1. Choose an archetype (Academic, Doctor, Hunter, Occultist, Officer, Priest, Detective, Socialite, Soldier, or Vagrant). 2. Choose an age (Young 17-25, Middle-aged 26-50, Old 51+). 3. Choose a name. 4. Distribute attribute points (15 for young, 14 for middle, 13 for old). 5. Distribute skill points (10 for young, 12 for middle, 14 for old). 6. Choose one of three talents from your archetype. 7. Choose a motivation for hunting vaesen. 8. Choose your trauma (how you got the Sight). 9. Choose a dark secret. 10. Define relationships with other characters. 11. Roll for mementos. 12. Choose starting equipment.
Your character is defined by personality, characteristics, and resources. Personality includes your archetype, name, motivation, trauma, and dark secret. These create depth and roleplay opportunities. Characteristics (attributes, skills, talents) define what you're good at mechanically. Resources indicate your wealth/status. Together, they create a complete person. Don't just look at the numbers - think about who your character is and how they came to have the Sight.
Before play starts, work with other players to establish how your characters know each other. Are you old friends? Recent acquaintances? Former rivals working together? These relationships are important. Also establish dark secrets carefully - they should create interesting drama without making the party unable to work together. Dark secrets are meant to be revealed and cause complications, not prevent cooperation.