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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: SoulCatcher78 on February 09, 2010, 02:53:40 AM
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Aspects are an important part of any FATE system game. SotC gives some great guidelines on how to generate them and how to use them (both for compels and to give you (as a player) an edge). The Dresden Files RPG will provide quite a few examples (and guidelines for coming up with your own) but if you are unable to play as often as you'd like (silly life gets in the way of fun) or your prospective players are new to this type of system, having a resource of developed aspects can save a lot of time and frustration. If we use a similar method of description new players will be able to identify (and soon create) the ones that best fit their concept.
Aspect Type - (personal, geographic, enviornmental)
Aspect Name - (try to avoid the one word boring ones, i.e. "lucky", "strong")
Positive Effect - (we all want something good to come from aspects)
Negative Effect - (all good things cost, why should this be any different)
Since we're dealing with a magical world (and all that this entails) let your imagination run wild with tainted bloodlines, family curses, and the persistent hauntings.
Aspect Type - Personal
Aspect Name - Hair trigger reactions
Positive Effect - Allows quicker than average reaction times to most physical situations.
Negative Effect - Can cause problems during tense situations (i.e. jumping the gun at the worst times)
Aspect Type - Personal
Aspect Name - Some of my best friends are quadropeds
Positive Effect - Character is instinctually knowledgeable about most mamals (normally found in his surroundings).
Negative Effect - Sometimes places to much emphasis on protecting animals and will place himself in harms way to do so.
Let's see how many we can come up with before the launch date!
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Good idea. Here's the way we're writing up example aspects in the book:
Exiled to the Special Investigations Division
The character is a Chicago police officer in the Special Investigations unit; this is where they send all the problem cops so they can work all the weirdest cases.
A player might invoke this to: Get a bonus when working with other Special Investigations folks, know things about the stranger happenings in a city, exercise the authority of the Chicago P.D.
A GM might compel this to: Complicate the character’s life with his lack of real standing in the police department, drop the weirdest cases on his desk, give him a warrant for a werewolf, that sort of thing.
Faerie Bargain
The character has made a bargain with one of the Fae, usually for power or some other benefit. Such bargains have a high price.
A player might invoke this to: Enjoy the benefits of his bargain, make contact with the Faerie realms, know things about the Fae.
A GM might compel this to: Trap the character in the terms of his bargain, place the character in the middle of a power struggle between the Faerie Courts, complicate his life with Fae meddling.
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Some ones I've come up with for two characters that've popped into my head.
Agamemnon Choate
"Only my third eye can see."
He's been blind for over a century now and relies on his Third Eye much more than most.
Invoke: To have a better grasp of what things he sees with his Third Eye mean, to resist Third Eye blowback, to be able to tell what people are about to do when he has his Third Eye open.
Compels: To open his Third Eye when it is REALLY not a good idea, to run into problems because he's blind.
"A man does not choose his path, only how he walks it."
He has a weak ability to foresee the future (he can only foresee things that he can do nothing about) which leads him to having a very fatalistic outlook on life.
Invoke: He's fatalistic enough to shrug off most threats.
Compels: To do the right thing even if it is wildly impractible, to be fatalistic enough to act with near-suicidal unconcern for danger.
"Foster father"
He tends to adopt any stray kids he comes across, and with how old he is that really adds up.
Invoke: To get some help from a former (or current) foster child.
Compels: To have problems/complications caused by his former foster children. To adopt any stray kids he meets even if doing so is wildly impractible.
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William "Don't Call me Billy!" Breen
"I spent my childhood murdering puppies."
He was trained as a child by a Warlock to be his personal bodyguard. In order to give him practice killing things, he was forced to constantly adopt, care for and then kill (usually via magic) cute puppies.
Invoke: To know far more than he should about how to kill anything dog-like.
Compels: Various manifestations of psychological abuse, to have animals react to him negatively, to have his former master (did he escape the Wardens?) show up, acting irrationally around dogs (either nervous or overly protective), etc.
"I've got the Seven Laws burned into the insides of my eyelids."
When the Wardens came to take down his master he avoided execution (puppies don't qualify under the First Law) but one warden cast a spells so that he can see the Seven Laws written in burning words of fire on the insides of his eyelids every time he closes his eyes.
Invoke: to avoid temptation to break the Sevel Laws, to figure out creative ways of getting stuff done without breaking the Laws, to help him use magic that complies with the Seve Laws when breaking them would be a lot easier.
Compels: to be terrified of the White Council, to obey the Seven Laws even when they get in his way.
"The perfect idea, ten minutes too late."
L'esprit de l'escalier
Invoke: to think of the perfect idea... (boosts to knowledge rolls etc.)
Compels: ten minutes too late. For example, the GM could say "great idea, I'll give you a fate point if your character only realizes that ten minutes from now."
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"The spirits talk to me" Your whole life has seemed to be alternately charmed and cursed. The spirits warn you of impending danger but some are more cautious than others leading to mixed messages that take you out of the fire and into the frying pan.
Invoke: Able to read a situation and quickly react to it, great for sensing danger.
Compel: The spirits wont shut up and give conflicting information about a person/place/item.
"Of course it's genuine" You come from a family of confidence scam operators. You may have turned your life around but you've still got the touch for running the con.
Invoke: Bonus during social interactions that requires you to convince others that something you say/do/offer is genuine.
Compel: Your past comes back to haunt you (family members, past victims, broken trust of others).
"Data wants to be free" You have a special gift for finding the right information when using computer systems (aka search fu).
Invoke: Digging through computerized infomration (databases, etc) takes less time (1 quarter to 1 half) than it would normally take.
Compel: Can lose focus while searching causing you to become "lost" in the data, Can be obsessive about LOLcat images.
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"I have stared into the Abyss" Past events have exposed you to the horror that is the supernatural. Forewarned is forearmed as the saying goes and this allows you to brace yourself against the things that you should never have seen.
Invoke: Not easily shaken when presented with evidence of the supernatural or horrific.
Compel: Periodic bouts of insomnia due to nightmares (difficulty concentrating).
"Knows where all the bodies are buried" Your knowledge of the locals (particularly of gossip about their dark deeds) gives you the upper hand when negotiating if they have something to hide.
Invoke: Able to use knowledge of the area to pressure others into revealing information.
Compel: The people who buried the bodies want to protect their secrets (preferably by silencing you).
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"Sixteen tons of snookered." A fae once conned you into doing a great deal of heavy lifting (literally) in exchange for nada.
Invoke: Perform feats of strength, especially the kind that would be limited by Endurance. Lash out against the Fae. See through a Faerie con game.
Compel: React with inappropriate anger or violence towards Fae. Repeat past mistakes and get suckered into something. Re-introduce the specific Fae that conned you.
"Are the voices in my head bothering anybody else?" Sometimes they just talk to you abo...what? Shut up! Hey, let him talk!
Invoke: Gain sudden bizarre insight into the situation at hand. Look at something important that wouldn't normally have drawn your attention.
Compel: Respond inappropriately to an unasked question. Disturb others by muttering to yourself. Fail to keep your cool in otherwise calm situations.
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"Are the voices in my head bothering anybody else?" Sometimes they just talk to you abo...what? Shut up! Hey, let him talk!
Wow. I just realized you already posted essentially the same thing above -- what's weird is that's actually one of my personal catchphrases, so I wasn't stealing it from you!
"Jinx!" You have an uncanny knack for precisely matching other behaviors -- but at exactly the same time.
Invoke: Break your fall by grabbing that same ledge. Draw and shoot at exactly the same time. Unnerve an opponent with uncannily irritating verbal mimicry.
Compel: Fall off that same cliff. Irritate a new acquaintance. Make the turn at exactly the same time as the car you're chasing, even though you haven't actually rounded the corner yet.
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"All I wanted was a Pepsi" By now you are used to others misunderstanding you intentions, it's something that's plagued you your entire life.*
Invoke: Added air of mystery around seemingly random (normal) acts that you perform. Can unnerve your opponent, causing him ot think you know more than you actually do.
Compel: Brings unwanted attention from others who think you're trying to pull a fast one on them.
"I be you didn't expect...THIS" You always seem to have just the thing you need to surprise (or at last unbalance) an opponent.**
Invoke: Of course you packed your (crucifix, holy water, extra ammunition, punch dagger, etc) today.
