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As per the poll, I'd be interested in finding out how the average player's creative process works.
I can see reasons for doing it either way but I'm sure each player has their own static style.

Personally, I stat the character, take a look at what I have and then create that character's backstory.

I do that because I find it creates a greater challenge and often adds more character by imposing the statstical limitations. I find it akin to creative writing at school - I always found more joy when given a picture and having to explain how that character got to that point or how that situation arose as opposed to having the freedom to define all the points of a story from A to B. Essentially, I am limiting myself to a static conclusion (B) and defining the journey to that point.

Usually I do it the first way but after one of DarklordDC's Images involving one of my characters and her "companions" I statted them all up and wrote backstories for them all.

Most of the time I find that I can make up some really interesting characters from their race/skills and stats. Then I try to write a background that's interesting and then I make an Image of the character.

If said character really works I throw money at DarklordDC.

I usually pick a fancy OCC that I know will enjoy playing and then think about a back story to pick skills and while getting it's habilities. It's a kind paral·lel process.

I have done both.

Both, it really depends on the moment.
Sometimes may already have an idea, sometimes don't have anything until after.

It depends on the needs of my group.

I must say, I am surprised at the results of this thread.
I was quite sure that the results would be going to opposite way.

I first decide the role I expect to play within the party.

Then I choose an OCC that is interesting to me that I think can suit the role.

Then I choose a race based on the expected setting, power level, and GM constraints.

Then I pick the character's name. For some reason, this influences everything else that comes after.

Then I start to flesh out the backstory, usually with guidance from the GM.

Then I choose skills and equipment.

Then, finally, I roll up stats and calculate final skill levels and bonuses.

--flatline

I used to pick race and OCC first, but then I switched it around to backstory first and have been much happier since. This is probably due to the fact that when I write out the background it fleshes out the character and consequently the OCC I want to play as. Also, it helps avoid the OCCs that sound cool on the surface but in reality are exceptionally boring to play as, such as a number of the mercenary OCCs that focus on nothing but combat.

Listen to music usually. I tend to pop my ipod on and listen to my songs until an idea hits me. Then I'll construct the backstory from there and then roll up the character. I'll generally roll up three stat blocks and choose the one that matchs the character idea the best.

I used to start by choosing an occ and race, rolling up stats, choosing skills, and then creating a backstory.

I've found, however, that I prefer to start with a character concept (which includes race and occ), then create a backstory, and then choose skills and stat the character last though sometimes i have to modify the backstory to fit the stats (it takes longer but it makes for some interesting characters).

Backstory first, then I know who, or what it is I'm playing.

Then Stats.

I'll choose an OOC first and race. Then I stop and work up the back story/history, so I'll know WHO I'm playing. Then I roll and choose skills to fit that.

If my rolls are abjectly different from the back story, I'll either modify the back story a bit, or I'll admit, roll over. If I've got a 5 page back story about a warrior and I roll ps 3 and pp 3 or something, I'm not above rolling again to get something to better fit my story. That's not to say I need max stats in my chosen OOC, but one needs to fit the other at least a bit.

it tends to depend a lot on what game i'm making one for, and what i'm making the character for. when i get a new game setting, i'll often just do a totally random walk through the creation process. for example when i got ATB2 i spent some time making a variety of characters with the random roll tables, just to get the hang of the dyanmics of the bio-E system and the distinct class system.

when making a character for my own use, i'll often have a preferred race and calss idea i want to use, though sometimes if an oppertunity for a more interesting version crops up i'll go with it. (for example, once i started thinking of making a RMB Headhunter.. then after looking at the base stats, decided that a Headhunter Robot-slammer would be more interesting to play with that character set up)

if i'm making an NPC, i usually have an existing idea which i stick to, even if it means having to modify the dice rolls i make or some of the skill options.

Pepsi Jedi wrote:I'll choose an OOC first and race. Then I stop and work up the back story/history, so I'll know WHO I'm playing. Then I roll and choose skills to fit that.

