GURPS Character Sheet (GCS) is a stand-alone, interactive, character sheet editor that allows you to build characters for Steve Jackson Games' GURPS 4th Edition roleplaying game system.
For the application, there is a web site. Getting GCS up and running on a PC is not trivial (on a Mac, it is), and there is a learning curve for using the application in general. However, once you've got it figured out, GCS vastly simplifies generating GURPS characters.
Another option besides GCS, for PC users, is to download the official Steve Jackson Games Character Assistant application for $14.99 (as of 16 Dec 2013). Unfortunately, I do not have any Star Trek files for use with that application, and none of the templates and lenses provided for download on this webpage will be of any use to you.
Or, you could do without an application all together; go old school and use pen and paper.
Or, you could tell Captain Joy what you want; he will build your character for you.
These files should download to your computer when selected. If these files open in your browser instead of downloading, try right-mouse-clicking or alternate-mouse-clicking on the link and selecting "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As..." from the menu. None of these files should end with an ".xml" or ".html" suffix; if they do, trim the ".xml" or ".html" from the filename. The filenames should end with ".gct" or ".glb" so the GURPS Character Sheet application will recognize them.
Star Trek.zip. Last modified: 2024 January 16 13:13.Once downloaded, unzip the Star Trek.zip file; this should create a "Star Trek" folder will all the Star Trek GCS files in it–templates, equipment, etc. Place this "Star Trek" folder in the GCS "data" folder, which is inside the GCS application folder. E.g. On my computer, the GCS application folder is called "GCS-2011.01.02.1054", and it resides in my "Applications" folder (along with all my other applications: iTunes, Safari, Stellarium, etc.). Inside that "GCS-2011.01.02.1054" folder is a "data" folder. Once the "Star Trek" folder is in the "data" folder, you should be able to access it from the "Data" menu when you run the GURPS Character Sheet application.
If you're new to GURPS, you should check out the GURPS page before continuing.
This section is designed to walk you through creating your 100 pts (-50 pts in elective disadvantages) GURPS character: a Starfleet Academy graduate. Once you have completed all these steps, your character should be ready to submit to Captain Joy for approval.
This webpage follows the character creation guidelines provided on Captain Joy's Star Trek website. Captain Joy's Star Trek website is canon for Captain Joy's Star Trek. If this (white background) webpage or any of the GCS files deviate, this page or the GCS file is in error; please inform Captain Joy of the error. A printable Character Creation Worksheet is also available to assist you. If possible, keep this window open while you access character creation guidelines and other info in a second window.
If you haven't already done so, download the free GURPS Character Sheet [GCS] application from the sourceforge download site and my most recent Star Trek.zip (last modified: 2024 January 16 13:13). If you've already downloaded the Star Trek.zip, it might be easier to simply add/replace individual files as needed.
Use the Sapient Species section of the Library Computer to guide your decision. Add a Species Template to your character sheet.
Often you're instructed to choose some subset of abilities from a broader list. To do this just delete from your character the abilities you don't choose until you're left with only the ones you do choose. It's okay to choose more than the minimum, just be aware of the change in the template's cost. Once you're done, you should move your chosen abilities from the "choose..." container then delete the empty container.
The purpose of the Species Templates is niche protection and role-playing color. Removing abilities from a Species Template is not forbidden, but such changes need to be approved by Captain Joy.
Species TemplatesIf there is a species you want to play that isn't listed above, inform Captain Joy.
Don't forget, Strength (ST) is ±3 points/level and HP (hit points) are ±0.6 points per ± HP, round up.
Raising or lowering attributes is an easy way to spend or recover character points. If toward the end of character creation you find that you're way below or above budget, just raise or lower an attribute. There's no rule that these steps must be done in order.
This Lens instructs you to choose some subset of skills from a broader list. To do this just delete from your character the skills you don't choose until you're left with only the ones you do choose. It's okay to choose more than the minimum, just be aware of the change in the template's cost. Once you're done, you should move your chosen skills from the "choose..." container then delete the empty container.
Skills with "choose specialty" requires you to choose a specialty. Use the United Federation of Planets section of the Library Computer to help you choose your specialties. Replace the "choose specilaty" text with your specialty.
Not all of the GCS files have been added, and those that have may be incomplete.
Personal BackgroundsThis Template instructs you to choose some subset of skills from a broader list. To do this just delete from your character the skills you don't choose until you're left with only the ones you do choose. It's okay to choose more than the minimum, just be aware of the change in the template's cost. Once you're done, you should move your chosen skills from the "choose..." container then delete the empty container.