Compel: Who replaced my holy water with Kool-Aid? The head of a rubber chicken and a punch dagger handle feel awfully alike in the dark.
*Blatantly stolen from the song "Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies.
**Because you should always leave room for comedy.
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"Straddling the Veil" I see dead people...
Invoke: Allows easier, more clear communication with the spirits of the dead and also allows increases strength of beings raised from the dead while near this practitioner.
Compel: Brings unwanted attention from Wardens, or tempts practitioner to resort to black magic.
I likes me the grey areas :D
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"Yup, that was me" You are a known individual in your area because of your past deeds (either good or bad).
Invoke: You can use your "fame" to your advantage, it's great when everyone knows your name.
Compel: You are unable to "blend in" in your local area, you are easily picked out of a line up.
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I'm just getting in the way... You've seen them from time to time, looking over their shoulders or muttering something as they pass. You're friends bring you along because they feel they have to, it might be better for you to just leave.
Invoke You can use this in combat or other situation to negate a situation where your presence would somehow disrupt the action of a teammate, such as being in the line of site for a scene-ending evocation spell from your wizard friend, or being within the AOE of a spell that is just too dangerous to risk you getting hit by. This effect, no matter how long it takes, only removes your presence from one event.
Compel Lot's of ways a GM could use this to play off a character's low confidence in situation, perhaps persuading a player to split off from the group, which would either invite trouble or keep your from assisting when the time comes. Basicly convinces the player character that their presence isn't needed or desired.
The cool thing about this, is that it doesn't even dab into magical talent for anything.
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Compel Lot's of ways a GM could use this to play off a character's low confidence in situation, perhaps persuading a player to split off from the group, which would either invite trouble or keep your from assisting when the time comes.
I like the potential Scooby & Shaggy moments that this brings up. "We'll be right over here guarding the fully stocked fridge while you guys go fight the big bad." only to end up trapped by the big bad themselves...brilliant!
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Good Lookin' in a Bad Boy Kind of Way
You have a rough but charismatic appearence.
Invoke: To charm or seem attractive in a dangerous setting.
Compel: Recieves attention from less than desirable or respectable persons.
For my "Norse God-Blooded Biker with a Magic Hammer" concept.
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"Clean up, aisle 4" You've spent so much time cleaning up after other's that not much phases you anymore. Possibly an active or former coroner, forensic examiner, or mop jockey at the local grocery store.
Invoke: Horrific violence no longer shocks you the way it does "normal" people. You are able to shrug most things off with a quip about "not as bad as the guy we needed a bucket and mop for".
Compel: Tends to be jaded to the point of being callous, can cause problems when dealing with survivors of tragedy (offhand remarks that bring things up better left burried).
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"Clean up, aisle 4" You've spent so much time cleaning up after other's that not much phases you anymore. Possibly an active or former coroner, forensic examiner, or mop jockey at the local grocery store.
Invoke: Horrific violence no longer shocks you the way it does "normal" people. You are able to shrug most things off with a quip about "not as bad as the guy we needed a bucket and mop for".
Compel: Tends to be jaded to the point of being callous, can cause problems when dealing with survivors of tragedy (offhand remarks that bring things up better left burried).
I'd think this aspect could also be invoked for quickening the time it takes to hide evidence of gore in a place. Such as cleaning up the house of a mod boss before he comes in, so he doesn't notice his magical guards have been stomped to pieces...
Compel to look for discounts on lime.
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One of my favorites, used it in Baltimore:
Hail Hail the Gang's All Here
Invoke: When you get in over your head, invoke it to have your buddy show up at an opportune moment.
Compel: The GM compels this to make sure that when your buddy is in over his head, you're right there drowning alongside him.
(For some reason I really like using song lyrics as aspects. I had the Dropkick Murphys' take on it in my head as I wrote this up.)
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I'd think this aspect could also be invoked for quickening the time it takes to hide evidence of gore in a place. Such as cleaning up the house of a mod boss before he comes in, so he doesn't notice his magical guards have been stomped to pieces...
Compel to look for discounts on lime.
That's why I like this, it's good to get a fresh interpretation on what some of these aspect phrases can mean.
*gigglesnort* discounts on lime
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My brainstorming with a friend has given me 2 sets of aspects to share:
High Concept Aspect: Vigilante Sorcerer
You're a sorcerer, and you're laying down the law in your own way, Batman style.
Invoke: Laying the smackdown with magic or other implements. You can't let injustice pass you by. You have to do something about it.
Compel: You can't let injustice pass you by. You have to do something about it.
Trouble Aspect: "Good....Bad...I'm the guy with the Bat..."
You have a real problem with the conventional "Justice" system.
Invoke: To rightly punish those that would prey on the innocent.
Compel: You may get a little carried away and end up walking the gray magic line of the laws of magic...or worse.
Arcane Pack Rat
You have collected an extensive collection of arcane knowledge and other....stuff. Lore books here, fallen warlocks' magical trinkets there, the Blood of Kemmler under the uneven coffee table leg.
Invoke: While researching, you look through your collection of stuff for something you already have.
Compel: You cannot walk into a bookstore, hobby shop, Walmart or someone else's lab without adding to your collection some new material components, arcane trinkets or the newest issue of Full Metal Alchemist (For inspiration, you know....)
Alpha Geek
Before all this happened you were a geek. You are a walking library of trivia, lore and knowledge about various fictional franchises and esoteric topics and most of it is practically useless. But it matters to you Gorram it!....
Invoke: Solve a problem using as inspiration a similar situation from an episode of Star Trek and subsequent conclusions compiled by the Mythbusters. (Did I mention this aspect belongs to my Sorcerer character?)
Compel: You are the Alpha geek and got to that position through careful study and through arguing your points of view. You don't know how times someone has said "Luke, I am your father" only for you to correct them and mock them for their stupidity. (I can already see this getting compelled in the heat of battle)
"There's always time to stop and think."
You take your time make decisions. You concider the situation, pull out your sharpee and write down your thoughts. Equations, diagrams and stuff...
Invoke: Just about anything.
Compel: You have no plan so you have to stop and think even if a Gruff is coming around the corner with a machine gun. Plus, if you write your thoughts in sharpee, other people can read it.
From a friend's character:
High Concept Aspect: The Last Disciple of Thor
Self explanatory. Only here to give perspective.
Not a very good Viking.
You suffer from Hydrophobia.
Invoke: To get the heck out of this WATER!
Compel: "I can't go in there. There's WATER in there!"
OLD fashioned kind of guy.
You were born in a different time, literally.
Invoke: To settle things the old fashioned way. You could also invoke to remember first hand knowledge of a certain period of time.
Compel: Modern society kicks your ass.
For another character:
Old Man, Young Face
Your Wizard's Constitution has allowed you to age really well.
Invoke: At almost a Century old, you still pass for 16. Being almost a century old you remember tons of stuff and know people's grandfathers on a first name basis.
Compel: At almost a Century old, you still pass for 16. It's hell to renew your Driver's license every 10 years.
I still don't know if these aspects work or if I'm just insane. ;D
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I love the direction you're taking most of them, twining the character's personality with the background, but you'd think that since aspects seperate particular people from society, that they'd be a little more... I dunno, specific, especially the ' There's always time to stop and think ', its pretty broad and I could see 2/3s of the people you know falling under its catagory.
Edit: Relooked them over, and I've fallen in love with the viking themes in there.
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I love the direction you're taking most of them, twining the character's personality with the background, but you'd think that since aspects seperate particular people from society, that they'd be a little more... I dunno, specific, especially the ' There's always time to stop and think ', its pretty broad and I could see 2/3s of the people you know falling under its catagory.
Edit: Relooked them over, and I've fallen in love with the viking themes in there.
The "There's always time to stop and think" aspect is probably a bit too broad. But, you can't stop and think about everything like shooting a gun (aiming doesn't count) or driving a car or something where immediate reaction time is a deciding factor. This is supposed to reflect "Paralysis by analysis"
I'll let my friend know his Viking character is working. I left out his other known aspect because it still needs work:
"Subtlety is for B*$@#s!" (Rough translation)
Here's an Aspect for some NPCs I'm actually gonna use in a feud between their street gang and the rival Were-Bears in downtown Spokane:
Gonzaga's Resident Were-Moose
You're a Were-Moose....
