Character Creation

Well well well, looks like we have some fresh meat for Shadows, huh? Don't worry, we won't bite...too hard. Now, let's get one thing straight - in Shadows, your character is the star of the show. So, we take character creation very seriously. None of that cookie-cutter stuff you see in other systems - no sir, not here. We use a homebrew system called Synergy that's as unique as your grandma's secret recipe for meatloaf. And just like that meatloaf, your character will be one-of-a-kind.

But don't get ahead of yourself, young grasshopper. If you're new to tabletop RPGs, we'll hold your hand through the character creation process. We'll even let you choose from pre-made Archetypes...or, if you're feeling brave, you can try your hand at crafting your own character concept. Just make sure you know what you're getting into, because that custom concept can be a real beast to tame. Same goes for new GMs - stick to the basics until you've got a handle on things.

Bottom line? Have fun, take it easy, and make your character as snarky (or not) as you want. Because let's be real, the more personality they've got, the better the game.

Character Concept

Oh, so you wanna play a game? How original. But hey, at least you're here. First things first, gotta figure out what you're gonna be playing. That means taking a look at the existing Archetypes to see if anything tickles your fancy. If not, maybe you can actually use that imagination of yours to come up with something cool and unique. Shocking, I know.

But listen up, bucko. This is serious business. You're in charge of creating your character, so don't half-ass it. Spend some time thinking about who they are, how they got to NYTE City, what sort of messed up stuff happened in their past, and who they're connected to. And for the love of all that's holy, write it down. It'll make your life a lot easier in the long run.

Look, just make sure that when you're scribbling away, there's a feeling like you actually know this person. Like they're a real person and not just some cardboard cutout. If you can do that, you're good to go. And if you can't, well...good luck with that.

Numbers and Stuff

Power Level 

Alright, so you're ready to dive into the Synergy System and make your character a total badass. But hold on, first things first - you need to establish the Power Level. This is basically the difficulty level of the game, or in other words, how hardcore you need to be to survive past the first session without getting your butt handed to you. Think you've got what it takes? Check out the table below for an easy reference on how the Power Levels are ranked.

• Street Level: This power level is perfect for gritty and realistic campaigns that take place on the streets and alleys of a city. Characters here are average people who may have some skills or abilities, but they are not superheroes.

• Mildly Heroic: In this power level, characters have access to some supernatural or extraordinary abilities, but they are still relatively grounded in reality. This power level is great for campaigns with a mix of action and drama.

• Heroic: In this power level, characters are full-fledged superheroes with incredible powers and abilities. This power level is perfect for campaigns with a focus on superheroic action and adventure.

• Shadows: This power level is designed for campaigns with a dark, noir feel. Characters are usually anti-heroes or even villains, operating in the shadows and dealing with the darker side of society.  Expect the body count to increase, and for the deaths to matter on a personal level.

• Dark World: This power level is even darker and more dangerous than Shadows. Characters here are usually battling supernatural or cosmic threats, and the world is on the brink of destruction.

• Shadows Heroic: This power level combines the darkness of Shadows with the heroic action of Heroic. Characters are still anti-heroes or villains, but they have access to powerful abilities and are capable of heroic feats.

• World Coming Down: This power level is the most extreme and apocalyptic. Characters are fighting against overwhelming odds as the world crumbles around them. This power level is perfect for campaigns with a focus on survival and desperation.

But wait, there's more. The Power Level not only determines the points you start with, but also the maximum rank you can achieve in your skills, powers, and magic disciplines. Everything in the Synergy System is interconnected (you know, SYNERGY), so the points you get to spend on your character are used to increase their quantitative value in various attributes, like Stats & Attributes, Skills, Advantages & Disadvantages, Disciplines & Powers, and more. Basically, the higher the rank, the more badass you become. So, get ready to invest those points wisely and become a force to be reckoned with in the game.

Spending Points 

Ah, the joys of point allocation! 

You'll be given a certain amount of points depending on your Power Level.  Street Level folks just haven't been through the meat grinder enough to get that fat stack of points the way that Heroes have.  These points are divvied up into three categories: Character Points, Skill Points, and Freebie Points. Don't worry, you don't have to put all your eggs in one basket. Just make sure you spend at least one point in all basic Stats, or you'll be sitting at a big fat zero. And if you have any leftover Character Points, for some reason, don't go throwing them around willy-nilly. There's an order to this madness, so your unspent Character Points roll over to your Skill Points, then your Freebie Points to spend at the end, to round everything out and shore up any gaps. 

So, be strategic with your allocation, or suffer the consequences.

Skills

No matter the character that is created, Skills are a necessity. Skills are what determine the character’s base training, combat expertise, and round out the character's strengths and weaknesses. 

Skill points are determined by your REF + INT.

Each skill has been assigned a primary and secondary Stat, based on how the skill is typically used.  If you create your own skills, take care to determine what the relevant stats should be, so that you can reward players who build characters thoughtfully.

An example would be the skill Rifles, which relies on REF and COOL.  An ordinary person using a sniper rifle relies on their hand/eye coordination to aim (REF), whereas someone who is trained knows how to be patient, how to breathe properly and to focus, allowing them to take a more precise and better shot at their target (COOL).  Synergy at work.

To make a skill check, roll 1d10 and add the total score for the Skill (Skill Rank + Primary Stat + Synergy Bonus).  

Skills are classified into three different categories - Combat, Utility, and General.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the unique ways that two similarly built characters can differentiate themselves is through the addition of Advantages and Disadvantages. Advantages provide benefits to your character, while Disadvantages give your character some challenges to overcome.  

Each character has their own perks and flaws that help to distinguish them from others, allowing players to create the exact persona they wish to play.  

Perhaps a ghoul made a snack out of your arm and you had to amputate to avoid further infection. Don’t despair! Take on the Missing Limb Disadvantage, pocket the 3 points it earns you, and then purchase the Lucky Advantage. 

Now you have a cool cybernetic arm you can bash people with, and there's a greater chance you'll succeed.  Who doesn't want that?

Spit & Polish

Equipment, Weapons, and Gear 

Guess what that starting cash is for? That's right, spending on basic stuff you need to get things going. You'll need clothes, doodads, guns, and maybe a holo-pet to keep you company while you're going through your day to keep your sanity on a level less than homicidal. Just sayin'. Refer to your local GM or the Equipment section for prices and information.

Threads, Treads, and Style 

Now is the last bit where you can start putting what you want for the character's appearance, ticks, and mannerisms. In a brief one to three word statement you will identify the character's Archetype on the character sheet so you know what their concept is at a glance. Like Human Cyborg or Vegan Vampire... It has something to do with coconuts and being able to use them for blood transfusions: don't ask. You get the picture. And you have a notes section that will allow you to be more descriptive to detail how your character looks and acts.

That's it. You have a character now. Best of luck.