Creating Your Character: A Guide

We put a great deal of emphasis on the character creation process, as you are, essentially, creating a person to live in our world. We want to make sure they will fit in and be a valuable part of our Thedas.
Please use the following guide as you fill out the Character Profile Template.
==Things to keep in mind==
*Do not include any out-of-character comments in your profile.
*Your profile should be written from the point of view of your character, but in third person.
*Do not include any dialogue in your profile.
*A profile picture and/or avatar is not required for approval of the profile.
*Consult the Warden's Vigil Timeline to ensure proper continuity.
==Basic Information==
===Race===
We allow most sentient races that appear in Dragon Age: Origins. Please refer to this list of prohibited/restricted character types for more detailed information on races that are not listed below.
Race 	General Notes	Things to remember
Human 	
*Humans vary in appearance (height, weight, skin tone, etc.)
*Humans may be from any country in Thedas.	
*Male humans on WV have a maximum height of 6'5".
*Female humans on WV have a maximum height of 6'3".
Elf 	
*Elves can originate within city Alienages, or with the Dalish.
*Elves can be from any country in Thedas, with the exception of the Tevinter Imperium.	
*Elves cannot be mistaken for humans (as illustrated in Dragon Age 2):
**Maximum height of 5'8"
**Very slender and willowy in appearance (in character creation, a BMI of "underweight" should be chosen)
**Large eyes that appear over-sized for their face, and shinier than humans'
**Large, pointed ears that extend past their hair
*Elves are slaves in the Tevinter Imperium.
*Elves are considered second-class citizens in the rest of Thedas and treated accordingly.
Dwarf 	
*Most dwarves originate from Orzammar.
*Dwarves who live amongst men are known as surface dwarves.	
*Dwarves have a maximum height of 4'10".
*Dwarves are heavy-set.
Half-elf	
*Half-elves do not exist in the Dragon Age universe.
*Children of humans and elves are always human.	
*Humans with an elven parent may refer to themselves as "elf-blooded".
Qunari  	
*As a Qunari players pick from one of three social standings to put in the profile's race category: Qunari, Tal-Vashoth, or Vashoth.
*All three of these are increasingly rare in southern Thedas, with Tal-Vashoth being the most common as mercenaries and bandits.
*The Staff reserves to right to reserve or restrict profiles of Qunari if the board population becomes too great.
*Qunari are only available as second characters.	
*Male and Female Qunari have a maximum height of 7'0".
*Hornless Qunari are extremely RARE, almost all Qunari have horns.
*Due to their height and body structure Qunari cannot take the build Skinny.
*Their hair is always white.
*Their skin is metallic in color, either gold, bronze, or silver.
*The tips of their ears are pointed.
*They have different eye colors than other races: Violet, Red, Silver, and Yellow.
===Class===
We allow any classes that appear in Dragon Age: Origins. Please refer to this list of prohibited/restricted character types for more detailed information.
A character's class should be chosen based on your roleplaying goals as opposed to combat. Combat scenarios make up only roughly 10% of interactions on the board.
Class 	Things to remember
Warrior	
*Warriors are more muscular than your average person, so they tend to be heavier.
*Warriors require formal training for nearly all of their talents.
Rogue 	
*Some rogue talents do not require formal training (such as Below the Belt and Dirty Fighting).
Mage 	
*Mages in Thedas are feared and kept sequestered in Circle Towers.
*We do allow apostate mages, but remember that apostates need to be smart in order to avoid being captured by templars.
*If you wish to make a Circle Mage, you may want to consider incorporating into your history a reason for them to start outside of the Tower (such as an assignment in another part of Ferelden). They would need to be accompanied by a templar, and this character can be an NPC you control.
*Mages generally demonstrate their power for the first time between ages 5 and 10.
*Mages go through their Harrowing (which is different for every mage) between the ages of 17 and 21.
===Specialization===
Characters may start with only ONE specialization. We have a number of restrictions on the specializations we allow. Please refer to this list of prohibited/restricted character types for more detailed information.
All Specializations have history and training requirements. Please be sure that when taking a specialization that you add in training from a mentor or other teachers in your history. Certain specializations may have more than just training requirements. If you are unsure, please ask one of the admins or moderators for clarification.
Also remember you do not have to start play with a specialization.
Class	Specialization 		Status and Notes
Warrior	
Berserker 		
Restricted
*Dwarven Warrior Caste characters or Ash Warriors may start as Berserkers.