If my rolls are abjectly different from the back story, I'll either modify the back story a bit, or I'll admit, roll over. If I've got a 5 page back story about a warrior and I roll ps 3 and pp 3 or something, I'm not above rolling again to get something to better fit my story. That's not to say I need max stats in my chosen OOC, but one needs to fit the other at least a bit.

This is why I prefer points based character generation to random attribute rolls.

I've known GMs to simulate this by giving you an approved "spread" of 8 numbers that you could then assign to your attributes as you saw fit. The spread usually had 2 high values, 3 above attributes, and 3 mediocre attributes. And then some times you'd be given some number of bonus points to assign anywhere as long as you didn't push any attribute above 24.

It was usually set up so that you could choose between having 1 or 2 exceptional attributes or having a bunch of good attributes but nothing stellar. It usually worked out pretty well.

--flatline

flatline wrote:

Pepsi Jedi wrote:I'll choose an OOC first and race. Then I stop and work up the back story/history, so I'll know WHO I'm playing. Then I roll and choose skills to fit that.

If my rolls are abjectly different from the back story, I'll either modify the back story a bit, or I'll admit, roll over. If I've got a 5 page back story about a warrior and I roll ps 3 and pp 3 or something, I'm not above rolling again to get something to better fit my story. That's not to say I need max stats in my chosen OOC, but one needs to fit the other at least a bit.

This is why I prefer points based character generation to random attribute rolls.

I've known GMs to simulate this by giving you an approved "spread" of 8 numbers that you could then assign to your attributes as you saw fit. The spread usually had 2 high values, 3 above attributes, and 3 mediocre attributes. And then some times you'd be given some number of bonus points to assign anywhere as long as you didn't push any attribute above 24.

It was usually set up so that you could choose between having 1 or 2 exceptional attributes or having a bunch of good attributes but nothing stellar. It usually worked out pretty well.

--flatline

My group does it a touch differently. We tend to roll four 6 sided dice for attributes(One's that need 3D6 that is) and take the highest three on each roll. If your highest three break the 'extra die modifier' the fourth dice is added.

Speeds up character creation and if you roll 4 dice and choose the highest 3, chances are none of your stats will SUCK BAD. Some might be low but yeah. Saves on the 'total rerolls' type situations.

When rolling "Random powers" or stuff for like HU and what not, we'll often install a "3 "Re-rolls" per Character" Rule. If you can't roll random stuff you like with 3 re-rolls, you're being too picky! (( or have crappy luck. Suck it up!))

This keeps a char from getting Supernatural strength. Flight and then like...bubble glue... or consumption. Or something. lol

Pepsi Jedi wrote:

flatline wrote:

Pepsi Jedi wrote:I'll choose an OOC first and race. Then I stop and work up the back story/history, so I'll know WHO I'm playing. Then I roll and choose skills to fit that.

If my rolls are abjectly different from the back story, I'll either modify the back story a bit, or I'll admit, roll over. If I've got a 5 page back story about a warrior and I roll ps 3 and pp 3 or something, I'm not above rolling again to get something to better fit my story. That's not to say I need max stats in my chosen OOC, but one needs to fit the other at least a bit.

This is why I prefer points based character generation to random attribute rolls.

I've known GMs to simulate this by giving you an approved "spread" of 8 numbers that you could then assign to your attributes as you saw fit. The spread usually had 2 high values, 3 above attributes, and 3 mediocre attributes. And then some times you'd be given some number of bonus points to assign anywhere as long as you didn't push any attribute above 24.

It was usually set up so that you could choose between having 1 or 2 exceptional attributes or having a bunch of good attributes but nothing stellar. It usually worked out pretty well.

--flatline

My group does it a touch differently. We tend to roll four 6 sided dice for attributes(One's that need 3D6 that is) and take the highest three on each roll. If your highest three break the 'extra die modifier' the fourth dice is added.

My first GM did exactly that. Later on, he decided that in addition to rolling 4 dice, we could re-roll 1s and 2s.

