Traits (4E) - Revision history

Starfox: Restored to the pre May 28 state; the later version is on the talk page now.

2010-05-28T11:23:57Z

Restored to the pre May 28 state; the later version is on the talk page now.

Starfox: How to Use Traits and Talents

2010-05-28T11:17:43Z

How to Use Traits and Talents

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:17, 28 May 2010
Line 12:		Line 12:

	Some DMs might ban some or all perks and subplots as too invasive, you should ask each time you want to take one.		Some DMs might ban some or all perks and subplots as too invasive, you should ask each time you want to take one.

			== How to Use Traits and Talents ==
			Traits are a way to flesh out character without adding substantial benefits. They help define a role, background, and interests outside adventuring. Unlike feats, there are few perquisites to fulfill and little need to plan ahead. You generally don't chose traits in advance; instead you let circumstances in the campaign dictate how your character develops. [[Traits_(4E)#Contacts\|Contacts]], [[Traits_(4E)#Romance\|Romances]], and [[Traits_(4E)#Nemesis\|Nemisis]] are good examples of this - traits you choose after encountering a situation in-game that are interesting enough to associate your character with on the log term.

			Some traits naturally evolve into others and should be retained to reflect this. A [[Traits_(4E)#Heir\|Hier]] that comes into his inheritance might retrain as a [[Traits_(4E)#Baron\|Baron]], an [[Traits_(4E)#Influential_Friend\|Influential Friend]] might become a [[Traits_(4E)#Contacts\|Contact]] as you catch up to them socially. But these are exceptions, generally you are not expected to retrain old traits as you achieve new ones that are similar but more powerful, as explained in the introduction to [[Traits_(4E)#Paragon_Traits\|Paragon Traits]]. Likewise, you have great freedom to assign traits as you please, but you should strive to pick ones that make sense; for certain rogues it might make sense to be the [[Traits_(4E)#Sheriff\|Sheriff]], but if you want to play a freewheeling thief, another perk might be a more reasonable option.

			Many campaigns have a theme, and include ways for characters to interact with this theme. For example, a police story might track contacts, ranks in the police, and your reputation on the street. Players choosing police work as their focus have opportunities to shine. Traits gives the DM a way to handle such themes, and also provides an equal opportunity for characters to shine in other fields, outside the main scope of the story. In the police campaign mentioned above, one player character might be a cleric assigned to aid the police force. Besides being a cop, he is also an [[Traits_(4E)#Ordained_Priest\|Ordained Priest]] and might advance to become a [[Traits_(4E)#High_Priest\|High Priest]]. The character's dealings with his church might never be the focus of the campaign or be played out in detail, yet the character has a career, builds his own clout, and develops socially just as those who focus their lives on the main theme. In fact, it is often easier to advance in a hierarchy that is not in the limelight; the DM might make the position of [[Traits_(4E)#Lord_Justice\|Lord Justice]] something the players have to work hard to earn but which also has a direct impact on the game. In comparison, the role of [[Traits_(4E)#High_Priest\|High Priest]] is easier to get because you do not have to achieve in-game goals to earn it, but it naturally has much less effect on the game.

			Traits are used to learn talents, non-combat skills that define your interests and gives you an occupation outside your life as an adventurer. There are many talents, and they are much more specialized than skills. There are traits that gives you a bonus to several talents at once, indicating an interest in a wide but related field. Unless you have decided on a particular talent to learn, these traits are often a good place to start. You can further improve a talent by training it, and specialize further at the paragon and epic levels, for you a total bonus of +14 to any particular talent This gives talents the same range of values skills have, allowing DMs to use the same range of difficulties. Keeping a talent at the maximum value requires the investment of 5 traits and is thus an expensive proposition; DMs should players with high values in their talents shine.