Invoke: Use your Mighty Moose Muscle (TM) to fight crime on Spokane/Cheney's streets. This is only funny until you realize that an Adult Moose can actually total a truck and walk away.
Compel: Stop laughing!
Despite this aspect's jokey nature, it and the Were-Bear/Moose feud are seriously based on actual events in the Spokane/Cheney area.
We had a Bear running around near Lewis & Clark Highschool (which is Downtown) a few years ago and almost every year Cheney is plagued by at least 1 Moose that wonders onto the road. I still don't know the plural of Moose.
I also realize that Gonzaga's mascot is the Bulldog, but come on!
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Compel: Stop laughing!
I'd rather burn the point, I'm afraid.
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Chauncy's B*$#@
You made a deal with the great demon Chaunzaggoroth. In exchange for your family's curse being lifted and some power, you have to do favors for one of the Underworld's most popular information brokers.
Invoke: You are sponsored by a demon of information. It can be most handy and you get to where a suit.
Compel: Not everyone respects Chauncy and therefore you are often shunned with holy swords and big guns. But being his emissary, you have collect unpaid debts, souls and occasionally get him some tea and biscuits.
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Chauncy's B*$#@
You made a deal with the great demon Chaunzaggoroth. In exchange for your family's curse being lifted and some power, you have to do favors for one of the Underworld's most popular information brokers.
Invoke: You are sponsored by a demon of information. It can be most handy and you get to where a suit.
Compel: Not everyone respects Chauncy and therefore you are often shunned with holy swords and big guns. But being his emissary, you have collect unpaid debts, souls and occasionally get him some tea and biscuits.
So a demonic Bob in exchange for having to get in fights and go grocery shopping, might be useful to keep in mind. I'm guessing this involves Chauncy' having his b*$#@'s Name as well?
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Isn't Chauncy one of Richelle Reid's characters? It'll be interesting to see them integrated into the Dresdenverse.
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Isn't Chauncy one of Richelle Reid's characters? It'll be interesting to see them integrated into the Dresdenverse.
He's in book #2 of the Dresden Files, IIRC.
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He's in book #2 of the Dresden Files, IIRC.
True dat Iago. He is in chapter 11 of Fool Moon. It's his only appearance so far. :(
But he's been inspiring.
In my D&D 4e game last year I created on the fly our multiclass Warlock's patron based on Chauncy, Jorgemundekkar or simply Jorge. He was a Hellboy styled Demon with massive horns in a white Zoot suit with an eversmoking cigar.
Chancy speaks with an "Oxford accent" so I have a rational basis for tea & biscuits.
So a demonic Bob in exchange for having to get in fights and go grocery shopping, might be useful to keep in mind. I'm guessing this involves Chauncy' having his b*$#@'s Name as well?
Nonono.... well yes, this is for an Emissary of Power.
The poor guy's entire family had been cursed like the MacFinns only worse(The MacFinns should be grateful they only passed their curse to one person every generation and that whole "only at the full moon" business). This fine fellow stepped up to the plate to get the family curse removed.
He works for Chauncy now. Demonic Bob is his boss.
Chauncy has his Name, Soul and his family's fortune (as in luck) on Lay-away.
The character I had in mind for this is to be like Winston Wolf from Pulp Fiction working for Chauncy.
Sometimes it involves Tea & Biscuits, sometimes a soul or a true name is past due and sometimes The B*$#@ has break out a pair of pliers and a blowtorch.
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True dat Iago. He is in chapter 11 of Fool Moon. It's his only appearance so far.
This said, I wonder what his stats end up being in the game from such a small framework to go with. Basicly, crab, evil and deceptive, ox-ford accent. That's about all I could get from him... but hey, how about this as an Aspect
Hell Recruitment Service
I want you to join the REAL Hell's Angels!
One way or another, you ended up working on the wrong side of the tracks, now whatever patron you are being controlled by wants you to spread the message a little bit.
Invoke: You have good communication with demonic information sources, you're soul and freedom is already lost, so they don't have much left to take from you. You can also convince many low-ranking demons, that despite being (semi) mortal, that you are technically their boss.
Compel: You're job is to prey on the mentally weak and expand hell's empire. Suicidal teenager? Direct him towards the enlightening path of satanism. Your wizarding friend feeling down? Tell him a little black magic could cheer him right up. Remember, the depressed, suffering, and weak are easy-pickins.
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"I'm famous on the Internet, you don't even know."
People look at you, but they don't see what you've accomplished. They will bow before your legion of Subsribers, massive post count, army of Followers, or vast sea of e friends.
Invoke: People who are 'new', 'hip', or spend too much time on a computer ((Me)) will probably recognize you, and if you're lucky, that teen over there might be willing to drop information on her Third Eye dealing friends if you put her in your top 8. And who knows, fans of your work could be anywhere or anyone.
Compel: You take precious time out of your day to manage the many facets of your internet life, and you might just have to take a breather from fighting that Troll to send a tweet to the masses that thug4life is fighting a real beast of folklore.
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I watched too much BeastMaster
I like animals better than most people.
Invoke: Allows you to communicate your desires more easily with animals even if they are untrained. This is however more of an empathic understanding than true communication.
Compel: Due to empathic nature of this aspect sometimes a message or warning is misconstrued. Also animals seem to sense this ability and often approach you at inopportune moments.
Where was he keeping that?
Your person is often compared to a clown car. You always seem to be pulling out some inconceivable object.
Invoke: Allows you to produce an item in your inventory even if you've been thoroughly searched.
Compel: If ever required to completely disarm the time taken is far longer than what is the norm. It can also sometimes take multiple attempts to produce the right item. (I.E. Your attempting to pull your hidden revolver and instead pull out a knife or a tome.)
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Eye of the Beholder
You notice and correlate things that most people dismiss as everyday.
Invoke Can discover patterns or anomalies and know what they mean.
"Funny how all the books line up on the second wall. It's almost like there's a hidden door."
"Ever notice how it's ears point towards who it will attack next?"
Compel Sometimes you miss the big stuff, or get so focused you tune everything out.
"Billy, why are you sitting on a box with wires and a clock counting backwards?"
"Billy, there is something right behind you. Billy. BILLY!
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"Men...You will only risking your lives. Whilst I will be risking an almost certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor"
You are a real manipulative B@$%#&*. You know how to get people to charge into certain doom for you as long as you don't have to do it yourself.
Invoke: You could invoke this aspect to convince someone to do you a favor or make a St. Crispin's day speech to a group so they will fight another group for you while you slink off somewhere.
Compel: Lead by example? Pft... You have a real problem doing things yourself. If someone calls your bluff or sees through your bluster....
High Concept Aspect: Half-Man, Half-Big Bad Wolf (Changling)
One of your parents was human, the other was a notorious Fairy called a Big Bad Wolf. They disguise themselves as human adults and feed on children.
You are a product of that unfortunate legacy.
Invoke: To be Big. Bad and/or Wolf-like.
Compel: Same.
Whitestaff of the White Council of Wizards
The Blackstaff is a secret, necessary position on the Council. The Whitestaff is more like the official Blacksheep position that nobody wants. You are the "official" liaison to the mortal authorities. When some idiot Wizard burns down a Red Court Party or some government agency uncovers the White Council's existence on their own, you're the guy who has to clean it up.
Invoke: You use your "Authoritai" to help clean something up and keep the Council under wraps.
Compel: Some stupid Wizard burns down a bus full of nun faeries again, so you have to make sure no one knows it's magic and instead publishes, "Nun Soup".
"He wears a disguise to look like human guys, but he's not a man, he's Yeti/Bigfoot..."
You are not human, but a human-like biped. Humans are still curious things to you.
Invoke: You make like an Albino Wookie losing a board game.
Compel: You're not human so your disguise is not always there.
Magi-Preppy
You come from an ancient family line of Wizards of the White Council. Your family has produced Senior Council members and have helped define the history of wizardry.
Unfortunately, that also means you are the Harry Potter stereotype. You never grew up in mundane society or around anyone without magical talent. People think you're arrogant and feel entitled and maybe you are. Maybe you have the stuff that makes warlocks....
