Understanding Freebie Points In Tabletop Rpg Character Creation

The provided source material discusses a concept known as "freebie points" or "bonus points" in tabletop role-playing games, specifically within the Storyteller system and its Revised edition. This article examines how these points function in character creation, their exchange rates, and their role in customizing game characters.

What Are Freebie Points

Freebie points are a mechanic used in character creation for Storyteller system games, including the Revised Storyteller system where they are referred to as "bonus points." These points represent resources that players can allocate to various character traits during the creation process, outside of the initial point allocations provided to each trait category.

According to the source material, freebie points serve two primary purposes: 1. They allow players to fine-tune their characters by purchasing additional dots in traits 2. They are the only method available for purchasing Merits during character creation

This mechanic provides flexibility for players to customize their characters beyond the basic point allocations provided for Attributes, Abilities, Backgrounds, and other trait categories.

Exchange Rates for Freebie Points

The source material provides specific exchange rates for converting freebie points into dots of various traits:

• Attributes: 5 freebie points per dot
• Abilities: 2 freebie points per dot
• Disciplines: 7 freebie points per dot
• Backgrounds: 1 freebie point per dot
• Virtues: 2 freebie points per dot
• Humanity/Path: 2 freebie points per dot
• Willpower: 1 freebie point per dot

Notably, unlike dots purchased with experience points, the cost for additional dots using freebie points does not increase at higher ratings. This means the fifth dot in an Attribute costs the same number of freebies as the third dot.

Standard Allocations

Different types of characters receive different standard allocations of freebie points:

• Most supernatural character types: 15 freebie points
• Human characters: 21 freebie points

This difference reflects the generally higher point allocations provided to human characters in specific trait categories, balanced by the additional capabilities of supernatural characters.

Additional Freebie Points Through Flaws

Players can potentially gain additional freebie points by purchasing Flaws for their characters. The source material indicates that most games place a limit on how many extra freebies can be gained this way, typically capping additional freebies at 7 points.

This mechanic allows players to further customize their characters by accepting limitations or weaknesses in exchange for additional resources during character creation.

Freebie Points in Werewolf: The Apocalypse

While the source material specifically mentions freebie points in the context of the Storyteller system, it also references their use in "Laws of the Wild Revised Edition," which is a supplement for Werewolf: The Apocalypse. This game uses the Revised Storyteller system, where freebie points are known as "bonus points."

In the context of Werewolf character creation, as outlined in the source material, players spend freebie points as part of a comprehensive character creation process that includes:

• Selecting a concept, name, and verifying it's not a banned archetype
• Choosing Nature and Demeanor, Breed, Auspice, Tribe, and Rank
• Assigning Rage, Gnosis and Willpower according to Breed, Auspice and Tribe
• Distributing Physical, Social and Mental Traits
• Selecting Negative Traits, Abilities, and Backgrounds
• Recording Tribal features
• Choosing Gifts based on Tribe, Breed and Auspice
• Selecting Merits and Flaws
• Spending Freebie Traits
• Spending Experience Points
• Verifying all calculations

The three-month rule mentioned in the source material allows players to adjust their werewolf characters between games for their first three months of play, prior to the fourth game session.

Other Game Mechanics Related to Freebie Points

The source material also references other game elements that interact with freebie points:

1. Character Creation Process: Freebie points are spent during character creation, typically after initial trait allocations and selection of Merits and Flaws.

2. Mathematical Verification: Players must ensure that their Freebie Traits, Flaws, Negative Traits and Experience points cover all Merit purchases and additional trait acquisitions.

3. Merits Purchase: Freebie points are the only way to purchase Merits at character creation, making them essential for accessing certain character benefits.

4. Experience Points: After spending freebie points, players may spend any experience points they have received through story awards or from previous characters.

Conclusion

Freebie points represent a fundamental mechanic in Storyteller system games, particularly in Revised editions like those used in Werewolf: The Apocalypse. These points provide players with the flexibility to customize their characters beyond basic allocations, allowing for fine-tuning of attributes, abilities, and other traits. The standard allocation of 15 points for supernatural characters and 21 points for human characters, combined with the ability to gain additional points through Flaws, creates a balanced system for character creation. Understanding the exchange rates and proper usage of freebie points is essential for creating well-developed characters within the constraints of the game system.

Sources

1. Character Creation Guide
2. Corax Information
3. Freebie Points Explanation
4. Rokea Review