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rules:aspects [2025/06/18 22:33] – Ron Helwigrules:aspects [2025/07/09 23:44] (current) – Ron Helwig
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 << rules:attributes ^ rules:start ^ rules:aspect_table >> << rules:attributes ^ rules:start ^ rules:aspect_table >>
  
-====== Aspects ======+# 🧬 Aspects
  
-Aspects represent the **interplay between two attributes**. While traditional RPG systems often rely on single attributes or skills, this system uses Aspects to reflect how a character’s capabilities arise from combinations of physical and mental traits.+**Aspects** represent the interplay between two attributes. Unlike traditional RPGs that rely on single stats or long skill lists, this system uses **attribute pairings** to determine how your character interacts with the world.
  
-These Aspects are used for most action checks, defenses, and interactions in the game — they are at the core of the system’s resolution mechanic.+Aspects are used for nearly all action rolls, defenses, and challenges. They’re at the heart of how your character expresses their strengths.
  
-===== Calculating Aspects =====+---
  
-Each Aspect is the **sum of two attribute modifiers**. For example:+## 🔢 Calculating Aspects
  
-  * **Might** = STR + DEX +Each Aspect is based on the **sum of two raw attribute scores**, using this formula:
-  * **Willpower** = CHA + WIS +
-  * **Discipline** = CON + INT+
  
-If your STR is +1 and your DEX is +2, your Might Aspect is **+3**.+$$ 
 +\text{Aspect Value} = \left\lceil \frac{\text{Attribute A} + \text{Attribute B} - 20}{2} \right\rceil 
 +$$
  
-Each character can have a different number of dice available for each Aspect depending on how their attributes are arranged. This creates a natural balance and allows players to specialize.+> “Ceil” means to round up. For example, ceil(1.2) = 2 and ceil(–1.8) = –1.
  
-You can view a full table of the standard Aspects and their attribute combinations here:   +This determines the number of **d4s** you roll when using that Aspect. Aspect values are typically between **0 and 5** for beginning characters, but **negative values are possible** — especially for characters with low attribute scores or penalties from Body Type.
-[[rules:aspect_table|Aspect Table]]+
  
-===== Using Aspects =====+> You’ll never roll fewer than **1d4** when a roll is called for, even if your Aspect is negative.
  
-When you attempt an action, the GM will call for an Aspect that makes sense for the situation. For example:+### Examples
  
-  * Trying to intimidate someone might use **Presence** (STR + CHA) +**Example 1**  Â 
-  * Balancing on a narrow beam might use **Reflex** (DEX + WIS) +STR 15 + DEX 13 = 28  Â 
-  * Concentrating on a spell might use **Willpower** (CHA + WIS)+$$ 
 +\left\lceil \frac{28 - 20}{2} \right\rceil = 4 
 +$$  Â 
 +→ Aspect **4**
  
-Each Aspect has its own effective  **dice pool**, and you spend dice from it when performing actions (see [[rules:dice_pool]] for more).+**Example 2**  Â 
 +CHA 9 + INT 8 = 17   
 +$$ 
 +\left\lceil \frac{17 - 20}{2} \right\rceil = \left\lceil -1.5 \right\rceil = -1 
 +$$   
 +→ Aspect **–1**
  
-===== Variant Rules =====+**Example 3**   
 +CON 13 + WIS 10 = 23   
 +$$ 
 +\left\lceil \frac{23 - 20}{2} \right\rceil = \left\lceil 1.5 \right\rceil = 2 
 +$$   
 +→ Aspect **2**
  
-If you're using a system that doesn't rely on dice pools — such as a D20-style system or the [[research:daggerheart|Daggerheart]]-style Duality Dice — you should calculate Aspect **modifiers** instead of dice counts.+The full list of standard Aspects can be found in the  Â 
 +[[rules:aspect_table|Aspect Table]].
  
-In those systems, each Aspect is calculated as follows:+---
  
-  * Add the two relevant attribute **modifiers** +## 🎲 Using Aspects in Play
-  * Divide by 2 +
-  * Round down+
  
-This gives you a single modifier number (e.g., +1 or +2) that you can use just like any other D20-style bonus.+When you take an action, the GM will call for a roll using the **Aspect** that best fits the situation.
  
-For example: +Examples:
-  * CON + INT = +3 +1 = 4 → 4 Ă· 2 = **+2** modifier+
  
-This makes Aspects function similarly to D&D skills or saves, making it easier to adapt the system to other mechanics.+- **Presence** (STR + CHA) to intimidate a bandit   
 +- **Reflex** (DEX + WIS) to cross a narrow beam   
 +- **Insight** (INT + WIS) to understand someone’s motives   
 +- **Willpower** (WIS + CHA) to maintain concentration on a spell
  
-===== Why Use Aspects? =====+Your Aspect value determines your **d4 dice pool**.   
 +See [[rules:dice_pool]] for how rolls work and how Aspect values scale action economy.
  
-Aspects do several things at once:+---
  
-  * **Replace skills and saving throws** with a unified, elegant system +## 🧩 Variant Rule: Aspect Modifiers (for d20-style systems)
-  * **Encourage characters with depth**, not just single-stat dominance +
-  * **Support creativity**, letting players justify how they use different combinations of traits+
  
-This helps keep character creation simple, encourages interesting action choices, and reduces the need for long skill lists.+If you're adapting this system to a **d20-style mechanic** (e.g. a 5e hack or something like [[research:daggerheart|Daggerheart]]), you can convert each Aspect to a **single modifier**:
  
 +$$
 +\text{Aspect Modifier} = \left\lfloor \frac{\text{Modifier A} + \text{Modifier B}}{2} \right\rfloor
 +$$
 +
 +> “Floor” means to round down. For example, floor(2.9) = 2 and floor(–1.2) = –2.
 +
 +This makes Aspects behave like traditional skill bonuses or saving throw modifiers and allows easy conversion between systems.
 +
 +---
 +
 +## đź’ˇ Why Use Aspects?
 +
 +Aspects provide major benefits:
 +
 +- âś… Replace **skills and saving throws** with a single, elegant system  
 +- âś… Reflect **how characters combine traits**, not just max a single stat  
 +- âś… Encourage **creative thinking** and justification of approach  
 +- âś… Make character sheets **simpler** and gameplay more flexible  
 +
 +Aspects are designed to reduce complexity while increasing character depth and tactical variety. Once you're familiar with them, they’ll become second nature.
 +
 +> Ready to see the full list? Check the [[rules:aspect_table|Aspect Table]] for names, pairings, and common uses.