Omnia is an occupation-centered (or "class-centered") role-playing game, which means there may be some tension between characters if several are fulfilling the same role within the party. Some players may have no problem with overlapping or duplicate skillsets and responsibilities, and can lean into other Abilities or aspects of their character that differentiate them from their comrades. Other players prefer characters to occupy their own zones of expertise where each party member can shine. Players and moderators should discuss the best method of group character creation for their needs. Here are some suggested options.
Independent
Each player picks Abilities independently with no input from other players. When everyone is finished, the Abilities of all characters are revealed. Players may choose to allocate points to Abilities before or after the reveal. The moderator could even opt to have the Abilities remain secret until the characters meet.
The benefit of this method is the possibility of surprise and conflict, which can enrich the role-playing.
Cooperative
The players cooperate to pick Abilities, making suggestions, coordinating their choices to make either the most optimally effective party or the most entertaining group dynamics.
The benefit of this method is that the players can craft exactly the kind of party they want if they all agree.
Back and Forth
Starting with the player to the left of the moderator, each player picks one Ability, proceeding clockwise. Then each player picks a second Ability starting with the player to the right of the moderator, proceeding counterclockwise. Third Abilities are picked in the manner of the first. Fourth Abilities are picked in the manner of the second. At any point, a player may pass. If any character has less than four Abilities at the end, they may invoke the rule of spontaneous Ability generation during gameplay. At no point may any player pick an Ability that has already been picked (optional: unless there is unanimous approval).
The benefit of this method is that skill diversity is guaranteed and selection opportunities are more evenly distributed.
Random
All of the Abilities permitted are written on playing cards and shuffled. The moderator then deals four cards to each player. These become the Abilities for each character. There are several options for determining which Abilities are permitted:
- The moderator makes all the Ability cards.
- The players make all the Ability cards.
- Everyone makes all the Ability cards.
- Each person makes four Ability cards secretly and adds them to the deck.
The benefit of this method is controlled unpredictability.
N.B. In any of the above methods, the moderator reserves the right to restrict or recommend Abilities based on the needs of the genre, setting, or adventure.