Character Creation & Progression
Creating a character in SorC begins by selecting a race and class, then allocating character statistics through a combination of dice rolls and point spending. Each character’s foundational stats (see below) are initially determined by the chosen character's race (gnomes begin with high INT, ogres have high STR, etc). A tst score may not exceed its aligned attributes score. For instance, the Ogre must assign a point to its Physique, bringing its score from +5 to +6 in physique before adding to its innate STR score of +5
Note: Bast, a catlike race, holds innate scores of: STR 2 (PHY 2), AGI 2 (PHY 2) and DEX 1 (ART 1), and incurs penalties to traits aligned to Wisdom and Resilience.
This process is ongoing and modular. As characters gain levels, players continue to allocate points and remnants (leftover points from attribute rolls) to further develop their character’s attributes, talents, skills and traits (tst).
Abilities
Abilities are the core combat techniques and powers used in SorC, including offensive and defensive maneuvers, martial techniques, spells, nature-drawn and spell-drawn abilities, special abilities, and miracles. Each character begins with a set of base abilities determined by their class. Unlike attributes, abilities are not purchased with points but are gained through class-specific tiers as the character progresses.
To learn new abilities from trainers, characters must meet prerequisites - beginning with their class level, and abilities usually cost gold, or require some sort of status, like faction. Top tier abilities follow a chain of learned abilities before they can be acquired. For example, a warrior’s Whirlwind (level 1) requires a Physique of 2, while Earth Breaker (level 1) requires Physique 8 and Whirlwind level 5.
Many abilities require specific equipment, such as orbs or staves for spells, ranged weapons for ranged abilities, and melee weaponry, like the ability whirlwind, which requires two handed or dual wielded weaponry. Some defensive abilities work best in light armor or none at all.
Basic abilities are acquired as characters level up, found or learned from class trainers, or chosen at level milestones. At level 10, characters can select level 1 abilities outside their class, provided they meet the necessary prerequisites (attribute or trait scores). Abilities, including Spells, come in the form of Cards, and can be found, bought, and acquired many other ways, some more rare than others, but must be taught by a trainer that is at or beyond the ability’s proficiency. Characters can also choose to be trainers, once they've “mastered” an ability. Miracles, nature drawn, spell drawn and special abilities have unique requirements, and are more rare, and harder to learn, than class abilities.
SorC Cards
The SorC Cards system is central to managing your character’s growth, abilities, and possessions in Slayers of Rings & Crowns. Cards represent nearly every aspect of play: abilities, spells, armaments, companions, and important items. Each card displays its original, unalterable base stats, rarity, and core properties. For any modifications, enhancements, temporary effects, or conditions, players use paired index-cards - physical cards dedicated to recording changes, buffs, or curses that cannot be written directly on the main card.
This dual-card system keeps the physical cards pristine and unchanged, while the index-card tracks all evolving data in real time. The Enhanced Stats Card then combines the base stats and all modifications for a current summary of your item's or character's capabilities. As your hero explores Essentia, you’ll collect new cards, customize your arsenal, and evolve your companions or fellowships, all under the GM’s guidance.
Cards are ranked by rarity and character proficiency - characters can only use cards matching their own rank, and must discover or earn advanced cards through play. SorC Cards include, but are not limited to: stat cards, ability cards, spell cards, consolidation cards, and special cards for companions such as guardians, pets, and fellowships (see the Fellowship section for details). This modular card system supports character creativity and unique builds, rewarding both discovery and strategic planning.
As you progress, you’ll manage your cards - swapping, upgrading, and recording new traits - while the GM controls card distribution and oversees changes based on both story and mechanics. Whether you’re tracking your own legendary sword or the evolving loyalty of a mount, SorC Cards provide a dynamic, organized, and immersive way to grow your legend in Essentia.
For a complete reference to SORC Cards, refer to: SorC Cards Overview