Character creation challenge day 10

 Day 10

System: B/X by the book

Ability scores rolled: 11, 15, 13, 8, 14, 9

Starting gold: 110 gp

I'm going to take this one in a direction that's really not immediately obvious by looking at the scores. How about ... a dwarf. I could mess with the ability scores and get his Strength up to bonus levels, but I'm going to be stubborn and keep his high Intelligence and Wisdom instead. Rolling d8 for hit points and adding Con bonus yields 6.

Hafnir Icebeard, 1st level dwarf

Strength 11

Intelligence 15 (+1 language spoken)

Wisdom 13 (+1 to magic-based saving throws)

Dexterity 8 (-1 to missile attack rolls, +1 to AC)

Constitution 14 (+1 hp per die)

Charisma 9

AC 5       Hit points: 6            Alignment: Neutral

Special abilities: Infravision 60', detect slopes, traps, shifting walls, and new construction 2/6

Bonus language: Dragon

Chain armor, shield, spear, backpack, standard rations, 2 water skins, lantern, 5 flasks of oil, tinder box, 10' pole, 12 iron spikes, hammer, 18 gp left.

Height: 4'0"        Weight: 140        Age: 52

Son of a dwarf archivist, Hafnir grew up around books and scrolls, and took a particular interest in records of lost dwarven treasures. His dream is to recover as many as he can for the glory of his clan.

Why play a character who's only average in his class's prime requisite but has high scores in other abilities? Because it's different, it's fun, and it's a challenge! Surely not all dwarves are brawny bruisers, not even all dwarves who pursue an adventuring career. This is one of the best things about B/X; it anticipates and allows for the possibility of someone playing a character who isn't mightily endowed in a stereotypical class stat. He may advance in XP and levels at a slightly slower rate than stronger dwarves, but Hafnir won't be at a great enough disadvantage to take the fun out of playing him.