However integral This system is to Minimus, it certainly does wonders for shoring up a potential weakness of D&D games. Plaudits all around.
It's pretty integral to how Minimus works on character generation.
In a nutshell:
1) Assign 5 life changing events 2) Hand list to person on your left. They write down seven skills based on your 5 events. (You'll do it for someone else) 3) They hand it to the person on their left - that person chooses two special abilities. (You'll be doing this for someone else...)
(When you're picking skills and special abilities, you want to pick ones that you'll have fun seeing other people use.)
4) You get your sheet back. You can give up one special ability, or keep both and the GM will assign you a flaw. You allocate 12 ranks between the 7 skills, assign two characters that like you, one character that dislikes you. 5) You also assign two goals and one secret; the secret is either something they're keeping secret, or a secret that involves them that they're unaware of. The game master will add another secret sometime during the game.
In play, what earns you experience is describing your failures, in a way that's sufficiently gripping that the other players will nominate you for XPs, on the principle of "I'm so glad that's happening to you and not me..." You get an XP for any scene involving your flaw, and may get nominated for more by, well, making your life more...entertaining.
Basic skill mechanic should be very familiar: Roll d20. Add skill level. Beat target number (or not, and describe the failure.)
1) Family was captured and enslaved by a tribe of Orcs when he was a toddler; they followed along as the cooks for the tribe. 2) Parents were killed when a gnoll raid hit the camp of the tribe. He survived by hiding under an upside down cookpot. 3) Growing up as an orphan in an orc tribe, bullied by orcish teenagers, the only way you're going to survive is by being a clever, meaner bastard. 4) He proved his worth to the tribe by becoming one of the most adept horse thieves they'd ever seen. His light weight meant that a horse could ride further and faster with him on it than a full blooded orc. 5) He was taught how to use a sword, and fight, after counting coup on the son of the cheiftain, taking his ear as a trophy. He still wears that ear on a thong around his neck as a trophy.
Two goals:
1) Having seen how Halflings live, in and amongst the nooks and crannies of other cultures, he is convinced that they need to have their warrior pride re-awakened. 2) He wishes to take the leadership of the Grishnark tribe, which is currently under the sway of Ugoz One-Ear (yes, that one). If he does so, he intends to make a mixed Orc and Halfling war band, such that no part of the world is free from the sound of their hoofbeats, and all shall pay him tribute.
Secret:
He has a child in the Grishnark tribe. He doesn't know she exists. Ugoz does.
People:
Ugoz One-Ear, Chieftain of the Grishnark Tribe - Minor enemy, but will be forced to admit that Rurik got the better of him, and is a cunning and dangerous foe, not a weakling. Tazach Threen, his friend and sometimes lover in the Grishnark Tribe Wallach Honseada: Human bard and sometime travelling companion, who is perplexed by the idea of a berserker halfing...but figures there will always be a story to be told out of it.
Immediate Problem (what I do instead of the three memories)
On reaching the town of Sarlow, he checked his war-pony at the stable...and the stable master took advantage of his illiteracy, and kept changing the rates for keeping the horse. One halfling barbarian is not enough to subjugate the town, so he will raise the money. Some day. But when he gets that horse, that double dealing stable master is going to be taught a painful lesson. Now, he's out of money, but still has his fighting kit, and has no horse to leave on. Best to find something to get some clinks.
"Identity Is Defined By Action. To Act Without Mind, Is To Lose One's Self." (5 Basic Concepts) 1-Paelias was born to a wealthy and noble family, his father being a high ranking general in the eladrin military. 2-After graduating with top marks from All-Morracind's Academy Of The Arts with a full recommendation in military and arcane warfare, Paelias enlisted in the eladrin military as expected. 3-after 5 years of being unable to get into the thick of the fomorian battle lines because of his rank and blood lineage, Paelias did not resubmit for a new term, and instead traveled to the mortal realms in search of a more effectual positon in conflict. 4-an avid student of arcane theory and lore, Paelias believes that many of the conflicts in the fey realms begin from shadowfell and mortal realms. His plan is too confront and eliminate shadow corruption and drow influence, while attacking any fomorian forces that attempt to bleed over to the mortal world. thus aiding his brothers in the feywild. 5-Paelias's decision to leave the military and travel to the mortal realms was not well received, and he regularly receives messages from his father and a few friends to "End his vacation and return to his honorable duties." "Without Clear Objectives, A Soldier Will Lose His Path." (2 Goals) 1-Pealias wants to eventually be accepted as a great war leader and eventually lead an army of his own. 2-He also strives to understand the mechanics of battle and conflict, and would like to be known for inventing a new formation or method of warfare.