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance. Must be approved by the moderating team prior to creation and make sense with your character's history.
*May be earned through roleplay. May be earned by having your request approved by the moderating team.
 	Champion 		Available
 	Reaver 		
Restricted
*Available as a second character (meaning you must have at least one approved profile before applying to have a character with this specialization).
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance.
*May be earned through roleplay.
*Player must demonstrate to the mods how their character can still interact normally with other player characters before this specialization will be approved.
 	
Templar 		
Available; please read The Templar Order of Warden's Vigil
 	Guardian 		Available
 	Spirit Warrior 		
Restricted
*Available as a second character (meaning you must have at least one approved profile before applying to have a character with this specialization).
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance.
*May be earned through roleplay.
Rogue	Assassin 		Available
 	Bard 		Available
* Please note that Bards are more than just a specialization. They are a specific type of spy that is trained and takes part in the Grand Game of Orlais.
* Your character history MUST reflect this training and time spent within Orlais or with a Bard mentor/patron.
 	Duelist 		Available
 	
Ranger 		
Available
*Animal companions must be reasonable.
*Wild Animals cannot be taken into cities or large settlements. They are still wild no matter how close to your character they are, and will not react well to large groups of people or domesticated animals. Also guards will have poor reactions to them as well, either attacking or asking you to remove them from the city.
*You must include how your animal companion came to be befriended by your ranger character.
*You may only have one animal companion at a time. The tier spells for this specialization are not available.
*If your companion dies, you will need to seek out a new one through roleplay.
 	Legionnaire Scout 		
Restricted
*Only dwarven members of the Legion of the Dead may start as Legionnaire scouts.
 	Shadow 		Available
Mage	
Arcane Warrior 		
Restricted
*May be earned through roleplay.
*Note: No longer only restricted to Grey Wardens.
 	
Blood Mage 		
Restricted
*Available as a second character (meaning you must have at least one approved profile before applying to have a character with this specialization).
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance.
*May be earned through roleplay.
 	
Shapeshifter 		
Restricted
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance.
*May be earned through roleplay.
 	Spirit Healer 		Restricted
* Due to the high number of Spirit Healers, this specialization is now restricted.
* If you wish to be a Spirit Healer, please contact the moderating team (Admins or Moderators) with your request.
* Spirit Healers have one spirit ally, and have to go through rigorous training to gain these talents.
* May be earned through roleplay.
 	Battlemage 		
Available
*Limited to apostate mages only.
 	Keeper 		
Restricted 
*Restricted to Dalish elves.
*Available as a second character (meaning you must have at least one approved profile before applying to have a character with this specialization).
*Please PM the moderating team with your request to make this type of character in advance.
 	School Specializations		
Available
*School Specializations allows your character to focus on a particular School of Magic, such as Creation or Spirit, instead of one of the above specializations.
* See the Skills and Spells/Talents Worksheet for more information on School Specializations.
===Occupation===
You may choose any realistic occupation for your character, depending on your roleplaying goals. Examples include:
*Shopkeeper
*Thief
*Guard
*Artist
*Minstrel
*Mercenary
*Etc.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you would like to have an occupation not listed here, please feel free to contact the moderating team with your questions.
The moderating team will not accept profiles for prostitutes or other sex workers.
==== Characters in Leadership Roles ====
If you choose to play a character in a leadership role, such as a noble or a commander, then you will need to review our article Expectations for Characters in Leadership Roles. If you feel you cannot abide by these expectations, then we ask that you not play a character in this role.
====Human Nobles====
Please note that human nobility (knights, banns, and offspring of banns and arls) are allowed for first time players, but require contact with the moderating team in advance. Please PM the moderating team if you are interested in applying for a noble character.
Arls and their equivalents from other countries (as well as anyone of higher status from outside Ferelden) will still be restricted to players who already have one active character on the board. These positions are best to be earned through roleplay, and we would encourage you to make a lesser noble with ambitions for higher status if you wish to play a greater noble.
====High-status Figures====
If you wish to create a high-status figure, such as a crime boss, high-level diplomat, a member of the military with a rank greater than soldier, or anyone that potentially has significant power over other players or NPCs, please PM the moderating team with your request in advance.
====Grey Wardens====
If you wish to be a Ferelden Grey Warden, this must be achieved through roleplay. Please see our article on Becoming a Grey Warden.
