I need some help in condensing qualities -- some feedback please

[vgunn]

I need to condense down some of the qualities from Hither lands. But I do not want to go too rules light.

A problem I have is that all

[Vulpinoid]

How does this compare to other races?

If every race has 20 defining features, is it a problem, or is it just a rich and deep system?

If Silvan elves have 20 defining features, most races have 5, and humans have none (because they are the baseline character type)....then I can see a problem.

Instant things I'd say is that it looks (from first glances) like you're doubling up on quite a few of these traits.

For example...How is "Attuned to the Forest" different to "Woodland Refuge"?

Similarly "Gladden Spirit" and "Swift to Heal" immediately strike me as the same thing, but relating to the Spirit and Body attributes respectively...

The ultimate abstraction would be to simply include "Silvan Elf" as a trait on the character sheet, and have players remember why this is a bonus in some situations while being a flaw in other situations, but you've specifically indicated that you don't want lite rules. So this isn't a good option.

My best advice would be to consider why you put all of these traits into the game for this group...is it to make them unique?...is it to balance them against other groups in the world?...is it just because "that's what elves do!!"...?

Just some ideas...

V

 

[Paul Czege]

This doesn't help you, but I wanted to comment that I find your terminology for the various qualities very evocative. I want to play a character with qualities like Ghosts Hold No Terror, Lofty with Pride, and Woven Words.

Paul

[Darcy Burgess]

Hey vgunn,

Based on the very last line in your opening post, I imagine that the solution has kind of presented itself; the list you presented (may pared down a touch, as Vulpinoid suggested) becomes the menu.  Characters are built from a subset of the available options, but not all of them.

After all, not *every* Sylvan elf is fleet of foot, or laughs in the face of ghosts...

I second Paul's appraisal of your nomenclature.  What other races are you planning on using?

Cheers,
Darcy

[vgunn]

[vgunn]

[vgunn]