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.
Key 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, Hakaan, High Elf, Human, Wode Elf, and more
- 5 characteristics: Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, Presence
- Edge & bane system: one edge is +2, one bane is -2; a double edge or bane shifts the tier instead of stacking further
- 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
- 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.
Build guides for Draw Steel
Fury berserker
Aggressive melee combat with rage-fueled abilities.
Tactician commander
Battlefield control and ally coordination.
Shadow operative
Stealth, assassination, and hit-and-run tactics.
Elementalist controller
Elemental magic for area denial and damage.
Conduit healer
Divine channeling for healing and support.