"For Everything Known, There Is Something Unknown." (2 Secrets-One he keeps, and one that is kept from him) 1-Paelias knows that his actions on the mortal realm have very little affect in the feywild, but he believes that the mortal realm is the quickest path to the fame and reknown he needs to advance past the bureaucracy keeping him from leading on the battlefield. He will however, not admit to this, because he knows it would counter-productive. 2-Paelias's father was the one keeping him from heated engagements out of fear for his sons life. His father is very worried about the well being of his son in the harsh mortal realm. However, Paelias's father does not to teach his son to become hesitant or fearful, so he will not admit to this.
"Relationships Are The Pivot Point Of All Great Things." (3 people he knows) 1-Amilas Northwind-Paelias's sagely brother, Amilas is the Chief-Assistant at the library of All-Morracind's, and may be able to provide useful information. 2-Heian Esperhold-A close friend and ex-schoolmate of Paelias's is still in the military service in the Feywild. Heian can be relied upon to relay messages to and from Paelias's father as well as to give news of battle. 3-Farilem Downleaf-A school rival and later equally ranked officer of Paelias, Farilem and Paelias have be in competition since grade school. While Farilem would never cause harm to the Fey kingdoms in doing so, he will take every opportunity to make Paelias look bad. He openly calls Paelias's excusion to the mortal realms a "publicity stunt".
"The Mind Is Like A Great Mirror. It Should Be Reflected On Often." (3 memories) 1-One of Paelias's strongest memories is when he graduated from All-Morracind's and received his officer's uniform and ranking. Sometimes he still revels in the pride he felt at that moment, and longs to wear his suit again. 2-Paelias's first taste of battle as a platoon leader is also fresh in his mind. he feels he did a good job and commends himself in accomplishing his objectives, but there are aspects he feels he could have done better with. 3-The first time a soldier died because of his orders is still fresh to his mind. At the time he felt the judgement call was the right choice and he did accomplish his objective, but he can't help but replay the scenerio looking for better methods.
Design Notes(RP notes for me, the player) Paelias is somewhat seperated from those he would lead to battle, feeling that in order to lead effectively he must maintain a certain distance. Because of this he is often seen as aloof or above it all. When not involved in discussions of conflict or battle, he can generally be found studying a map or reading a tome on battle, philosophy, or the arcane. He will often listen to a discussion while he seems involved in some other task, occasionally ceasing his activity to contribute a few points if he feeels he is needed. Paelias is rarely, if ever, at rest and is constantly working to improve his and his soldier's chance of success and survival. If asked about his profession he introduces himself as a "Professional Strategist and Military Advisor". Like many others, he had his rank insignia tatooed onto his cheek. Adjectives to describe him-Deliberative, Detached, Patient, Perceptive, Free
1. Tabren doesn't talk about his past, only mentioning in passing that he was once an astrology student who looked too far into the skies, and gained great power as a result. Other then that, he mostly clams up when discussion turns to his history.
2. In reality, Tabren has a pretty long story, but he is wise enough not to talk about it-mainly beacuse he would probably get an angry mob after him, if not monster hunters. While he is, functionally, a human, that is only a facade for his true self-he is a Shadow, a being born of the repressed negative emotion of people in the Astral Sea. Specifically, he is a Shadow Persona, not just a blob of dark emotion given physical form, but an entire aspect of a person, rejected as not even being a part of that person.
