Character Creation

What is the general idea behind your character? What are the character's goals and principles? The book provides some example concepts but feel free to create your own. Sample concepts are found starting on p. 40 of the Armageddon core book and p. 30 of Armed Force.

Character Type is a points package that determines your character's general combination of physical, mental, and mystical abilities. Each character is built from 80 points, and the Character Type that you choose determines how those points are allocated.

In a Heroic-level Armageddon game, there are four available Character Types:

◆ [i][b]Mundane[/b][/i] refers to your standard, 100% vanilla human with no supernatural powers. Described on p. 49 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [i][b]The Gifted[/b][/i] is a catch-all Character Type for any humans who possess supernatural abilities, whether those abilities are magic, psychic powers, miracles, etc. True Immortals are also included in this category. Described on p. 50 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [i][b]Lesser Gifted[/b][/i] are individuals with only a smattering of supernatural power. They fall somewhere between the Gifted and Mundanes. Described on p. 50 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [i][b]Lesser Supernatural[/b][/i] indicates a supernatural being of innately lower power, or a powerful supernatural being that’s young and inexperienced. This Character Type covers Celestial/Infernal Lesser Seraphim, Kerubim/Qliphonim, Lesser Seraphim Exiles, Nephilim, Inheritors, and Avatars, as well as the Fey and Ferals. Described on p. 49 of the Armageddon core book. Those who select the Lesser Supernatural Character Type will also need to determine what manner of supernatural being they are (see Step 3, below).

◆ [b][i]Undead[/i][/b] covers non-living characters. Upon selecting this Character Type, the player will choose between playing a Vampyre or one of the Relentless Dead.

If you end up choosing the [i]Lesser Supernatural[/i] or [i]Undead[/i] Character Types, you will then need to determine what kind of supernatural being you are. If you are not playing a Lesser Supernatural or Undead, then you can skip this step. Note that because the campaign level is Heroic, certain supernatural species are simply too powerful and beyond the scope of this game. That includes Common Celestial/Infernal Seraphim, Greater Celestial/Infernal Seraphim, and Incarnates.

[spoiler="Supernatural Options"]
◆ [i][b]Celestial Seraphim[/b][/i] are the warriors and messengers of the Creator, as often depicted in Judeo-Christian lore. They are beings of impressive power and influence, and even the weakest among them are very formidable by human standards. There are three ranks of Seraphim: Lesser, Common, and Greater.

The Lesser Seraphim are the only type available for this game. Described on p. 251 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [i][b]Infernal Seraphim[/b][/i] are what humanity calls "demons." These are the fallen counterparts of the Celestial Seraphim. In Armageddon, the difference between "angels" and "demons" is entirely philosophical and cosmetic. Seraphim are Seraphim, whether they serve Heaven or Hell. Thus, Celestial and Infernal Seraphim might look very different, but they are treated the same in the game's mechanics. For example, angels have special powers called "Theophanies," while demons employ the exact same abilities but call them "Maleficia."

As with their Celestial analogues, Infernal Seraphim have three ranks: Lesser, Common, and Greater. The Infernal Lesser Seraphim are the only type available for this game. Described on p. 251 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [b][i]Kerubim[/i][/b] are angels that were once human. These human souls were raised to the status of "angel" and granted some abilities similar to the Seraphim. The Heavenly Host considers them to be useful agents on Earth, since they fit in better than their brethren, but many angels view the Kerubim with disdain. Though powerful, they are less so than your average Lesser Seraph. Described on p. 261 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [b][i]Qliphonim[/i][/b] are the Infernal equivalent of the Kerubim; damned souls bequeathed demonic power. Much like the forces of Heaven, Hell sends its Qliphonim to Earth to use as agents. Unlike the Kerubim, who manifest spontaneously in Heaven (and are thought to be the work of the Creator), Qliphonim are purposefully created by Lucifer. Thus, Hell can make Qliphonim at will. Described on p. 262 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [b][i]Exiles[/i][/b] are Celestial and Infernal Seraphim that have broken their bond to Heaven or Hell. As a result, the angel or demon is trapped on Earth in human form and loses most of her angelic or demonic powers. Becoming an Exile is typically a punishment levied against those angels/demons who committed a serious crime or failed an important undertaking, but some Seraphim willingly choose to forsake their heavenly or hellish duties in favor of living on Earth. One advantage enjoyed by Exiles is that they blend in well with humanity and are difficult to track by supernatural means, even for other Seraphim.