Players with one or more active characters may apply to play a Grey Warden from another country. Please refer to this list of prohibited/restricted character types for more detailed information.
==== Blight Tainted Characters ====
Blight tainted/Darkspawn tainted characters are not allowed at character creation. The reasons for this are multiple:
* Without permission to become a Grey Warden, your character will die off rather quickly.
* It will make it hard for others to interact with you since tainted individuals are usually killed on sight to prevent the spread of the taint.
* The chance for encountering darkspawn is slim, unless you come from a specific country.
===Companion===
Companions are restricted to domesticated animals. No sentient creatures may be listed as companions in this section; if your character is accompanied by an NPC character (e.g., your mage has an NPC templar), they may be listed in your history section.
Animal Type 	Background	Limitations
Horses 	
*Horses exist in Ferelden. Only wealthy individuals will be able to own a horse at this time.
*Stables are more common in large urban areas like Denerim and Amaranthine, but some inns along the main roads in Ferelden have started building small ones to accomodate travelers.	
Characters may own a horse ONLY if:
*They have the means to afford a horse's care and maintenance.
*They have the training to care and ride a horse, acquired either through upbringing (e.g., as a noble) or the means to purchase such training (e.g., as a wealthy merchant).
*For Native Fereldens, current characters and future characters that are not nobles will need to have a short roleplay thread where they purchase and go through riding training.
*Non-native Fereldens and Nobles may have this training in their history.
The moderating staff reserves the right to deny a character's request to own a horse.
Beasts of burden	
*Donkeys and oxen are commonly used in Ferelden to pull wagons and plows. They are much slower than horses for travel, but they are plentiful and readily available.	Characters may own a beast of burden ONLY if:
*They have the means to afford a the creature's care and maintenance.
The moderating staff reserves the right to deny a character's request to own a beast of burden.
Pets 	
*Only domesticated animals may be pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, etc.).
*Trained falcons and other hunting birds are allowed.	
*Characters with the Ranger specialization may have wild animal companions.
*Only human nobility or other high-status figures would have mabaris.
===Other Fields===
Field 	Things to Consider
Character picture/avatar	
*Character avatars and pictures may not be photographs.
*Celebrities may be used as reference images for artists who create your avatar, and likeness to the reference is to be expected. Rules against likeness of other famous entities still stand, such as no other famous video game characters or anime characters. Examples: Commander Shepard, Solid Snake.
*Hyperrealism -- while a valid artform -- is restricted for use in avatars and signatures. When you resize the image it should not look like a photograph. Your avatar should look like an artists interpretation of their reference and not a direct copy. If you are unsure if the avatar you want to use fits this criteria, please contact a member of staff.
*When references are used, please make sure there are no out of place elements. No modern looking clothing or armor, guns, etc.
*A screenshot of a player character from any Dragon Age Game is an acceptable alternative to artwork.
*Permission must be granted from the artist to use the avatar. A link to the artist's website -- preferably to the piece you are using -- must be included in your signature if you are not the artist yourself. The mods reserve the right to check that permission was granted if the artist is someone that is not part of the community.
*Other games' character creation can be used as long as they don't break away from the appearance in Dragon Age. An example would be the Skyrim CC which would be useable for a human character, but not for elves as Altmer, Dunmer, and Bosmer have radically different appearances than Dragon Age Elves.
*A character picture or avatar is not a requirement to post your profile for review or to have an approved character. They can be added at any time.
Account Name 	
*This is the account you registered under.
Display Name 	
*This is the name you wish to appear for your character.
*To change this from your account name, go to Profile > Edit Profile > Personal and enter in your character's name in Display Name.
*Names MUST be original. Famous names from works of fiction (e.g., Drizzt) or other video games (e.g., Garrus, Thane) are not allowed.
Character Full Name 	
*This may be the same as the display name.
Nickname(s) 	
* Nicknames -- like Display and Character Names -- must be original. No famous fictional character names from novels, videos games, or other media.
* Nicknames should be explained in your character's history unless they are the type that just shortens your character's name.
Age 	
*We do not allow characters under the age of 17.
*A Date of Birth is required. Acceptable formats are Month Day Age:Year, Day Month Year Age. Examples: Kingsway 14 9:12, 14 Kingsway 12 Dragon.
Gender 	
*Remember that men and women are equal in Thedas.
Birthplace 	
*Please provide the town/city or general area in which your character was born.
