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    Character Aspects

    Slagathore
    Slagathore


    Posts : 61
    Join date : 2013-01-02

    Character sheet
    Character Name: Dr Hans Frederick
    High Concept: Bullet Proof Monk

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    Post  Slagathore Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:24 pm

    So, I'd like some help from my esteemed colleagues about my aspects (actually, the aspects for Sweyn).

    One of the things that I noted about my aspects as they were originally written, is that they failed to compel me to join a story. Why would I step in and help someone? Why would I help Olaf or help put down a crazed warlock? Those things were missing. I also would have liked an aspect that linked the 6 of us together, but still haven't managed that one (we are a bit diverse).

    So I would really like some suggestions to improve my aspects. I want to be compel-able and to reflect my characters strengths and weaknesses in the aspects.

    Right now I'm looking at:


    1. Protector of The City (this is the key I need to bind me into investigations and hunting down bad things. Plus I can tag it when I am dealing with city threatening level baddies. But mostly it is to offer compels and create dilemna's for me). But I can also see something like, "the White Council was Busy, so here I am".

    2. A Sucker for Blondes (This is there to get me FATE points. That is all. And because it is a backstory thing, to explain my making bad decisions around women.)

    3. Bound by the Old Ways (This is mostly to allow Josh to abuse me with old hospitality rules and customs. I might find a rare chance to use it to make a declaration on a creature using the Old Ways, though.)

    4. Something Below the Surface (I see this as something I would tag, rather than a strong compel point. Might also be usable for declarations).

    5. "I am the Storm" (This is my easy to tag aspect for casting weather related spells, but it could end up being far more flexible if we get creative with it).

    Suggestions and questions welcome. I don't feel like I've got these where I want them, yet.
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    Splintershield


    Posts : 20
    Join date : 2013-01-08

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    Post  Splintershield Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:20 am

    Here are my comments on these:

    1.) Protector of the City: Works well enough, but could use a little clarification. Does Sweyn go out of his way to protect the entire city, or just a portion of it? Is he a champion of the downtrodden? The rich and influential? Is there a focus on what he tries to protect, or does he really try to protect everyone?

    2.) A Sucker for Blondes: To be honest, this actually seems like a fun one. I like it a lot.

    3.) Bound by the Old Ways: What about 'Old Fashioned'? The issue I have with this one is as written sounds more like Sweyn is bound by ancient mystical laws than the following of older rules and customs. 'Old Fashioned' sounds more like he prefers to follow rules and customs that might seem antiquated or quaint by others.

    4.). Something Below the Surface: Could actually be a compel point, especially if Sweyn has some secret in his past or possibly has issues with something that he doesn't want to share. This could also tie into other aspects as well. Is there a reason he feels the need to protect San Francisco? Does he really feel the White Council knows what's best for magic?

    5.) I am the Storm: What about "I am the will of Heimdall!!", or "I am Mjolnir!!". Since Sweyn's spells seem to have a Norse theme, it could be fun to use that with this aspect.

    That's my two coppers. Feel free to comment.

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    Splintershield


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    Post  Splintershield Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:54 am

    Here are the aspects that I have for Katelyn. As with Slagathore's post above, feel free to comment or suggest.

    These are what I came up with after a lot of re-work and looking at a site that provided example aspects for the Fate system. The idea was to have aspects that could be tapped as well as compelled, to allow Josh some flexibility.

    High Concept: Valkyrie Security Consultant - I took this off the example for Harry, (I.e. type, job). Mainly trying to keep it simple here.

    Trouble: Hair Trigger Fury - Okay, I got this after watching Scarface on Blu-ray. I always envisioned her as having an anger management problem.

    Phase Aspect: Tomboy - This just works perfectly, since that is pretty much how I played her last time: a tough-talking warrior woman who doesn't take $#%& from people.

    Phase Aspect: Angel of Death - This is mainly to define her role in the world. I didn't want to use "Chooser of the Slain", because it doesn't seem to fit a more modern day sensibility (She's only in her late twenties, not thousands of years old!)