He liked a high power game

--flatline

I find out what the game is missing, or what type of character the GM is looking for. Then I sit down and get a rough back story, Ok it with the GM then populate skills which fit the back story, I then refine the back story a bit and finally roll up the attributes, then pick physical skills. Then finalize the back story, usually ending it where I meet up with the rest of the PCs.

Backstory first, and about 50% of the time, the OCC/RCC. I've a very visually-oriented person, so I get an image of the person in my mind, how they look, how they move, how they express themselves. Arnold the Killer Mailman, Bambi the Borg, Paul Maris Wander Atchison, T'san the Godling. Then I find a class to suit and start building from there, modifying my expectations and mental image when random rolls dictate, or rules say I can't start with something immediately(gives the PC something to work towards, becomes an ambition in their lives).

Pepsi Jedi wrote:I'll choose an OOC first and race. Then I stop and work up the back story/history, so I'll know WHO I'm playing. Then I roll and choose skills to fit that.

If my rolls are abjectly different from the back story, I'll either modify the back story a bit, or I'll admit, roll over. If I've got a 5 page back story about a warrior and I roll ps 3 and pp 3 or something, I'm not above rolling again to get something to better fit my story. That's not to say I need max stats in my chosen OOC, but one needs to fit the other at least a bit.

My process is similar to this but I will admit I don't even roll stats anymore. Once I get an idea and a backstory I have a pretty good grasp on how strong, smart, fast, pretty and charming he might be. However, I'll also not increase them based on class or skill bonuses either. If, for example I decide based on my idea and backstory that a headhunter's pp should be around 19-21 after growing up in a family of acrobats In a traveling circus, I'll place the stat accordingly, make sure acrobatics and/or gymnastics are chosen, but not apply any further pp or ps bonuses.

flatline wrote:My first GM did exactly that. Later on, he decided that in addition to rolling 4 dice, we could re-roll 1s and 2s.

He liked a high power game

--flatline

That's how every group I've been in does it.

I've created characters both ways and other ways.

Crafting a character background to fit a set of dice rolls can be interesting, but often I find it somewhat limiting as I end up forced into compromises that just don't fit that well. Sometimes a GM will be agreeable and allow things like moving a few points from one stat to another, if I have a good explanation for why I think it would be better. Another option I've seen used to work around this limitation is either 1) allow a few extra sets of stats to be rolled (e.g. roll 8 stats for a 6 stat system), and throw out the low ones, or 2) allow three complete sets of stats to be rolled, and the player gets to pick which set they use (and if they don't like any of the three, they can roll a fourth set, but they have to keep it). That said, I've only ever once ended up with a character I particularly liked this way.

My last few characters have been built the other way around -- create a backstory, and come up with reasonable stats/skills/etc to match it, again with some negotiation with the GM. I found this gave me a *far* more nuanced character who I was more invested in and whose motives and outlook I could more easily and enjoyably play. This has become far more important to me as time has gone on, as I've begun to really enjoy playing the character rather than playing the dice.

I've used point-buy systems (e.g. Champions/HERO) and I very much enjoy those, despite the tedious bookwork during creation. That lets me build out exactly the character I have envisioned, limited only by the GM's specified point budget. My first "real" RPG character was done this way, my freshman year in college, based on an idea for a super-hero/villian character I'd had since I was a little kid. The GM was super-psyched about my character when I described it to him and had him help me create it, as it was the first time he'd seen a Champions multi-power framework used the way it was really intended/envisioned, based entirely on the character concept rather than just a way to cram more "stuff" into a character's capabilities.

