Characters are generated using the 'standard array' with stats of 16, 14, 13, 12, 11, and 10 mixed in any order.
There are no psionicists on
Gaeleth and no mages on
Jazed. The classes can still be played, but considerable flavor text changes may be necessary to alter their statuses. The rule originates with a 2nd edition balancing problem, but has been incorporated into the gaming world from a story perspective.
All starting characters are entitled to any unenchanted and nonmagical items listed in the handbooks at no charge. This includes basic mounts (horses, riding dogs for halflings, etc). Expensive items should reflect expansive background stories.
“If you can make it, it's free.” Brewing potions, creating magical items, and so on that are part of the character allow for the creation of special items. Fourth Edition has some odd requirements for making items, so pay particular attention to feat placements.
Characters may have starting magical items in value equal to their level plus four on the magic items list. In other words, a level two character would start out with 1800gp of items – the equivalent of a level six magic item. Animal companions or henchmen count as their level towards this starting value. A 2nd-level character could start out with no enchanted items and a 6th-level animal companion or a 6th-level bodyguard. That same 2nd-level character could, instead, opt for a 3rd-level henchman and a 3rd-level animal companion, or a 4th-level companion and 960gp worth of magical items (1800 - 840 = 960). Note that characters trained in Nature negate the companion leveling to some extent, as they have an animal companion of their level or lower for free.