Basic Set: Characters combines information from Basic Set, Third Edition and Compendium I, plus hundreds of new and updated rules! This book and Basic Set: Campaigns together replace Basic Set, Compendium I, and Compendium II, plus add new material.

GURPS is the most flexible roleplaying system ever created. With just this book, you can adventure in any world you can imagine. Use all types of weapons from clubs to lasers, magic and martial arts, psionics and superpowers.

Create exactly the character you want to play—your favorite fictional hero, or your own original invention. Choose from over 400 advantages and disadvantages, over 350 skills, spells, and techniques. Customize your character with individual perks and quirks, and you're ready to go.

No more switching game systems when you change campaigns! GURPS gives you one set of clear, comprehensive rules to cover any background. This new Fourth Edition is based on 16 years of gamer feedback from the Third Edition, and is faster and easier to play than ever before.

GURPS makes the Game Master's job easy and fun. All rules are carefully organized, indexed, and cross-referenced. Charts and tables are clear and legible. And to help you introduce new players to the system, there's a "Quick Start" section which covers the basics in a few pages.

This is Book 1 of the two-volume Basic Set, and contains everything you need to create and play a GURPS Fourth Edition character. Only this book is necessary to play. Game Masters, and players wanting more detail, will find Book 2 valuable.