Rather than splitting the character creation process into two separate stages, with the classic point allocation followed by spending nova points, I've consolidated all the points into a single nova point pool and allow players to build their characters from there. The nova point costs have been altered, as per below. The Storyteller can give out a certain number of nova points based on the desired power level of her Chronicle. A 150-point spread allows players to generate nova characters roughly equivalent to those created using the traditional point allocation.
All characters start with a "base" of one dot in each Attribute, Willpower 3, and Quantum 1.