Forging Legends: The Ultimate Character Creation Guide for TTRPG Players
Forging Legends is a system-neutral character creation guide designed for players and Dungeon Masters who want more than just stats and backstories on a sheet. It’s a storytelling companion—packed with thoughtful prompts, design tools, and inspiring examples—to help bring your TTRPG characters to life.
This book isn’t about building a character for just combat. It’s about building one for story. The kind of character who lingers in your memory long after the campaign ends. The kind of character your table talks about years later. Whether you’re preparing for a high-stakes epic or a grounded one-shot, Forging Legends helps players and DMs collaborate to create characters that matter—from the very first session.
Why It Exists
Too often, character creation ends with a few bullet points and a class choice. But your character is more than a stat block—they’re a person, with a past, priorities, and people they care about. Forging Legends was made to help bridge that gap.
It doesn’t replace your character sheet—it expands it. It invites you to consider the why behind your character’s goals, quirks, flaws, and relationships. And just as importantly, it gives your DM the tools to weave your story into the fabric of the world.
What’s Inside
Here’s what you can expect from Forging Legends:
System-Neutral Design
Whether you’re playing 5E, Pathfinder, OSR, or something else entirely, this guide works alongside any fantasy TTRPG system. No mechanics to juggle—just story-focused content.
Modular Prompts & Character Questions
Build your character through thought-provoking sections like:
- Notable Life Events
- Flaws, Bonds, and Secrets
- First Impressions & Reputation
- Long-Term and Short-Term Goals
- Body Language and Mannerisms
- Personal Superstitions, Family History, and much more
You can fill it out in one go or return between sessions as your character evolves.
Real Examples of Finished Characters
Twelve full-page examples show how different players approach backstory, motivation, and roleplaying hooks. Some are short and tight. Others are sweeping, personal narratives. All are meant to spark ideas and show what’s possible.
DM-Friendly Language and Worldbuilding Hooks
Each section is crafted to help GMs use the details you write to build richer worlds, more personal story arcs, and deeper party dynamics. A good backstory isn’t just for flavor—it’s for fuel.
Flexible Format for Any Player
Whether you’re a journaler, a bullet-point list maker, or someone who’s never written a backstory before, Forging Legends welcomes all styles. There’s no wrong way to create your hero.
Who It’s For
Players:
- Want to feel more connected to your character’s story?
- Struggling to go beyond “my parents are dead, and I want revenge”?
- Hoping to give your DM more to work with?
Forging Legends helps players turn vague ideas into vivid identities. Whether you’re new to the hobby or twenty levels deep, you’ll find structure, inspiration, and direction inside.
Game Masters:
- Tired of one-paragraph backstories?
- Looking to tie character arcs into your world without guessing what matters to each PC?
- Want to run more emotionally resonant games?
This guide gives you usable information without having to interrogate your players. It helps them give you the narrative threads you need—and shows how to deliver character-driven stories without rewriting your campaign.
Flexible. Inspirational. Table-Tested.
Forging Legends is written by a veteran GM and storyteller, designed with real-world tables in mind. Every section has been refined to encourage collaboration, creativity, and clarity—without overwhelming the player.
It’s ideal for:
- New campaigns
- Session zero prep
- One-on-one character development
- GM session planning
- Narrative-driven games of any size
The Kickstarter
The upcoming Kickstarter will fund final production, additional layout polish, and possible stretch goals.
Sign up now to get notified when the Kickstarter goes live and be among the first to forge your next legend.
Join the list. Forge the legend.
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