Characters

Finally create the character you've dreamed of, and then watch as they change throughout their lifespan

Character creation in Chronicles of Elyria uses a system of genetics that allows traits to be passed on from one generation to another. Characters inherit characteristics from their parents, including starting ability scores, starting skills, as well as physical attributes and appearance. There are twelve known tribes across the world that have evolved to have different advantages and appearances, although interbreeding is possible. Each tribe is well-suited to the biome in which they call home, whether that be the dense jungle, the desolate shrublands, or a subterranean grotto. A product of both genetics and environment, characters who grow up in another region will find that they are culturally attuned to their home, even if their genetics predispose them to a different biome.

The Freedom to Define Your Own Class

In Chronicles of Elyria you aren't defined by arbitrary classes such as Bard or Fighter. Instead, your characters are defined by what they do. Each character can learn any of Elyria's trades, martial arts, or other skills as long as they are willing to learn them. The constraints of rigid classes are gone, freeing you to create any character type you imagine. Be the intrepid explorer, marrying the scholastic arts with the martial. Learn the secrets of alchemy and use them to enhance the product of your kitchens. Pioneer a new way to fight and establish a martial school of your own to teach others your unique combat style. In Chronicles of Elyria, what your character can do is up to you.

A Story of Your Own

An Elyrian's birthday is important and astrology is used to generate unique story elements just for you, weaving your character's destiny with the stars. The moment your character is born its unique destiny is created, silently stalking your character across its life. Any time you come in contact with another NPC, loot an item, reach a certain age, commit a crime, and more, the Story Engine looks at your personalized list of plot hooks to determine if any of them have been triggered. Like a key turning a lock, if everything lines up a story will unfold meant just for you.

The circumstances of your character's birth are up to you and there are many ways to begin your experience in Elyria. As a ward of the state, you are an orphan, a child of one of the tribes of Mann, with no ties in the world; a familiar scenario for many RPGs. But it's not your only option. Join a family as a child and take your place in an existing dynasty, relying on the mentorship and wisdom of your relatives and their resources as you begin your new life. Or, if you're looking for a story further along in its tale, select from one of the existing NPCs in the world and inhabit their life, stepping into their role at their current age as a NTC, a Non-Traditional Character.

A Character That Changes After Creation

As you enter the world of Elyria in a new character, you'll typically begin as a young adult with your entire life ahead of you. With each passing year, your character will grow and change in ability and appearance since young minds and able bodies are prime for acquiring new skills. Age will bring with it wisdom and temperance, even as physical development slows, the mind grows sharper and the perception stronger.

Physical fitness is dynamic in Chronicles of Elyria and your character's body and attributes will change based on the activities your character performs. Increases or decreases in muscle and fat, as well as scars or other injuries, will shape what you look like and are more than just a slider used during character creation. The actions you take and the choices you make in your character's life will be reflected on their body. Sedentary characters who devote more of their time to the pursuit of leisure or scholarly arts may find they soften and replace muscle with fat. Soldiers and smiths will find the opposite is true, as their constant physical labor is made obvious by their bulk and muscle.

Every behavior, every habit, and every choice a character makes help to determine not only how their skills and abilities advance, but their physical appearance as well. Your character will look like they've actually lived the life you've experienced with them! This also means that you can actually judge an NPC or other player based on what you can see. If a scrawny youngster claims to be a blacksmith and tries to sell you a sword, you can be assured that their lack of muscle suggests they're not being honest.

Characters in Chronicles of Elyria are the mortal descendants of the gods and are born into the world when a soul is imbued with a Spark of Life. Each spark empowers that soul for a single lifetime. As the spark fades over a real-world year, the character will eventually grow old and die permanently. However, each soul is connected to its previous lives, preserving some imprint of the lessons and skills learned in that life. This means that when souls are reborn into Elyria time and time again, they are able to develop skills faster and better in the next life. This is the key that unlocks levels of mastery beyond mortal reach.