If you’ve never played a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) before, Girl by Moonlight is a fantastic way to get started. You can find all the play books here. You can always find a game ready to fill on startplaying! The game is centered around the complex and powerful journey of a young person discovering the truth of their identity, navigating relationships, and being drawn into a world of magic, power, and mystery. It’s a game of transformation, secrets, and self-discovery—perfect for players who enjoy stories about growing into power and exploring the space between light and shadow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a character step by step.
Step 1 Find your group!
In Girl by Moonlight, we don’t create characters in a vacuum. First, we build a world with our play group. Character Creation is actually an offshoot of creating the world. First your group chooses a series playset then goes through the questions it asks. It will eventually ask each player to choose a role for their character. After you choose your role you can make your character with the setting in mind!
Step 2 Choose your play book!
Your playbook defines your character’s archetype, both in their mundane and magical life. Each playbook represents a different kind of transformation and struggle. Choose one that resonates with the kind of story you want to tell.
The Playbooks:
1.The Enigma
Some people command attention without ever revealing who they truly are—that’s the essence of The Enigma. This character moves through life like a well-rehearsed illusionist, always appearing at the perfect moment and vanishing just as quickly. You earn experience when you face challenges through misdirection, grand gestures, or by keeping others guessing.
Maybe you’re a masked hero, a double agent, or simply someone with a past too dangerous to share. The real question is—will you ever let your guard down, or will your secrets remain hidden forever?
2.The Harmony
Some people bring out the best in others, and The Harmony thrives in that role. Whether by leading with confidence or making sure quieter voices are heard, they understand that true strength comes from connection. You earn experience when you navigate obstacles with understanding or by bringing people together.
But connection is a two-way street—how much of yourself do you share with others? Are there parts of you that remain hidden? And when the path ahead is uncertain, how will you guide those who walk beside you?
3. The Guardian
Every group needs someone to lean on, and The Guardian takes that role to heart. They are the rock, the one who watches over their friends and keeps them safe—even when that means putting themselves in harm’s way. You earn experience when you face challenges with patience, compassion, or by putting others before yourself.
But even the strongest shield can crack—who do you turn to when you need support? Will you always hold fast to your beliefs, or will the weight of responsibility force you to change?
4. The Outsider
Not everyone plays nice. The Outsider thrives on conflict, whether it’s pushing against authority, proving themselves in a fight, or butting heads with their so-called allies. They don’t trust easily, and they don’t follow blindly. You earn experience when you face challenges with sheer determination, aggression, or by proving your individual strength.
But what are you really trying to prove? Is there someone you secretly hope will accept you? And when the bravado fades, what fear or doubt do you keep buried deep?
5. The Stranger
Some people see only the surface of things. The Stranger sees the patterns beneath, the hidden truths that others overlook. They notice the details others miss, follow threads no one else can see, and understand the world with a detached but profound curiosity. You earn experience when you solve problems with intellect, subtlety, or uncovering secrets.
But what is it that truly drives your curiosity? Why does connection feel so difficult? And is there a truth about yourself that even you refuse to acknowledge?
6. The Time Traveler
You have seen what’s coming—the future is not a mystery to you, but a warning. Whether it was through visions, lived experience, or some strange anomaly, you carry knowledge of what’s ahead. But knowing doesn’t always mean controlling, and every action you take to change fate might bring unintended consequences. You earn experience when you approach challenges with prophecy, revelation, or by changing the course of destiny.
But what is it about the future that haunts you? What about the present keeps you tethered here, unwilling to let go? And despite everything you know, do you truly believe you can change what’s coming—or are you only setting the cycle in motion again?
7. The Unlikely Hero: A Spark Waiting to Ignite
You weren’t meant to be the hero—at least, not yet. Maybe you’re new to this world of magic and danger, or maybe you’ve always been the underdog, the one others overlook. But deep inside, there’s something undeniable about you: potential. You may not have all the answers or the strength of your companions, but what you do have is heart. You earn experience when you face challenges with compassion, honesty, or sheer determination.
But what does “hero” really mean to you? What future do you dream of, and what doubts gnaw at you in the dark? And when the moment comes—when the world truly needs you—will you rise to meet your destiny, or will your fears hold you back?
Step 3: Fill in the Details
Role and Background
In the series prep, you choose an origin for your characters and fill out the role and background section with this information. Rephrase it as you play your character to reflect their point of view.
Detail your obligation
In the series creation you all chose a shared obligation write this down but a dd a detail that is specific to you. For instance your obligation might be working at a big box store but your character is the janitor and the government mandates using a chemical that is harmful to animals so they have been secretly reaching out to other stores that are secretly trying to find different solutions
Assign Action Ratings
The playbook you chose already has two rating filled in. Now you get to choose one addition rating to raise to 1. This can flow with your character or be something unexpected.
Choose Special and Transcendent Abilities
Special abilities are ones you always have access to and Transcendent abilities are only available when you transform. You already have one special ability now you get to choose one more! Also make your choice of one transcendent ability. If anything seems confusing be sure to reach out to your group. You are building this series together!
Create Secondary Characters
As you develop your character in Girl by Moonlight, you’ll also need to create two secondary characters who are linked to your protagonist in meaningful ways. These could be anyone from family members, friends, or mentors, to rivals or even mysterious figures from your past. The key is to craft characters who add depth to your story and connect with your main character in a way that feels natural and compelling.
To get started, think about the answers you’ve already worked through with your group—consider your character’s obligations, their daily life, and the supernatural challenges they’re facing.
It’s also a great idea to discuss your characters out loud with your group. This way, you can make sure everyone is on the same page and has an understanding of the other players’ secondary characters.
Remember, while secondary characters may interact with other players’ characters, they should not be shared between protagonists.
Name Your Character
Naming your character is an important step in bringing them to life. Each character in Girl by Moonlight has two names: a mundane name, which is the one they use in their everyday life, and a true name, which reflects their transcended or otherworldly self. The true name connects your character to their deeper, mystical essence.
To help inspire you, each series playset provides a list of names, and your playbook will also offer a prompt for both names. However, these are just guidelines, not strict rules. The goal is to find names that feel true to your character’s journey and transformation.
Make Promises
After everyone introduces their character, you will share several promises following the prompts in your playbooks. Ideally, Everyone hears these promises and agrees to them. These promises have mechanical effects, so they are an important step. They also serve as glue that holds your characters together as they move through your story.
Congratulations! You and your friends have just finished making your characters. Now it’s time for an adventure in self-discovery!
Matt Balogh (GMBalogh) a four-year Pro GM veteran who’s ready to include you in their game!
