Central Casting: Character Background Generator [Archive] - Wizards Community

Central Casting: Character Background Generator [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dark Saber
08-09-05, 04:00 AM The greatest character background generator of all time was Task Force Games' book "Central Casting." It may not have been perfect, but then you just reroll or pick something that makes sense. Often, the book had a strange way of fitting your own conceptions... from random dice rolls! It also told you what alignment you're most likely have as a result of your rolls (each result gives you Light, Dark or Neutral points). Sadly, the book is long out of print. :weep:

I use it every time. It adds about half an hour to character creation but is worth it. You could never dream up all the stuff this generator will tell you about your character's "life before 1st level." Use it for all PCs and major NPCs if you have time, because this book will make the DM's life a breeze for grounding the PCs into his world. Adventure ideas by the dozens... all from randomly generated PC backgrounds!

Parents, Social Status, Birth Order, Extended Family, Odd Births, Curses, Childhood, Adolescent and Adult Major Events, Jail Time, Mental conditions, Friends, Rivals, Enemies, Lovers, Skills, Items, Military Service, Hobbies... This book has it all. It's generic, so you can use it for any rules set. Unfortunately, you'll have to use common sense if you want to apply things like skills or hobbies as bonus skill points or as bonus class skills (regardless of class).
Fithero
08-09-05, 07:08 AM Sounds awsome...you wouldnt happen to have a copy on file would you?
Dark Saber
08-10-05, 03:13 AM All I have is a hard copy; sorry.

You can even use Central Casting (fantasy) to make up Star Wars characters with a little minor tweaking (I just used it for a Jedi PC with great results and minimal rerolls). Probably could use it for any genre/era game, or for writing fiction, LOL.
Zandilar
08-11-05, 10:18 PM Heya,

The one draw back with Central Casting is that it's very messy to incorporate with the d20 system.

Some of the events that you can roll can give you special abilities that would translate out to things like: Feats, skill points, supernatural or extraordinary abilities... And sometimes (particularly skills if you roll Military Experience) in HUGE numbers.

If you're lucky enough with your rolls you can also end up with things like being the daughter/son of a deity (which gives you bonuses to all stats and a few other things). Lots of stuff in CC should result in a character with an LA, or at the very least, actual character levels (generally in Fighter or Rogue).

Also, it's possible to roll a closed background. I.e.: The character has so much background, their story is already told and there's nothing more to add.

When using CC, it's best to work closely with your DM... It definitely has the power to completely shatter the balance in a game if not used wisely.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dark Saber 08-09-05, 04:00 AM	The greatest character background generator of all time was Task Force Games' book "Central Casting." It may not have been perfect, but then you just reroll or pick something that makes sense. Often, the book had a strange way of fitting your own conceptions... from random dice rolls! It also told you what alignment you're most likely have as a result of your rolls (each result gives you Light, Dark or Neutral points). Sadly, the book is long out of print. :weep: I use it every time. It adds about half an hour to character creation but is worth it. You could never dream up all the stuff this generator will tell you about your character's "life before 1st level." Use it for all PCs and major NPCs if you have time, because this book will make the DM's life a breeze for grounding the PCs into his world. Adventure ideas by the dozens... all from randomly generated PC backgrounds! Parents, Social Status, Birth Order, Extended Family, Odd Births, Curses, Childhood, Adolescent and Adult Major Events, Jail Time, Mental conditions, Friends, Rivals, Enemies, Lovers, Skills, Items, Military Service, Hobbies... This book has it all. It's generic, so you can use it for any rules set. Unfortunately, you'll have to use common sense if you want to apply things like skills or hobbies as bonus skill points or as bonus class skills (regardless of class).
Fithero 08-09-05, 07:08 AM	Sounds awsome...you wouldnt happen to have a copy on file would you?
Dark Saber 08-10-05, 03:13 AM	All I have is a hard copy; sorry. You can even use Central Casting (fantasy) to make up Star Wars characters with a little minor tweaking (I just used it for a Jedi PC with great results and minimal rerolls). Probably could use it for any genre/era game, or for writing fiction, LOL.
Zandilar 08-11-05, 10:18 PM	Heya, The one draw back with Central Casting is that it's very messy to incorporate with the d20 system. Some of the events that you can roll can give you special abilities that would translate out to things like: Feats, skill points, supernatural or extraordinary abilities... And sometimes (particularly skills if you roll Military Experience) in HUGE numbers. If you're lucky enough with your rolls you can also end up with things like being the daughter/son of a deity (which gives you bonuses to all stats and a few other things). Lots of stuff in CC should result in a character with an LA, or at the very least, actual character levels (generally in Fighter or Rogue). Also, it's possible to roll a closed background. I.e.: The character has so much background, their story is already told and there's nothing more to add. When using CC, it's best to work closely with your DM... It definitely has the power to completely shatter the balance in a game if not used wisely.