Creating New Kits

After you have designed your campaign world, you may wish to add proficiencies that are specific to the world you created. Using Chapter 6 as a guide, many new kits can be created. If you wish to design a kit, consider the following questions about the dwarf and his role in your campaign:

Description: What is the dwarf like? Is he drawn from specific literary or mythological sources? Are there any special requirements for a character who wishes to play this type of dwarf?

Barred: If the dwarf is a priest, are there any reasons certain dwarves should not be allowed to be priests in this kit?

Role: What place does he have in the campaign? How is he regarded by his own race and culture? By other races and cultures? Is there a particular attitude or outlook he needs in order to acquire this kit?

What kinds of activities does he perform in a campaign? Is he a typically taciturn dwarf, or a loud-mouthed oaf? What is his relationship with other characters? Is he friendly, distanced, wary, impassive? Does he harbor any strong racial hatreds? How does he react to elves, gnomes, and other nonhuman races?

Secondary Skills: If you are using the secondary skills system, decide whether the kit requires any particular skills.

Weapon Proficiencies: Certain types of dwarves favor particular weapons. Note these, along with any weapons the character must have.

Nonweapon Proficiencies: Many dwarves have certain skills in common, and all should have the Endurance proficiency. You may assign one or two proficiency slots that are without cost to the character. If appropriate, these may come from listings other than the Dwarves and General listings in Chapter 5.

Equipment: If a kit is best known for specific types of equipment, the character should purchase the specified equipment at the start of the campaign. If some, but not all, dwarves of this type use the same equipment, it need not be required. In that case, simply list it as recommended.

Special Benefits: Although not necessary, most kits should have some special benefit. Any kind of benefit is acceptable, but it should relate to the way this particular dwarf operates in fiction, mythology, or in your own image of him.

Possible benefits include:

· Bonuses to reaction rolls, particularly with certain races.

· Bonuses on proficiency use, especially in specifically defined situations.

· Bonuses to attack and/or damage rolls, especially against certain enemies or in special circumstances.

· A free weapon specialization.

· Special resistances, such as immunity or a saving throw bonus against specific magical attacks.

· Special rights within the culture in which the dwarf normally travels, such as immunity from prosecution or free lodging on demand.

Special Hindrances: One or more special hindrances should be imposed to limit the character.

Possible hindrances include:

· Penalties to reaction rolls, especially from certain races.

· Penalties to attack and/or damage rolls, particularly against certain enemies or in special circumstances.

· Restrictions against learning certain proficiencies.

· Social or cultural restrictions affecting how easily the character can mingle with diverse groups. He may be prohibited from carrying weapons within his stronghold, or cannot marry, or is punished excessively for certain crimes.

Wealth Options: Does the dwarf have less or more starting gold than other characters? Are there any restrictions placed on how starting gold must be spent?

You may also adapt kits to other classes by adjusting the kit's skills, weapons, proficiencies, benefits, and hindrances.

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