Character generation in Unknown Armies is a collaborative player-led process that is tightly integrated with world-building. It is designed for setting the campaign stage and scenario objectives, while knitting the cabal group together and into a world that both the players and GM want to explore.
It takes place as the first session of play, known as the Character Phase.
References: UA3, Book 2: Run. Chapter 2 ‘Objectives’. Chapter 3 ‘Characters, Cabals and the Stage’.
While Unknown Armies can handle many types of horror, it’s probably not a good idea to throw it all into the same game.
Consider the tone and style of game you do and don’t want early. These mark the boundaries and shape the landscape that will be explored during world-building.
Unknown Armies is a horror game that can go to dark and uncomfortable places. It should absolutely test the limits of your characters, but it certainly shouldn’t push your buttons as players.
Take time to establish the boundaries, limits and safety mechanisms of your game.
