Venusian Characters
You can find a PDF of the Chaosium's 1890 sheet here. We're going to assume for now that you've generated Runequest or Call of Cthulhu characters before.
Generated Characteristics
Generically, roll 3d6 for STR, CON, POW, DEX, and APP; roll 2d6+6 for SIZ and INT; roll 1d3 for EDU. Players are however encouraged and expected to use any of the following methods of generating stats:
Better Average - Roll 2d6+6 for all the stats except EDU; roll 1d3 for EDU.
Shuffle - Roll the 'generic' values, then reassign them to stats as you wish. STR, CON, SIZ, INT, POW, DEX, and APP cannot exceed 18; EDU cannot exceed 3.
Move Some Points - Move 3 points from one 'generically' rolled characteristic to another; do this up to three times. EDU cannot exceed 3.
Distribute Total - Distribute 80 points as you wish; STR, CON, SIZ, INT, POW, DEX, and APP cannot exceed 18; EDU cannot exceed 3.
Derived Characteristics
Sanity is POW x 5. Damage Bonus comes from the usual RQ/CoC charts (we can get you the numbers if you don't have any of the books). Hit Points are CON + SIZ divided by 2.
Social Types
The social standing of a Venusian within his or her tribe matters little outside of the tribe, and even less among humans. Chief, Shaman or Shamaness, Priest or Priestess, Hunting Leader, Pirate Captain, etc. are titles of respect, but do not often convey any advantage to the holder's offspring.
Wealth
Venusians player-characters will start with only what they can carry, and little of that. Native weapons include bows, clubs, and spears; humans have traded knives and hatchets to many tribes, also. Guns are only found in the hands of "colonial" tribes.
Careers, Occupations and Pastimes
Multiply the character's EDU by 100; these are applied only to the skills listed for their occupation. They are added to the 'base' percentages, and the total for each skill may not exceed 99%. Multiply the character's INT by 10; this gives points to add to any skill (including occupational skills), again not exceeding 99% total. Of course, any skill taken should have some a role-playing justification. The following lists are examples; don't feel bound by only those professions, or by the skills listed for each. And of course not all the skills listed for a profession must have points allocated. German or English are recommended "Other Languages."
Headman, Merchant - Bargain, Knife or Hatchet, Club or Spear, Dodge, Fist, Other Language, Listen, Natural History, Spot Hidden, Swim, any one other skill as a personal interest
Hunter, Fisher - Bow, Club or Spear, Listen, Natural History, Other Language, Pilot Boat, Spot Hidden, Swim, Throw, Track, any one other skill as a personal interest
Sailor, Fisher, Barge Crew - Bow, Climb, Craft (Carpentry), Craft (Rope and Fabric Work), Natural History, Other Language, Pilot Boat, Swim, Throw, any one other skill as a personal interest
Warrior, Bandit, Pirate, Raider - Bow, Club or Spear, Dodge, Fist, Natural History, Other Language, Spot Hidden, Swim, Throw, any one other skill as a personal interest
Colonial Guard - Bayonet or Knife, Dodge, Fist, Natural History, Other Language, Rifle, Swim, Throw, any one other skill as a personal interest
Other Character Background
Family information and history, reputation, possessions, prior career highlights, etc. will be determined by the player and the referee.
Gaslight 1889 Index Page