If you are creating an original character for Expedition to the Barrier Peaks, you will need to follow these steps. You should utilize the 2nd Edition of OSRIC to guide your efforts, though you may also make use of the 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook as well.

Please note that the game does not incorporate any of the material from Unearthed Arcana.

When creating your character, follow these steps:

1. All characters in Expedition to the Barrier Peaks will begin play at the 9th level of experience.
   
2. Roll 4d6 for each of your Ability Scores. Drop the lowest dice from each roll. Your rolls may be assigned to your abilities however you choose.
   
3. Select your race. Record any special bonuses and special abilities conferred by your race on your character sheet.
   
4. Select your class. Record any special abilities provided by your class on your character sheet.
   
5. Choose an alignment.
   
6. Generate your hit points. For the first four levels of experience, assign your character the highest number of hit points available (i.e. If you are a Magic-User, since you generate hit points with a 1d4, you would receive 4 hit points for the first level through the fourth level, giving you a total of 16 hit points). Roll your assigned hit die normally to determine the hit points you receive for the fifth through ninth levels of experience. Be sure to apply your Constitution modifier.
   
7. If you are a Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger, and have a score of eighteen in strength, make a percentile roll note the result next to your strength score. Use the bonuses listed for your percentile score given on page one of OSRIC.
   
8. Roll 4d6 and multiply the result by 10 to determine your starting number of gold pieces. Add and additional 400 gold pieces to the final result to account for gold collected during prior adventures. Purchase equipment from the list starting on page 31 of OSRIC.
   
9. Find your Armor Class, attack numbers, and saving throws and record that information on your character sheet.
   
10. Record the languages you know on your character sheet. Make certain to include the languages that you are automatically entitled to by virtue of your race. As well, be sure to select any bonus languages you have learned by virtue of your intelligence score. This article may prove helpful in selecting additional languages.
    
11. If you are a Magic-User select 5 spells from the list of first level Magic-User spells, 5 spells from the list of second level spells, 4 spells from the list of third level spells, 2 spells from the list of fourth level spells, and 1 spell from the list of fifth level spells to record in your spell book. State which spells you have memorized for the opening day of the expedition.
    
12. If you are an Illusionist, select 6 spells from the list of first level Illusionist spells, 5 from the list of second level spells, 4 from the list of third level spells, and 3 from the list of fourth level spells to record in your spell book. State which spells you have memorized for the opening day of the expedition.
    
13. If you are a Ranger you may choose 2 spells from the list of first level Magic-User spells. You will need to specify which Druid spell you have prayed for and which Magic User spell you have committed to memory for the first day of the adventure.
    
14. If you are a Cleric, Druid, or Paladin please identify the complement of spells that you have prayed for on the initial day of the expedition.
    
15. As all of the characters that are part of the expedition are presumed to be adventurers of some accomplishment and renown, each will possess some magic items. Please see the notes below on selecting magic items for your persona.
    
16. Name your character. You may wish to provide some background for your persona. Record any biographical details on your character sheet. Please note that the Flanaess of the World of Greyhawk is the setting for the Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. Information on Greyhawk can be located in the Game Setting thread.

If the dice have treated you poorly, you have two options. If your entire set of scores is poor, you may let me know and they make a second set of rolls. If there is only one ability score that is unacceptably low, you may reroll that attribute. You may keep the higher of the two rolls. If, after a complete reroll, you still feel you have a character that is unacceptably weak, contact me and we can work out how best to proceed.

Magic Items

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons offers a plethora of fascinating magic items for characters to win and wield. Players are welcome to propose different items for them to have in their possession. Here are a few general guidelines:

• Characters that are primarily interested in owning magical weapons or armor can have one +3 weapon and one +3 suit or armor or shield. Alternatively, characters can have a +2 weapon and two +2 defensive items.
• If a special weapon is desired one “plus” can be dropped from the item in question in exchange for the special property. Example: Rather than a +3 long sword and and +3 suit of chain mail, a +2 cold brand long sword and a +3 suit of chain mail could be chosen.
• Characters can also select a +3 weapon/armor/shield and a unique magic item. For instance, a thief might want to choose a +3 long sword and a cloak of elvenkind.
• As spellcasters will often desire items other than weapons or armor, I would ask that you simply send some potential selections to me and we can discuss them. If no magical weapons or armor are chosen, a character can carry two magic items that have been approved by the DM.

I’m very open to discussing the items you might want to have and will generally approve anything reasonable. Granted, if you’re asking for the Eye of Vecna or Blackrazor, there’s every chance I’ll turn you down. But I will give any honest request fair consideration and, if it’s something that I truly believe is overpowered, I’ll work with you on finding an alternative.

Lastly, I am happy to assist you with any portion of the character creation process. If any questions arise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I want you to establish a persona that you’ll enjoy portraying.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:15, Thu 11 July 2019.