GatewayHouseRules/CharacterCreation

Young Dragon-Blooded Character Creation

Important: Due to the inexperience of these characters any trait (attribute, ability, virtue, background) raised above 4 at character creation costs twice what it normally would. In the case of attributes, the additional cost must be paid in bonus points.

Step One:

Choose Aspect, Determine motivation, select favoured Aspect

Step Two:

Choosing Attributes 7/6/4

Step Three:

Note Aspect Abilities
Select Favoured Abilities (3, may not be the same as Aspect)
Chose Abilities (25) At least 10 of which dot must go in Aspect or Favoured abilities. None may start higher than 3 without spending bonus points.

Step Four:

Chose Backgrounds (12) Charms (7 Dragon-Blooded charms, at least four of which must be from Aspect of Favoured element) and Virtues (5- none may be higher than 3 without spending bonus points)

== Step Five: == Record Essence (2), Willpower
Personal Essence Pool (Essence + Willpower + any gained from Breeding)
Peripheral Essence Pool ([Essence x4] + Willpower + [the sum of the two highest virtues] + any gained from Breeding)
and health levels (7 plus any obtained from charms)

Bonus Points (15) can be spent at any time during character creation.

Bonus Points-
Attribute 4
Ability 2 (1 if aspect or favoured)
Background 1 (2 if Background is being raised above 3)
Favoured Charm 5
Non-Favoured Charm 7
Specialty 2 for 1
Virtue 3
Willpower 2
Essence 3 10

Backgrounds

Allies 
Artifacts
Backing
Breeding 
Command
Contacts
Dragon's Horde
Face 
Familiar
Family 
Followers
Henchmen
Influence
Manse
Mentor
Reputation 
Resources
Retinue  
Training  

Backgrounds

Artifact- Dragon-Blooded can obtain minor wonders with relative ease, the Terrestrial of the Realm and Lookshy often acquire fanciful exaltation gifts that require essence to wield. Meanwhile Outcaste Dragon-Blooded have little difficulty acquiring small artifacts either as a payment for services or through less lawful means.
X- none.
1- 2 dots of artifact. A pair of 1 dot artifacts.
2- 4 dots of artifact. Two of which must be 1 dot artifacts.
3- 6 dots of artifact. Three of which must be 1 dot artifacts.
4- 8 dots of artifact. Four of which must be 1 dot artifacts.
5- 10 dots of artifact. Five of which must be 1 dot artifacts.
If the player desires multiple artifact backgrounds - other instances work exactly as detailed on Exalted page 111 with no further bonuses.

Command- The Command background may not exceed the exalt's rating in Backing and the loyalty of the commanded troops is dependent upon the status of said Backing.

Dragon's Horde- The Dragon-Blooded Manse background present in MoEP: Dragon-Blooded, save one important clarification. Your House or Gens owns your Manses/Hearthstones and reserves the right to periodically reasign them and issue your character with replacement Manses.

Family- While Breeding represents the strength of a Dragon-Blooded's bloodline, Family represents the unity of that bloodline. High levels of this background were common in the First Age and are still sometimes seen by the Gens of Lookshy. The Empress took measures to ensure that no Great House achieved lasting dominance and discouraged Martyr charms, thus the highest levels of this background are rare for Dynastic Dragon-Blooded.

x- You were either born to mortal parents, or your Dragon-Blooded family has not been a particularly present entity in your life thus far.
1- Your family is well connected and has seen to it that you enjoy a certain standard of living befitting a Prince of the Earth. +1 free Background, chosen by the Storyteller.
2- Dynasty charms have weaved a close network between you and your blood kin. Only the truly stubborn would refuse to help you if it was in the family's interest.
When seeking allies among your own family gain +2 dice on all social rolls against all Mortal blood relatives. This bonus also applies to Dragon-Blooded relatives whose (essence) is lower than yours.
3- Not only are the bonds of blood strong, but you seem almost instinctively drawn to your own kin and can find them even far away from home. When in the presence of another mortal or Dragon-Blooded a relfexive (Perception + Breeding) roll at (their essence) difficulty will identify their relation to you and give some indication of the strength of this bond.
4- One or more of the elders of your House or Gens has shown personal interest in your personal growth.
The player and Storyeller determine the effects of Dynasty charm that the character enjoys the benefits of. The Dragon-Blooded who used it may have an essence no greater than 5.
5- Your bloodline's records are impecable, having records of major deeds of the Shogunate (and in some cases even the First Age) and your family know of a Martyr effect that can still be harnessed.
The player and Storyeller determine the effects of second Dynasty charm that the character enjoys the benefits of. The Dragon-Blooded who used it may have an essence no greater than 7.

Manse- The same background in the core book, the Manse belongs to you or someone who'd never dream of asking for the hearthstone back.

Training- The Training background represents the benefits of guidance prior to, or immediately following the character's exaltation. The secondary schools of the Realm and Lookshy ensure excellent training to a young Prince of the Earth.

Bonus ability dots and specialties gained from this background are spent in cooperation with the Storyteller as they are intended to reflect skills from your character's education and upbriging.
x- Your Exaltation left you as a big fish in a small pond and the people around you either sought your guidance or attempted to manipulate your newfound power to their own ends.
1- You received some instruction in the correct use of your power, possibly one of your parents was Terrestrial Exalted or a local spirit saw fit to guide you? +1 free specialty.
2- You have almost certainly had contact with other Dragon-Blooded since your exaltation, though the lessons were informal at best you have benefited from the experience. (This is the level of Training found in most Outcaste groups). +3 additional specialties.
3- A master has done their best to shape you since exaltation or a dedicated training programme has ensured that you are not lacking what they deem to be valuable life lessons. (This is the basic level of Training possessed by most Dragon-Blooded who've finished their schooling in the Realm or Lookshy, those that pay attention to their lessons at least!) +1 ability dot, +6 additional specialties.
4- Your education was exceptional even by the standards of the Realm, teaching you many useful skills that you will use in the wider world. Only the most privileged or studious of Dynastic Scions are this honoured. +2 ability dots, +6 additional specialties.
5- Your training began before you even took your first breath, so sure were your parents that you were destined for something far greater. +4 ability dots, +9 additional specialties.

Experience

Non-Favoured Charm (12 experience points)
Favoured Charm (10 experience points)
Permanent Essence (current rating x 10 experience points)