Invoke: You use your family name to open doors and get things done. Being from an entire Family of Wizards (An eternal rarity) you have been exposed to magic and the supernatural world for a lot longer than most other wizards.
Compel: Having never been exposed to most of the Mortal World, you have been living under a rock as far as Mortals are concerned. It doesn't help that your parents were born and raised the same way and the family has essentially lived the same way since about 1300. You still don't understand new fangled things like cars and these stupid American Colonies.
Other Wizards have every reason to not like you.
(As an example, the character this Aspect was designed for has the Family Name of Balthazar)
Instrument of God
God chose you. You have heard no voice and met no angels, you've just felt power.
Invoke: You use the power of Faith.
Compel: God has a plan for you and it never tells you when you are on it.
Technology's Bane
All Spellcasters are not so good around technology, but you are different. You are a walking disaster area.
This Aspect represents not the Murphyonic field all Wizards have, but a version that is worse than normal and is a constant pain. One touch from you can kill a car from the 30's.
Invoke: Hexing of course.
Compel: How bad could it be?......
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After a night of brainstorming, my brother and I have made some more aspects. Here they are.
For the afore mentioned Chauncy's B*$#@:
Trouble Aspect: All debts come due.
The B*$#@ is all about debts. Every debt owed must be paid. It's his job.
Invoke: Gotta get back what is owed anyway he can.
Compel: If an outstanding debt known to him is in reach, he must retrieve it.
Born into strange
Even without the curse, the B*$#@'s family is a little....weird. Sometimes weird is bad and sometimes it's just family.
Invoke: Recall a memory or contact a weird relative.
Compel: Sometimes they stop by and say hi. Plus, the family's reputation is built on the weirdest things.
Fixed the Family Curse...sort of
The B*$#@'s Family was cursed, badly. No one in his family has died of natural causes since 1700. The Family curse has been fixed....for now. But weird crap still happens from time to time.
Invoke: Use the power of the curse to your benefit.
Compel: The curse bites The B*$#@.
“I'm 30 minutes away... I'll be there in 10.”
You are stupidly efficient and time sensitive. Things must be done not in a minute, not in an hour, but NOW!
Invoke: Anything involving efficiency.
Compel: Anything involving patience.
“The tea is free, ammunition costs extra.”
You make bargains all the time, but you hate to barter. Thankfully the Underworld's employee training included a class on “aggressive negotiations”.
Invoke: You make a quick, efficient, take-it-or-leave-it deal on the fly.
Compel: If an opportunity to make a bargain presents itself, you have to make an offer and it has to be fair.
No more Christmas cards
You've p!$%*& a lot of people off doing this job. People know you. Sometimes you're greeted with respect. Sometimes with Holy Swords and Big Guns.
Invoke: Using the name of Chaunzaggoroth can open doors....
Compel: ...or get you shot at. Again.
These Aspects relate to another character temporarily named Manfred:
Lawyer by Day, Detective by Night....
Like it says on the box.
Invoke: To fight crime using the forces of Law and a shotgun.
Compel: You are a lawyer first.
Trouble Aspect: I never took a case I didn't finish
Once you start something, you finish it.
Invoke: To push to finish that case.
Compel: You can't give up or compromise.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Ra! Ra! Ra!
You graduated top of your class from Gonzaga University and possess the status and pride associated with it.
Invoke: You know plenty of fellow Alumni in the local community. Some people respect the name of Gonzaga.
Compel: People often ask favors of such prominent alumni. Also, not everyone likes people from Gonzaga.
Ghosts from my Past
Your house dates back to the founding of Spokane Falls and it's haunted. You frequently talk to Uncle Joseph and he's been dead for 25 years.
Invoke: You can get advice from one of your ancestors lurking around your family home.
Compel: The Ghosts make working at home....difficult.
My Father's Old Six-gun
You come from two centuries worth of Law men. You are an heir to that legacy.
Invoke: You tap into that lifetime of experience.
Compel: You can't compromise that legacy.
A Mage in hand is worth two in the...
You have a Girlfriend who is a Wizard of the White Council. It can be most handy until you test that old saying about them being Quick-to-anger.
Invoke: You ask her for help and remember conversations about the magical world.
Compel: The GF is quick-to-anger.
Not-so-common Law
You know the law. Really well.
Invoke: You think of a legal precedent that helps the situation. Nothing quite like hearing, "What we're doing is actually legal."
Compel: You know of a law that complicates things. Nothing quite like hearing, "What we're doing is actually illegal."
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For use with the Chung-Hee character idea here (http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,15698.0.html):
"Stranger in a strange land" You're suprised that most of what you thought you knew about your new home is either outdated or based on a more idealized memory.
Invoke: When dealing with older beings (spirits, older humans, etc) you are able to adapt to their expectations easier than the typical "younger generation" group which you belong to.
Compel: Dealing with people your own age can be difficult because of your expectations of others (honor, duty, self sacrifice, etc).
"I'm just a face in the crowd" Being able to become one of the faceless masses gives you a sense of security and belonging.
Invoke: You can blend in with a group and use them as a natural camoflage when in crowded areas (on the train, at the market, etc).
Compel: People have trouble remembering you unless prompted .
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These 3 were developed for my aforementioned Vigilante Sorcerer.
So in addition to his other aspects minus "There's always time to stop and think" he'd have:
Soulgazed a Dying Warlock
You learned about the magical world the hardest way possible. In that dying Warlock's eyes you saw what you thought never existed, Absolute, Uncompromising, Irredeemable Evil. You saw the Soul of someone whose whole life was born on Murder and the twisting of Power. You were horrified, but the Warlock died laughing. And no matter how hard you try you can never forget a Soulgaze.
But, the things you saw give you resolve and an absolute purpose. The Warlock also tried to dive into your mind during the gaze, but failed. You saw more in the gaze than normal.
Invoke: You can draw on that for strength or for knowledge from something you saw in the Soulgaze.
Compel: You can't forget the power you saw or the motives behind it. You know that there is Evil because you saw it. It might make you make snap judgments. It might also tempt you.
Supernatural Entrepreneur
Harry Dresden laments that other spellcasters know how to make "Stupid" amounts of money with their magic. You have mastered this difficult art form/science because you accept that the Laws of Magic don't include a section on following the Laws of Humanity.
It could be that you turn lead into gold, crush coal into diamonds, you have a "Super Coffee", Love and/or Confidence potion racket, you glamour single dollars to look like hundreds or get True Names through the DMV/Department of Licensing.
Invoke: You use either the Resources/Contacts you got from your business or offer a fair trade.
Compel: Other such Entrepreneurs both Magical and Mundane don't like competition. It is also difficult to give up a fair business opportunity.
Watchlisted
Your antics have put you on people's radar. People know of you and are waiting for you to try something stupid. They also have a dossier and probably a pool going on you.
Invoke: You use your reputation to open doors or get people to back down. You could use it to make people underestimate you. These watchdogs think they know what you are going to do....
Compel: It isn't paranoia if people actually are out for you. The Wardens are just looking for a reason to take you down if you don't identify yourself for testing soon. The mortal authorities probably have a nickname for you and are waiting for you to strike again.
I'm not sure if Arcane Packrat and Magical Entrepreneur double up or compliment each other, but I like them together.
Now for True Believer's aspects:
Shell-Shocked Preacher
When things go bump in your neighborhood of followers they bump with you. You're not all there all the time because of the Shell-Shock.
Invoke: You Bump Back. You're always on alert.
Compel: You're always on alert and that can make things difficult.
"The Bible never said anything about this...."
Your Faith is tested daily. You only hope you can hold out....
Invoke: You make a snap decision.
Compel: You make a snap decision. You don't know who to trust anymore.
"I wasn't always a Shepard..."
You were in Afghanistan during the war....in the 80's. In that time you were a weapon.
Invoke: You use one of the many skills the Navy, the SOCOM and the Agency taught you.
Compel: Not all your memories of that time are good ones. You made a lot of enemies. A few people in the community might not like your past.
"God has Mercy. I don't...."
Those that can't be saved must be punished.
Invoke: You lay down some divine justice, great vengence and furious anger.
Compel: You have a bit of a temper....