3. In his case, he was born from the envy of a thief for others, for while he had everything one could ever want in life, he still saw that which he lacked-family, friends, social relationships. The thief was ashamed of this, and Tabren was born. Eventually, the thief learned of his existance and, angered by a part of his mind which had become it's own being, tried to destroy the Shadow. What the thief falied to consider, however, is that Shadow Personae draw power from rejection, and while the one later known as Tabren was not the strongest being, he easily defeated the foolish man.
4. Free to be his own person, Tabren intially retired into the infinite depths of the Astral Sea, he soon came to realize that the thief was the only person who gave his life meaning, and so became lonely, with his only company being lesser, mindless Shadows. He was an intelligent Shadow however, and came to realize that if a human gave his life meaning, then why not other humans? So he, in an intagible form, began to observe humanoids.
While he was shocked and horrified by much of the evil that went on in the world, he also saw much of the good, and as per his nature as a creature made of envy, grew to dispise his limited existance in favor of the kindness of humans.
5. And from this thought, came inspiration-why not become human himself? He still had the form of the thief in his being, and while the transition from Shadow to mortal would cause him to lose much of his power, he would gain the ability to feel the whole of humanity, rather then just the small sliver that created him.
And so, Tabren, now in a mortal form, began his journey of self-discovery...
Goals: "Identity is defined as who we are not. I shall tell you the identity of my goals-which is to say, I don't trust you with that knowlege yet."
(Known) Quite obviously, Tabren tries to keep the fact that he is a Shadow of the Hermit Arcana a secret, and that his powers are inborn.
(Unkown) As he grows in power beyond heroic, his Shadow powers will start to fight against the existance of him as a purely mortal being, and after 12th level, he will start to become a Shadow-human hybrid.
Compainion: "Friendship is a purpose of life-the other is preparing for death."
"Spot", a doglike Shadow that follows Tabren around. Like most Shadows-and unlike him-it is a mindless creature, formed from a single emotion-in it's case, slavish obedience. As a Shadow of the Strength Arcana, it's purpose is to serve a similar master-which is currently Tabren. For his part, he mostly ignores it, but he occasionally finds it's compaionship welcome, and it's powers are occasionally useful.[/Sblock]
Notes: As one can probably guess, he's an homage to Persona 4, particularly Teddie.
However, his personality is somthing I designed myself, and I think it will be intreseting at the very least to play him in RP.
"The feywild? Surely, I'm not quite as youthful-looking as all that." 1. Born among the humans to a female druid, Lenorel spent much of her childhood witnessing the miracles of nature firsthand, as her mother made life bearable for the thinly spread human settlers. 2. Things changed when the followers of Erathis began building a major thoroughfare through the area, bringing them into open conflict with the druidic faithful. To quell the populace, her parents were ambushed and killed, and the preteen Lenorel was taken as a bonus. 3. Just as the soldiers were about to do the unthinkable, they were interrupted by a traveller in a white robe. He said not a word, but killed the whole squad, never missing a stroke. He was similarly silent to Lenorel, until she rose and dressed herself, whereupon he handed her an Erathian's sword, and motioned her to follow him to shelter. 4. This man was Yav Lightbringer, although it would be many years before he'd be so called. Len followed him through much of his adventuring career, tempted more than once to settle in some peaceful spot, but always chose to brave more danger alongside her patron. Yav never asked her to stay, but did not question her desire to. 5. Len was at Yav's side when the Northern tribes made their blood pact, and when construction began on his great temple. She sat by his deathbed as the Draconic curse claimed his life. Upon the acension, there was little doubt who would spearhead his worship, despite the odd appearance of an elfin maid leading a Kordian sect.
