Found an interesting and personally intriguing charcter creation concept that at first and even second glance I’m liking a lot.   The base idea behind is the author’s world is humans against the monsters so the players’ race is all human.  But to give them uniqueness each one can choose a ‘racial’ type and this gives them powers much like the races in the PHB.

Frankly I like the concept enough I plan on using it the next time we roll characters up.  I’ll probably tweak it to some extent but I’m liking what I see here.

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Character Creation (4th edition)

The 4ed ruleset matches ADMC vision better than 3ed did, the only mandatory change is to make all player characters human. For this reason races are replaced with aptitudes. All other rules are used (at this moment) as written.

Aptitudes

Sets of human innate characteristics that correspond in game terms to fantasy races. The characters all look human and can be part of any of the myriad human cultures, only their spiritual or physical qualities set them apart. No more monocultural “races” that act like humans in funny costumes!

Brave

Courageous and determined character. Throws himself with abandon even to impossible seeming challenges, and will not willingly back off from the chosen path. The bravery could stem from irrational berserk fury, blind faith to higher powers, pure stubbornness, or tragic fatalism.

Disciplined

Character with better than average training, both because of innate wits and learning ability and tight self-discipline. Wants to continuously better his skills and abilities — goal is to become a master in his chosen speciality. Success is based more on spiritual than physical qualities.

Quick

Fast, alert, and agile character whose sharp senses help to focus on the task at hand regardless of distractions. Has better than average control of his movements, so is a natural dancer or acrobat.

Sinister

Aggressive and ruthless character, who is at risk to become vengeful and cruel. Does not hold society’s norms — customs, morality, or religion — in a high regard, which can lead to rebellion against (imagined) oppression, or a status of a criminal and outcast. Success is based on a no-holds-barred attitude towards own goals. Sometimes may have supernatural heritage.

Social

Open, talkative, and likeable character. Naturally curious, so gathers information and skills from many sources and seldom focuses on a single tight speciality. Communicates well and can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, but is also good at convincing others to adopt his view on things.

Tough

Solid and tenacious character, who can take more physical punishment than most. Willingly exerts himself in hard labor or training. Rugged and hardy, but can be brawny or wiry, short or tall.

All aptitudes

• Ability Scores: +2 to one ability score of your choice
• Size: Medium
• Vision: Normal

	Brave	Disciplined	Quick	Sinister	Social	Tough
Speed	6 squares	6 squares	7 squares	6 squares	6 squares	6 squares
Languages	2	2	2	2	3	2
Skill bonuses	+2 intimidate, streetwise		+2 acrobatics, perception	+2 bluff, stealth	+2 diplomacy, insight	+2 athletics, endurance
Extra trained skills		One from class list			One freely chosen
Saving throw bonuses	+5 fear				+5 charm	+5 poison
Defense bonuses		+1 Will	+1 Ref			+1 Fort
Benefit	Battle Fury (+1 to attack when self bloodied)	Skill Focus as bonus feat, one extra class at-will power	Wild Step (shift in difficult terrain)	Bloodhunt (+1 to attack bloodied foes)	Extra Feat, Fast Learner (+2 to ability scores when calculating feat prerequisities)	Extra Healing Surge, Stand Your Ground (resist forced movement)
Power	Furious Retribution (enc) (base attack vs foe that makes you bloodied)	Reliable Training (enc) (reroll trained skill check)	Uncanny Accuracy (enc) (reroll attack)	Ignoble Defense (enc) (force enemy to reroll attack)	Dilettante (enc) (choose one at-will from other class)	Resilience of the Tough (second wind as minor action)
Heroic feats	Improved Battle Fury (=Dragonborn Frenzy), Mobile Retribution (1)	Preseverance (=Human Perseverance)	Precision Weapon Training (2), Improved Uncanny Accuracy (=Elven Precision), Light Step	Cat’s Eyes (=Dragonborn Senses), Unfair Defense (=Halfling Agility)	Action Surge, Group Insight	Heavy Weapon Training (3)
Paragon feats		Action Recovery	Running Shot (extended to melee)	minor energy resistance (level/2)		Dwarven Durability

1. Mobile Retribution: shift 1 square before making basic attack triggered by Furious Retribution
2. Precision Weapon Training: proficiency with all spears, +2 feat bonus to damage when using a spear or light blade
3. Heavy Weapon Training: proficiency and +2 feat bonus to damage with axes, hammers, and maces