Getting Started

This guide will walk you through the character creation process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to Signe on Discord! This guide was last updated on September 27th, 2024 to reflect changes brought about by our new version; any changes made after the fact will be marked with a star (★).

Coming to New Ognos

Characters arrive in New Ognos through various means, each with their own unique purpose and background. Whether they’re new settlers or long-established residents, their presence will help shape the future of the island. Below are some common routes for character backgrounds, but feel free to bring your own ideas! Be sure to also check the Playable Races guide for more information to help craft your character’s story.

Wave Recruitment

Settlement in New Ognos has unfolded through several distinct waves, each introducing a unique group of people to the island. Recruitment methods vary widely: some individuals are approached by Ognoshu recruiters visiting the Five Faction Kingdoms, while others learn about upcoming Waves through posters or bulletin boards. Additionally, divine messengers may seek out individuals deemed essential for repopulating and rebuilding the island. Although many settlers arrive voluntarily, not all are fully aware of the conditions on New Ognos. Some may be misled about what to expect, while others might be kidnapped or manipulated by darker forces, such as rouge deities or shady factions. Consequently, some settlers arrive with their eyes wide open, while others find themselves oblivious to the island's realities.

New Arrivals

Most new arrivals in New Ognos this version will be part of the late Third Wave or early Fourth Wave. These characters are newcomers to the island, looking to make their mark. They may be:

• Refugees returning after time in a Five Faction Kingdom
• Former sea nomads settling ashore after the island's restoration
• Pioneers arriving for the first time, often from the Five Faction Kingdoms
• Locals returning after time spent in Shaman
• Descendants of Ognoshu refugees affected by the time dilation
• Treasure hunters, adventurers, or mercenaries drawn by rumors of abundance
• Opportunists seeking to take advantage of the chaos through illegal means or power grabs
• Wealthy nobles or influential figures looking to assert control and secure leadership positions in the newly forming society
• Transported individuals who may arrive from other places or times after stumbling across ancient traps or tools left behind by the gods on their home world

Established Residents

Some characters may have arrived earlier and helped shape New Ognos before the current wave of settlers:

• First Wave: Consisted of scouts, terraformers, military vanguards, and architects who aimed to establish a foothold in the new land. Most will have been in New Ognos for between four and six years.
• Second Wave: Consisted of builders, merchants, and politicians who focused on developing the economy and early governance. They will have been on the Island for between two and four years.
• Third Wave: Recruited those with expertise in exploration, mining, farming, treasure hunting, and research. They will have arrived about two years ago at the latest (some are still trickling in currently).
• Fourth Wave: Initially recruited artists, entertainers, and luxury goods crafters or traders; after the Shardfalls began the focus shifted to survivalists, warriors, engineers, and crisis managers.

Restricted Routes

• During Ognos' destruction and subsequent repair/evolution into New Ognos, the land was believed to be devoid of all humanoid life, however, we are open to at least considering that a (very, very small) population or collection of individuals was able to hang on while everything happened. At this time, there would need to be a strong plot/reasoning for why this background is key to your character and discussion of their experiences before you would be authorized to join one. If you would like to explore this option, please contact Signe via DM!
• Joining a character from elsewhere in Kinship, outside of the Five Faction Kingdoms, is currently not permitted.

Herald's Gift

• On their arrival in New Ognos, each character will be visited in a dream by one of The Heralds, who bestow a gift on them as a welcome to the island.
  • Which Herald visits your character will be randomized, however, you can make a request for a specific Herald in your private support channel and we'll see what we can make happen; we will typically be more likely to accept preferences if there is a specific reason for the request and/or if there is strong compatibility between the new character and the Herald!
• There are currently 50 possible Gifts, with around ~12 possible options per Herald.
  • The Harbinger focuses on deception, stealth, and cunning. Animal themes are foxes and snakes.
  • The Sentinel emphasizes protection, balance, and foresight. Animal themes are cervids and birds.
  • The Vanguard centers on raw power, aggression, and battlefield control. Animal themes are canines and felines.
  • The Warden embodies destruction, resilience, and finality. Animal themes are opossums and crocodilians.

Next up...

You can check out the other Essential Guides using the links below!

• Guidebook - a brief look in to game setting & mechanics
• Game Overview - a brief look in to game setting & mechanics

When you've read everything over, you can get going by joining your character here.

Don't forget to join our Discord!