Chapter 10: Quick Characters

This chapter provides quick character generation rules, sample NPCs, and character templates for use in Mneme Combat Encounters. These quick generation methods allow Referees to rapidly create adversaries, allies, and encounters without going through the full character creation process.

Quick Character Generation

The Mneme system allows for streamlined character creation using Character Points (CP) for quick generation. This system is particularly useful for creating NPCs, adversaries, and supporting cast for combat encounters.

Character Point Basics

Starting CP: Characters begin with 50 CP for quick generation
Characteristic Costs: Based on the characteristic value (3-15 scale)
Skill Costs: Varies by skill level and career requirements
Equipment Budget: Based on career and technology level

Quick Stat Generation

Characteristic	Base Cost	Modifier	Example Values
Strength	1-3 CP	Str/3 - 2 (round down)	7-9 = 0, 10-12 = +1
Dexterity	1-3 CP	Dex/3 - 2 (round down)	7-9 = 0, 10-12 = +1
Endurance	1-3 CP	End/3 - 2 (round down)	7-9 = 0, 10-12 = +1
Intelligence	1-3 CP	Int/3 - 2 (round down)	7-9 = 0, 10-12 = +1
Education	0-3 CP	Edu/3 - 2 (round down)	5-8 = -1, 9-11 = 0
Social Standing	0-3 CP	Soc/3 - 2 (round down)	5-8 = -1, 9-11 = 0

Hit Points Calculation

Formula: HP = Strength + Dexterity + Endurance
Wounded Threshold: Any damage taken
Seriously Wounded: Damage ≥ Highest physical characteristic
Critically Wounded: Damage ≥ Sum of two physical characteristics
Dying: Damage > Total HP

Quick Skill Assignment

For NPCs and quick characters, assign skills using these shortcuts:

Unskilled: -3 DM to relevant rolls
Skill 0: Basic training, no DM penalty
Skill 1: 1 term of experience, +1 DM
Skill 2: 2-3 terms of experience, +2 DM
Skill 3+: Expert level, +3 DM or higher

Character Templates by Role

The following templates provide pre-generated stats for common character types. Use these as starting points and customize as needed.

Warrior Template

Concept: Combat-focused character with melee and ranged capabilities
Typical Characteristics: STR 9, DEX 7, END 8, INT 6, EDU 5, SOC 5
HP: 24
Technology Level: TL 6-8

Skill	Level	Notes
Gun Combat (Slug Rifle)	1	Primary ranged skill
Melee Combat	0	Basic melee training
Recon	1	Field awareness
Athletics	0	Physical conditioning
Survival	0	Wilderness basics
Animals (Riding)	0	Mount handling
Tactics	0	Basic tactical knowledge

Specialist Template

Concept: Skilled operative with technical abilities
Typical Characteristics: STR 7, DEX 9, END 6, INT 8, EDU 6, SOC 5
HP: 22
Technology Level: TL 8-10

Skill	Level	Notes
Streetwise	1	Urban survival and contacts
Mechanics	0	Equipment repair
Gun Combat	0	Basic firearms
Melee Combat	0	Close quarters defense
Recon	0	Observation skills
Electronics	0	Technical systems
Broker/Advocate	0	Social skills

Sample NPCs

The following are complete, ready-to-use NPC stat blocks for common encounter types.

Yeoman - Warrior (TL6-3)

A barbarian warrior from a low-technology world, skilled in both traditional and outworld weapons.

Characteristic	Score	Modifier
Strength	9	+1
Dexterity	6	0
Endurance	9	+1
Intelligence	6	0
Education	5	-1
Social Standing	5	-1

Hit Points: 24
Technology Level: TL6-3
Career: Barbarian (3 terms), 30 years old
Background: Low Law, Poor World

Skills:

Animals (Farming) 0
Gun-Combat-0 (Archery)
Mechanics 0
Gun Combat (Slug Rifle) 1
Melee Combat 0
Recon 1
Survival 0
Animals (Riding) 0
Athletics 0
Tactics 0

Equipment:

Assault Rifle 7x40mm - Aim +2, 3d6 piercing damage, RoA 3, Range 500m/3000m
Auto Pistol 7x25mm - Aim +0, 1d6 piercing damage, RoA 2, Range 200m/2000m
Cheap Shortsword - 1d6 piercing damage, Light trait
Load Bearing Gear (webbing, belts, straps)
Flashlight 5m L4
Wooden/Bamboo Bottle 1L
Outdoor Clothing/Travel Clothes

Total Weight: 11.8 kg
Equipment Value: 379.8 Cr
Remaining Cash: 620.3 Cr

Combat Stats:

Initiative: Recon 1 + Int 0 = +1
Defense Modifiers: Conditions (varies by situation)
Movement: 4 spaces (6m) Light / 3 spaces (4.5m) Medium Load
Superiority: Typically 1:1 to 1:2 in small groups

Under-Enforcer - Specialist (TL9-2)

A rogue operative with advanced equipment and urban survival skills.