    Phase Aspect: Relentless - This is tied into her personality somewhat, and is there to insinuate that she doesn't give up easily.

    Phase Aspect: Mystically Inclined - This is mainly to help with magic, since it's something that she is still learning at this point. Also the adventure that it's featured with involved ancient Norse artifacts (a.k.a. Rightful assets of Monoc Securities)

    Phase Aspect: Intuitive - I settled on this one because not only does it add another dimension to her character, it also allows tapping/compels for investigations.

    Again, feel free to comment, suggest, or ask questions.
    Slagathore
    Slagathore


    Posts : 61
    Join date : 2013-01-02

    Character sheet
    Character Name: Dr Hans Frederick
    High Concept: Bullet Proof Monk

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    Post  Slagathore Thu Jul 25, 2013 1:35 am

    Here are the aspects that I have for Katelyn. As with Slagathore's post above, feel free to comment or suggest.

    These are what I came up with after a lot of re-work and looking at a site that provided example aspects for the Fate system. The idea was to have aspects that could be tapped as well as compelled, to allow Josh some flexibility.

    High Concept: Valkyrie Security Consultant - I took this off the example for Harry, (I.e. type, job). Mainly trying to keep it simple here.

    I really like your high concept. Succinct but it has great nuance. Security consultant can mean everything from gun for hire to extremely loyal bodyguard. But add Valkyrie to it -- nice!

    Trouble: Hair Trigger Fury - Okay, I got this after watching Scarface on Blu-ray. I always envisioned her as having an anger management problem.

    A great trouble for Katelyn. And appropriate for her profession and cover profession.

    Phase Aspect: Tomboy - This just works perfectly, since that is pretty much how I played her last time: a tough-talking warrior woman who doesn't take $#%& from people.

    Tomboy doesn't seem strong enough. I'd prefer "doesn't take $#%& from people". Or even "returns fire with extreme prejudice".

    Phase Aspect: Angel of Death - This is mainly to define her role in the world. I didn't want to use "Chooser of the Slain", because it doesn't seem to fit a more modern day sensibility (She's only in her late twenties, not thousands of years old!)

    I really like that she's young, btw. Maybe the Tomboy aspect could reflect this with something like "A Modern Woman, in an Ancient Profession" (ok, wrong undertones, but i think you can see where I'm going with this one.

    Phase Aspect: Relentless - This is tied into her personality somewhat, and is there to insinuate that she doesn't give up easily.

    Love it. Goes so well with the Valkyrie role. You can almost see her being taken over by the role.

    Phase Aspect: Mystically Inclined - This is mainly to help with magic, since it's something that she is still learning at this point. Also the adventure that it's featured with involved ancient Norse artifacts (a.k.a. Rightful assets of Monoc Securities)

    Very cool. We will have to have you join in to help on rituals with Sweyn -- you don't need to be a ritual caster to help. It will go well with this aspect.

    Phase Aspect: Intuitive - I settled on this one because not only does it add another dimension to her character, it also allows tapping/compels for investigations.

    I like this one too. Simple, but hints at the feminine side, while being strongly tied to the Valkyrie nature. I think you've done a great job.

    Again, feel free to comment, suggest, or ask questions.
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    archongamer


    Posts : 6
    Join date : 2013-07-18

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    Post  archongamer Thu Jul 25, 2013 11:56 am

    Bound by the Old Ways is my favorite.

    Based on what I saw during play.

    How about;

    The calm before the storm
    Speak softy and carry chalk
    An artist at heart
    Am I my cities keeper
    In the fields of magic chance favors the prepared mind
    Slagathore
    Slagathore


    Posts : 61
    Join date : 2013-01-02

    Character sheet
    Character Name: Dr Hans Frederick
    High Concept: Bullet Proof Monk

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    Post  Slagathore Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:50 pm

    Thanks Splinter (Steve) for the feedback. Very helpful.

    1.) Protector of the City: Works well enough, but could use a little clarification. Does Sweyn go out of his way to protect the entire city, or just a portion of it? Is he a champion of the downtrodden? The rich and influential? Is there a focus on what he tries to protect, or does he really try to protect everyone?

