Character Creation in Numenera and the Cypher System

Mar 15

How to Create a Character in Numenera

Welcome to Dice and Dialogue, a new tabletop RPG show brought to you by Crit Academy! In this show, we'll be discussing a variety of RPGs, exploring different game systems and settings, and sharing tips and tricks for running successful games.

Today, we're delving into part 2 of the world of Numenera, a unique RPG setting that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy to create a world of mystery and danger using the Cypher System.

Character Creation in Numenera and the Cypher System

Numenera is a science fantasy tabletop roleplaying game developed by Monte Cook Games, utilizing the Cypher System. It is set in the Ninth World, a mysterious and post-apocalyptic world where technology and magic coexist. In Numenera, players take on the role of explorers and adventurers, venturing into the unknown to uncover ancient artifacts and unravel the secrets of the past. In this blog, we will discuss character creation in Numenera and the Cypher System, providing a comprehensive guide to building your own unique character.

Choosing a Type

The first step in character creation is choosing a Type. The Type is the broadest aspect of your character, representing their inherent abilities and strengths. There are three Types in Numenera: Glaive, Nano, and Jack.

Glaives are physical combatants, skilled in the use of weapons and armor. They are the warriors and soldiers of the Ninth World, able to dish out massive damage in battle.

Nanos are master of the arcane and scientific, utilizing their intellect and knowledge to manipulate reality. They are the spellcasters and scientists of the Ninth World, capable of bending the laws of physics to their will.

Jacks are the jacks-of-all-trades, possessing a wide range of skills and abilities. They are the rogues and adventurers of the Ninth World, able to handle any situation that comes their way.

Each Type has a set of abilities and skills that are unique to them, as well as a pool of points that can be spent to activate special abilities called cyphers. Choosing a Type is a crucial part of character creation, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the character.

Choosing a Descriptor

After choosing a Type, the next step is to select a Descriptor. Descriptors are adjectives that describe your character's personality and background, giving them additional abilities and defining their place in the Ninth World. There are a wide variety of Descriptors to choose from, ranging from Charming and Tough to Intelligent and Graceful.

Choosing a Focus

The final step in character creation is choosing a Focus. The Focus represents your character's unique talents and abilities, and determines their role in the party. There are dozens of Foci to choose from, each providing a unique set of abilities and skills.

For example, the Nano Focus "Adept" allows characters to channel their psychic energy into powerful blasts of energy, while the Glaive Focus "Rages" grants characters an unbreakable will and the ability to enter a berserker rage. The Jack Focus "Steals" allows characters to be masters of thievery and larceny, able to pick locks and pick pockets with ease.

The Cypher System

In addition to the core mechanics of Numenera, character creation is heavily influenced by the Cypher System, a universal roleplaying system developed by Monte Cook Games. The Cypher System is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing players and GMs to create a wide range of characters and settings.

At its core, the Cypher System is built around the use of cyphers, powerful one-time use abilities that can be found throughout the Ninth World. Cyphers are represented by small cards or tokens, and can be spent to activate powerful abilities or gain bonuses to certain actions.

In addition to cyphers, the Cypher System also utilizes a mechanic called Effort, which allows players to spend points from their pools to reduce the difficulty of tasks or increase the effectiveness of their abilities. Effort can be used to make a character stronger, faster, or more skilled, providing a wide range of strategic options during gameplay.

Conclusion

Character creation in Numenera and the Cypher System is a dynamic and exciting process, allowing players to create unique and memorable characters that fit seamlessly into the Ninth World. By selecting a Type, Descriptor, and Focus, players can create a character that is tailored to their preferences and playstyle.

The Cypher System also adds an extra layer of depth to character creation, with cyphers and Effort providing new and exciting mechanics to explore. Whether you're a seasoned tabletop player or a newcomer to the hobby, Numenera and the Cypher System offer a wealth of opportunities for creating exciting and memorable characters.

In addition to the standard character creation process, Numenera also offers players the option to create characters using random tables. This method of character creation can be a fun and exciting way to create a character that is truly unique, with unexpected quirks and abilities.

Overall, character creation in Numenera and the Cypher System is a fun and engaging process that allows players to create characters that are truly their own. Whether you prefer physical combat, scientific experimentation, or subtle subterfuge, there's a Type, Descriptor, and Focus that's perfect for you. So grab your dice and get ready to explore the Ninth World, because adventure awaits!

One of the best parts of a roleplaying game is the building of characters. Character backstory, class abilities, race, skills, and combat are all different aspects that can be loved by players. In Fifth Edition, it tends to get clumped into the simple “not enough options” category. In 5e the single largest lackluster choice is the weapon. There isn’t much in the way of uniqueness to separate them, except for maybe the damage die and a few restricting traits. Not to mention, some of the weapon stats are literally EXACTLY the same (looking at you polearms). To an extent, this can also be true for armor as well. Aside from the bonus to AC, there isn’t really a reason to wear any particular piece of armor. Well, Exotic Equipment Perks hopes to remedy that. We want to make your choice of equipment matter just as much as a class, race, or skill option. We want it to be another defining feature of your play style.

Weapons and equipment should be more than just objects that adventurers carry to slay enemies and protect themselves. In the proper hands of a master, they should be powerful tools to gain the upper hand in battle. In order to remedy this, we present to you Exotic Equipment Perks!

We want to give a huge shout-out to all the backers on Kickstarter who made this project possible! Thank you.

Inside you will find:

36 New Weapon Perks
12 New Exotic Weapons with Perks
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6 New Exotic Armors with Perks
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Get your copy here and make your choice of equipment matter!

RPG Game Master Tip!

The Importance of Empathy

One game master tip that is often overlooked is the importance of empathy in creating a fulfilling role-playing experience for your players. As the game master, it's important to not only think about the mechanics of the game and the world you've created but also to put yourself in your players' shoes. Understanding their characters' motivations, fears, and desires can help you create challenges and obstacles that are both difficult and personal, making for a more engaging and meaningful experience for everyone at the table. Additionally, showing empathy towards your players outside of the game by being considerate of their time and boundaries can help create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy the game.

As a game master, it's easy to get caught up in creating a complex game world and designing challenging encounters for your players. However, one important aspect of being a successful game master has often been overlooked: empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In tabletop role-playing games, this means taking the time to understand your players' characters and their motivations. By doing so, you can create challenges and obstacles that are both difficult and personal, making for a more engaging and meaningful experience for everyone at the table.

For example, if one of your players has a character with a fear of spiders, you could incorporate a spider-infested dungeon into your game. This not only adds an extra layer of challenge to the game but also allows the player to explore their character's fears and motivations in a way that is both immersive and satisfying.

In addition to understanding your players' characters, it's also essential to show empathy towards your players outside of the game. This means being considerate of their time and boundaries and creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy the game.

Some ways to show empathy towards your players include:
Being mindful of everyone's schedules and availability. Don't schedule a game session at a time when someone can't attend, and be understanding if someone needs to step away from the game for personal reasons.
Being flexible with the rules. While rules are important, it's also important to remember that everyone is playing the game to have fun. If a rule is causing frustration or detracting from the experience, be willing to make adjustments or exceptions.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment. This means being respectful of everyone's boundaries and avoiding topics or themes that could be triggering or uncomfortable for some players. It also means actively promoting diversity and inclusivity in your game world and among your players.
By showing empathy towards your players, both in and out of the game, you can create a more fulfilling and enjoyable role-playing experience for everyone involved. So next time you sit down to run a game, take a moment to consider the feelings and motivations of your players. Your game will be all the better for it.

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