Any rank of Celestial or Infernal Seraphim can technically become an Exile, but Exiled Lesser Seraphim are the only type available for this game.

◆ [b][i]Nephilim[/i][/b] are the children of humans and Seraphim. Being half-Seraph, their dual nature provides them a number of special powers. Unfortunately, unions between humans and angels are forbidden, and so the Heavenly Host views Nephilim as abominations to hunt down and kill. Described on p. 268 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [b][i]Avatars[/i][/b] are humans who have been empowered by a pagan deity. In this respect, they are not unlike Kerubim for the Old Gods. These individuals act as extensions of the deities they serve, sharing many of their master's powers, personality traits, and appearance. Deities can see through the eyes of their servants and even seize control them temporarily. Avatars work as agents and information gatherers for the Pantheons. Described on p. 270 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [i][b]Inheritors[/b][/i] are demi-gods; the children of humans and the pagan gods of old. These individuals inherit powers related to their deific heritage, as well as instincts and personalities that reflect their divine half. The Old Gods make for aloof, distant parents, however, so most Inheritors are forced to discover their abilities on their own. They tend to have very little contact (if any) with the deity that helped conceive them. Described on p. 272 of the Armageddon core book.

◆ [b][i]True Immortals[/i][/b] are an unageing subspecies of humans who have lived among humanity for thousands of years. They are the modern reincarnations of the inhabitants of an ancient civilization known as "Athal-Kananthu" - a place more commonly referred to nowadays as [i]Atlantis[/i]. All Immortals have vague past life remembrances of the pre-historic society, but some individuals can draw on enough memories to build strange, science-defying artifacts. Though very difficult to kill, Immortals can die by violence. Even this is futile, however, since they will just reincarnate into a new form, eventually. Described on p. 302 of the Armageddon core book.[/spoiler]

What faction (if any) does the character belong to? Though most Associations in Armageddon are loosely cooperating with one another in order to fight Leviathan, they are still rife with infighting and individual agendas. Descriptions of the factions begin on p. 168 of the Armageddon core book.

Note that one's supernatural race may limit the available choices. For instance, being a demon would preclude membership in the Heavenly Host.

Also note that human characters can select Service Branches from the U.S. military as their Association, as well as government and civilian agencies such as the CIA, FBI, and SWAT. These branches and organizations are described in Armed Force, starting on p. 40.

What are the character's natural abilities, both mental and physical?

Characters have six Primary Attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Perception, Willpower.

They also have four Secondary Attributes, which are derived from the primary ones: Life Points, Endurance Points, Speed, and Essence Points.

◆ [i]Life Points[/i] are a measure of the character's health.
◆ [i]Endurance Points[/i] are a measure of stamina and resistance to fatigue.
◆ [i]Speed[/i] is just that: the character's running speed in yards.
◆ [i]Essence Points[/i] are a measure of the character's supernatural or spiritual power. These points are spent to fuel supernatural abilities.

What innate advantages or penalties affect the character? [i]Qualities[/i] represent strengths, while [i]Drawbacks[/i] are weaknesses that provide points back to the player. Points earned from Drawbacks can be spent on anything: Attributes, Skills, Metaphysics, Qualities, etc.

Qualities and Drawbacks are organized into five categories: [i]Physical[/i], [i]Mental[/i], [i]Social[/i], [i]Supernatural[/i], and [i]Military[/i]. Military Qualities and Drawbacks are introduced in the Armed Force book and are only available to military characters or those with the [i]Paramilitary Training[/i] Quality.

Qualities and Drawbacks are described starting on p. 65 of the Armageddon core book. Additional Qualities and Drawbacks are featured in p. 64 of Armed Force.

◆ Note that "Supernatural Qualities" can be purchased with Quality points and/or Metaphysics points.

◆ Keep in mind that if you make a [i]Gifted[/i] or [i]Lesser Gifted[/i] character, that you need to leave points to purchase a 5-point Quality called [i]Gift[/i]. This gateway Quality is a prerequisite for taking most supernatural abilities.

◆ Also keep in mind that to play a supernatural being, you will need to purchase an appropriate Supernatural Quality. For instance, you must buy the 20-point Quality called [i]Inheritor[/i] in order to make an Inheritor character.

What does your character know? Skills are described starting on p. 85 of the Armageddon core book. Additional skills are presented on p. 86 of Armed Force.

