SECTION 7: CHARACTER CREATION & STRAIN TEMPLATES
This section provides players with the tools to create rich, flavorful characters aligned with the culture, mechanics, and spirit of The High Fantasy. From choosing a strain alignment to crafting custom character backstories through cannabis, this guide walks players through the steps to become true strain heroes of the Budlands.
7.1. Character Creation Overview
- Choose a Class
- Pick a Primary Strain Alignment
- Determine Background & Origin Region
- Assign Attributes
- Select Starting Gear & Strain Tools
- Record Weedcraft Proficiency Type
- Write Your First Puff Memory
7.2. Primary Strain Alignment
Each player selects a strain alignment that influences their abilities, class synergy, and how the world responds to them. This also impacts strain effectiveness, tolerance tracking, and vision quest results.
Indica – “The Dreamer’s Root”
- Affinity Perk: +1 Constitution
- Passive: Heal +1 HP per rest hour
- Personality Traits: Calm, wise, defensive, spiritual
- Spell Boost: Slows enemies, increases resistance duration
Sativa – “The Mind’s Flame”
- Affinity Perk: +1 Intelligence
- Passive: +2 to initiative
- Personality Traits: Quick-witted, talkative, chaotic, inspired
- Spell Boost: Adds damage die to ranged or psychic attacks
Hybrid – “The Balanced Bloom”
- Affinity Perk: +1 Charisma
- Passive: Once per day reroll a failed roll
- Personality Traits: Diplomatic, creative, multi-focused
- Spell Boost: Choose one of two random effects per cast
Ruderalis – “The Wild Spark”
- Affinity Perk: +1 Dexterity
- Passive: Immune to contact highs
- Personality Traits: Weird, unpredictable, chaotic good
- Spell Boost: Wild High Table roll on any crit or fumble
7.3. Background Origins
Each background provides story elements and starting perks. Combine with region-based bonuses.
| Background | Region | Feature |
| Farmborn Grower | Kush Valley | +2 to cultivation rolls |
| Sky Courier | Sparkspire | Gain free movement in elevation-based terrain |
| Hotbox Acolyte | Temple of the Great Blunt | Gain 1 extra SP per day |
| Extraction Apprentice | Hashguard Mountains | Convert 2x more yield from concentrate crafting |
| Underground Cultivator | Smokeless Waste | Advantage on stealth rolls near anti-weed zones |
| Fungal Forager | Mycel Den | Immune to spores, +2 to mutation resistance |
| Strain Scholar | Highspire Assembly | Gain two cantrips from Growcerer spell list |
7.4. Strain Tools & Items (Starter Equipment)
Each player starts with one core tool based on their class or region:
| Tool | Effect |
| Rolling Kit | Grants +2 to any Weedcraft check involving joints |
| Glass Pipe | Reusable, adds +1 to any Sativa-enhanced spell |
| Grow Bag | Portable soil, allows 1 small plant at a time |
| Clone Jar | Stores and preserves rare genetics (1/week limit) |
| Hash Press | Allows player to convert flower to concentrate at camp |
| Spore Lantern | Emits a faint green glow and repels Terp Trolls |
Optional upgrade path: Players can forge or enchant their tools as they level up using growhouse crafting mechanics.
7.5. Weedcraft Specialization (Select 1)
At character creation, choose a weedcraft subtype:
- Cultivator: +2 to growing and yield rolls
- Infuser: +2 to weapon/armor strain applications
- Extractor: Gain bonus dabs or tinctures per run
- Strainwright: Access hybrid-building options faster
- Spirit Speaker: Can speak with sentient plants and strains
7.6. Your First Puff (Backstory Prompt)
Every character must describe their First Puff Memory—the moment they were first elevated. This adds depth and unlocks a “Strain Bond”, a unique emotional connection to a strain that can later return as a vision, side quest, or personal trial.
Example Questions:
- What strain did you smoke, and how did it change you?
- Who were you with?
- What did you see, hear, or feel?
- What vow or lesson did you make during that experience?
Optional Rule: Players who incorporate their First Puff into gameplay (e.g., confronting an NPC from it) gain +1 SP and unlock a personal strain aura (DM creates a minor passive bonus tied to their personality and vision).
7.7. Custom Strain Templates (for DMs and Players)
Strains can be randomized or designed using templates. Each one has:
- Strain Name
- Type (Indica/Sativa/Hybrid/Ruderalis)
- Primary Effect
- Secondary Effect (Optional)
- Bonus Roll Effect (if crit/surge)
- Usage Style (joint, edible, vape, concentrate)
Example Template
Name: Galactic Punch
Type: Hybrid
Primary Effect: Grants +1 AC for 3 turns
Secondary Effect: Gain temporary darkvision
Bonus Effect: On crit, summon a small nebula spirit that confuses one enemy
Use Style: Dab—high effect but HC DC 18
DMs may generate a library of strains, distribute them like spell scrolls, or allow players to cultivate signature strains as they progress.