Character Guidelines

The template’s metadata:

---
id: character_guidelines
title: Character Creation Guidelines
type: character_guidelines
level: campaign
purpose: Connect character options directly to your world while maintaining player agency
author: Mimir Team
variables:
  - name: campaign_name
    type: string
    description: Name of the campaign
    default: "[Campaign Name]"
    required: true
  - name: core_concept
    type: string
    description: Core concept for characters in this campaign
    default: "You are adventurers drawn together by fate and circumstance"
    required: true
  - name: common_ancestries
    type: string
    description: Common ancestry options and their roles
    default: "**Humans**: The most common ancestry\n**Elves**: Ancient and wise\n**Dwarves**: Sturdy and traditional\n**Halflings**: Clever and resourceful"
    required: true
  - name: valued_classes
    type: string
    description: Classes that fit well in this campaign
    default: "All classes are welcome, though some may face unique challenges"
    required: true
  - name: starting_bonds
    type: string
    description: Required character connections to the world
    default: "1. **Why you're here**: Your reason for being in this place\n2. **What you offer**: Your unique skills or perspective\n3. **What you want**: Your personal goals"
    required: true
---

Creating Your Character for {{ campaign_name }}

Core Concept

{{ core_concept }}

Ancestry Options

{{ common_ancestries }}

Class Considerations

{{ valued_classes }}

Starting Bonds

Every character needs: {{ starting_bonds }}

Party Connections

During Session Zero, we’ll establish deeper connections between PCs:

• Professional: Shared occupation, guild membership, or rivalry
• Circumstantial: Met during a significant event
• Reputational: Know each other by reputation
• Transactional: Owe each other favors or share a debt

We’ll create 2-3 connections per character during Session Zero.

Character Creation Process

1. Choose your ancestry and class
2. Develop your background and motivations
3. Consider how you fit into the world
4. Think about connections to other characters
5. Leave room for growth and discovery

What Makes a Good Character

• Has clear motivations beyond “adventure”
• Connects to the world through relationships
• Works well with others (even if reluctantly)
• Has both strengths and flaws
• Leaves room for growth

Questions to Consider

• What brought you to this moment?
• What do you hope to achieve?
• What are you running from or toward?
• Who matters to you in this world?
• What would make you take risks?

Next Steps

Come to Session Zero with a character concept. We’ll refine it together and create connections that bind the party into a cohesive group.