Height 	
*Please choose a height appropriate for your race.
Build 	
*Please choose from skinny, lean, average, athletic, overweight, or muscled.
*Skinny = low weight without muscle definition, Lean = low weight with muscle definition, Average = medium weight without muscle definition, Athletic = medium weight with muscle definition, Overweight = high weight without muscle definition, Muscled = high weight with muscle definition.
*Choose the build type according to what is 'average' for your race. An average build for an elf is more slender than for a human, for example. So if you're 'average' as an elf, the assumption will be made that the character looks normal for an elven build.
*If there are more specific aspects to a character's build, please feel free to add them to the Appearance section under "Other."
Marital status 	
*Please choose from single, married, separated, divorced, or widowed.
*Details can be provided in the history section.
==Appearance==
When you describe your character in your profile:
*Avoid telling other characters how they should react to him/her. This is a form of godmoding, and is not permitted on Warden's Vigil. Please see this article on godmoding for more information.
*Avoid over-the-top descriptions or features. Characters should be realistic and flawed. Perfect characters are boring and have little room for development. 
Please keep the following things in mind as you describe your character.
Field 	Things to consider
Hair 	
*Choose realistic colors for your race and age.
*No pink, purple, blue, or other oddly colored hair.
*If your hair is greying due to age, choose a level of silver/grey that is appropriate for your character’s age. Completely white hair is not allowed for young characters.
Eyes 	
*Choose realistic colors. Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_color for what is acceptable.
*Both eyes must be the same color.
Other 	
*This section is a good place to mention your character's build, birthmarks, tattoos, skin tone, complexion, scars, etc.
Weapons 	
*Please read our list of weapons, armor, and item restrictions.
*We do not allow lances, halberds, scythes, double-ended swords, short-swords, etc.
*You may have only ONE item of exceptional make, whether weapons or armor, and it must be reasonable. 
*Items made of materials from Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening may only be achieved through roleplay.
*Weapons may be enchanted. However, there are some stipulations:
**New characters can have one Novice Rune, either in armor or weapon, not both. Any more runes have to be purchased at a high cost. The purchase would need to be mod approved.
**Canon characters may get more than one rune and at a higher level depending on the canon. This is dependent on the canon character (eg. Shianni won't be able to have 5 Master Runes because she would not be able to afford it).
**Nobility or very wealthy characters (eg. wealthy merchants) may start out with two Novice or one journeyman rune.
**Rune purchases must be mod approved. They can only be purchased from Tranquil merchants at this time. For a complete list of approved runes, see: Enchantment
Usual Garments/Armor	
*Please read our list of weapons, armor, and item restrictions.
*You may have only ONE item of exceptional make, whether weapons or armor, and it must be reasonable.
*Armors may be enchanted. However, there are some stipulations:
**New characters can have one Novice Rune, either in armor or weapon, not both. Any more runes have to be purchased at a high cost. The purchase would need to be mod approved.
**Canon characters may get more than one rune and at a higher level depending on the canon. This is dependent on the canon character (eg. Shianni won't be able to have 5 Master Runes because she would not be able to afford it).
**Nobility or very wealthy characters (eg. wealthy merchants) may start out with two Novice or one journeyman rune.
**Rune purchases must be mod approved. They can only be purchased from Tranquil merchants at this time. For a complete list of approved runes, see: Enchantment
Inventory 	
*This section is used to itemize materials that your character usually carries on him- or herself.
*This can be a good way to give your character additional depth by stating he or she carries something unexpected (a souvenir from their home country, a sketchbook, etc.).
==Abilities==
This section details what your character is capable of in combat and other situations.
Section 	Things to consider
Basic Skills 	
*Includes skills that are required to survive.
*Examples: cooking, first aid, fishing, etc.
*These skills do not have to be from the game; they are for roleplaying purposes.
Trade Skills 	
*Includes skills that a character could use to make a living.
*Examples: tailoring, blacksmithing, bartering, etc.
Languages 	
*Everyone in Thedas speaks the Trade/Common Tongue, and only some people learn to read and write. Some regions have their own accents or languages as well. Please use Official DA Wiki: Languages for more information.
*Most upper-class children and some tradesmen study literacy or other languages. Heritage, nomadism, or curiosity can inspire others.
*Elves and Elf-blooded humans can know some Elvish, but even the Dalish cannot speak it fluently, and only Keepers and Firsts learn how to read and write it.
