Hi there! I'm struggling with character creation for this game. I'm probably just over thinking all of this; so I could really use your help.

So here's my problem: I understand that when starting a new game space marine characters get 500 xp and humans get 1000 xp. When you choose a race you get certain skills, talents, traits, and gear. Same thing goes when you choose an archetype. So what it has listed for those races and archetypes you can have? Do you need to purchase them? For instance, humans can start with Common Lore (any two), Linguistics (Low Gothic), Trade (any one) for skills, but do they need to spend xp to have those skills? Or do you spend xp to make them "known" so they don't have the -20 penality. If that isn't the case (talking about skills still) are the skills listed for race and archetype already considered "known" for that character? If so does that mean that you don't have to purchase the traits and talents associated with the race and archetype?

 You just get the listed Skills, Traits, Talents, and Gear. You then get EXP to spend on more Skill, Traits and Talents.

Larkin said:

Thanks for the clarification on that. However, I'm still not sure if those skills you start with are "known" as in you don't suffer the -20 penality modifier.

They are known, as if you'd already bought them, so no -20.   If you got a -20, they wouldn't be listed in the starting package because you obviously wouldn't be trained.  All characters can use almost ANY skill without needing to be trained,  but if you're not trained, you suffer the -20.

Lecram said:

All right! Thanks for the clarification. The book has been throwing me off every know and then with some of it's rules. Like I said I think I might have been over thinking this particular problem. Once more thanks again from those who answered!