Empiric Coaching

Character Creation

Published by

Peter Barica

on

Here’s a step-by-step guide that players can follow to create their Fate Core character, with explanations for each component:

1. Name

  • What to do: Choose a name that fits your character’s personality, background, and role in the story.
  • Tip: The name could reflect your character’s culture, profession, or reputation. For example, a tough mercenary might have a short, punchy name, while a noble diplomat could have a longer, elegant one.
  • Examples: “Lola Martinez,” “Finn Oakfoot,” “Tyson McAllister”

2. High Concept

  • What to do: This is a single phrase that summarizes who your character is. It should include your character’s profession, role, or defining trait.
  • Tip: Think of it as a job description, but make it specific and flavorful. You want it to provide a strong sense of who your character is and what they do.
  • Examples: “Flamboyant Con Artist with a Smile for Every Occasion,” “Stoic Monster Hunter with a Heart of Stone”

3. Trouble

  • What to do: This is a flaw, problem, or challenge your character constantly faces. It could be a personal issue, a relationship conflict, or an external problem like a nemesis.
  • Tip: A good Trouble aspect will add drama to your character’s life and provide the GM opportunities to complicate the story. Make sure it’s something that regularly causes problems for your character.
  • Examples: “My Mouth Writes Checks My Skills Can’t Cash,” “Haunted by the Monsters I Hunt”

4. Other Aspects

  • What to do: You’ll need three additional aspects. These can represent your character’s skills, relationships, goals, or personality traits that define them further.
  • Tip: Consider adding aspects that reflect your character’s background, personal motivations, or connections to the world around them. Aspects should give depth and dimension to your character while also being useful in the game.
  • Examples:
    • “No Detail Escapes My Eye” (for an investigator)
    • “Loyal to the End” (for a protector)
    • “The More Daring, The More Fun” (for a thrill-seeker)

5. Motivation

  • What to do: Define your character’s primary goal or motivation. What drives them to act? This doesn’t need to be an aspect but helps guide your character’s decisions and gives them purpose.
  • Tip: Think about long-term goals, like “find a lost family member” or “gain ultimate power,” as well as short-term objectives, such as “solve this mystery” or “prove my worth.”
  • Examples: “Become the Most Infamous Con Artist in the World,” “Find the Truth About the Government Conspiracy”

6. Description

  • What to do: Provide a short, cinematic description of your character’s appearance. Consider their clothing, gear, weapons, and anything that stands out visually.
  • Tip: Add just a bit of color to make your character stand out. Describe their most noticeable features or signature items they carry with them.
  • Examples:
    • “A striking woman with fiery red hair, dressed in luxurious emerald robes.”
    • “A wiry man in black clothes, climbing gear strapped across his back, with a mischievous smile.”

Examples

Name: Dr. Horace Verdon

  • High Concept: Arcane Investigator with a Dark Past
  • Trouble: Constantly Haunted by the Magic I Can’t Control
  • Other Aspects:
  • “No Detail Escapes My Eye”
  • “The Arcane Always Comes at a Cost”
  • “I Can’t Let My Guard Down—Ever”
  • Motivation: Uncover the Truth Behind the Disappearance of My Mentor
  • Description: A rotund man in a long, faded brown trench coat, always seen clutching an ancient leather-bound tome. His wild gray hair frames tired, sharp eyes, and a faint blue glow of arcane energy crackles around his fingertips.

Name: Julia Renard

  • High Concept: Undercover Operative Posing as a High School Teacher
  • Trouble: Torn Between Duty and Protecting My Students
  • Other Aspects:
  • “No One Survives My Interrogations”
  • “A Teacher by Day, Assassin by Night”
  • “Unstoppable in a Crisis”
  • Motivation: Prevent the Collapse of Society by Stopping the Unknown Threat
  • Description: A calm, sharp-eyed woman in a dark navy suit, blending into any crowd. She carries a sturdy black leather briefcase and moves with purposeful precision. Her short auburn hair barely hides the cold calculation in her green eyes.

