This was based on something I read on these boards over a year ago:
All abilities start at 8. You will be given points with which to increase your abilities. When deciding on your ability scores you can use any number over 8 only one time. (ie. You can have 5 eights and one 18 but you can’t have a 9 for more than one ability score or any other number for more than one ability score).
· You get 15 points in your ability score pool (this will give you the following ability scores to use for any ability you choose: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). If you are willing to do a little additional work on your character you will be able to add the following bonuses to your ability score pool:
· +1 for a background story that works within the world’s framework given below.
· +2 if you include the receipt of a silver key in your background (examples, award for brave deed, family heirloom, won through gambling, stolen from someone, gift from old lover, found somewhere).
· +1 more if the story is longer than 500 words. +2 if it is more than 750 words long.
· +1 if the story is e-mailed to me or given to me on disk (so I can add some story elements to it).
· +1 if you have 3 or more NPCs with usable plot hooks in the story NPCs must be named, worked into story; and able to come into future events without unreasonable circumstances. An NPC can be an individual or an organization. NPCs cannot just be listed and named. Must have story involvment.
· +1 if you have 1 or more major and/or 3 or more minor plot hooks built in.
· A major plot hook is something that drives the story and gives the DM options to work with nearly every game session. It must be easy to work in under most normal circumstances. A minor plot hook is anything that can give such story ideas but will not do so consistently on a regular basis.
· +1 for an illustration.
· I don't care who draws it, as long as it's a representation of what they 'really' look like.
· +2 for a miniature.
· +1 more if the miniature is painted.
· I don't care who paints it or how good they are at it.
· +1 for a diagram showing where all equipment is held or stored.
· +2 if you play a good aligned character.
· +2 if you play a human character
· These bonuses are stackable for a total possible 32 points. You can only take each bonus once.