Rules reference
Character creation in Draw Steel
Creation steps and common decision points. Draw Steel is a heroic tactical RPG by MCDM Productions that uses a 2d10 Power Roll system with tier-based results. Characters are defined by their ancestry, culture, career, class, and kit. The game emphasizes cinematic combat, meaningful character choices, and a world where heroes stand against overwhelming darkness.
Key points
Use this as a checklist, then build your character in RPG Stack.
Copyable facts
- 2d10 Power Roll with 3 tiers: Tier 1 (≤11), Tier 2 (12–16), Tier 3 (17+)
- 9 classes: Censor, Conduit, Elementalist, Fury, Null, Shadow, Tactician, Talent, Troubadour
- 12 ancestries: Devil, Dragon Knight, Dwarf, Elf, Hakaan, Human, and more
- 5 characteristics: Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, Presence
- Edge & bane system: Each edge adds +2, each bane subtracts -2
- Kit system: Equipment loadouts that define your combat style
Creation order (from system.json)
- Choose an Ancestry (determines innate traits and ancestry abilities)
- Choose a Culture (Environment, Organization, and Upbringing determine languages and skills)
- Choose a Career (your life before becoming a hero, grants a career skill)
- Choose a Class (your heroic role, determines abilities and features)
- Choose a Subclass (specialization within your class)
- Choose a Kit (combat loadout that provides bonuses to stats and damage)
- Set Characteristics (assign Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, Presence)
- Choose Skills (select trained skills from the skill list)
- Calculate Derived Stats (Stamina, Recoveries, Speed, Stability)
Examples
Example: Concept first
Start with a simple concept (role + vibe), then choose attributes/skills that support it. You can fill details later.
Example: One signature move
Make sure your sheet supports a signature action you want to do often (investigate, intimidate, hack, heal, etc.).
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Skipping concept and getting lost in options. Fix: Pick a role, pick 2 strengths, pick 1 weakness, then fill details.
- Mistake: Not aligning your sheet with the campaign. Fix: Ask what kind of scenes you’ll play (combat, investigation, politics) and build for that.
Draw Steel FAQ
How do Power Rolls work in Draw Steel?
What are edges and banes in Draw Steel?
What are the classes in Draw Steel?
How does culture work in Draw Steel?