Name: Tyson “Bull” McAllister

  • High Concept: Thrill-Seeking Ex-Rodeo Star Turned Mercenary
  • Trouble: I Can’t Keep My Temper in Check
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Fastest Reflexes in the West”
  • “When in Doubt, Charge Ahead”
  • “I Can Take a Hit and Keep Going”
  • Motivation: Earn Enough to Buy My Own Ranch and Escape the Chaos
  • Description: A towering, muscular man with a well-worn brown leather jacket, faded jeans, and scuffed cowboy boots. His wide-brimmed black hat shades a face weathered by the sun, and his constant grin adds to his reckless aura.

Name: Riley “Shadow” Kovács

  • High Concept: Socially Inept Hacker Who Can Crack Any Code
  • Trouble: My Paranoia Controls My Life
  • Other Aspects:
  • “If It’s Digital, I Can Control It”
  • “Nobody Notices Me Until It’s Too Late”
  • “I Always Have a Backup Plan”
  • Motivation: Find the Truth About the Government Conspiracy that Destroyed My Family
  • Description: A skinny figure in a dark gray hoodie with glasses perched on a pale, sleepless face. Dark circles under their eyes highlight the exhaustion of constant surveillance, and they always have a tablet or phone in hand, tapping away furiously.

Name: Isaac “Fixer” Hamilton

  • High Concept: Genius Mechanic and Problem-Solver with a Criminal History
  • Trouble: I Owe Too Many Favors to the Wrong People
  • Other Aspects:
  • “If You Ask Me How It Works, I Most Probably Know It”
  • “Never Met a Machine I Couldn’t Fix”
  • “I Play by My Own Rules”
  • Motivation: Clear My Debts and Start Fresh, No More Criminal Ties
  • Description: A grizzled man with grease-stained hands, always wearing a black leather jacket lined with hidden tools. His brown hair is streaked with gray, and his deep-set blue eyes seem to size up every device or contraption he encounters. A toolkit, covered in scratches and dents, never leaves his side.

Name: Daria Volkov

  • High Concept: Master Assassin Known Only as “The Shadow Walker”
  • Trouble: My Past is Always Catching Up with Me
  • Other Aspects:
  • “No One Escapes My Blade”
  • “I Blend into the Darkness”
  • “Trust is a Luxury I Can’t Afford”
  • Motivation: Take Down the Crime Syndicate that Betrayed Me
  • Description: A slender figure draped in black, from her long coat to her tight-fitting combat gear. Her dark brown hair is tied back tightly, revealing a face as cold and sharp as the twin silver blades she keeps hidden beneath her coat. Her dark eyes are always alert, scanning the shadows for threats.

Name: Lucas “Monkey” Grant

  • High Concept: Daredevil Thief Who Can Scale Any Wall
  • Trouble: My Pride Always Gets Me into Trouble
  • Other Aspects:
  • “They Call Me a Monkey for a Reason”
  • “I Never Leave a Job Half Done”
  • “I Can Slip In and Out Without a Trace”
  • Motivation: Steal Enough to Disappear Forever and Live in Freedom
  • Description: A wiry, athletic man dressed in black, with climbing gear strapped across his back. His dark brown hair is tousled, and a mischievous smile rarely leaves his face. His rough, calloused hands reveal the years spent scaling impossible heights.

Name: Lola “Dazzle” Martinez

  • High Concept: Flamboyant Con Artist with a Smile for Every Occasion
  • Trouble: My Mouth Often Writes Checks My Skills Can’t Cash
  • Other Aspects:
  • “I Can Charm My Way Out of Anything”
  • “The More Attention I Get, The Better”
  • “I Know a Guy Who Knows a Guy”
  • Motivation: Become the Most Infamous Con Artist in the World
  • Description: Lola is a vision of vibrant colors, wearing a sparkling red jacket over a bright yellow dress. Her neon pink hair is always perfectly styled, and her lips are painted a bold cherry red. She’s constantly flashing a wide, confident smile, with a loud laugh that draws every eye in the room.

