CS Guide: Aspects

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Example of Pre-Written Aspect

“Lone Wolf”

Luke Solowalker doesn't like to work in groups or teams and feels most comfortable on his own. Luke Solowalker sticks to himself, sets his own pace, and doesn't share feelings or emotions with others. While the Lone Wolf can get things done quietly and efficiently, he tends to be emotionally cut off and has problems relating to his comrades.

Though simple, this Aspect does a great job of separating your character from the rest of the pack (pun not intended). It then goes on to point out the flaw/merits of the aspect, creating a realistic character you can either relate or empathize with.

How To Write a Good, Custom Aspect

As you can see from the pre-written aspect, writing a custom aspect can be broken up into two parts.

First, you need something to base your aspect on. Finding a cause and effect is one of the easiest ways to create a unique aspect for your character. The things that happen over the course of our lives are what shape us into being the people we are today. If you were bitten by a wild dog in your childhood, you will (possibly) have a fear of wild dogs in your adult life. Cause and Effect.

Example: Marick is a Hapan male. The Matriarchal society (ruled by women) of the Hapan treats men as inferior, lesser beings. Marick grew up in this environment and as a result has issues with women in authoritative roles.

Secondly, you fill in the positive and negative element of your aspect; the pro’s and the con’s.

Example: This trait allows Marick to compete at a higher level than usual when facing a female opponent, but can also drive him towards overexerting himself or making a rare opening for mistakes in his cool-headed fighting style.

Finally, you need to come up with a name. Names are important, you see, because they can tell you a lot about a thing. The art of naming is one that simply cannot be explained. The best advice is to keep it to a few words, or a short phrase that summarizes your custom aspect.

Custom Aspect (Personality) “A Lingering Wound”

Having grown up in the matriarchal, backstabbing society of the Hapes Cluster, Marick was treated like scum by the women of his mothers court. Despite his noble birth, he was treated as a whipping boy, servant, and play-toy and reminded everyday of how inferior he was. Despite many years away from his home, the Consul of Arcona still carries a silent stigma against females in authoritative roles. He has come to respect his female leaders as well as members but typically requires them to prove their loyalty to Arcona first. When going up against a woman in combat, Marick will fight with an abandon that can sometimes push him out of his calm, zen-like approach to fighting and to go above and beyond what some might consider necessary to win.

And there you have it, a custom aspect unique to my character. Other people playing a Hapan can follow that example, or they can go in a different direction and say that they have a perpetual fear of women in power.

The possibilities are endless, but ultimately, using the elements of your characters history, back-story, and culture with a cause and effect is a surefire way of having your custom aspect approved!