Crafting Your Hero: Character Creation in Durandal

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In Durandal, character creation blends strategy and storytelling. Craft heroes driven by Passions, shaped by Perks, and grounded in rich cultural backgrounds. Recent demos showed its depth appeals to experienced players while being accessible to newcomers. Try the free Quickstart Edition on DriveThruRPG.

A Hero Shaped by Faith, Duty, and Legend

In Durandal, every character is a reflection of the mythic Carolingian age—rooted in faith, driven by duty, and shaped by personal struggles. The step-by-step creation process allows you to craft a hero who not only fits the historical setting but also embodies the spirit of chivalry and legend.

At the core of character creation are three key systems:

Attributes: Vigor, Acumen, and Grace define physical, mental, and social abilities.
Passions: Deep motivations like Virtue, Faith, and Temptation drive decisions and shape the narrative.
Perks and Distinctions: Unique traits that give advantages and flaws, adding layers to your hero’s story.

Passions, Perks, and Personal Stories

Your hero’s Passions—be it loyalty to a liege or the temptation of pride—create moral tension and guide their journey. Add Perks that grant abilities like Inspiring Leadership or supernatural gifts, and balance them with Distinctions to create a character who feels human, flawed, and compelling.

The system encourages immersion through cultural Backgrounds and detailed Classes and Archetypes, whether you’re playing a stalwart Frankish Knight, a Moorish Scholar steeped in wisdom, or a Byzantine Courtier skilled in diplomacy and intrigue. Each choice adds personality, historical depth, and narrative potential to your hero.

A Balanced Mix of Strategy and Story

Character creation in Durandal is a game in itself, striking a perfect balance between mechanical effectiveness and narrative depth. Skill points and supernatural abilities allow for strategic choices—whether your character excels in combat, negotiation, or divine miracles. Backgrounds, archetypes, and equipment reflect cultural traditions, grounding your hero in the richly detailed Carolingian world.

A Frankish knight may wield a family blade and follow the chivalric code, while a Moorish scholar might carry ancient texts and pursue knowledge guided by faith. Durandal’s system ensures each character feels like a vital part of the setting and a hero of their own tale.

The Durandal Quickstart Edition

Explore Durandal’s different characters in the free Quickstart Edition, available now on DriveThruRPG. Don’t miss the exclusive early-bird discounts for followers of our Gamefound campaign at campaign launch—your journey into myth and legend begins here.

Who will you become? A loyal knight, a cunning courtier, or something greater? The choice is yours.

Se7en Sagas