# Aspect Web Rationale

This page documents the reasoning behind replacing traditional **skills** and **saving throws** with a system of **Aspects**, derived from attribute pairings.

## The Problem with Skills

The D&D skill list:

- Is rigid and sometimes arbitrary
- Often results in overlapping or unclear domains (e.g., Nature vs. Survival)
- Doesn't scale well when trying to build flexible or modular systems

### Saving Throws also suffer from:

- Inconsistent application (e.g., why is WIS used for charm, but CHA is not?)
- Low clarity outside experienced player groups
- Too much tied to class identity

## Why Attribute Pairings?

By pairing each attribute with every other we get **15 Aspects** that:

- Cover all major action categories
- Encourage creative problem-solving
- Avoid siloed thinking

Each Aspect has a **clear theme**:

- STR + DEX = **Agility**
- INT + CHA = **Tact**
- WIS + CHA = **Willpower**
- etc.

This creates a **web** of character capabilities—tightly integrated and reusable across systems.

## Replacing Skills and Saves

Every challenge—whether resisting poison, picking a lock, or persuading a merchant—can be resolved with an **Aspect check**.

Advantages:

- Uniform resolution system
- Reduces mental load for new players
- Easy to expand with setting-specific Aspects (e.g., STR+WIS for “Beast Control”)

## Mapping to 5e Skills

We created conversion tables to help understand where old skills fit:

- Example: *Insight* is primarily mapped to **Insight**, **Willpower**, and **Tact**
- *Stealth* → **Reflex** or **Finesse**
- *Medicine* → **Resilience** or **Discipline**

This not only retains compatibility—it **improves logic and flexibility**.

## Concentration Checks

Replacing saves means spells like *Hold Person* or *Fear* must call for Aspect checks.

Common checks include:

- **Discipline** (for mental focus)
- **Willpower** (for emotional resistance)
- **Resilience** (for physical stress or fear)

This provides flavorful variation depending on the source of the threat.

## Summary

The Aspect Web:

- Replaces fragmented systems with a **unified core mechanic**
- Scales with complexity without introducing clutter
- Makes character creation and progression feel **organic and open**

It’s not just a replacement for skills/saves—it’s a **lens through which the whole game world is understood**.