	== Heroic Traits ==		== Heroic Traits ==

Starfox: /* Lord Justice */ polish

2010-05-28T10:52:18Z

Lord Justice: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:52, 28 May 2010
Line 458:		Line 458:
	''Perk'', ''[[#Paragon_Traits \|Peer]]''		''Perk'', ''[[#Paragon_Traits \|Peer]]''

	'''Benefit:''' You are in a high judiciary position; depending on the locale, this can be a barbarian law-speaker or a robed and bewigged judge. In either case, your voice is given high regard on matters judiciary, and you are expected to resolve conflicts and settle disputes. Though it is not mandatory to be a skilled [[Talents_(4E)#Governor\|Governor]] to take this position, it is generally very hard to be a respected judge without such expertise.		'''Benefit:''' You are in a high judiciary position; depending on the locale, this can be a barbarian law-speaker, a chief of police, or a robed and bewigged judge. In either case, your voice is given high regard on matters judiciary, and you are expected to resolve conflicts and settle disputes. Though it is not mandatory to be a skilled [[Talents_(4E)#Governor\|Governor]] to take this position, it is generally very hard to be a respected judge without such expertise.

	=== Magical Warden ===		=== Magical Warden ===

Starfox: /* Paragon Traits */ polish

2010-05-28T10:02:21Z

Paragon Traits: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 28 May 2010
Line 406:		Line 406:
	In many cases, paragon traits build on heroic traits, but they generally do not replace them, nor have them as prerequisites. Instead, paragon traits build on and expand upon heroic traits. For example, it is possible to be a [[#Baron\|Baron]] without having [[#Blue Blood\|Blue Blood]], but if you have both you get the additional respect due a true blue-blooded scion of an ancient lineage. You can retrain Blue Blood to take Baron, but in this case this means you have advanced beyond your origin; your family is ancient but not originally baronial, and you are still seen as an upstart when you become a full baron. The effect of lacking relevant heroic traits has been explained in the description of some paragon traits. Even when it is not explicitly said, paragon traits expand upon but do not supersede similar heroic traits.		In many cases, paragon traits build on heroic traits, but they generally do not replace them, nor have them as prerequisites. Instead, paragon traits build on and expand upon heroic traits. For example, it is possible to be a [[#Baron\|Baron]] without having [[#Blue Blood\|Blue Blood]], but if you have both you get the additional respect due a true blue-blooded scion of an ancient lineage. You can retrain Blue Blood to take Baron, but in this case this means you have advanced beyond your origin; your family is ancient but not originally baronial, and you are still seen as an upstart when you become a full baron. The effect of lacking relevant heroic traits has been explained in the description of some paragon traits. Even when it is not explicitly said, paragon traits expand upon but do not supersede similar heroic traits.

	'''Peerage''': Some paragon traits elevate you to the peerage; the ruling class. Not all peers are formal nobility, but as a peer you do have regional influence and wide-ranging respect. A peer has access to government or court, can arrange to be invited to almost any social event, and is generally considered to be a part of the ruling elite.		'''Peerage''': Some paragon traits elevate you to the peerage; the ruling class. Not all peers are formal nobility, but as a peer you do have regional influence and wide-ranging respect. A peer has access to government and court, can arrange to be invited to almost any social event, and is generally considered to be a part of the ruling elite.

	Paragon feats gives you access to great prestige and recognition, and you should choose such a position sensibly. While it is certainly possible for a rogue to be a [[#High Priest\|High Priest]] in church that has gone political, such a position is generally more appropriate to a divine class character. The DM has final say on what traits you can pick. If your area of expertise is the focus of the campaign, you should expect to have to work for your advancement; becoming a [[#Baron\|baron]] might be the focus of a feudal campaign and something you have to do great deeds to accomplish. In other games, being a baron is just a backdrop, a wayside honor largely irrelevant to your adventuring activities. In this case it is usually easier to gain, but the impact on the campaign is much less.		Paragon feats gives you access to great prestige and recognition, and you should choose such a position sensibly. While it is certainly possible for a rogue to be a [[#High Priest\|High Priest]] in church that has gone political, such a position is generally more appropriate to a divine class character. The DM has final say on what traits you can pick. If your area of expertise is the focus of the campaign, you should expect to have to work for your advancement; becoming a [[#Baron\|baron]] might be the focus of a feudal campaign and something you have to do great deeds to accomplish. In other games, being a baron is just a backdrop, a wayside honor largely irrelevant to your adventuring activities. In this case it is usually easier to gain, but the impact on the campaign is much less.

