• Ability scores will be generated using the point buy system as outlined in the DMG, using 32 character points.  The following table shows the point cost for each ability score. An '8' for an ability score costs zero character points.

• Characters receive maximum hit points for 1st level and fixed hit points, of 1/2 their hit die rounded down for each additional level. (i.e. at 2nd level a fighter would receive 5 hit points plus their CON bonus)
   
• Characters will begin the campaign at 3rd level and have a starting wealth of 2,700gp.  When purchasing magic items check the DMG errata to be sure the values of any of the items you buy have not been changed.  Errata for magic items begin on page three of this document. Characters starting with Item Creation feats can purchase items they can create at 3/4 cost and don't have to worry about the XP cost.  (I'm assuming even though you can create a class of items some of them would have been obtained in other ways.)
   
• In general feats, spells and equipment from the WotC class handbooks will be allowed, there may be a few exceptions however (like the spell Miasma from Masters of the Wild).  Things from other source books should be approved by me first.
   
• Be sure to check out the House Rules section of the website.  I have made a few changes to some feats, skills, classes and spells.

Character Backgrounds

At the beginning of the campaign all of the characters will be traveling by caravan to the mountain town of Halen's Vale in the Kingdom of Durandor. This rather inconsequential town has recently become rather famous and important because of the discovery of nearby ancient ruins thought to be from the last age of the earth. All the characters should have a reason to travel to Halen's Vale and to explore these ruins.

Knowing each other before the campaign is not necessary, in fact I would like it if at least some of the characters did not have relationships before the campaign began.

Possible character motivations could range from fame and fortune to seeking knowledge to advancing the interests of some organization. Ruins from the ancient word almost certainly contain great wealth as well as mysteries arcane, divine, and scientific.  Your character could be seeking knowledge on their own or could be sent to investigate the ruins by their church or guild. Another possibility is that a church, guild or other organization is going to set up a presence in the Halen's Vale area and your character is being sent as part of that effort.