"What Yav made look accidental, I must make look respectable." Short: In the sixty years since Yav's ascension, Lenorel has taken a regional hero deity, and made him known throughout the North, with limited recognition by Kordians the world over. Ironically, she has also led development of the township in the temple's shadow, although all Erathian settlers continue to be turned away. Medium: In a less noticeable way, Lenorel has continued her patron's quest to broaden the appeal of Kord. She has seen success sending leaflets to halfling communities, and even among traditional holdouts like mountain orcs and goliaths, When a competitor in Saint Yav's colors places well in the annual Brawler's Cup, Kordians across the world notice. Long: The world has changed, and Lenorel knows she may not have much life left. Her current struggle is in finding a sucessor who never knew Yav as a man, yet can grasp his later divinity in the proper context. This keeps her awake at night, and although Yav still speaks to her, he never offers answers, only confidence that she will find them.
"My life is an open book, it's just that some of the pages are smudged." 1. Known: In her early days as Lightbringer, Lenorel heard reports of a caravan of Erathian pilgrims in the mountain area. She overreacted, and the entire procession was slain, including women and children. It was later blamed on orcs, and precipitated a major raid on an orcish village, under false pretenses. 2. Unknown: In still more fallout from her early life, a survivor of Len's home region has managed to learn her present location, and Is convinced that she could have saved them, but chose instead to spread more pain with religion. He's got a very leaky brainpan at this point, but is sure that if he kills the 'traitor', his mind will be healed.
"I've been blessed, in that I have so many friends to share my faith with." *1. "Skinny" Grungaard, Human Male, CG. Lenorel's husband of 50 years, despite being her junior by nearly half that. Works as a potter and is a total pacifist, but his rippling muscles and extensive battle scars hint at a more exciting past. *2. Headman Erdrik. Human Male, CN. Chief of the Mammothsong, one of the largest and most influential tribes in the mountains above. Became an ardent supporter of Lenorel, after losing a duel, and an arm to her some 20 years ago. He and his tribe are 'traditional' Kordians. *3. Yarigin, Gnome Male, NE. Yarigin witnessed Lenorel's first meeting with Yav, and after many years of slavery and abuse under the Erathians, has gradually become convinced that it was her fault they exploited his homeland. Despite ill health and tangible insanity, he's determined to get his 'revenge', all these years later.
"Kord is a lecherous braggart, and berzerking lummox. The distinction is, of course, that he's never claimed otherwise." Lenorel is a women of many contradictions, and despite all her life's challenges, it's never hard to see the playful spark behind the veneer of authority. She has a nearly flawless command of Yavian doctrine, yet there's little of the brooding monolith he lived as in her manner. Despite all this, she can turn on her command instincts in the blink of an eye, and leaves little doubt why it is she who is Lightbringer. Mannerisms: "Here's to those who wish us well... and those who don't can go to hell." Left to her own devices, Lenorel might have become a rural tomboy. Exposed as she was to the horrors of the world, and left in the care of a man nearly impervious to them, she has a quiet wisdom and courage about her that trumps simple brashness. What's more, she's had an entire lifetime to grow into the role. Even though her experienced palatte now prefers aged wine to highland mead, and she often wears a woolen sweater under her platemail, the gleam in her eye and the flurry of her swordplay give silent witness to Yav's influence.
For those not yet sick of my spinoff religion, here's some more campaign info on it. Lenorel was born from a desire to have Judi Dench's M persona in my games, nothing more, nothing less. She also serves a couple of metagame purposes, showing the uncomplicated state of feminism in human society (if you can defend it, you can have it), and a reminder that well-treated lackeys can in time become powerful figures themselves. It's also a welcome change to write a background for a character closer to the end of their career than the beginning.
I appreciate the support, as usual. Perhaps it's just the rush of having a blank slate, but all of this really seems to fit, especially in bridging the gap between Kord as an regional deity and a world religion. Even if I did start it with less than upstanding motives.
Starym, I stole the concept myself from an (unattributed) reference on the GHwiki, so I'm totally in support of it being proliferated further. Make sure you check out my TMB on the religion itself, and the one on Alaric, for more succulent morsels. EDIT: Of course, if you meant the TMB concept itself, then yes, yes it is.
I have something special for the 25th too, but I'm interested to see what all gets put up between now and then.
