Post by Vio on Dec 20, 2017 10:42:09 GMT -5
Traits are passive physical capabilities that all characters possess, representing a character’s natural ability, the results of training, or benefits unique to specific races of the world. All characters begin with 3 positive Traits, influenced by the character’s race, and naturally develop additional Traits as they accumulate X-Poinz. A Trait offers a unique benefit to the character, but should always be physical in nature — having high intelligence isn’t worth spending a Trait on, though not all physical things are worth using a Trait on either, such as being extremely handsome. These sorts of things can simply be attributed to a character’s personality and appearance.
Some characters might have what is called a Negative Trait, which represents something that physically impedes them in some way, such as a disability, intolerance for certain environments, or simply being physically limited in some way. Negative Traits are an entirely optional feature that do not count towards a character’s overall Trait limit, but they do not reward additional Traits or benefits for taking them. However, you can also freely apply for these to be removed at any point, representing a character overcoming their limitations or finding a way to circumvent physical difficulties. Some races have unique Negative Traits associated with them, such as Minks having Heat Vulnerability, which serve to balance out their otherwise powerful natural Traits and cannot be removed normally.
Traits and Fighting Styles do not always interact directly. If you develop an Aspect for a Fighting Style that allows you to cut through sturdy materials like stone and steel, you don’t require Inhuman Strength to achieve this. Though it could help from an in-character perspective, your character could instead be achieving this through raw skill and understanding, rather than natural physical ability. One exception to this rule are the Rokushiki Techniques, whose principles are founded entirely upon superhuman degrees of physicality, and so a character needs an appropriate Inhuman Trait to be capable of using these Techniques.
A special type of Trait known as a Switch Trait also exists: These Traits consist of paired regular Traits which turn “on” and “off” according to certain requirements — only one a the pair of Switch Traits may be considered “active” at any one given time. For example, a berserker style of character might have Inhuman Toughness while they are in a calm state, but become more vulnerable when their rage gets the better of them, becoming Inhuman Strength instead. These cannot be freely swapped between — you must have clear criteria that causes them to switch.
A Legendary Trait is a special type of Trait that can only be obtained through certain means, such as being part of a specific race, or having reached “S” Class or higher. Legendary Traits are especially potent examples of physical ability, such as the Giants’ Colossal Might, and any race that provides one of these to start with will also require you to take a corresponding Negative Trait.
For more information on Traits, visit The Dojo.
Below are some examples of various Traits that are considered typical examples. The descriptions stated here are not necessarily the descriptions you have to use for your character — you are entirely free to rewrite the Trait’s description (and rename it) to better suit your character, but please make sure that the description reads clearly so that readers can understand what it is supposed to be.Inhuman Strength
Thanks to natural bulk or intense training regimes, you have physical might that far surpasses the human norm. You can lift boulders, logs, or other great weights that no normal person could hope to, and are able to deliver mighty blows as a result.
Inhuman Toughness
Your body is naturally resilient and durable due to something like thick skin, toughened muscles, or natural protection. This natural toughness allows you to shrug off light wounds, or take hits that would normally cripple a person.
Inhuman Swiftness
Intense training or natural agility make you capable of moving much faster than the average person, running at speeds akin to an athlete, and moving quickly enough that you can make yourself a difficult target. You’re fast and evasive.
Inhuman Dexterity
Natural talent and training with your weapon make you a skilled combatant, able to make minor adjustments in the flow of combat to parry and deflect incoming attacks, or strike quickly in a riposte. You might instead be able to apply this to firearms, controlling your weapons to fire quickly and alter your aim.