Starfox: /* Paragon Traits */ polish

2010-05-28T10:01:04Z

Paragon Traits: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:01, 28 May 2010
Line 402:		Line 402:

	== Paragon Traits ==		== Paragon Traits ==
	These traits become available at level 11. At this level, character can assume social obligations and responsibilities, gaining power and influence thereby, but also assuming responsibilities. The practical benefits of such a position rarely applies to adventuring, but ~~is a~~ reward in itself as it gives you prestige ~~and~~ social status. It is generally a good idea to have an [[#Agent\|Agent]] to run the practical side of such a position, leaving you free to adventure.		These traits become available at level 11. At this level, character can assume social obligations and responsibilities, gaining power and influence thereby, but also assuming responsibilities. The practical benefits of such a position rarely applies to adventuring, but are reward in itself as it gives you prestige, social status, and gives you a greater role in the campaign. It is generally a good idea to have an [[#Agent\|Agent]] to run the practical side of such a position of responsibility, leaving you free to adventure.

	In many cases, paragon traits build on heroic traits, but they generally do not replace them, nor have them as prerequisites. Instead, paragon traits build on and expand upon heroic traits. For example, it is possible to be a [[#Baron\|Baron]] without having [[#Blue Blood\|Blue Blood]], but if you have both you get the additional respect due a true blue-blooded scion of an ancient lineage. You can retrain Blue Blood to take Baron, but in this case this means you have advanced beyond your origin; your family is ancient but not originally baronial, and you are still seen as an upstart when you become a full baron. The effect of lacking relevant heroic traits has been explained in the description of some paragon traits. Even when it is not explicitly said, paragon traits expand upon but do not supersede similar heroic traits.		In many cases, paragon traits build on heroic traits, but they generally do not replace them, nor have them as prerequisites. Instead, paragon traits build on and expand upon heroic traits. For example, it is possible to be a [[#Baron\|Baron]] without having [[#Blue Blood\|Blue Blood]], but if you have both you get the additional respect due a true blue-blooded scion of an ancient lineage. You can retrain Blue Blood to take Baron, but in this case this means you have advanced beyond your origin; your family is ancient but not originally baronial, and you are still seen as an upstart when you become a full baron. The effect of lacking relevant heroic traits has been explained in the description of some paragon traits. Even when it is not explicitly said, paragon traits expand upon but do not supersede similar heroic traits.

Starfox: Signature Mount

2010-05-28T09:58:33Z

Signature Mount

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:58, 28 May 2010
Line 364:		Line 364:

	'''Special:''' You can take this talent several times. Each time you do, it applies to a different item.		'''Special:''' You can take this talent several times. Each time you do, it applies to a different item.

			=== Signature Mount ===
			''Perk''

			'''Prerequisites:''' [[#Special Mount\|Special Mount]], Mounted Combat

			'''Benefits:''' Your Special Mount will advance in level as you do, using the normal rules for increasing monster levels.

