Character Creation: The Strange

Done with the first week of summer clinic, so it feels fitting to do a character. Plus this is the last game on my "maybe I'll run this" list.

The Game: The Strange
The Publisher: Monte Cook Games
Degree of Familiarity: I played Numenera, which runs on the same system, at GenCon, but I haven't played this game yet
Books Required: Just the one.

 
The Strange is a multiple-reality sort of game; the titular Strange is a kind of field surrounding Earth, and it enables folks to travel (or "translate") between different worlds ("recursions"). Since recursions can be formed by fictional leakage, any fictional world might have a representative recursion, and indeed, Oz, Innsmouth, and Wonderland are all listed as recursions (though the three that are most heavily detailed are Earth and two original ones).

I have to say, this is a game that screams "run me". It seems like it has exactly the right kind of support - there's quite enough in the core to make it run, but there are multiple sourcebooks that have exactly what I'd want (to wit, more recursions). I don't know if my players will choose this, but I may need to run it at some point anyway.

Regardless, let's get to it!

The book does something I like; it has a summary of character creation right in the back, which makes it easy to find. Our first step is to Get Prepared, which basically means grab a character sheet. I have one, so that's fine.

Step Two has me Choose Type, Descriptor, and Focus. Characters in The Strange (and, indeed, I think other Cypher system games) are arranged by a "I am an [adjective] [noun] who [verbs]." Now, you don't just pick whatever for these parts of speech - there are discrete lists for each. I also kinda need to figure out which recursion I'm working with, since focus (the verb) changes when you translate (which is not unlike a Promethean changing Refinements, actually).

I think I'd like to make a kind of light-hearted character, and while some of the options for Ruk- or Aerdyn-based characters are dope as hell, I'm gonna start out on Earth. For type, I think I'll go with paradox. Paradoxes are typically spell-caster/ritualist/scientist types, but I like the idea of someone who is wicked smart but applies that to dealing with people.

I therefore start with 8 Might, 8 Speed, and 12 Intellect, plus I get 6 points to throw around. I'll bump Might and Speed to 10 and put the other 2 in Intellect (so, distribute them evenly, which would be the easier way to say that, Matthew).

I'm trained in one area of knowledge or technical expertise; I'm gonna say Psychology. I'm also trained in The Strange (just means I know general shit about it). I'm practiced with Light Weapons, I can do Translation, and then I get two Revisions, which are like special powers. Let's see.

Ooh, Premonition sounds good. I can learn random facts about people or enemies. I think I'll take Shatter - lets me make a small object within a short range explode. It's kinda offensive (as in, can be used offensively), but definitely requires some strategy.

There's a random table that lets me develop a connection to the world, and you all (ha) know how much I love random lifepathy kind of stuff, so here goes! I made a lot of money in digital currency, but then lost everything in a crash, and I'm determined to build my nest egg up again. I can live with that, I guess. I think that it was probably something Strange-related that caused the crash.

Now I need a Descriptor. I kinda like Sharp-Eyed - it's a little off from what I was initially thinking, but I like the idea that the sudden introduction of weirdness that came from the crash made him a little more shrewd. I'm trained in initiative and perception, and I can Find the Flaw (which dovetails nicely with my Premonition).

And now, focus. I already know I want "Entertains." That means that I'm trained in all social interactions except intimidation and coercion, and when I'm around when my pals are resting they recovery more points, which is cool.

Next I Fill in my Stat Pools, easy enough, they didn't change.

Fill in Edge Stats, no problem, that's predetermined by type. Might 0, Speed 0, Intellect 1.

Next step wants me to note any special abilities, but I did that already.

OK, breaking out of steps now, because basically there's just two more that are relevant. I'd get cyphers, if the GM wants me to have any, but I have no GM so I'll assume I get one. I'll take a stim - I can chug a small bottle of liquid and I get a bonus on the next action I take.

And then it's just roleplaying stuff! We'll say my character's name is Howard Gross. Howard isn't a programmer, he's trained in psychology and human behavior, and used that and a partnership with someone who was trained in computers to develop something cool in digital currency. It all should have worked perfectly - and it did - and then it all fell apart when something Strange happened.

His partner vanished, and Howard never really stopped looking for her. He eventually came across the Estate (Earth-based organization that deals with Strange stuff) and got recruited.

Howard is in his 50s, but looks younger. Black/greying hair, smooth face, stern brown eyes but an easy laugh. He's a bit resentful that he's just learning about all this stuff now...but then, maybe if he translates somewhere else, he can come back younger? Who knows?

And I think that's it!