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 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

• 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

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.

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”)

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.

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.

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.