Name: Benny “Boom Boom” O’Reilly

  • High Concept: Explosives Expert with a Taste for Showmanship
  • Trouble: Can’t Resist a Good Explosion, Even When I Should
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Loud and Proud, Just Like My Explosives”
  • “Precision? That’s Boring. Let’s Make a Big Boom!”
  • “I Know How to Leave a Mark—Literally”
  • Motivation: Build the Most Impressive Explosion the World Has Ever Seen
  • Description: Benny is hard to miss in his bright orange bomber jacket and lime green pants. His wild red hair is always sticking up in every direction, and his grin is as explosive as his personality. A bandolier of multi-colored grenades hangs across his chest, and there’s always a hint of smoke following him around.

Name: Sunny “Slick” Johansson

  • High Concept: Fast-Talking Car Salesman Turned Street Racer
  • Trouble: I Talk Too Fast and Don’t Always Think Things Through
  • Other Aspects:
  • “The Fastest Wheels and the Quickest Wit”
  • “I Always Look Good, Even at Top Speed”
  • “No Deal I Can’t Make… Or Break”
  • Motivation: Win Every Race, Make a Name as the Best Driver in Town
  • Description: Sunny is always dressed sharp in a shiny, bright blue suit, with sunglasses perched atop his slicked-back blonde hair. His pearly white smile is always flashing, and his silver watch gleams on his wrist. He’s usually seen leaning against his cherry-red sports car, ready to speed off at a moment’s notice.

Name: Tamara “Tango” DeLuca

  • High Concept: Dance-Loving Daredevil Who Lives for the Spotlight
  • Trouble: I Can’t Say No to a Challenge
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Dance Through Life, No Matter the Danger”
  • “The More Daring, The More Fun”
  • “Life’s a Stage, and I’m Always Performing”
  • Motivation: Become a Worldwide Sensation with My Daring Stunts
  • Description: Tamara’s colorful outfits change with every performance, but she’s often seen in a dazzling gold jumpsuit with glittering purple heels. Her dark curls bounce as she moves, and her infectious smile is framed by ruby red lipstick. With a flourish of her sequined scarf, she’s always ready to jump into action—whether it’s a dance or a daring escape.

Name: Jimmy “Jazz Hands” Carter

  • High Concept: Smooth-Talking Showman with a Love for Magic and Mischief
  • Trouble: My Love of Tricks Often Gets Me Into Trouble
  • Other Aspects:
  • “The Show Must Go On, Even If I’m in Trouble”
  • “I Always Have a Trick Up My Sleeve”
  • “Nobody Can Resist My Charm and Flair”
  • Motivation: Pull Off the Greatest Magic Show in History
  • Description: Jimmy wears a bright purple tuxedo with a glittering top hat, and his gold cane sparkles as he twirls it. His dark hair is slicked back, and his electric blue bow tie is always perfectly straight. His eyes gleam with mischief, and his hands are constantly performing little tricks with cards, coins, or anything else within reach.

well known characters could have characterisation:

Name: Gandalf the Grey

  • High Concept: Wise and Mysterious Wanderer with Ancient Power
  • Trouble: Burdened by the Weight of Prophecy
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Guiding Others Toward Their Destiny”
  • “Power Comes with a Heavy Cost”
  • “Knows More Than He Lets On”
  • Motivation: Ensure the Balance Between Light and Dark
  • Description: A tall, elderly man dressed in gray robes, his long silver hair flowing beneath a wide-brimmed hat. His piercing blue eyes are filled with wisdom, and he leans on an intricately carved wooden staff, emanating an aura of ancient power.

Name: Frodo

  • High Concept: Reluctant Hero Carrying a Great Burden
  • Trouble: Haunted by Doubts About His Own Worth
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Unbreakable Loyalty to Friends”
  • “Courage That Grows in the Face of Fear”
  • “Small but Determined”
  • Motivation: Destroy the Evil That Threatens His Home
  • Description: A young, unassuming figure with curly brown hair and wide, innocent eyes. His simple green cloak is fastened with a silver leaf brooch, and he carries a short sword at his side, though he wields it with reluctance.

