diff --git a/typeclasses/characters.py b/typeclasses/characters.py
index 9457ec6..d95a4d7 100644
--- a/typeclasses/characters.py
+++ b/typeclasses/characters.py
@@ -26,6 +26,11 @@ class Character(Object, DefaultCharacter):
     """
     def at_object_creation(self):
         "called when a character is first created."
+        if self.dbref != "#1":
+            self.create_letter()
+
+    def create_letter(self):
+        "create a welcome letter in a character's inventory"
         letter = spawn({
             "typeclass": "typeclasses.readables.Letter",
             "key": "letter",