Traits and Passions

[GM Craig]

For our new players, there's some things about this game that are different. That involve traits and passions.

Any trait or passions at 15 or lower does not affect gameplay directly. But if a trait or passion get higher than 16, that have the chance to override your actions and dialogue.

For traits, let's pick Merciful / Vengeful Cruel as an example. If Michelle has a Vengeful Cruel of 16, and is sent on a mission by her lord to capture a prisoner she has a personal history with, when she captures him, I'd ask for a Merciful check. If she passes, she can take him prisoner. If she fails, I'll ask for a Vengeful Cruel check. If she fails, she can do as she pleases. But if she passes her Vengeful Cruel check, she kills the prisoner, regardless of what she was asked to do.

That's traits.

Passions are a little different. We'll take Darren, and his 24 for Honour. Passions can be used for inspiration. So, lets say someone calls into question Darren's honour. Affronted, he challenges his opponent to a duel. I'll call for a Passion check. If Darren succeeds, he gets inspired for the duel. If he fails, he may become shaken for the duel. If he gets a crit, his passion increases by one, and he is inspired. If he fumbles, he'll enter melancholy and withdraw into a brooding lethargy.

Now, with a 24 passion, failure and fumbles are not possible, and because his passion is >20, it is treated as 20 and he gets a +4 on all rolls. Results of 20+ count as critical successes, so triggering Darren's honour passion is a bad idea for any opponent.

So, something to consider.

On the plus side, high traits earn you bonuses. For example, the religious bonus. If your religious traits are all 16 or higher, you get a bonus based on your religion. There are also knightly traits, and if the sum of those traits is high enough, you gain bonus glory each year. And amassing glory is the whole point of this game.

If you guys have any questions about these game mechanics, let me know. But the big takeaway here is that high traits and passions can override your declared actions, and remove some of the control you can exert over your character.

[Arne]

No problems here.  High trait and passion scores should define the character's personality.  Trying to deviate from that should be made difficult.

It should be interesting when someone tries to convince Arne that it's manly to fight while on horseback.  Especially when using an 18-foot long glorified tent pole!  That's manly?  Pfffft!   

[Valka]

"I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole!"

Now we know where that phrase originated

[GM Craig]

Point of fact: In the Uther period, the Cymru fight with spear from horseback, which is something you could relate to. Lances don't show up until later periods.

But your point is taken. Even branches of the Northmen who are renowned as master horsemen do not fight from horseback.

[GM Craig]

More on Honour: With Darren's high honour, he may find himself in a situation where he has given a oath. He would not be able to break that oath, even of the results of keeping it were calamitous. His passions for honour would outweigh self-preservation, love of family, love of his lord, even care for his blood-sister.

Sometimes, you can be in a position where two or more passions are above 16, and at odds. Competing rolls are made to determine which passion holds sway, but the results could be difficult for the knight involved.

[Arne]

Wow.  that would be like watching the movie Scanners!     Arne's head explodes with the conflict!  Aaaaa!  Gore!