◆ Every character begins with five free levels in his or her native language.

◆ Note that there exists a type of skill in this game called a [i]Metaphysical Skill[/i]. This is usually a skill that directly governs that use of a supernatural ability and acts as a prerequisite. Levels in such a skill must be purchased with Metaphysics points, unless stated otherwise.

What supernatural abilities does the character possess? There are a variety of supernatural powers that exist in Armageddon, though some are limited to certain types of characters or require the purchase of specific Qualities.

[spoiler="Metaphysical Arts"]
◆ [b][i]Magic:[/i][/b] The use of invocations (spells) to make reality conform to one's will. Magicians manipulate the surrounding world through the power of their will, the expenditure of Essence, and the performance of rituals. Magic is the most versatile of the Metaphysical Arts but also the most finicky. Magical workings are very sensitive to external forces and circumstances; more so than most other abilities.

◆ [b][i]The Sight:[/i][/b] This is the term used to refer to the powers of the mind. Psychic abilities cover a number of different areas. Those with the Sight are called Seers.

◆ [b][i]Necromancy:[/i][/b] Spirit mediumship. Despite modern fantasy tropes, Necromancers in Armageddon don't raise zombies (for the most part). Instead, Necromancers keep with the original meaning of the word - divination and communication with the dead. These individuals can speak to, summon, and control ghosts, and possess an assortment of ghost-related powers. Necromancy has features of both Magic and the Sight, but remains its own unique Metaphysical Art.

◆ [b][i]Divine Inspiration:[/i][/b] Miracle working. Those capable of divine inspiration can perform religious miracles. By their nature, the Divinely Inspired rely on rock solid faith to call upon the help of their deity. Loss of faith leaves them neutered, supernaturally.

◆ [b][i]Primal Powers:[/i][/b] These are the province of the Old Gods, their servants, and their offspring. These powers draw on the Aspects associated with a particular pagan deity. Thus, Primal Powers consist of a startling range of abilities that influence everything from nature, war, and animals, to knowledge, fertility, and the elements.

◆ [b][i]Atlantean Arcana:[/i][/b] The strange combination of alchemy and gadgeteering employed by some True Immortals. Those Immortals with the deepest memories of Atlantis find that they can recreate some of the magical wonders of that lost civilization. The creation process involves random materials and infusions of Essence. Only True Immortals can build these artifacts; anyone else following the same exact procedures would end up with a noxious mess.

◆ [b][i]Theophanies/Maleficia:[/i][/b] The sometimes Biblical superpowers of the Seraphim, which are usually related to their God-given purpose for existence. Both Celestial and Infernal Seraphim have access to these powers (demons call them Maleficia). Kerubim and Qliphonim also have their own versions of them.

◆ [b][i]Spirit Patrons:[/i][/b] Those who forge a relationship with a powerful spirit can possibly take that spirit as a patron. This patron can be any manner of potent being: a nature spirit, pagan deity, demon, or even Leviathan itself. In exchange for services or an oath of servitude, the spirit grants the character special benefits called "Boons." Boons can manifest in a number of ways: everything from Magic, Qualities, and attribute increases, to extra Essence and even immortality. Spirits are dangerous and unforgiving, however, and those who go back on their deal will suffer the consequences.[/spoiler]

What does the character own?

As far as equipment goes, you automatically start with Average Resources, unless you took the Resources Quality or Drawback. Average Resources translates to a lower middle class income. No detailed inventory of gear is necessary. You are assumed to have everything that would make sense for someone with your Resource level to own in a First World country. For Resources 0 (average), that means a small house or apartment, furniture, decent car, smart phone, laptop, basic electronics and appliances, full wardrobe of clothes, etc. As in real life, most of your character’s wealth is wrapped up in her property and belongings.

Your character may start with one or two civilian-grade weapons that make sense for you to own. If any of them are firearms, then you are assumed to have a license for them. Military characters, or those working for/with the military will be issued additional weaponry and vehicles, as needed.

Note that because this is war time, some items have rocketed in price. Cars in Armageddon, for example, cost five times what they do in the real world, reflecting a shortage in computer chips and other components or materials that automakers need.

Some types of supernatural beings aren't likely to own much in the way of human property. This is especially the case with Celestial Seraphim, as they don't tend to care about material goods, don't live on Earth, and don't rely on food or shelter for survival. This might change, however, if the character is an Exile or has been staying on Earth for quite a while.