities in game, but it does not provide rules for determining the character's Ability Score. For this reason, it is necessary to refer to a published document other than the System Reference Document or Modern System Reference Document to determine Ability Scores within The Lovecraftian Traveller. It is recommended that both the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook and the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game be purchased to create a character in The Lovecraftian Traveller. Although any Open Game Content compatible core rulebook can be used (with GM approval), the methods used to determine a character's Abilities by the Player's Handbook and d20 Modern are considered appropriate for use with this game.

HOUSE RULES: FLAWS & THE ABILITY POOL
The following House Rules may be used to determine Ability Score in The Lovecraftian Traveller, and allows for the addition of character flaws at the beginning of the game. It should be noted, however, that these House Rules will create a weaker character than that developed through standard Ability Generation (as described in the Player's Handbook and d20 Modern).

The Ability Score for the average human is 10, without some sort of ability flaw, your character will start with 10 points in all abilities. Each of these scores can be increased (or, potentially, decreased) over the course of the game. When an Ability score changes, all attributes associated with that score change accordingly. During character creation, the initial Ability score can be modified.

If there are any Abilities you would like your character to have a flaw in, determine the specifics of the flaw, remove points from that Ability, and write the removed number removed down as your "Ability Pool." You are not allowed to add any points to flawed Abilities during character creation. For some flaws, the GM may determine additional points need to be removed from the Ability during character creation, and may limit the amount the Ability can be increased during game play. During character creation, you may not remove more than 9 points from any individual Ability. Consult with the GM before taking any flaw.

Next, roll 1d20 (one 20-sided die--feel free to use the Dice Roller in the Gameplay Links), and add the number rolled to your Ability Pool. The total number of points in this pool may now be distributed amongst any Abilities which do not have a flaw. Each Ability Pool point is equal to one point in the Ability you choose to apply it to. During character creation, you may not take more than 18 for any individual Ability as its total Ability score (starting points + character pool points). If all available points have been distributed, but additional points remain in your Ability Pool, the GM may offer an item(s) or story element equal to the value of the points. The value of the points relative to equipment and story elements is solely determined by the GM, and excess Ability Pool points are worthless after character creation is completed.

Click here to view your Abilities
Click here to view your Ability Modifiers