Body Types
Body Type is a one-time choice made during character creation. It represents the character’s natural physical build and physiology, shaping their visual identity, fighting style, and baseline stats.
Body Types are independent of your Species or Domains and offer small but meaningful mechanical effects.
What Body Type Affects
Each Body Type provides:
- Attribute Modifiers – Adjust Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, etc.
- Base Evasion – Nimble builds dodge better; solid ones resist hits
- Base Hit Points – Your starting HP, before other bonuses
- Stress Max – The number of Stress points you can hold
- Optional Trait Tags – For flavor and narrative cues (e.g., stocky, graceful)
These stats affect many derived Aspects (see 🧬 Aspects).
Sample Body Types
| Body Type | Attribute Modifiers | Base Evasion | Base HP | Stress Max | Flavor Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerful | +1 STR, -1 INT | 9 | 6 | 5 | Muscular, forceful |
| Precise | +1 STR, -1 WIS | 10 | 5 | 5 | Focused, driven |
| Brawny | +1 STR, -1 CHA | 10 | 6 | 4 | Thick, imposing |
| Agile | +1 DEX, -1 CON | 11 | 4 | 6 | Nimble, light-footed |
| Nimble | +1 DEX, -1 STR | 11 | 4 | 5 | Quick, spry |
| Graceful | +1 DEX, -1 INT | 11 | 4 | 5 | Fluid, elegant |
| Sturdy | +1 CON, -1 DEX | 9 | 6 | 4 | Solid, tough |
| Hardened | +1 CON, -1 WIS | 9 | 6 | 5 | Resilient, enduring |
| Enduring | +1 CON, -1 CHA | 10 | 6 | 4 | Steady, weathered |
| Clever | +1 INT, -1 STR | 10 | 4 | 6 | Sharp, strategic |
| Thoughtful | +1 INT, -1 CON | 10 | 4 | 6 | Methodical, analytical |
| Insightful | +1 WIS, -1 DEX | 10 | 5 | 6 | Attentive, serene |
| Calm | +1 WIS, -1 CON | 10 | 5 | 6 | Tranquil, watchful |
| Charming | +1 CHA, -1 STR | 10 | 4 | 6 | Magnetic, persuasive |
| Expressive | +1 CHA, -1 CON | 10 | 4 | 6 | Lively, bold |
You can work with your GM to create a custom Body Type—especially for non-humanoid or unique creatures. Just keep modifiers balanced and minimal.
Mechanical Simplicity
Body Types are intentionally lightweight. They add flavor and mechanical texture without overshadowing Domains or Aspects. There’s no need to min-max—just pick what fits your character’s story and presence.
Species vs. Body Type
- Your Species (e.g., Human, Elf, Kobold) determines:
- Vision type
- Movement type
- Cultural features
- Thematic traits
- Your Body Type determines:
- Base stats (HP, Stress, Evasion)
- Attribute bonuses
- Physical expression
You choose these independently, allowing for creative combinations.