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Getting Started
Character Creation
Building a Cardian is fast and simple. Make five choices, and you're ready to play. Each choice shapes who your character is and what they can do.
The Five Choices
1Choose Your Role2Select Materials3Choose Your Finish4Pick a Knack5Select Your Weapon
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Choose Your Role
Pick between Martial, Caster, Defender, or Support. This determines your playstyle, starting HP, and signature ability.
•Martial (♠) — Mobile striker, consistent damage
•Caster (♦) — Burst damage, tactical positioning
•Defender (♣) — Tank, protect allies
•Support (♥) — Buff allies, resource management
Step 2
Select Materials
Your Cardian is made of two materials. Each material grants bonuses to specific skills.
•Paper — Lighter, crafty (Finesse, Craft)
•Plastic — Flexible, durable (Stealth, Grit)
•Metal — Strong, imposing (Brute, Sway)
•Ink — Perceptive, knowledgeable (Detection, Knowledge)
Step 3
Choose Your Finish
Are you Matte or Shiny? This affects one more skill and adds flavor to your appearance.
•Matte — Understated, blends in (Athletics)
•Shiny — Flashy, stands out (Performance)
Step 4
Pick a Knack
A minor magical ability you can use at will, no cost required. Great for roleplay and utility.
•Examples: Create small illusions, sense magic, minor telekinesis
•Flavorful abilities unique to your character
Step 5
Select Your Weapon
Choose your primary weapon. This determines your basic attack and grants a Power Attack option.
•Melee: Swords, axes, hammers — close range, higher damage
•Ranged: Bows, crossbows — distance, safer positioning
•Each weapon has unique Power Attack effects
What Your Character Gets
From Your Role
- • Starting HP and HP per level
- • Armor type (Light, Medium, or Shield)
- • Signature maneuver (Blink, Taunt, etc.)
- • Attribute priorities
From Your Materials
- • +1 to two skills (one per material)
- • Visual appearance (paper skin, metal limbs)
- • Roleplay hooks and flavor
From Your Finish
- • +1 to one skill (Athletics or Performance)
- • Appearance detail (matte or shiny surface)
From Your Choices
- • Knack — at-will minor ability
- • Weapon — basic attack + Power Attack
- • 4 Jokers as starting Power Pile
Starting Stats by Role
| Role | HP | HP/Level | Armor |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♠ Martial | 20 | +4 | Medium |
| ♦ Caster | 16 | +3 | Light |
| ♣ Defender | 22 | +5 | Medium + Shield |
| ♥ Support | 18 | +4 | Light |