You have been invited to play a table top game and now you have your character sheet and now you are thinking “Wow is it tax time again?” Breathe. All this sheet is what can your character do and what they have. The stats are just saying how well your character can do the things that it does right now. They will change through out the game so use a pencil and not a pen when filling this out. This is where you get to flesh out the mold into a living breathing hero or villain depending on your taste.
What are you playing?
When you think of your character what comes to mind? A warrior standing in front of your enemy with weapon drawn? A rogue sneaking into somewhere they’re not supposed to be? Maybe a magician slinging reality bending spells? Jot down some notes on who your character is to you and somethings you are expecting your character to do. Why did your character become whatever class you chose? Any magic items you might want? These help getting you in the mindset of the character and helps the gamemaster tailor the story to the players.
Stats
After you have figured out what you are playing, read what that character can do. Then re-read what that character needs to do those things. Your notebook should start with what is used the most. Those are where you should put your points. Whatever your gamemaster’s choice of stat generation get your highest scores in the ones that will do the most for your character.
Other players
Talk to the other players on what they are playing. Use your skills to help them and their skills to help you. If the group is big then you can double up on skills and feats. If the group is small you really don’t need everybody appraising that gems value.
Skills
Start out great at a few things rather than good at all things Every character has a few things that makes them special. Spells, wits, or combat. Starting out take only a few things and max them out if you can. As you progress through you will get newer skills and abilities, but your core abilities should be what you focus on getting maxed out. Again check with other players on what they are taking as well to flush out the party.
Combat
Every character can fight…maybe not well, but they can fight. Get with your party to figure out some starting strategies before the initiative dice are rolled. Remember even if the party is always bickering when “Roll Initiative” is said by the gamemaster you are now all trying to stay alive. Even the bard can add bonus to the group, and a cleric can throw bonus here and there and not just be a healer. Also keep in mind of the damage types. The party should have at least one of each damage type weapon.
Equipment
After the basics such as weapon, armor, and class equipment are purchased, a few extra things should be acquired if the party teams up. Remember if it is not on your character sheet, you don’t have it.
Tourches/Flint and Steel – Until everybody can see in the dark and create fire, then these two things are a must. Also talk to the local blacksmith to get flat square metal pieces with a hole in the middle to slide the torch into. This lets you throw the torch with little risk of it rolling itself out when it lands.
Handaxe/Hammer – Sometimes the dice rolls are just not with the party. Handaxe and hammers can take down doors and simple locks if needed.
Healing Potions – These are a must. The healer might now be able to get to everyone at once, or runs out of healing.
Rope – Holes and walls are a common place when you leave your house. Every person in the party should have rope to be tied together if needed. You might have to bring back the bad guy alive.
Food/Water – Yes you might be able to find food out on the road, and you might not. It is better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Chalk – If you don’t have a keen sense of direction underground having this simple item can mean the difference between getting out or being lost.
So now you have the basics to start. Remember if you don’t know, ask. Read the books that you can. And tip the bard and barmaids.
These are pretty good tips. Especially for new players. I can’t count the number of times i rolled up stats on a character and sat there dumbfounded on what type of person it is or the reasons for why they want to do what they do.