Character Creation

Creating a well-developed character is not as diffcult as some may think--in fact it can be a lot of fun! Below we have a list of questions you might want to ask yourself regarding your character, things to think about and notes that you might find helpful as you explore your new persona.

Where is your character from?

• Is he or she from a Hold, Hall or Weyr? Consider that place, what the environment is like, what goods or services is produces and what kinds of lives and opportunities the people have there. Take note of how far away this place is from Ista too, because you'll have to explain how they came to be on the island.

• If your character is from Ista, consider the fact that they may have reason to know the characters of people you haven't met yet. How do you plan on handling those situations?

• If your character is from a Hold or Hall in Ista's coverage area, you may want to explore our Beholden Areas page for more information.

What has your character's life been like?

• Who raised your character? Consider the place you've chosen and then consider who your character's parents are likely to be, what sort of work do they do, what personalities do they have and what is their relationship with your character? Consider siblings, how many, how they might have differed from each other and from your character. Consider friends and other outside influence.

• Please check with the Weyr admin before you say your character's father was the Weyrleader ten turns before the Pass, or your mother the Assistant Headwoman twelve turns ago. There might have been PC or NPC characters who already filled those positions, in which case your story just won't work. It's safer to stick to "general" positions--your father a Belior greenrider, your mother a Nanny or a Cook, and so on; positions with many players filling them, not one specific character.

• What has your character been doing? What was their childhood like? Consider what activities your character enjoys, what their ususal chores were like, what he or she did for fun. What future did his or her parents want for them? Is that different from what they want for themselves?

• A note here about age: Fourteen turns is the age at which a Pernese child is considered able to assume the responsibilities of an adult. They would no longer be receiving harper lessons and would likely be set on the path they would follow for the rest of their lives. At Ista, we encourage people to create characters who are at least 17 or older as younger characters tend to have a more limited roleplay experience.

How did they get here?

• Obviously, if your character is from Ista Weyr and has lived there all his or her life, you can skip this section. Otherwise, consider what brought your character from their home. Consider the travel involved and remember that Ista island is accessible only by air or by sea. How did they make that journey?

Who is your character?

• Every person is a combination of their personality and their experiences. Consider how your character's life has shaped their personality. And consider in return how your character's personality has effected their choices and behavior. Take some time to think about who they are now, at the moment of creation on the grid. You may want to pick a handful of key words that can help you keep their personality sharp in your mind.

• At the same time, you'll want to consider skills and abilities. What has your character learned so far and how? What do they have talent for and with what do they have trouble?

• You may also want to flesh out a couple of likes and dislikes to serve as hooks and settings for RP. Does your character have hobbies? A chore that they love or loathe? Colors they gravitate towards? Favorite foods?

What are they doing next?

• So, you've figured out where your character has come from, what's shaped them, how they've landed on Istan soil and who they are when they take those first steps. You know their past, now it's time to look at the present. How do they feel about their life right now? Would they change anything?

• What about the future? What are they hoping for? What are they dreading? How have their preferences, abilities and difficulties shaped their aspirations and expectations for the future?

• What do they want to do? Everyone at the Weyr needs to work. The room and board are paid for by contribution to the Weyr, so please take some time to consider what sort of contribution your character will eventually make. If you're stuck on an idea or are not sure what's common at Ista, take a look at our Residency Positions for a list of possible jobs.