"My faith is my shield, my shotgun's for the Zombies"
The good book gives you confidence, but you try to be prepared for the Rapture in whatever form it comes. One man's fearlessness is another man's overconfidence.
Invoke: You come crazy prepared for Judgement day.
Compel: You actually have to actively prepare. This takes time. Plus, the items you think you need might not be allowed in little places like Airports and Government Buildings.
Pillar of the Community
You sought to change yourself, to be a teacher. You have to make good on that promise.
Invoke: You prove yourself to be a good man.
Compel: If the community knew certain things....
I don't have a 7th Aspect to round this out though.....:(
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Real Life Action Hero
I should totally have my own action figure...
Invoke: You are able to accomplish physical feats that seem impossible(i.e. shooting/grabbing an object while leaping through the air, shooting around a corner, shooting/grabbing an object while tumbling, rolling out of a moving vehicle with less than normal damage. Etc.)
Compel: You tend to get too cocky and sometimes get yourself in more trouble than necessary. You cannot resist showing off and end up looking a bit like tim allen in Galaxy quest sneaking and tumbling while your allies walk beside you.
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Real Life Action Hero
I should totally have my own action figure...
Invoke: You are able to accomplish physical feats that seem impossible(i.e. shooting/grabbing an object while leaping through the air, shooting around a corner, shooting/grabbing an object while tumbling, rolling out of a moving vehicle with less than normal damage. Etc.)
Compel: You tend to get too cocky and sometimes get yourself in more trouble than necessary. You cannot resist showing off and end up looking a bit like tim allen in Galaxy quest sneaking and tumbling while your allies walk beside you.
"You know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this?"
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"You know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this?"
"Ole Jack always says... What the hell?" :D
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Bolshevik Muppet!
You have an explosives fixation, so you're used to using them; however, they're used to using you.
Invoke: You take less time to set up explosives or deactivate them. You're probably the only person who knows how to disable an active handgrenade.
Compel: You've gone through all this trouble, and now the dynamite you laid around the abandoned hospital isn't needed anymore because the goody-two-shoes wizard knocked the mob leader unconcious... oh well *BOOM*
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Living in England I can't wait to run a character with
"Tea?"
Tag as a bonus to mental activity whilst mulling through things over tea - or to positive social interactions.
Compel to delay any meaningful actions until after tea.
I do think there is a danger with some of these that the point of the aspect isn't entirely obvious from the aspect... but of course, ymmv
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Living in England I can't wait to run a character with
"Tea?"
Tag as a bonus to mental activity whilst mulling through things over tea - or to positive social interactions.
Compel to delay any meaningful actions until after tea.
I do think there is a danger with some of these that the point of the aspect isn't entirely obvious from the aspect... but of course, ymmv
Without meaning to sound ever so slightly stalkerish- I think I love you! That aspect is SO getting used in on one of my characters.
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"Lonliness of the long distance runner." Chung-hee needs to find someplace that he fits in. Growing up in a small rural community in the US, Chung-hee was always the "different one". The only people who he could identify with (his immediate family) are now dead and his need for belonging drives him to do rash things in the name of friendship.
Invoke: Able to dive headlong into conflict for the sake of a friend without hesitation, this blind determination can push him past all sensible reasons not to (bonus against intimidation attempts, even by obviously more dangerous beings).
Compel: Drawn to helping others, even if it's not the best option (brins him into direct conflict at the worst possible times).
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From my old SotC character, I always loved:
Attention Span of a Gnat
Invoke: if he's captured questioning him won't do much good since he didn't pay enough attention to remember the information that you're after.
Compel: to not pay attention, to charge right in because he's bored, etc.
My Father Told Me To Duel Often
Invoke: to be good at dueling.
Compel: to fight fair even when that's dumb, to constantly get into duels.
This Situation Calls For a Swan Dive
Invoke: to get good at swan dives.
Compel: to think that doing things like doing a swan dive off of a biplane with a rapier in one hand and a bungee cord around your waist in order to attack another biplane is a good idea.
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Without meaning to sound ever so slightly stalkerish- I think I love you! That aspect is SO getting used in on one of my characters.
share and enjoy. ;)
'War stories' / "Back in 'nam"
Tag to entertain, impress, or help with your battle plans.
Compel to bore people senseless, be drawn into 'that sort' of conversation, or feel the need to outdo the other guy by showing him your scars.
The most overused aspect in a game I'm run has been, "It's a good thing I thought of that."
Tag largely to make declarations
Compel to ensure the character has a reputation for being an obsessive anal smartarse.
Or we could take inspiration from 'Wash' with
I was laconic once :p
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Walter Sobchak: Those rich fucks! This whole fucking thing... I did not watch my buddies die face down in the muck so that this fucking strumpet...
The Dude: I don't see any connection to Vietnam, Walter.
Walter Sobchak: Well, there isn't a literal connection, Dude.
The Dude: Walter, face it, there isn't any connection.
Walter would make an awesome Dresden Files character :)
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Ghost Busting P.I. (That's Paranormal Investigator)
Who ya gonna call? No, seriously who ya gonna call?
Invoke: Your years of living alongside the spirits have made you more in tune into the things keeping them bound and you are better at dispelling or helping spirits move on that most.
Compel: Your years of living along side the spirits make most people think your a little nuts, always talking to the open air around you. You also take the needs and feelings of the spirits as seriously as the living and may decide the best thing for them is to stay put.
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Chauncy's B$*#@ has always been invisioned as a cross between The Dude and Winston Wolf.
I even use the the vernacular, The B$*#@.
The B$*#@ abides.....
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Heh... an aspect Thomas Raith surely must have:
Cooler than you.
Invoke to elicit a fanboy response, or to show someone up.
Compel same...but in a bad way or at an inappropriate time, or associated jealousy.
and
What, this old thing?
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Home-Made Saint
You used to be a normal person...until you were changed. Now you are...different in a more holy way.
Invoke: You tap into your holier-than-normal, cosmic power.
Compel: The source of your power gives your ass a mission.
Failed Ascension Rite
Maybe your boy/girlfriend tried to make you a Virgin Sacrifice and you killed their virgin ass instead, or maybe you attempted it yourself and you forgot to add the magical keg. One way or another, an Ascension rite failed and you ended up in the middle of an uncontrolled magical Nuclear Implosion.
Invoke: You tap the weird powers the rite conferred upon you. You glow...
Compel: The rite had unexpected consequences. You don't absorb that much magic without something weird happening.
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Spirited Away
As a baby or very young child you were snatched away to the Nevernever by one of the Fae and raised there . You abide by the rules and strictures of the Fae court but only by training and habit and have a deeper understanding of court politics than any other mortal. But now you are back in the mortal world.
Invoke: to contact, bargain or communicate with the Fae and Navigate the Nevernever. You may have access to knowledge and resources reserved for the Fae.
Compel: The mortal world and its rules are a mystery to you. You always keep your word (to the letter)and assume other people will keep theirs. You use strange patterns of speech. Obligations or entanglements from your past may return.
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Baseball Player-turned-Kinetomancer
You used to be a really crappy pitcher until you found... "The Magic" which is both your talent for Kinetomancy and the name of your resultant 200 mile an hour Fast Ball.
Invoke: Your let loose with, "The Magic"
Compel: A Baseball Player with the Kinetomantic edge is a magnet for accusations of juicing, especially when your magic breaks the testing equipment
The following 2 Aspects were designed for a character that will never see the light of day, Silent Tom, the Hetero-Lifemate of Clay, Demon-Killer and Three-Eye Dealer.
I posted Instrument of God before, but this write up is more fluffy.
Instrument of God
God chose you to smite the forces of evil... ...you think. Either that or you took a really bad hit.
Invoke: Snoogans! Your divine power kicks evil's ass!
Compel: The lord commands you!.....you think.....
Spirit Sword
You have mastered the Ancient Jedi Magical art of channeling your spirit energy into sword form. It isn't much, but you always have it. It's a part of your soul....
Invoke: You have access to the Sword for the scene. You may be able to change its shape for more utility such as a crowbar, haligan, axe, hammer, or kusari-gama.
Compel: You're out of juice....Or something. ???
