Character Traits

Character Traits are a central aspect of the system of Empyrean. As characters progress through stories, they develop and refine their core and complementary traits - the things that truly make them who they are and diversify them from each other, but also from the countless other characters encountered during play.

These traits can be limited to the specific examples listed together with the Aspects, but they can also expand to cover any adjective that better describes the character. On any occasion, character traits are coupled to a specific Aspect other than Spirit.

Spirit doesn't have "traits" and although each character certainly has their own individual sense of "Spirit" this type of diversification happens with the virtues and ideals that the character chooses to emphasize.

Every other Aspect, however, has character traits assossiated with it. Following is a small list, by all means not a comprehensive one, of the character traits that better match each aspect:

• Force
• Aggressive 
• Brave 
• Fiery 
• Forthright 
• Willful

• Adeptness
• Charming
• Dexterous
• Elusive
• Quick
• Smart
• Mysterious

• Fortitude
• Hardy
• Honorable
• Persevering
• Resourceful
• Unwavering

• Insight
• Artistic
• Analytic
• Discerning
• Erudite
• Knowledgeable
• Wise

These character Traits can easily give you an idea of how any trait one can come up with could match with the right Aspect.

So how do traits fit in? Well, traits are all about how the character is being portrayed in a given moment. Each time a player plays their character a certain way, they can invoke the specific trait.

Traits develop with aspect development, as a normal part of character development, but they also develop individually. The stronger a trait, the more often a character can call upon it to tap into their very own individual strengths. The more a character calls upon a particular trait the more it becomes an integral aspect of their personality. As the trait develops, it grows into aspects, some of them welcome and pleasant, others, less so.

The development of traits is only one aspect of the game mechanics of Empyrean. Because traits are also coupled with flaws. And of course there is the passions and ideals that drive the characters.

Overall, traits grant players the opportunity to overcome challenges thrown their way. But the primary role of traits is not to overcome challenges. Their role is to give players the ability to divert the story in interesting and unexpected ways, and encourage them to think outside of the box. A player can call upon their charm or wit to escape a tough combat situation, as much as another player can call upon their valor and honor to pull them through a difficult diplomatic conundrum.

We can consider a game challenge having an appropriate response that rises up to that challenge. In Empyrean one must consider the fact that while challenges are essential parts of storytelling, their importance relates not just to whether a character surmounts a challenge, but HOW they achieve this, and what kind of story this helps create.

Overall, Character Traits are a rather straightforward mechanic that enables storytelling, and promotes character development. They are well-complemented by flaws, which we will examine next.