I have always loved the detail and crunch of the A Time of War RPG. But we all know the hurdle of Character Creation, especially for new players. I have come up with a "quick" method to get people up and running as soon as possible.
I do not think there is a reason to reinvent the wheel, so I want to use what is already there. To start I would use a variation of the Point-Buy system mixed in with the Character Templates in the A Time of War Companion (since they are built with 5000 Points).
Basically you break up the sections of the Character Template and have the Player make choices to build their character. For the Attributes, total the number of Attributes and allow the Player to spread those points as they see fit. Of course you have to use the Maximums based on the Character's Archetype (Human, Clan, etc.) For the Traits, take the total Positive/Negative Traits in the Template and have the Player pick from both sets of Traits. Finally for the Skills, record the total number of Skill Levels for the Template and have the Player fill in the specific Skills and assign the remaining Levels available.
For example, take the Hot Shot Mechwarrior Template (ATOW Companion p.86). There is a total of 38 Points spread across the eight Attributes. There are a total of 10 Traits Points (TP) and -2 TP to select Positive/Negative Traits respectively. Finally there are one +3, four +2, six +1 and two +0 Skills to select.
I think this can work since each Template is built with 5000 XP. For more detail and focus, you can select the Skills and Traits from Life Modules and apply them as previously mentioned. This can work with the Character Archetypes from the ATOW Core Book, although you will have to add the final 500 XP since they are built with 4500 XP. I think this can be helpful for getting folks up to speed for online and table play.
So what do you guys think?