Animal Necromancer
You just wanted Fluffy back. There goes that idea.... You don't break the 5th law of Magic, you get off on a technicality. Now you have an army of dogs, cats and parakeets that can fight for you.
Invoke: You use your powers for good.
Compel: You ride the line towards breaking the 5th Law.
Displaced Time-Traveler
Your best friend was a Chronomancer, until the Wardens cut his head off....in the middle of a ritual. The Wardens say you are an innocent bystander. The Gatekeeper said, "Son, you're on your own..." Now you are stuck in the wrong time and the magic that sent you here has Swiss-cheesed your brain to Hellenic Times and back.
Invoke: You see visions of the possible futures, the past, and all the possibilities in between. For you it's like remembering the notes of a favorite song. When you are in-sync you know what will happen before it happens.
Compel: Entropy is a bitch. So is the butterfly effect. YOU DIDN'T BUILD THE FRACKING RITUAL!
From The Other Side of The Gate
You aren't from this reality, or at least your soul isn't.
Invoke: You have pseudo-kooky powers, USE THEM!
Compel: You aren't from this reality. That can make things....difficult.
Resurrected Rite, Came Back Wrong
You lucky sumbitch, some genius necromancer resurrected you. But, you came back...wrong. Coming back, your body isn't exactly what it was. Additionally, you saw everything that is, everything that was and everything that will ever be in an instant.
Invoke: You ain't gonna die again! You got powers! You got a second chance!
Compel: True resurrection is rare. Some people want your soul back and others want to poke and prod you. Plus, coming back wrong has mucked things up.
Two-Fisted Warden
You're a Warden of the White Council and you live for your job. You use not one Warden's Sword, but two.
Invoke: You make with the Snicker-Snack!
Compel: Being a Warden is pain sometimes. Two-fisted executions, phone calls and paper work.
Magical MacGuyver
You are an expert at using easy-to-find components for big spells of all kinds.
Invoke: You can rearrange the Cosmos with table salt, chalk and tap water. No one should make you break out the roll of duct tape...
Compel: Your rituals, though ingenious aren't always reliable....
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This aspect goes right along with the afore mentioned, "From The Other Side of The Gate"
Keeper of The Files of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden
This new multiverse your are in feels.... strangely familiar. Lucky you kept your favorite books with you!
Invoke: Your knowledge serves you well....
Compel: You confuse/concern people with the detailed knowledge you have.
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Keeper of The Files of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden
That's pleasantly twisted.
I have to ask, are you only setting a game in Spokane or do you actually live there?
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I have to ask, are you only setting a game in Spokane or do you actually live there?
I live in Spokane and have for 19 years. Lots of real world experience to draw from.
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Hey, I live in spokane too. Maybe we can get a local game going ^_^
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What the hell does everyone else on here live in spokane too!
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What the hell does everyone else on here live in spokane too!
Well crap.....Looks like I could have a really fun summer. Though I suggest if we want to start a game together we start a new thread or just start messaging each other.
Back on topic!!! (It makes the Moderators happy)
Serial Killer of The Paranormal
You are a stalker of the night, a predator. Normally, you would have been just another Serial Killer, hunted by the authorities and eventually executed. But having learned about the Supernatural world, you've found prey that are perfectly okay to hunt.
Invoke: You stalk the night and make the things that go bump shutter.
Compel: You have to hunt....
Heavy Metal Queen/King
You are metal! Or at least you're in a Heavy Metal Band.
Invoke: You have influence over your fans and you know things related to Heavy Metal.
Compel: You have to play. Plus, Metal has affected your hearing somewhat.
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What the hell does everyone else on here live in spokane too!
We are legion. :-)
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We are legion. :-)
Ha! Had to ask, because I used to live there.
I moved to Alabama about four years ago. Sucks that I'm missing out on the game. :'(
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Ha! Had to ask, because I used to live there.
I moved to Alabama about four years ago. Sucks that I'm missing out on the game. :'(
Sorry to hear you can't be here. but your sig inspired me.
Gorram it I want to play this RPG. I keep thinking of aspects and in them new character ideas.
"Magic Card" Thaumaturgist
People can't begin to understand the power that has been put in plain sight by the Wizards of the White Council. You understand it. The White Council front company gets a lot of business in return from you.
The cards are great tools for Thaumaturgy.
Invoke: You use your Cards of Power and/or the knowledge contained in them.
Compel: You must pay the White Council's front company and practice your techniques.
As I write this post I am watching R.O.D The TV. Go figure.... ;D
Bibliomaniac
Must....have....BOOKS!!!!!!! You are not a machine of reading, you are a Force-of-Nature for absorbing the written medium.
Every bookstore in a 25 mile radius of your home has a picture of you behind the counter saying, "Best customer, treat her/him nicely."
Invoke: You read something in a book that pertains to the situation.
Compel: The Literature Gods call to you. You.....must....READ!!!!
Someone had to post it. :D
One Winged Angel
You woke up and you knew. You are a messenger of the White God, though you can no longer hear his voice. You are an embodiment of the power of Faith though you live not as messenger now, but as a Mortal with a soul.....and a single Wing which looks kinda cool.
Invoke: You use your inherent powers and Faith.
Compel: Being an Angel has its downsides. You have several strings attached that make things difficult.
Trek has Trekkers/Trekkies, Firefly has Browncoats, Star Wars and Galaxy Quest have....fans. I would rather we have our own term too.
Dresdenphile
Warden Dresden's Case files and Reports brighten up your otherwise boring days. He should really publish them to Vanilla Mortals, he'd make a killing.
When you actually met Warden Dresden, he gave you a lecture about how he is just a normal guy and that what all Wizards do is no game. He was trying to set you straight or scare you, but you instead think he's cooler than he originally was.
Invoke: The Case Files and Reports give you inspiration and/or confidence.
Compel: The actions in the reports aren't always accurate, by the book, and/or the smart thing to do. You also have to go over them whenever Warden Dresden sends in a new report.
Warden Pup
A year ago you were a snot-nosed apprentice who couldn't even buy his Master a beer let alone Wizard on his/her own. Today, you're a Warden of the White Council, but you still can't buy beer. It's a dream come true, but you were never prepared for this.
Invoke: You make with the Wardening. The use of combat magic, shooting of guns and Authoritai are your specialty.
Compel: You are really young to be a Wizard let alone a Warden. None of the old guard take you seriously, especially if you are still in the Mortal School system. Being a Warden puts you on the front lines.
Emperor of Evocation
During the Trials you were asked why you wanted to become a Wizard. You gave a convoluted answer that was accurate, but you left out the real reason: So you can Blow Stuff Up.
You love the smell of destructive magic. Reminds you of biscuits and gravy.
Invoke: You make with the destruction if you haven't started already.
Compel: You tend to get a bit....overzealous.
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Trek has Trekkers/Trekkies, Firefly has Browncoats, Star Wars and Galaxy Quest have....fans. I would rather we have our own term too.
Dresdenphile
Warden Dresden's Case files and Reports brighten up your otherwise boring days. He should really publish them to Vanilla Mortals, he'd make a killing.
When you actually met Warden Dresden, he gave you a lecture about how he is just a normal guy and that what all Wizards do is no game. He was trying to set you straight or scare you, but you instead think he's cooler than he originally was.
Invoke: The Case Files and Reports give you inspiration and/or confidence.
Compel: The actions in the reports aren't always accurate, by the book, and/or the smart thing to do. You also have to go over them whenever Warden Dresden sends in a new report.
That term had never been used before? I use it all the time :P
"I have one of those" Using your incredible means and your extra large money market mutual account/generous stock portfolio you managed to acquire a large collection of mystical and arcane artifacts
Invoke: When you need that special mystical item you only have as far to go as your own home
Compel: People often try to buy items not for sale, if your lucky, or outrightly attempt to steal them. You have to constantly be on guard about your collection. Some of the items you've assimilated are not friendly, some are just downright dangerous to have.
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Trouble Aspect: "All going according to plan....just not my plan...."
Pretty self-explainatory.
Invoke: Rolling with the plan.
Compel: Plan rolls over you (especially in Soviet Russia)
Dark Disciple of Lancelot
You were trained in Avalon by the man himself. Unfortunately, times are a changing....
Invoke: You do what is right...
Compel: But you don't care who you have run over in the process.
