Every character gets 10 xp to spend at character generation, If you do not spend any EXP at character generation you get it banked as xp to spend later.
A character gains XP after attending their first and 3rd event in a year. Any character experience not spent on your character will carry over to the next character the player has.
All characters have: Literacy (the player may choose the ability of the character), Numeracy (the player may choose the ability of the character), Use maps, Use compasses, Dagger, One handed, Buckler