Characteristic	Score	Modifier
Strength	8	0
Dexterity	9	+1
Endurance	6	0
Intelligence	7	0
Education	5	-1
Social Standing	5	-1

Hit Points: 23
Technology Level: TL9-2
Career: Rogue (3 terms), 30 years old
Background: High Population, Industrial World

Skills:

Broker 0
Advocate 0
Streetwise 1
Mechanics 0
Gun Combat 0
Melee Combat 0
Recon 0
Vehicle 0
Electronics 0

Equipment:

Dagger - 2d3-1 piercing, Finesse, Light, Thrown 1/3
Auto Pistol 12x20mm - Aim +0, 2d3 piercing damage, RoA 2, Range 150m/1500m, 3 magazines
Assault Rifle 5x50mm - Aim +3, 3d6-2 piercing damage, RoA 3, Range 500m/3000m, 7 magazines
Hand Grenade (2) - 7d3 explosive, Thrown 1.5/5
Cheap Ballistic Plates - AR 12 (Head and Torso only)
Flashlight 5m L4
Waterskin 1L
Outdoor Clothing/Travel Clothes
Light Intensifier Goggles (Reduce darkness by 4)
Personal Communicator

Total Weight: 24.7 kg (Medium Load)
Equipment Value: 3,082.5 Cr
Remaining Cash: 2,917.5 Cr

Combat Stats:

Initiative: Streetwise 1 + Int 0 = +1
Defense Modifiers: +1 from Dex, Conditions vary
Armor: AR 12 (Head/Torso only)
Movement: 3 spaces (4.5m) due to Medium Load
Superiority: Typically has equipment advantage

Quick Generation Method

For rapid NPC creation, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Role

Choose a combat role for the NPC:

Warrior: Focus on combat skills, average Int/Edu
Specialist: Mix of technical and combat skills
Leader: Higher Int/Soc, Tactics skill
Minion: Lower stats, minimal skills

Step 2: Assign Characteristics (9 CP)

Distribute 9 CP among characteristics (typical range 5-11):

Priority	Characteristic	Typical Score
Primary	Combat stat (Str/Dex)	9-11 (+1 to +2)
Secondary	Endurance	7-9 (0 to +1)
Tertiary	Intelligence	6-7 (0)
Low	Education/Social	5-6 (-1 to 0)

Step 3: Calculate HP

HP = STR + DEX + END
Note thresholds: 1/3 HP (Crippled), 2/3 HP (Serious), Full HP (Critical)

Step 4: Assign Skills (12-18 CP)

Primary Skill: 1-2 (combat or main role)
Secondary Skills: 0-1 (supporting abilities)
Background Skills: 0 (minimal training)

Step 5: Equipment Budget

TL	Starting Budget	Equipment Focus
TL 0-3	100-500 Cr	Primitive weapons, basic armor
TL 4-6	500-2000 Cr	Slug weapons, flak armor
TL 7-9	1000-5000 Cr	Advanced slug/laser, ballistic plates
TL 10-12	2000-10000 Cr	Energy weapons, combat armor

Step 6: Final Calculations

Initiative: Primary combat skill + Characteristic modifier
Defense: Cover + Conditions + Skill (if defending)
Movement: 4 spaces light, 3 spaces medium load
Difficulty as Adversary: 8 + Competence + Conditions

Sample Encounter Framework

The following demonstrates how to use quick characters in an encounter.

Wilderness Pursuit Scenario

Situation

Yeoman warriors pursuing Under-Enforcer specialists

Forces

10 Yeomen vs 3-4 Enforcers

Terrain

Wilderness (dense, broken ground)

Objectives

Enforcers: Escape to extraction point
Yeomen: Recapture prisoners

Key Conditions:

Yeomen: Light encumbrance, mounted (bisons), TL6 equipment
Enforcers: Medium encumbrance, on foot, TL9 equipment
Terrain: Reduces movement 1-2 spaces, provides concealment

Movement Comparison:

Unit	Move	Dash	Run
Yeoman (Light)	4 spaces	10 spaces	15 spaces
Enforcer (Medium)	3 spaces	7 spaces	10 spaces
Bison Mounts	3 spaces	7 spaces	10 spaces

Superiority Factors:

Numbers: Yeomen 3:1 advantage (+3 superiority)
Equipment: Enforcers higher TL (-2 to Yeoman superiority)
Mobility: Mounted vs Foot (varies by terrain)

NPC Stat Block Format

Use this format for quick NPC reference:

Name - Role (TL X-Y)
STR X (+M)  INT X (M)  HP X (W/S/C/D)
DEX X (+M)  EDU X (M)  
END X (+M)  SOC X (M)  

Skills: Primary X, Secondary X, Background X...
Equipment: Weapon (Damage, Traits), Armor (AR), Gear...
Combat: Init +X, Move X spaces, Difficulty as Adversary: XX
Notes: Special abilities, tactics, or conditions

Mneme CE Combat Rules/Quick Characters