Lover of a Seelie
Your boyfriend wants my wife. She's a Sidhe and you can't have her. She's mine.....
Invoke: Love is wonderful....
Compel: Fracking faeries.....
Supernatural Free Agent
You have no loyalty to one power or another. It can be most handy.
Invoke: You have friends/contacts you otherwise wouldn't be able to have.
Compel: It is hard for you to choose sides.
Bringing Balance With Extreme Prejudice
You believe that life is about Balance. Good and Evil. Light and Dark. Etc. Etc. You believe that even the worst hole of a City deserves a good balance of Light.
Invoke: You the Balance with your sword/gun/Fireball
Compel: Te situation is unbalanced. You have to correct it.
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Warden Pup
A year ago you were a snot-nosed apprentice who couldn't even buy his Master a beer let alone Wizard on his/her own. Today, you're a Warden of the White Council, but you still can't buy beer. It's a dream come true, but you were never prepared for this.
Invoke: You make with the Wardening. The use of combat magic, shooting of guns and Authoritai are your specialty.
Compel: You are really young to be a Wizard let alone a Warden. None of the old guard take you seriously, especially if you are still in the Mortal School system. Being a Warden puts you on the front lines.
Which reminds me of this idea I was kicking around....
(Inspired by the Blue Oyster Cult song Veteran of the Psychic Wars)
Veteran of the Vampire Wars
When the Red Court attacked, you were there. When three-quarters of the Wardens were killed, you got out alive... but not unscared.
When Warden Morgan got within twenty feet of killing the Red Court King, you were at his flank.
From South America to Africa, and all dark places inbetween, you've stood your ground with sword and magic.
Others have fallen, but you still stand.
Invoke: Your breath and blood speaks volumes of experience fighting against the Red Court hoards. You also can speak passable spanish.
Compel: You have nightmares every night. Daymares sometimes too. Too many have died while you still live.
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Which reminds me of this idea I was kicking around....
(Inspired by the Blue Oyster Cult song Veteran of the Psychic Wars)
Veteran of the Vampire Wars
When the Red Court attacked, you were there. When three-quarters of the Wardens were killed, you got out alive... but not unscared.
When Warden Morgan got within twenty feet of killing the Red Court King, you were at his flank.
From South America to Africa, and all dark places inbetween, you've stood your ground with sword and magic.
Others have fallen, but you still stand.
Invoke: Your breath and blood speaks volumes of experience fighting against the Red Court hoards. You also can speak passable spanish.
Compel: You have nightmares every night. Daymares sometimes too. Too many have died while you still live.
That's my kind of Aspect! ;D
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High Concept Aspect: Original Alpha
You were there when Tera West taught you guys how to act like and take the shape of wolves.
You were there when Harry faced the Hexenwolves.
You were there at the Battle of the Stone Table
Maybe you were even there to see Sue in action.
Compared to other clued-in amateurs, you're a veteran. You've seen some stuff. Although you don't live in Chicago anymore, you carry on that legacy and are part of the outreach program.
Invoke: Woof!
Compel: The Alphas are a family. What happens to one happens to all. And, the fleas are murder....
Helped Write The RPG
You are a Nerd-King, you helped write the only RPG based on Truth!
Invoke: The RPG's research really helps you.
Compel: Bob said that was "Basically correct" Lying Skull!
Paranet Representative
You represent the small fish of the magical community. You have a lot of friends and great responsibility.
Maybe you hope you will one day be able to make the Paranet a signatory of the Accords.
Invoke: You contact one of your many contacts from the Paranet.
Compel: A lot of Paranet people like to call you.
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Protective Patron
Your chosen Patron has taken a shine to you, a special attention. S/he/It's always watching over you, and while there is an agreement that your mind is off limits, your body is free to play with
Invoke: Your Patron does not want you to get hurt, and it looks out for you in the long run. It may send warnings, or it may use more direct method, granting one of the Inhuman characteristics for a limited time, but only your patron decides when and where to use this aid.
Compel: Your Patron may have peculiar ideas about what it means to be safe. No junk food, no Coke or alcohol, definitely no drugs. No pre-marital sex, maybe no sex at all (just think about those nasty STDs)! It may also take over your body for limited time, maybe to run away from a fight and leave all your friends there. Yay for free will!
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Like the protective patron idea working with Taboos and loss of free will can be really fun.
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I am working on a Cop/wizard character and came up with these
Name: To Protect and Serve
Description: You are a Cop, MP, FBI or Warden sworn to protect the people of your jurisdiction not only from things that go bump but from mortal threats as well
Invoke: gain a bonus when putting yourself in harms way to protect someone under your jurisdiction
Compel: You are sworn to do your job even when its inconvinent or dangerous.
Name: First Responder
Description: You are a Cop, Fireman, or EMT. You are first on the scene when things get ugly
Invoke: to arrive in the nick of time or act first in a scene
Compel: You are the first one people call for help
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These are for a character I thought up who uses the afore mentioned, Failed Ascension Rite as his primary focus.
Hotshot Wizard
You are a variable "Maverick" of the White Council. You could have reached for power beyond your limits, tried a few too many risky areas of "Gray" magic or maybe you are good at making deals with faeries. Maybe you are all of the above.
Anyway you look at it, the Council thinks you make Harry Dresden look sensible....
[The character in question used to be a bored, teenage apprentice with dreams of joining the White Council. According to his master, this would take no less than 20 years under his current magical learning regimen. Him and a group of friends figured out how to do it in 6 months without breaking the Laws of Magic. Unfortunately, most of the other members of the circle went *poof* when the ritual ended...]
Invoke: You push your boundaries and challenge the odds. Magic is a wonderful thing!
Compel: Use magic responsibly.....you aren't listening to me are you?....
Trouble Aspect: My Reputation Precedes Me
You did something to earn the attention of....everyone. Or, at least everyone you normally run into in the course of your work. Chances are good people know you if not on sight then on reputation. Maybe you got on Larry Fowler way too many times, are a local celebrity or ended up on the local news for falling out of the sky naked onto a major landmark.
[Note: This character did just that after the Ascension Rite and ended up right on top of the Red Wagon in Spokane]
Invoke: You use that reputation to your advantage.
Compel: Why do people have to remember every...little....thing....?
"I didn't know my own strength"
You have a problem gauging how beefy your attacks/spells are. You can....underestimate the results.
Invoke: You boost your spell. "I did that? Cool...."
Compel: You overestimate your power....just a little.
Meant to be used with another character with the same Aspect like "Hail Hail The Gang's All Here"
Not-So-Dynamic Duo
You and your partner are inseperable, made for each other and when in-sync are unstoppable.
But, like so many Duos, you fight constantly...
Invoke: You work together.
Compel: What happens to one happens to both. Also, you like to bicker...
Here's a classic from BESM:
Guy/Girl Magnet
Guys/Girls just...come to you. You don't know how. You don't know why. But you have a horde of Girls, Guys or both who all want to jump you and the horde keeps getting bigger.
Invoke: You use your talents to attract another or ask for help from one of your many suitors.
Compel: A) Maintaining this horde can be difficult. B) Not another one.....
More generic Aspects:
An Imp on His/Her Shoulder
You possess a Familiar demon of Profane Knowledge and Intellect. He/She likes to read a bit too much and is always chatting about everything from the proper procedure for making sunlight in a bottle to 16th Century Showtunes.
Invoke: The little guy/gal knows something useful.
Compel: He needs to get paid...somehow. Be glad Bob only wants Romance Novels.
Faerie Negotiator
Some people hate dealing with Faeries and liken it to pulling teeth. You on the other hand understand it quite well. You can get more out of a Faerie than a farmer can get out of a cow and with less effort.
Invoke: You get something out of a Faerie or use something you already got.
Compel: All bargains come with a price. The better you get at negotiating with Faeries, the more Faeries want to try their luck.
Product Liabilities Wizard
When you found the magic, you also found a great racket in Product Liabilities. As a Wizard, the products you take to trial as a Lawyer always breakdown on cue and sometimes before that.
"Look at how this product doesn't last..." You say to the jury.
Invoke: You make with the Magic and Lawyering.
Compel: People might get suspicious. Also your case load's not cool...
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So I'm new to Fate-like RPG's.
