"Hey Jeff, can I have a few more point?". I've heard that once or twice, so when I read an article on this subject I thought I'd try it.
Player Note: Now be nice. I didn't put this here for you to make munchkins.
For a detailed character desciption: 5 points. Minimum one paragraph. Two or three
paragraphs of physical appearance is better, plus another couple on
miscellaneous details such as mannerisms, bathing habits, clothing, equipment, etc.
Character history story: up to 10 points. Minimum two
pages covering the character's life to the present day.
Use this as a vehicle to explain the attributes, skills, advantages, and disadvantages that you have. But don't feel like it is a wholly inclusive story of your character's history. More can still be created to fill in later.
Complete calculations of physical feats: 3 points. The player
must work out in advance all the formulas for running, jumping, climbing,
swimming, all lifting calculations, pushing, carrying, and perception.
Extra quirks: 1 point each. I don't limit my characters to 5, as
long as the additional quirks come into play in every game.
No "hates mauve"; sort of things!
Detailed equipment list: 3 points. I like to keep a list of everything I have, and where I keep it. So if you do this it will make me happy and give you points. Do it for several different modes of dress and types of situations.
Character Sketch: 5 points. In pen, pencil or crayon. It should be what you as a player can sketch up. No there are no points for getting other people to do your work.
Motivations: 10 points. A list of goals as to what motivates you. Major goals, and minor goals. Major ones are like, "Destroy the yakuza." They are ideological goals that are almost impossible to attain. Minor goals are like, "Buy a walther PPK." They will roll over quite often and when you achieve them you will get character points. This is also the place to deceide why the character is out adventuring.
Detailing NPC's: 1 point each. To create a brief character description of an NPC(s) that your character knows. This helps flesh out the game world and saves me a GM a bunch of work. Each NPC should include a physical description, motivatioins, personality, point level, major skills, major advantages, and major disadvantages. Things like their quirks, favorite equipment and how they met your PC is also a must.
Ongoing character log: 15 points. This should be up-dated after
every game session. Including learning points, who character met with, major points they discovered or what they hope to accomplish. If a player fails to update the log (at least 250 words
after every session of play), the GM should penalize him just as he would
for bad roleplaying. No one should agree to keep a log unless they really
enjoy it! But, months or years down the line, the character logs are fun
to look back on. And the GM can review them whenever he needs ideas about
where the story will turn next. "Aha! That merchant they met on the
road to Megalos last year -- the one who gave them such a good deal on the
potions. Suppose he turns up again with a request . . . "
Expect me to be picky about these as they aren't free points. You have to earn them.