Any skill with "choose specialty" requires you to choose a specialty. Use the Starfleet section of the Library Computer to help you choose your specialties. Replace the "choose specialty" text with your specialty.
After adding this Lens, double check and make sure you don't have some skills listed twice. If you do, add up how many total points you have in that skill; set one of the skills to that total amount then delete the duplicate. E.g. You might have chosen Computer Operation from the TL11 Everyman Lens and now you have it again from the SFA Graduate Template. Instead of having Computer Operation listed twice with 1 character point in each, change one of the skills to reflect that you have 2 character points in Computer Operation then delete the other entry. Or, if you really don't want 2 points in Computer Science, you can always go back and choose a different skill from the TL11 Everyman Lens.
StarfleetOfficer8.gct. Last modified: 2024 January 16 13:14.Use the Starfleet section of the Library Computer to guide your decision. As always, choose specialties where instructed and make sure character points are added to skills instead of listing the same skill twice.
You may choose to graduate from Starfleet Medical Academy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade with an Intern Physician or Intern Surgeon Certification from the Medical Department. If you do so, then you do not need to choose a Starfleet Academy Degree Lens. You're choosing graduate with an M.D. from Starfleet Medical Academy instead of a B.S. from (generic) Starfleet Academy. While most career Medical Department officers graduate from Starfleet Medical, doing so is not required. It is okay to choose to graduate from Starfleet Academy as an Ensign with a B.S. Degree and an Ensign Level Certification from the Medical Department.
After adding this Lens, double check and make sure you don't have some skills listed twice. If you do, add up how many total points you have in that skill; set one of the skills to that total amount then delete the duplicate. E.g. The SFA Graduate Template and your chosen degree both have 1 point in Electronics Operation (Scientific) skill. Instead of having Electronics Operation (Scientific) listed twice with 1 character point in each, change one of the skills to reflect that you have 2 character points in Electronics Operation (Scientific) then delete the other entry. (Since both Template and Lens require 1 point in this skill, you must end up 2 points in the skill. You do not have the option of choosing a different skill as you did with the TL11 Everyman Lens.)
Engineering DegreesThese GCS files have not yet been added.
Use the Starfleet section of the Library Computer to guide your decision. As always, choose specialties where instructed and make sure character points are added to skills instead of listing the same skill twice. You may not choose a Command Certification as your first Certification.
Note that Certifications do not have a fixed point cost like most Templates and Lens. They cost whatever it takes to get their skills at the list values. After adding a Certification to your character sheet and taking care of any duplicate skills, you should consciously add or subtract character points to each skill in the Certification until the skill level is appropriate.
Ensign CertificationsIf you're planning on making a career in one of the non-Command Divisions, consider taking one of the Departmental Lenses. The Starfleet section of the Library Computer contains the relevant information. There are no set GCS files because this Lens changes depending upon what Departmental Certification is being utilized during your Primary Duty Shift.
Note that when you're first starting out, this Lens simply gives you a disadvantage appropriate for your Department. But after six months in the same Primary Duty Shift, you can begin to add On The Job Training Talent bonuses to your Primary Duty Shift skills.
The Character Creation section of the Library Computer contains information on three optional lenses that every Starfleet Officer should consider.
Action Lens (5 pts).gct. Last modified: 1969 December 31 19:00.Beyond these lenses, feel free to add/improve whatever allowed advantages, disadvantages, and skills strike your fancy within reason, e.g. No debilitating disadvantage that would prevent you from getting through Starfleet Academy, no advantages exotic to your species, no skills you couldn't possibly have learned. Talents are only allowed as part of Species Templates and Department Lenses. Psionic abilities (e.g. Danger Sense, Empathy) will require a 5 point unusual background for most species. At least one advantage and one disadvantage unique to your character is a good idea. Remember that lowering secondary attributes from their default values and lowering/removing any ability below/from your species’ norms is consider a disadvantage and counts against your -50 point disadvantages limit. Remember that disadvantages in required Templates, Lenses, and Certifications to not count against this limit, e.g. the -40 worth of disadvantages in your Starfleet Officer Template to not count. Having as many points in skills as twice your character's age is a reasonable rule of thumb.
Be aware that many advantages and disadvantages are difficult if not impossible to add after character creation, while skills are relatively easy to add and improve. So, if you not sure what to spend some available points on, lean towards those things that will be difficult to acquire after character creation.