Preparing GURPS

Having reread the Basic Set, studied both Compendiums, and skimmed through the Low-tech supplement, the next step is to make a character. It’s been a long time since I created a GURPS PC and I was never really into min-maxing or power builds, so no doubt I will make some inefficient choices. But that’s all part of the fun of the learning curve.

I find solo gaming much more lethal compared to group campaigns, so it’s wise to either make a group of characters, or an above average hero. I decided on the latter and gave myself 150 points to spend. The vague concept I’m working with is a warrior fleeing the destruction of his mercenary company, a lone survivor hunted by perpetrators of the slaughter intent on finishing the job.

Straight away, I dumped 120 points into raising my four main stats above the average, giving me ST12 DX14 IQ12 HT12. I also raised hit points to 15, giving me secondary attributes of HP 15, Fatigue 12, Sense 12, Will/Fright 12, and a Basic Speed of 6.50. I want a proficient, competent warrior trained from a young age and possessing natural physical talent.

Next, I turned to Disadvantages. I decided to take the recommended maximum of 40 points, selecting Nightmares (5pts), Flashbacks (5pts), and Enemy (30pts), all of which are tied into the massacre that wiped out his fellow mercs.

At this point I’m starting to get a feel for the character’s background. A scheming noble with designs on his country’s throne hires a famous company of warriors to campaign for him. The usurpation is successful but ends in a double cross. I’ve started thinking the nightmares are demonic in nature, so this betrayal might have a supernatural element.

Advantage wise, I chose Reputation (5pts), Literate (10pts), Ambidextrous (10pts), and Animal Empathy (5pts).

This left 40 points for skills. I made him physically adept, good with bow and blade, shield and axe, with some extra points spent to decrease the dual attack penalties for swords. A capable rider and animal handler, he also has expertise with tracking and wilderness survival -a set of skills he no doubt found useful when on the run from his enemies. To round the character off, I figured he would have picked up a bit of subterfuge whilst trying to evade attention, and so is moderately able in disguise, stealth, and fast talk.

To finish I gave him a name, rolled for random height and weight, and outfitted him with some equipment. Weapons and armour, a shield and some basic supplies. My next step will be to have a rummage through the homebrew settings I mentioned in my previous post and cobble together a starting location and some foundational world lore so I can finally get stuck in.