Name: Geralt of Rivia

  • High Concept: Stoic Monster Hunter with a Heart of Stone
  • Trouble: Haunted by the Monsters He Hunts, Both Inside and Out
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Master of Sword and Magic”
  • “Emotionally Distant, Yet Protective”
  • “Bound by an Unbreakable Code”
  • Motivation: Protect the Innocent While Keeping His Own Demons at Bay
  • Description: A rugged figure dressed in dark leather armor, his silver hair tied back into a short ponytail. His sharp amber eyes glint with a mixture of weariness and purpose, and two swords—one steel, one silver—hang across his back.

Name: Triss Ranuncul

  • High Concept: Powerful Sorceress with a Fiery Temper
  • Trouble: Tied to a Dangerous Past That Won’t Let Go
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Unrivaled in Magic, Especially Fire”
  • “Ambition that Burns Brighter Than Most”
  • “Complicated Relationships with Those She Loves”
  • Motivation: Seek Redemption While Gaining Ultimate Power
  • Description: A striking woman with fiery red hair cascading down her back, dressed in luxurious emerald robes. Her sharp green eyes are as intense as her magic, and a faint scent of roses lingers around her, hiding her true power.

Name: Dandelion

  • High Concept: Charming Bard Who’s More Trouble Than He’s Worth
  • Trouble: Can’t Seem to Stay Out of Trouble, Especially with Women
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Silver Tongue, Golden Voice”
  • “An Expert in Running Away (When Needed)”
  • “Friends in Every Tavern”
  • Motivation: Spread His Legend Far and Wide
  • Description: A flamboyant figure with a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a bright blue feather. His velvet doublet is a dazzling shade of purple, and his lute is slung across his back. He’s constantly flashing a mischievous grin, his green eyes sparkling with adventure.

Name: Luke Skywalker

  • High Concept: Idealistic Young Hero with a Destiny to Fulfill
  • Trouble: Torn Between Light and Dark
  • Other Aspects:
  • “A Natural Leader, But Unsure of Himself”
  • “Bound by a Legacy He Barely Understands”
  • “Powerful in the Ways of the Force”
  • Motivation: Bring Balance to the Force and Fulfill His Destiny
  • Description: A young man with sandy blonde hair, dressed in light-colored robes with a worn leather belt. His bright blue eyes carry a mix of hope and uncertainty, and a silver hilted energy sword hangs at his side, humming faintly with power.

Name: Master Yoda

  • High Concept: Ancient Mystic with Deep Wisdom and Great Power
  • Trouble: Age Has Weakened the Body, But Not the Mind
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Speaks in Riddles, But Always Makes Sense”
  • “Small in Size, Mighty in Strength”
  • “Guides Others to Find Their Own Path”
  • Motivation: Train the Next Generation to Carry on the Light
  • Description: A small, green-skinned figure with long ears and a wrinkled face. His piercing, kind eyes betray centuries of wisdom, and he moves slowly, leaning on a short cane, though his power is anything but diminished by age.

Name: Haggar the Giant

  • High Concept: Friendly Giant with a Heart of Gold
  • Trouble: Clumsy and Often Unaware of His Own Strength
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Protector of Magical Creatures”
  • “Loyal to His Friends No Matter What”
  • “Gentle as a Bear, Fierce When Needed”
  • Motivation: Keep His Friends and Creatures Safe, No Matter the Cost
  • Description: A towering figure with wild black hair and a tangled beard, dressed in patchwork furs. His small, dark eyes twinkle with warmth, and his large hands are often gently cradling some magical creature or another. His deep, booming laugh can be heard from miles away.

Name: Harry Potter

  • High Concept: Young Wizard with the Weight of the World on His Shoulders
  • Trouble: Targeted by a Dark Sorcerer Who Wants Him Dead
  • Other Aspects:
  • “Natural Talent for Magic, But Still Learning”
  • “Loyal to His Friends Above All”
  • “Fights for the Greater Good, Even When Afraid”
  • Motivation: Defeat the Dark Sorcerer and Protect the Wizarding World
  • Description: A young man with messy black hair and round glasses, always wearing a black robe with a red and gold scarf. His lightning-shaped scar is unmistakable, and his wand is never far from his hand, ready for whatever danger might come his way.

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