Character Generation
The essence of GIST! lies in resourceful protagonists confronting perilous situations and obstacles with strategic and assertive approaches, which are shaped by their unique backgrounds and abilities.
Both are determined freeform, but the Referee can help less savvy players by providing a list of both background and skills suitable for the setting, or help players define their character.
Character are streamlined and take only a few minutes to be made. Both playing and non-playing characters follow the same generation rules.
- Determine attribute scores: Roll 2d6 four times and assign the scores to the character's stats as desired, or distribute 30 points among the stats as preferred.
- Choose a background: Select a background for the character that reflects their past experiences and skills. The character is considered to have a Skilled Level skill in any task related to their background, and any necessary tools of the trade are assumed to be available.
- Choose skills: Select three skills and assign 6 points between them. The maximum score for a skill during character creation is 3.
- Establish character details: Give the character a name and an age, and select two items as starting gear.
Attributes
- Shape: both physical prowess (power and strength) and physical resistance (stamina and fatigue).
- Agility: quickness, dexterity, deftness.
- Mind: intelligence, common sense, creativity and knowledge.
- Soul: emotional strength, personality, standing and spiritual power.
Attribute Scores
An Attribute Score serves two purposes: it determines the Roll Modifier to be applied to Checks and it also acts as a freeform qualitative measure of the Attribute's rank.
| Attribute Score | Attribute Modifier | Attribute Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 | -2 | Poor |
| 4-5 | -1 | Mediocre |
| 6-8 | 0 | Fair |
| 9-10 | +1 | Good |
| 11-12 | +2 | Great |
Usually, a normal human being is limited to the maximum score of 12 (if any bonus is granted to the rolled score). Other beings may exceed this limit in the super-human domain.
Temporary scores
If circumstances impact negatively a character Attribute, its score may temporarily drop to a lower Level. For example, when a character with a Good Mind loses an intellectual challenge, their Mind may drop to Fair Level until it has recovered.