	=== Special Mount===		=== Special Mount===

Starfox: /* Special Mount */ polish

2010-05-28T09:53:50Z

Special Mount: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:53, 28 May 2010
Line 368:		Line 368:
	''Perk''		''Perk''

	'''Benefits:''' You have acquired the services of a special mount, often of a type not easily found. Choose a creature of your level or lower. The mounts from Adventurer’s Vault ~~page 11~~ are generally available, and the DM might allow you to select a truly exotic creature if it makes sense in play. Elite, Leader, and Solo monsters are generally too strong to be special mounts. The mount will carry you in combat and allow you to use its Mount ability f you have Mounted Combat, but will not otherwise partake in adventures or fight for you except to defend itself.		'''Benefits:''' You have acquired the services of a special mount, often of a type not easily found. Choose a creature of your level or lower. The mounts from Adventurer’s Vault are generally available, and the DM might allow you to select a truly exotic creature if it makes sense in play. Elite, Leader, and Solo monsters are generally too strong to be special mounts. The mount will carry you in combat and allow you to use its Mount ability if you have Mounted Combat, but will not otherwise partake in adventures or fight for you except to defend itself.

	'''Notes:''' Tough not required, the ~~feats~~ '''Mounted Combat''' ~~and [[Feats_(4E)#Mount_Companion\|Mount Companion]]~~ greatly increase the value of your special mount. To gain a new special mount, either to change or because the old one died, you must respecify this talent.		'''Notes:''' Tough not required, the feat '''Mounted Combat'''greatly increase the value of your special mount. To gain a new special mount, either to change or because the old one died, you must respecify this talent.

	=== Talented ===		=== Talented ===

Starfox: /* Signature Item */ polish

2010-05-28T09:52:50Z

Signature Item: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:52, 28 May 2010
Line 359:		Line 359:
	'''Benefit:''' You possess an item that has a great potential as a magic item. You know a special ritual to transfer the power of other magic items into your signature item.		'''Benefit:''' You possess an item that has a great potential as a magic item. You know a special ritual to transfer the power of other magic items into your signature item.

	Choose one specific type of magic item to be your signature item. This must be a weapon, implement, suit of armor, or ~~amulet/cloak~~. Your signature item does not start out with this enchantment, but you know a special variant of the Create Magic Item ritual that only works on your signature item. You can only enchant your signature item with the one enchantment you choose when you selected the item, or with a generic “plus only” enchantment if your level is too low to create an item of your chosen type. If your signature item is lost or destroyed, you will want to retrain this talent.		Choose one specific type of magic item to be your signature item. This must be a weapon, implement, suit of armor, or neck slot item. Your signature item does not start out with this enchantment, but you know a special variant of the Create Magic Item ritual that only works on your signature item. You can only enchant your signature item with the one enchantment you choose when you selected the item, or with a generic “plus only” enchantment if your level is too low to create an item of your chosen type. You can use another magic item to power the ritual, using its full value to pay all or part of the enchantment cost.

			If your signature item is lost or destroyed, you will want to retrain this talent.

	'''Special:''' You can take this talent several times. Each time you do, it applies to a different item.		'''Special:''' You can take this talent several times. Each time you do, it applies to a different item.

Starfox: /* Sheriff */ polish

2010-05-28T09:50:48Z

Sheriff: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:50, 28 May 2010
Line 352:		Line 352:
	''Perk''		''Perk''

	'''Benefit:''' You have law enforcement powers and can make arrests, repossess goods, hand out fines, and otherwise disperse justice. You can deputize others to act under your supervision.		'''Benefit:''' You have law enforcement powers and can make arrests, repossess goods, hand out fines, and otherwise disperse justice. You can deputize others to act under your supervision. You have a limited area of jurisdiction, but even outside this area, a sheriff is accorded much more respect from other law-enforcement officials than a civilian. If you are ever caught with your hands dirty, you can expect the full force of the law to strike down on your errand behavior.

	=== Signature Item ===		=== Signature Item ===

Starfox: /* Medium */ polish

2010-05-28T09:35:15Z

Medium: polish

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:35, 28 May 2010
Line 229:		Line 229:

	{\|class="wikitable sortable"		{\|class="wikitable sortable"
	!Type!!Skill!!Origin!!~~Goals~~		!Type!!Skill!!Origin!!Notes
	\|-		\|-
	\|Ghosts		\|Ghosts