The final way I've made a character was by far the laziest and easiest to do, but turned out very well. I didn't know much about the system (Shadowrun, 4e I think -- too lazy to go downstairs and find the book), but I saw one of the example characters in the book and said "I'll run this one, stats and everything just as it says". All I needed was a name and a backstory to explain where this character had come from in life and where she (one of my rare tries at running cross-gender) was trying to get in life, and I was done. I had a great time with that character, and sometime later realized she would have been a tremendous complement (i.e. wife/girlfriend/fellow mercenary) to my first and only and beloved Rifts character. The more I played her the more I was able to understand how she viewed the world, what her own personal limitations and unspoken dreams were, and I let that come out in terrific ways during role playing -- even in ways that I knew as a player would set her and the party back, but made her all the more authentic. Again, I enjoyed the heck out of this, the most easily created character in my role-playing history.

Brent

First I pick the race, then OCC so I can pick my skills, then I do the backstory.
It's the most logical way.

These days I like to think of Role-playing as creating an interactive story. I prefer improv acting to grinding away for stats and loot. Thats old school video game thinking right there, and I moved away from it a long time ago. (On tabletop, I still play video games).

So usually when I make a campaign I think about what types of characters would be best suited to making the story work.

If we decide to run an open campaign, I let the players do whatever they like. I make sure the challenges they face are appropriate to the capabilities of their group.
IF they choose min/max or munchkin their characters, they had better be expecting some brutal combat against enemies similar to themselves, cuz thats what I intend to do.

In fact without even speaking a word to me, a new group of players can say a lot about what kind of gaming they like and the sort of campaign they wanna see. Munchkin, political, magic & mystical, militant. Its almost always obvious in OCC or RCC selection.

On our first 3rd ed. D&D game my guys (for some reason) all decided to make clerics, some good, some evil. I set up an undead slaying campaign where several churches in a region banded together to thwart a powerful invasion. They each sent their best representative to take down the threat (ala Lord of the Rings, epic quest kind of deal). Much better beginning than "you meet at an inn" which D&D is infamous for.

Really, I have done both, depending on what it is that I was trying to achieve. But mostly, its a process that feeds on itself. Usually, I have an idea of what I want to make, then roll up the stats and such. But depending on what I rolled, it may change the background if he was stronger or weaker in one area than I expected.

Shorty Lickens wrote:Much better beginning than "you meet at an inn" which D&D is infamous for.

Ha! Your GM was merciful!

"You meet in the jail cell..."

--flatline

flatline wrote:

Shorty Lickens wrote:Much better beginning than "you meet at an inn" which D&D is infamous for.

Ha! Your GM was merciful!

"You meet in the jail cell..."

--flatline

Thats not so bad if you only do it once in a blue moon.

A better start is dumping your group in the middle of combat and taking off from there. Again, dont do it all the time.

I do a bit of both, honestly. Usually I come up w/ a "concept" and then roll up the character, other times I just roll up the character and create things as I go along.

both. depending.

I either pick an OCC I want to play (or play an old favourite but still roll up a new character) and stick with that, or talk amongst the group see what everyone else is thinking of playing and then come up with a character the boosts were we're lacking whether it's in tech skills, firepower, magic, etc.
Then I come up with the concept/back story and pick the appropriate skills. Like in one campaign my GM wanted me to play a Chiang-ku that had trained with a temporal raider (i think the minimum was 6 years) but then left. This was his character concept not mine, out of the people playing he figured I could handle playing such a powerful character and it fit into his grand scheme of things and rather NPC it he thought it would be more fun if it was actually played by someone.
But I threw him a bit of a curveball with my backstory. I wrote that he became sickened of that lifestyle he wanted to atone for any/all sins so I decided that he spent centuries as a wandering healer, even his appearance I chose was that of an older man. So I took skills that reflected that, I had some psionics so I took psychic diagnosis and surgery, but then I took things apothecary and holistic medicine, any other skills relating to it like chemistry and identify plants. I had him be soft spoken and a general "do gooder" who didn't flaunt his power as a dragon (kept it secret). My GM liked my character concept so much that to add to my character he said I kept one rune weapon from all my time as a raider. He gave me that staff that could purify water and I think it could heal people, it fit with my character's personality/look. IMO a back story IS what makes your character because it shapes it by dictating the skills you choose to create him. Damn! now I really miss playing that character ,lol

poll is flawed...
there is no both option.
I use both depending on inspiration.

