Custom sets of traits can be created following three simple rules:
- Each character sheet within a species has the same list of traits.
- Those traits can each have a possible score of 0 – 3.
- Each character has a maximum number of Trait points = (“number of traits” + 1) to distribute.
Note that since each action is assigned to one trait, trait systems can be considered a philosophies for sorting actions.
Example 1: Mermaids
In a world of Mermaids, perhaps the trait system would sort actions based on the hybrid: Fish actions, Human actions, Supernatural actions. These traits might look like the following:
Traits Actions [Aquatic ⦾⦾⦾] Swim, Fool Fish [Human ⦿⦾⦾] Use Tools, Fool Sailors [Super ⦿⦿⦿] Song Lure, Transform
Example 2: Elemental Spirits
Maybe your group is playing as Elemental Spirits who are periodically summoned by Warlocks. A system like that might sort actions by origins and targets: Warlock against Enemy, Warlock against Neutral, Warlock against Friend, Self against Warlock, Self Against Others.
Traits [Warlock Commands Against Enemy ⦿⦿⦾] [Warlock Commands Against Neutral ⦿⦾⦾] [Warlock Commands Against Friend ⦾⦾⦾] [My Actions Against Others ⦿⦿⦾] [My Actions Against Warlock ⦿⦾⦾]
Traits do not necessarily need to be for humanoid characters. The following objects’ traits follow the same rules.
Example 3: Melee Weapons
Traits Actions [Blade ⦾⦾⦾] Slash, Sever [Blunt ⦿⦾⦾] Bludgeon, Knock Down [Spike ⦿⦿⦿] Stab, Pin
Example 3: Go Karts
Traits Actions [Max Speed ⦿⦿⦿] Straightaway Gain, Coast [Handling ⦾⦾⦾] Weave, Corner [Brake ⦿⦿⦾] Stop, Slow to safe speed [Acceleration ⦾⦾⦾] Recover, Boost