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🧬 Aspects
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.
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:
- Agility = STR + DEX
- Willpower = CHA + WIS
- Discipline = CON + INT
>Example: If your STR is +1 and your DEX is +2, your Agility is +3
The full list of standard Aspects can be found in the Aspect Table.
🎲 Using Aspects in Play
When you take an action, the GM will call for a roll using the Aspect that best fits the situation.
Examples:
- 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
The Aspect value determines your d4 dice pool. See 🎲 Taking Actions with the D4 Dice Pool for how rolls work and how Aspect values scale action economy.
🧩 Variant Rule: Aspect Modifiers
If you're adapting this system to a d20-style mechanic (e.g. a 5e hack or something like Daggerheart), you can convert each Aspect to a single modifier:
- Add the two relevant attribute modifiers
- Divide by 2 and round down
>Example: CON + INT = +3 +1 → total 4 → 4 ÷ 2 = +2
This makes Aspects behave like traditional skill bonuses or saving throw modifiers and allows easy conversion between systems.
💡 Why Use Aspects?
Aspects provide major benefits:
- ✅ Replace skills and saving throws with a single, elegant system
- ✅ Reflect how characters combine traits, not just max a single stat
- ✅ Encourage creative thinking and justification of approach
- ✅ 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 Aspect Table for names, pairings, and common uses.