Character creation in Senatus 🧔🏻 Dev Diary #4

Your legacy begins with five questions that will define your destiny in the Republic.

We finally have a (nearly) final version of character creation!

When starting a new game in Senatus, you’re not just choosing a name: you’re choosing a story. Through five key decisions, you will shape your character’s origin, personality, and ambition, gaining advantages… while accepting trade-offs.

Every choice directly impacts your strategy throughout the run: from your starting stats to the cards you’ll use to begin your rise in the Senate.

🏛️ Starting State

Every senator begins their career with a balanced foundation:

• Prestige: 50

• Oratory: 50

Starting cards:

• 3 Argument (Silver)

• 3 Applause (Bronze)

• 3 Rumor (Bronze)

• 3 Veto (Bronze)

🌍 Where were you born?

Your place of origin defines your first strengths… and weaknesses.

• Rome, capital of the Republic

  • Prestige, −1 Applause card

• Alexandria, cultural center

  • Oratory, −1 Rumor card

• Gades, commercial hub

  • − Prestige, +3 Rumor cards

• Athens, cradle of civilization

  • Oratory, −1 Veto card

🏹 What family do you come from?

Your heritage carries weight… and shapes your starting resources.

• Merchants

  • − Prestige, +3 Veto cards

• Military

  • Prestige, −1 random card

• Jurists

  • Oratory, −1 Applause card

• Philosophers

  • Oratory, −1 Veto card

🧒 What defined your youth?

Early talents are never forgotten.

• Natural leadership

  • + Prestige, + Oratory

• Athletic excellence

  • + Prestige

• Passion for the arts

  • + Oratory

• Interest in politics and history

  • − Oratory, +1 Rumor card

⚔️ What marked your adulthood?

A defining moment… that shaped your approach.

• The betrayal of a friend

  • +1 Rumor card (Gold)

• An unexpected military victory

  • +1 Applause card (Gold)

• The loss of a sibling

  • +3 Argument cards (Silver)

• A speech that changed your life

  • +1 Veto card (Gold)

🏺 What will be your dynasty’s motto?

Your ideals will become your legacy.

• “Respect is earned, not inherited” → + Prestige

• “The people never forget who scorns them” → + Oratory

• “Only those who know their history can shape their future” → + Prestige

• “Everything has a price” → + Oratory

Every run in Senatus is unique. Every decision unlocks new strategies. Every mistake… may cost you the Republic.

What kind of senator will you be?

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