Re: Narrative characteristics

From: Tim <tim_at_...>
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:11:15 -0000

>
>> Not having a useful ability is possible -- social situations often
>> put combat-centric characters at a loss -- but with a reasonable
>> set of interesting abilities it's less common than you might
>> think. Especially if you encourage as-you-go character creation,
>> which lets players fill in the abilities that fit the actual game.
>
> I was mainly aiming at providing players with what you depict as "a
> reasonable set of interesting abilities". I wanted to make it
> compulsory to have at least a body and a mind ability (whether
> broad/keyword or not).

David already suggested the "As you go" method, which allows players to add an ability when they suddenly realise it's missing. An alternative is to use the "list" method, but "pre-prepare" some questions that will provide those abilities that you think your game/genre demands.

eg (answer each question with a word or sentance)

1. How would people describe you phyiscally?  
2. how would people describe you mentally?
3. How do you earn your living?
4. who is/are your best friends?
5. what is your greatest fear?

Now add five more abilities

That gives you a "Body" ability, a "Mind" ability, a "profession" keyword, a relationship and a disadvantage, and still allows for "interesting" descriptions.