In this game, characters are loosely defined by [[Qualities|@Qualities]] and [[Ratings|#Ratings & Levels]]. Both are slightly vague and meant to be applied broadly. Each Quality of a character is a broad, defining aspect of them. A Quality can be a vocation, a defining trait, or a passion. Qualities can also come from choices made in the [[Operative Handbook|Regulus/Operative Handbook]], and have special game rules attached to them. Each Rating is an aspect of the character with a number rating, called the Rating Level. An example of a Rating is Wealth, which is a vague definition of how much wealth the character holds. Certain operatives can also have a special rating related to their Gig (job in the crime world).

A Quality is a broad definition of an aspect of a character. They typically fall into three types: vocation, trait, or passion. When your character can apply a Quality in the fiction, it’ll provide Leverage for a die roll. This means they are more likely to win contest rolls and get the outcome they want.

* ==Vocations== are each a broad set of skills. ‘Detective’ is a good example, or ‘Net Coder’ for a more setting-specific example. Each Vocation may also get one or more Aptitudes, which, when they apply, will give Leverage for a die roll. For the ‘Net Coder’ example, an Aptitude might be ‘Security’.

| ----- | ------------------ |

| 1-3 | A Minor amount |

As you take the first step in creating your character, you determine which Volume they belong to. A Volume is like a special book from which you can choose things for your character. Each of the eight Volumes in the game gives your character a place in society, but not a specific job. You just answer three simple yes-or-no questions, and you get the Volume for the exact combination. Here are the questions:

1. Does your Operative live under a false identity? There are many reasons to do so, but this adds another level of complexity to life. Operative will end up a Runner, Professional, Insider, or Crusader.

| Fake Id | Killer | Belief | Volume |

| No | Yes | Yes | Rector |

Your Operative belongs to a recognized Religion and has taken brutal action in the name of the cause, under the direction of Control. This status gives you special dispensation from Control, but the Empire has an active file on your actions and does not approve. Within the Network, Crusaders are common and often seek to promote their Religion through actions within the criminal syndicate. However, unlike their brethren, the Missionary, they don’t usually evangelize their cause.

Your Operative is a Mercenary, a gun for hire. You probably have earned a Duke title from an Empire world, having done a recognized Service for the Empire. Often this means you led an action team and dealt with a Pirate group, making you at least a leader of some manner, and often a soldier. Irregulars make up a large share of the Network, as they are often the ones who get their hands dirty.

Your Operative is a Professional killer, an assassin for hire. Along with the Rector, the rarest of the Operatives in the network. While you can make a straight-up cold-blooded killer type, that isn’t the norm for these Network Operatives. Most Professionals are clever accident-makers, employ Net Code, or engineer quick-decay poisons to get their work done. These people are often the most feared of the Operatives.

Your Operative reports to a World of the Empire or a Union on the activities of the Network. You are a not-so-secret agent, which means the Network is generally quite aware of your infiltration. You are good at what you do, though, and tolerance is granted as long as you play ball with Network Security - known internally as Sec Ops. Even though you work for the organization or power, it's secret work. You don’t get any standing or protection, and are in fact walking a very dangerous tightrope every day. To add to your risk and maintain your security, you often have to leak the information you are reporting to a Network handler, which would obviously make your organization quite unhappy with you if ever discovered.

Once you have a handle on the basic ideas here, and a rough idea of what Volume you want your operative to belong to, head over to the [[Operative Handbook|Regulus/Operative Handbook]], which explains the bulk of the creation process for your operative.