In-Game Skills	
*These are the skills such as coercion, stealing, etc., that the Warden can learn in-game.
*You are allowed to choose a maximum of EIGHT skills, including all prerequisites.
*Please use the Skills and Talents/Spells Worksheet to help you choose your skills correctly.
Combat Talents	
*Please note that these are under revision currently and some changes may be made soon.
*Be realistic in selecting Skills and Talents/Spells appropriate to your character's history and experience.
*Please use the Skills and Talents/Spells Worksheet to help you choose your talents/spells correctly.
==Personality==
Your character's personality will determine how he or she reacts to the world and the people in it. This is an essential piece of your character's make-up as it will help you determine how to interact with other players.
*Avoid over-the-top traits. Characters should be realistic and flawed. Perfect characters are boring and have little room for development. 
*Make sure your personality does not conflict with elements in your history. For example, if your character highly values life, they will likely not have a history of assassination.
*Be realistic. Often, the most interesting characters are the ones you could imagine meeting in your hometown. Real people have bad sides as well as good sides.
*Keep it simple. Complex personalities can be extremely difficult to roleplay. Simplifying your character may lead to more interactions with other characters, and more fun.
*Keep interaction in mind. Creating a character who is anti-social or does not speak may sound interesting, but their interactivity will be limited. This also applies to characters who are crazy, psychotic, and/or serial killers.
*Be detailed. We expect more than just a couple of sentences to describe your character’s personality adequately. At least two full paragraphs is required, but the maximum is 4 paragraphs.
*Pictures may not be used in lieu of written description. Being able to describe in writing a character's clothing, weaponry, the setting, etc., is essential to roleplaying in this format.
==History==
This is the most important section in your profile. It tells us what we need to know about your character's upbringing and what made them who they are today, but beyond that, it also shows the moderating team whether you understand the lore and world of Dragon Age: Origins.
*Make sure your history is a summary. This is not a short story. Dialogue should not be used. Remember, this is a summary of your character's life up to present day and will give other players an idea of what to expect when interacting with you. Profiles should be written in third person perspective. While we expect some level of detail, going beyond 12 paragraphs is excessive. We will ask you to trim your history down before doing a full review if you exceed this limit.
*Clear, concise language is a must. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills. It is the writer's responsibility to ensure the reader understands their meaning, and not vice versa. You should proofread to catch any spelling or punctuation errors, but we're more concerned with ensuring that your message is easily understood.
*Be detailed. We expect more than just a paragraph to describe your character’s history adequately. You should have a minimum of two paragraphs of eight to ten sentences, but be aware that the best histories are usually five to ten paragraphs in length.
*Use NPC canon character connections sparingly. We’re not adverse to your character having contact with NPC canon characters, but it should be minimal and done only when absolutely necessary, when a original character can’t be used instead.
*Get permission before referring to player canon characters. If you wish to have a connection with a canon character that is in play on the boards, send that character a quick PM detailing the desired involvement and asking their permission. Once you have received permission for their involvement, please PM the moderating team so we’re aware and don’t hold up the approval of your profile in order to verify it.
*Consider the following when you write the history:
**How did they grow up?
**Who or what influenced them when they were young?
**What events in their life made them what they are today?
**How did they learn the skills they have?
**What bent and shaped their personality?
**What did they do during the Blight?
**What are their goals/motivations as you bring them into play?
*If your character is a mage, you don't need to detail their Harrowing. The important part is that they undertook it, and they passed.
==When you're done==
Post your character profile in the Character Profiles forum. Profiles are reviewed as time allows. Please see this article on Profile Reviews for more information.
==Once you're approved==
When you have received your two moderator stamps, your profile has been moved to the Approved Profiles forum, and your name is colored, you may start or enter a thread.
Additional articles you'll want to read to help you get started:
*Getting Started at Warden's Vigil
*Posting Etiquette
*Your Part in Immersive Roleplay
Once you've been an approved, active member for a month or more, you may think about creating a second character. Please see these articles/pages for more information.
*Creating Additional Characters
*Playing a Canon Character
*Looking For...
==Resources==
Character Creation Information, Template, and Guide
Race and Class Restrictions 
Creating Additional Characters 
Godmoding 
Weapons, Armor, and Item Restrictions
Enchantment
Skills and Talents/Spells Worksheet
Profile Reviews
Category:Rules and Policies
Category:Character Creation
Category:Characters