Day 29 of the 2026 #Character Creation Challenge and we are almost to the end. Today we are using the post-apocalyptic role-playing game, Other Dust. This is from Sine Nomine Publishing that also released Stars Without Number and Worlds Without Number. This is in the same OSR style as those two games. I had picked this up in one of the charity bundles.
The character creation summary starts on page eight and it looks like there are nine steps in total (as compared to eighteen steps for Worlds Without Number). The first step is to generate scores for the six standard attributes that we are familiar with. We roll 3d6 in order but can immediately move points around (lowering anything 13+ and raising anything under 8). This is going to be a warrior type character (step two) who is protecting his village.
Next is to pick a Background Package. There were a series of interesting options, but I selected City Dweller and wrote down the skills. For the class (next step), I picked the Slayer from the list. I was then told that if one of the prerequisite attributes didn’t have a score of 14, to make it that. Selecting one of the training packages for that class is the next step. I looked at the list and selected Tribal Champion and wrote down the skills gained on my notes.
Ah, we can’t have a post-apocalyptic game without mutations. I get to roll three times on a chart to determine the starting mutations the character possesses. I could make this character a pure-strain human and then just add points to the attributes, but I really want a mutation or two. For each mutation the character has, they also have at least one mutation called a stigmata and one mutation that has a flaw. I rolled one each to start with and wrote them down on my notes. For the first roll I ended up with a Powerful Form (get some physical bonuses), but he recovers slowly from system stress (when you activate a mutant power) and he has dwarfishly small legs. Um… OK. Do I want two more sets of good/bad mutations or should I just move the points to the attributes? I’m going to do the attributes because I’m getting towards the end of my allotted time to type this up.
Now I think we are in the wrapping up stage of the creation process. I rolled the character’s hit points, selected the languages he speaks (common) and selects equipment. Each character automatically has a knife (Now that’s a knife) a starting weapon for which he has skills in (in this case xxx), some armor, rations of clean food and rations of clean water. Then there is an equipment list I get to roll six times on. I then transferred my notes to the character sheet. Wait, I don’t have a name yet. I dub thee… Trabb.
Afterthoughts:
If you notice that the skills have a level 0, that is the level for “trained”. Untrained has no skill level listed and may not be accessible in this state. The highest level is 4 for “legendary”. To make a skill check, roll 2d6+att bonus (if any) and skill level. What I didn’t see in the book (or in the index) is how characters gain more skill points. But I also didn’t do a deep dive into the book.
I really want to try this game. Especially to see how the skill system works. Post-apocalyptic games (and movies) have always held a fascination for me. Probably because we all thought we would end up in such a society while I was growing up. Who knows, we may still end up getting there.
Additional Notes:
I just got the graphic from my artist honoring those who were able to create 31 characters in 31 days. It’s gorgeous and I can’t wait to show it off.
Coming Up Next:
Doctor Who 2nd Edition
This article is open for discussion on the TardisCaptain dot Com Discord server. You can also email me at Carl (at) TardisCaptain.com or click on my social media links with any comments.