Attributes are the core of what defines a character and sets them apart from others. They can represent a wide range of qualities depending on the setting, such as specialized skills, knowledge, unique talents, or inherent qualities tied to their race, species, or classification. As characters grow in their adventures, their Attributes will evolve as well, reflecting their increasing mastery and experience. These Attributes make characters unique and capable of performing the actions that bring their stories to life, whether that’s through learned expertise, cultural knowledge, or something entirely different.
While Attributes are an essential part of character creation, players should collaborate with the Game Master to establish a few starting Attributes without feeling the need to finalize everything right away. In the early stages, particularly during the first few sessions when characters are just starting out at level one, Attribute creation and adjustments should happen organically as situations arise in gameplay. However, once those initial sessions are over, future Attributes and adjustments will occur when characters level up, allowing for a steady progression that aligns with their growing experience in the world. This approach encourages both flexibility and growth, while ensuring that character development continues to feel meaningful throughout the campaign.
Example of Initial Attribute Creation
Player: “I want to play a top-notch gunslinger, someone who’s a master with a six-shooter and can pull off some incredible, almost impossible shots when needed. He’s known for his speed and precision, but there are times when his shots go beyond just skill—like there’s something extra helping him land those perfect hits.”
GM: “That sounds awesome! So, we’ll start with his sharp shooting as a key Skill, perhaps a quick draw Ability to get the jump on his opponents. For the more amazing shots, we can add a Power that lets him pull off extraordinary feats with his gun, maybe something like ‘Legendary Aim’ that you can use when the stakes are really high. As you level up, we can expand on those Attributes and add new ones as he grows more experienced.”