My first try for Aspects for an Char.
High Concept:
Half-Blooded Council-Wizard
Trouble:
Enemies of My Unseelie-Mother
Background: Where did you come from?
Aspect: Raised in Fairie
Male Wizard, Female Sidhe. Female got the upper hand and got an ride out of it.
Childhood spent mostly in Fairie.
Rising Conflict: What shaped you?
Aspect: Don’t trust beatiful women.
After he got his magic, he spent more time with his father (learning).
Let an Red Vampire in disguise in his fathers home. Vamp got the jump on his father but failed to kill the son.
Edit: Opinions?
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My problem with the background for the "Don't Trust Beautiful Women" is that I think most supernaturals can sense Red Court vampires when they are close, even in their flesh masks. Maybe change it to a White Court(Maybe not a Raith, Malvora might be more appropriate for killing someone outright) since from my knowledge unless there are doing something supernatural the Whites are mostly undetectable.
I think my complaint is mostly flavor/fluff than it is rules, otherwise I like it. But what about Sidhe women? Aren't they also beautiful?
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I've currently latched onto the idea of a former Alpha that had more magical talent than just shapeshifting, kinda got inspired by the blurb in Submerged starting point "Werewolf who can do earth evocations" I'm still trying to workout if he's Wizard/Werewolf, Sorcerer/Werewolf, or Focused Practitioner/Werewolf who became inspired by Dresden(who the Alphas hero-worshiped) to become a detective. Somewhat inspired by Lanodantheon's Original Alpha
Faraday Church
Hot-Headed Wizarding(or Spell-Slinging or Terramancing) Werewolf Detective
Original Alpha, Participated in Fool Moon/Summer Knight, got advice from Dresden in dealing with supernatural abilities, idolized him and after moving away became a detective.
Invoke: Using werewolf abilities to track lost items/people, combination or magic/werewolfing to fight supernatural threats.
Compel: Rash and quick to anger. Laws of Magic.
Trouble: Enemies of the Alphas and Dresden (I'm not sure if this is adequate...)
I'm having trouble creating this character, I want him to be a Focused Practitioner(so he has more or a reason he's not an actual member of the White Council). I'm aiming for 11-14 refresh and I'm not sure I understand the limits on Channeling and Ritual in concerns to Refinement.
Why can't I take Refinement to increase the power/control of elemental Channeling's or complexity/control of elemental themed Ritual(other than for Item Slots, if your pigeon-holed into one element shouldn't you be able to be 'the best' in that element)? [Probably shouldn't ask here, but I didn't think it deserved it's own thread]
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Here are all but one of the Aspects I settled on for my Constantine-inspired (and Lenny-revised) Venatori. He makes the Spokane Valley look cool. ;D
Note: Name is still temporary.
15th Generation Monster Hunter
Since the days of Jamestown, the Smyth family has protected Humanity from the things that go bump. You are a member of that Legacy. Your whole family is the Delta Force of Monster killing.
Invoke: You call upon that legacy of Bad Ass and the responsibilities that come with it.
Compel: You've got a job to do.
Trouble: You can pick your friends, but not your relatives
Yes, you come from a long line of badasses. You are related to many more. Not all of them are people you want to be related to.
Like Grandfather who had a BCV investigated for income tax evasion....and ended up bankrupting half of Downtown.
Or Cousin Judy, who wants to marry a WCV for True Love.
Or dear brother, who wants to run for Mayor so he can negotiate a peace.
You love them all dearly, but....
Invoke: You call a relative.
Compel: A relative calls you or is mentioned in conversation.
Friendly Neighborhood Venatori
You belong to the Brotherhood that kicks evil's but with Mortal authority and law. You also live in the suburbs....
Invoke: You access your resources and contacts relating to the Venatori.
Compel: You place of residence has a vampire problem. And, Mandy needs to be home by 8.
Family Gunsmith
You work in the Family Gun Store, the Smythee.
For your family, it is a long tradition.
Invoke: You make guns....lots of guns.
Compel: The store calls.
Equal-Opportunity Destroyer
The building is one fire and it's entirely your fault.
Invoke: Did somebody say Bang?
Compel: COPS!!!!
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
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Jumped-Up Burglar.
Or at least, that's the phrase that comes to mind.
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
Trashy passing for classy
ugh my brains tired but something along those lines maybe
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Alrighty, what do you guys think of these aspects for my Focused Practitioner (Apprentice, eventually will be a Wizard)
High Concept
Grey Wizard
Trouble
Apprenticed to a Black Wizard
Other Aspects
A Life in Payment
Timothy was sold by his parents to a dark wizard in exchange for clearing a debt.
Invoke: Whenever children are in danger, whenever people are being extorted.
Compel: The Above
A Taste of Forbidden Knowledge
Timothy has been exposed to a certain amount of black knowledge.
Invoke: Anything involving dark magics.
Compel: He will be tempted to read or learn about any dark magics he hears about.
My Mind is My Own
Timothy has had to fight tooth and nail to maintain the sanctity of his mind. He has very strong mental walls.
Invoke: Defend VS Mental Attacks, to keep secrets under pressure, deceit in order to keep those secrets.
Compel: Keeping secrets for no reason other than to keep them.
Magical Muscle
Timothy was raised as a magical bodyguard.
Invoke: Whenever he needs a bump for Gross Magical Manipulation. (Not for subtle magics, mostly applies to Evocation, some Thaumaturgy)
Compel: When the player comes up with a subtle tricksy way to get something done, he can be compelled to use a more direct method instead.
Payback is a Bitch
Timothy has learned the art of biding his time.
Invoke: When somebody wrongs him and he has waited at least one scene to pay them back for it. When somebody queers on a deal with him.
Compel: He has difficulty ignoring a chance to get back at somebody.
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I've looked into the abyss...its name is bob
Invoke: you've spent way to much time looking into things you shouldn't and learned amnyt hings dureing that time, use whenver invokeing dark, obscure or forbidden magic.
Compel: Your soul is scarred by knowledge man was literally not meant to know, this leaves you strange, frequently in pain, and liable to say or do something extremely inhuman or otherwise off without realizing it.
Brian Blacknight
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
Gentleman Thief
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
Larcenous poser
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
Stolen Blue Blood
High class conman
Thief above his station
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
I'd use two seperate aspects. Have one of your story aspects be: Pretender to the Throne. Invoke when trying to fit in with the people where you don't truly belong. Get it compelled to force you to keep up with the rich Joneses next store. (Sure you really needed some new burglary tools, but that 60in plasma TV is bigger than George's next door).
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Ok I need some help here people. I am looking for a good high concept name for a thief from a lower class background that enjoys the finer things in life and pretends to be from a much higher social class. I feel like there is a word for pretending to be from a higher social class but i can't think of what it is.
What? I found this rolex.
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Here are some of my favorites from brainstorming with a friend. I've always been a fan of the saying type aspects.
"I got this."
Invoke: Wherever tackling a dangerous situation by yourself.
Compel: Player, "I could really use some help here!" GM, "No, no, you got this."
"At least it can't get any worse..."
Invoke: When making things worse for your opponent.
Compel: To make things worse for you. Much worse.
"...except me."
Invoke: There is always an exception to the rule, and you are it. Invoke when being the exception to the rule will help you in a situation. (A drive by happens and a bunch of people are hit with bullets ...except you.)
Compel: When being the exception to the rule would be bad in a situation. (A single gun shot rings out, and everyone appears uninjured ...except you.)
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Ok need more Idea help
character was burned in a fire as a child so he will not use fire magic and focuses on water and air. I need a better Aspect than "Fire Bad!!"
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Ok need more Idea help
character was burned in a fire as a child so he will not use fire magic and focuses on water and air. I need a better Aspect than "Fire Bad!!"
"The Burned Hand Teaches Fear"
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So this is an aspect i had for a character when i used to play sotc
"oooh shit"
Invoke: well its pretty much a fate point giver
Compel:you dont ralize how screwed you are untill it gets worse
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You are your own backup.
Invoke:
There are times that you can handle the situation on your own.
Compel:
And then there are times you should have called for backup.
Thirst for Knowledge:
Invoke:
You are really determined to find out that piece of information
Compel:
Sometimes that information costs you something.