Getting Started with Root and Stem

Welcome to Root and Stem, a tabletop roleplaying game where you shape a character from nothing and grow them into a legend. This guide walks you through your first session.

Step 1: Choose Your Species

Your species determines your innate biological and magical traits. Choose from Core species (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Orc, Halfling, Gnome), Pillars of Eternity species (Aumaua, Pale Elf, Orlan, Godlike, Vailian), Pathfinder species (Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Tiefling, Aasimar, Changeling, Kitsune, Tengu, Ratfolk), or Elder Scrolls species (Dunmer, Altmer, Bosmer, Argonian, Khajiit, Nord, Imperial, Breton, Redguard, Orsimer).

Each species grants stat bonuses, pool bonuses, skill bonuses, traits, and a Body Attunement score. See chapter 30 for details.

Step 2: Distribute 28 Creation Points

You have 28 points to spend across stats, pools, skills, and PROF. Stats cost 1 point per score point (1-3 cost 1 each, 4 costs 2, 5 costs 3, 6 costs 5). Pools cost 1 point per +5 HP, +3 STM, +3 MP, or +2 MGC. Skills cost 1 point per rank. PROF starts at 1 (free).

Step 3: Choose Your Proficiency Expression

Your Proficiency Expression defines how you fight. Choose from Martial (STR/DEX), Gunnery (DEX), Arcane (INT), Divine (WIS), Primal (CON), Occult (CHA), or Psionic (INT/WIS). See chapter 21 for details.

Step 4: Choose Your Feats

You start with 2 General Feats and 1 Class Feat (from your Proficiency Expression). See chapters 25 and your class feats for options.

Step 5: Calculate Your Pools

• HP = 20 + (CON × 5) + (Level × 5) + HP bonus
• STM = (CON + STR) × 2 + STM bonus
• MP = (INT + WIS) × 3 + MP bonus
• MGC = (INT + WIS + CHA) + MGC bonus

Step 6: Play!

Your character is ready. Roll the graduated five-tier die, face challenges, and grow from nothing to legend.

The Core Loop: face challenge → roll the die → read the tier → resolve consequences → gain XP → level up → face harder challenges.

Remember: everything has a price. Every limit has a way around it, but every way around it has a cost.