Most of the time I decide what sort of char I am going to make (race and class) before I start rolling anything. This way I do not get lazy and "just make the same thing." Then do all the name, stats,skills, spells, powers...etc... then write up the background. I do it this way because when I start off, I have no clue what sort of background will be till I've thought about thinks while doing the rest of the char creation.

I pick an Race and OCC that seem interesting to play at the time......once i am done with the character i look at the stats and such.

Make a story That would fit. (hopefully)

Role out my character with a background in my mind.

Look for a suitable race and OCC to match my interests at the time and work up the background to go with it, since you can't work out who they were before the game started without an idea about those basics.

It depends.
Sometimes I build a character around a concept or backstory, other times I roll the character up and pick the backstory from there.

We once did a campaign where the characters started with no memories at all. We weren't allowed to come up with backstories at all.

We started the campaign with character sheets with stats, skills, and equipment and our characters woke up with name tags so that they would know their names.

Very strange campaign. Worked out well, though.

--flatline

I do a little of both at the same time. I either start with a concept and idea of a background, and then add race/occ, or I start with concept, choose OCC/Race, and then work out background and revise said OCC/Race choice based on what I came up with.

For my Rifts game I came up with a pretty neat random roll table which has created some very interesting characters. The nice thing is that for most things you can make most any OCC work for most any background, if you work at it.

Pick the race, OCC, stats, skills, flesh out the equipment, then backstory VERY last. I tend to get character concepts, that I tailor the backstory too, ill make dozens of characters with zero backstory, and when I get a chance to play "that" concept or build as I call it, I tack on a backstory that works and run with it. Its my preferred way of doing things. It helps me to know I am going to enjoy the character for sure, rather than leave it to chance if you will or 'force' myself to enjoy the character that didnt turn out the way I wanted.

I hate pregen characters, I rarely enjoy the options laid out before me, and getting "into the role" of them just feels forced.

I choose the race and OCC and attributes. Then I do a backstory. Then I do the skills and equipment to suit the backstory. Rinse & repeat.

Most of the time in my experience, the GM wants the Role/Class/Race in that order, and if he approves, you go on to the rest so backstory first has not been an option, though nice when allowed. Rarely a GM asks for the back story first before approving the character for his campaign, out of concern for power level I think. Back-story relies a great deal on what you will end up being and what skills you will end up with so It would be hard (for me at least) to create a back-story containing significant details without the race and class being known.

HR

i get a random idea floating around my brain. or a lot of the time while reading the numerous world books i find a race or class i think is cool. i draw a few sketches write a short story or two and then if the idea doesnt get crumpled and thrown away i will then create a character. i spent months and months combining different super powers only to realize i didnt really like supers lol. now after learning the game i love the borg classes most of all.

Balabanto wrote:It depends on the needs of my group.

Back-story first. What does the group need to round it out or be the most interesting. Choose a race, best fitting the story. Roll up the stats individually then fit the stats into the OCC.

I choose the armor I want to wear, then I determine what will fit inside, then I determine what has the most skills. Then I worry about everything else...

Every way.

look through races/classes first until something catches my eye, come up with a loose backstory, then refine it as I go through the mechanics.

Personally? Both. I like variety, both in my characters and how I make them.
Though my favorite method is random rolling as much as I can get away with, then bringing it all together.

Rockwolf66 wrote:Usually I do it the first way but after one of DarklordDC's Images involving one of my characters and her "companions" I statted them all up and wrote backstories for them all.

Most of the time I find that I can make up some really interesting characters from their race/skills and stats. Then I try to write a background that's interesting and then I make an Image of the character.

If said character really works I throw money at DarklordDC.

@Rockwolf66 .. will you post some of your characters pics that you had DarklordDC did for you ? I may follow suit in the future , his work kills!

I pick my RCC/OCC first & then develop the background as I roll him up & pick my skills . Then I flesh out the background in full.