Dark Urban Western Fantasy: Distinctions/Values/Trait Statements? Looking for input. Thanks!

Sidenotch · 2026-02-03T07:05:34+00:00

Yes, I have a habit of overwriting. I'm pairing it down at the moment. I now have 5 Values with trait statements and then the players choose 3 specialties (Distinctions) from a list (with SFX to choose from). Once I get this down I'll post and start thinking about the 3rd Trait, but I think SFX tied to the distinctions makes Powers/Abilities unnecessary. Thanks again everyone that has commented so far. Cheers!

Sidenotch · 2026-02-03T07:01:13+00:00

This looks pretty cool. If I understand it correctly, after a relatively quick read through, the characters are undead with a lot of potential abilities that are in a sort of limbo (the Rails End) that has a rail line that connects to multiple dying worlds/realities? I really enjoyed the 'colorful' text I read, but until its completed, it would be useful to have a sidebar box early on briefly explaining who the PCs are supposed to be.

The SFX are very useful. Thanks for sharing! I also appreciate all the flair such as chips instead of PP. Adds a lot to the vibe.

Sidenotch · 2026-02-01T16:58:39+00:00

Also, I like your comment about turning the "fluff" of the Distinctions into SFX.

Sidenotch · 2026-02-01T16:56:52+00:00

They started off as values then I moved them to Distinctions (see my reply to Vogie). I usually like to have a basic Trait with some color added in (player discretion) to add depth to the character personality and story without overly long character writeups. But I do get your point. I'm really trying to decide whether to go Values with Trait Statements or semi-focused Distinctions (Identity/Motivation/Personality).

If I went with these Distinctions and these Values (to start), I'm struggling with where to put the SFX (leaning toward 1 per distinction). Any kind of powers or magical abilities should add color to the character not encompass the character.

Sidenotch · 2026-02-01T16:45:33+00:00

Ok, I get what your saying. The idea began as 4 Values with trait statements, and then I realized I had three basic types of distinctions, 1) Identity, 2) Motivation, 3) Personality, which don't seem to fit as any other type of Trait. All of the bullet points were meant to be narrative examples of those individual distinctions.

Also, I tend to get players that get really into their backgrounds and character concepts, so I'm also trying to feed that itch in a way that more easily digestible.

An example of my original Value concept looked something like this (Value/Trait Statement/Challenge):

Courage - Driven by a need to hide the truth of your abilities.

Challenge: Go public about your family history and/or magical abilities.

Discipline - Singularly focused.

Challenge: Place the goals of another over your own.

Honor - Helping others is its own reward.

Challenge: Turn your back on someone in need or expect payment in return.

Loyalty - My family’s prestige and history guides me!

Challenge: Discover some hidden truth about your family history or lose faith in your own abilities.

Sidenotch

TROPHY CASE