Features
Features describe the special parts of your character; the physical, mental, and social attributes that give them strength, the collection of experiences that inform their decisions, and the little quirks that make them unique. Whenever a Feat is rolled, players can connect their most relevant Features to the roll, gaining a +1 bonus for each Feature that could reasonably contribute towards the success of the task at hand.
Features are intentionally broad and open to interpretation. Players and GMs are encouraged to find creative ways to use Features in conjunction with their B.A.S.I.C.s to achieve interesting results. For example, one could reason that Wandering Warrior would be helpful both when sizing up an opponent and when navigating a perilous wilderness. It might be reaching, however, to tie the skills of a Wandering Warrior to a terse negotiation (though you might be able to make a case). Ultimately, the GM is the final arbiter as to whether or not a Feature (and its attendant bonus) are related or unrelated to a particular Feat.
Features are intentionally broad and open to interpretation. Players and GMs are encouraged to find creative ways to use Features in conjunction with their B.A.S.I.C.s to achieve interesting results. For example, one could reason that Wandering Warrior would be helpful both when sizing up an opponent and when navigating a perilous wilderness. It might be reaching, however, to tie the skills of a Wandering Warrior to a terse negotiation (though you might be able to make a case). Ultimately, the GM is the final arbiter as to whether or not a Feature (and its attendant bonus) are related or unrelated to a particular Feat.
Creating Custom Features
The Features listed here are less an exhaustive list and more a collection of suggestions. The GM and players are encouraged to collaborate on custom Features specific to each character. In order to make sure your custom Features are useful and fit thematically with the rest of the game, keep three things in mind as you design:
- Features should be written as an answer to the statement "he/she is..." or "he/she has a..." "A Way With Words" is better than "Diplomacy" because it answer's the statement "he/she is..." or "he/she has a..."
- A Feature should be intentionally vague and thus open to interpretation across a wide array of scenarios, otherwise the Feature's usefulness will be very limited. "Able Bodied" is better than "Strong Lungs" because Strong Lungs would only apply if the character is holding their breath or shouting, whereas the ability to hold one's breath is somewhat implied in "Able Bodied".
- A Feature shouldn't be too vague or it could potentially be applied to every Feat a character makes. "Lucky" is a bad Feature because a player could always reason "I may get lucky and succeed" any time their character attempts something.
Features LIst
Aptitude FeaturesAble Seaman
Adventure is My Middle Name Animal Kinship Artisan Badass Creative Genius Criminal Devil’s Own Eccentric Inventor Entertainer Escape Artist Gift for Subtlety Healer Jack of All Trades Master of Disguise Mind for Business Nature’s Ally Physician Polyglot Sneakthief Student of War Survival Instinct Tech Savvy Wilderness Survivor |
Mental FeaturesAcademic
Analytical Mind Attention to Detail Bookworm Chessmaster Clergy Creature of the Night Data Collector Detective Educated Eidetic Memory Fearless Genius Grace Under Fire I’m Gonna Wing It Iron Will Keen Observer Killer Instinct Mystic No Thoughts, Just Flow Nose for Trouble Organized Prescient Quick Thinker Ready For Anything Scientific Approach Sense of Direction Sixth Sense Tactician Uncanny Senses Well-Traveled |
Physical FeaturesAble Bodied
Acrobat Adrenaline Junkie Attractive Boundless Energy Catlike Agility Double Jointed Easily Overlooked Freerunner Hulking Strength Imposing Presence Inconspicuous Indomitable Iron Fortitude Light Touch Lightning Reflexes Natural Athlete Nimble Fingers Noble Bearing Pain Tolerant Resilient Sex Appeal Sharpshooter Strong Swimmer The Big Guy/Girl Tough as Nails Wandering Warrior Youthful Enthusiasm |
Social FeaturesA Way with Words
Air of Authority Born Leader Bureaucrat Comic Relief Con Artist Diplomat Everyone's Best Friend Famous Gift of Gab Grace & Charm I Know a Guy Masterful Improviser My Reputation Precedes Me Never Bullshit a Bullshitter Orator Peacemaker Poker Face Seductive Silver Tongue Star Quality Storyteller Streetwise Subtle Manipulator Team Player Tit for Tat Unwavering Confidence Well-Connected Wheeler Dealer |