Step 1: Pick your campaign.
First things first -- you are going to want to figure out which game you want to play in. The OOC (out-of-character, or meta) threads for each campaign will have the campaign hook listed as well as any relevant character building requirements. For games in progress, we typically have a summary of events so far. Feel free to join either a new game that's still in set-up or one that's in progress. Both have their merits.
Step 2a: Make your character build.
Now, you want to solidify your character both mechanically and narratively. Depending on your personal preference, you might want to work on backstory and personality before the build -- if so, see Step 2b then return here.
Otherwise, you'll want to create your character's build (aka character sheet.) You can use the Player's Handbook from WOTC to do it by hand, use a builder online, or use the modded builder we have. When setting your character up, follow the specific requirements and instructions as per each campaign's OOC thread. In general, we use a 25 point-buy instead of 22, a free expertise feat, and a minimum of 4 trained skills granted by class. Other restrictions exist, such as limited starting gear or bonus starting gear in high level games. Again, see the campaign's OOC thread for the specifics.
Something of note are 4e Themes -- make sure your character has one. These were introduced in Dark Sun content and filled out in various Dragon Magazines. Essentially, they are backstories that give you various features and powers (or power choices) over your character's career. The modded builder we use has many of these. Otherwise, do some research on your own or have us give you some info about these.
Step 2b: Figure out your backstory.
Who is your character? What kind of family, social class, place, and backstory did they come from? How are they connected to the world around them? Do they have secrets? Rivals? Lovers? You'll want to think all of this out ahead of time.
It may be in your interest to look at any relevant lore. Check out our world map, read about places your character may be from. Use our discord chat to discuss these things if you want to bounce ideas off any of us or get suggestions. Placing your character into the setting might sound like a daunting task but it is very exciting and can be a fun experience.
Step 3: Post your PC.
It all comes together! Make a new reply on the OOC thread of the campaign. There are a number of things you need to use spoiler blocks for. See some of the other posts or OOC threads for examples from other players. This post will have some more information as well as templates you will need to copy. The easiest way to do that is to press Quote on the post, which will bring up a page as if you are going to quote and reply. However, just copy the spoiler box templates and paste them into your own post on the OOC thread. Then, just fill them out with your relevant information.
The rough format goes something like this:
- Your character's full name. You can add a flashy title or descriptor if you'd like, such as Torvos Kalosi, the Exiled Vigilante.
- A portrait of your PC. If it is too big and stretches the page, please place in a spoiler box.
- Appearance, and also Personality. These are optional but recommended.
- Ten-Minute Background. See link above for Instructions on what this is, as well as the template to paste over. This is by far the most important part of your post.
- Character Sheet. If on the modded builder, just go to the Summary Tab and copy/paste what is there. (You'll have to add your Theme manually) Otherwise, find some way to get your sheet in text form that is easy to digest (or manually set it up like our builder spits out.)
- Combat Block. See link above for the format to paste. Then, fill it out with the relevant combat information. It's pretty self-explanatory. This will be posted during each combat turn, as is essentially a snapshot of the status of your conditions, HP, powers used, etc.
Feel free to post your character even if it is unfinished and you haven't filled out all of the boxes. However, when you've finally got everything covered, let the DM know and prepare for the action! If necessary, harass any other players that still have yet to finish their character posts. You beat them!