    This is a great point. I am struggling with this one. I feel that I need it, but somehow it isn't quite where I'm trying to go. At the same time, I see him protecting all Naturals against all Supernatural Threats. But I need to do more with this one.


    2.) A Sucker for Blondes: To be honest, this actually seems like a fun one. I like it a lot.

    Thanks!

    3.) Bound by the Old Ways: What about 'Old Fashioned'? The issue I have with this one is as written sounds more like Sweyn is bound by ancient mystical laws than the following of older rules and customs. 'Old Fashioned' sounds more like he prefers to follow rules and customs that might seem antiquated or quaint by others.

    No, in this case I do mean supernaturally bound by the old ways. The old customs hold great power over him -- he is a Scion of a resident of Asgard, after all.

    4.). Something Below the Surface: Could actually be a compel point, especially if Sweyn has some secret in his past or possibly has issues with something that he doesn't want to share. This could also tie into other aspects as well. Is there a reason he feels the need to protect San Francisco? Does he really feel the White Council knows what's best for magic?

    Good thoughts.

    5.) I am the Storm: What about "I am the will of Heimdall!!", or "I am Mjolnir!!". Since Sweyn's spells seem to have a Norse theme, it could be fun to use that with this aspect.

    You are right. I just want it tied into storms, as it is his real power description. I use runes and Norse names for my spell names, but think maybe the aspect could be different. I will work on this one more too!

    Thanks again!
    Slagathore
    Slagathore


    Posts : 61
    Join date : 2013-01-02

    Character sheet
    Character Name: Dr Hans Frederick
    High Concept: Bullet Proof Monk

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    Post  Slagathore Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:52 pm

    Bound by the Old Ways is my favorite.

    Based on what I saw during play.

    How about;

    The calm before the storm
    Speak softy and carry chalk
    An artist at heart
    Am I my cities keeper
    In the fields of magic chance favors the prepared mind

    Nice!!! I like a number of these. I can definitely use it with the ideas from splinter. The chalk one is a definite! And I like the question mark on the cities keeper one. Very cool.
    Slagathore
    Slagathore


    Posts : 61
    Join date : 2013-01-02

    Character sheet
    Character Name: Dr Hans Frederick
    High Concept: Bullet Proof Monk

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    Post  Slagathore Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:49 pm

    By the way, I do think we need to all have reasons to allow Josh to hook us into adventures. It seems the easiest will be a motivation to protect someone/something that is easily threatened (and not just your Aunt Bea). That's why I'm taking "Am I my city's keeper?" I encourage everyone to have something that helps Josh connect us for games. At the same time, maybe just our knowing one another may be enough that if he hooks one of us, we can then reach out to the others. Anyway, just a half baked thought to consider while you rework your aspects.

    So, here's my 2.0 version:

    Sweyn Canute

    High Concept: Runecasting Son of Asgard

    Trouble: Unexpected Guests

    Aspects:
    1. Am I my city's keeper?
    2. A sucker for blondes
    3. Bound by the old ways
    4. Speak softly and carry chalk
    5. What lies below

    Thoughts? Criticism's are welcome. I just want to get a solid collection of aspects to describe my character and tie him to the world.
    Jaid
    Jaid


    Posts : 3
    Join date : 2014-08-17
    Location : The Infinite Beyond

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    Post  Jaid Sun Aug 17, 2014 9:53 am

    Slagathore wrote:By the way, I do think we need to all have reasons to allow Josh to hook us into adventures. It seems the easiest will be a motivation to protect someone/something that is easily threatened (and not just your Aunt Bea). That's why I'm taking "Am I my city's keeper?" I encourage everyone to have something that helps Josh connect us for games. At the same time, maybe just our knowing one another may be enough that if he hooks one of us, we can then reach out to the others. Anyway, just a half baked thought to consider while you rework your aspects.

    So, here's my 2.0 version:

    Sweyn Canute

    High Concept: Runecasting Son of Asgard

    Trouble: Unexpected Guests

    Aspects:
    1. Am I my city's keeper?
    2. A sucker for blondes
    3. Bound by the old ways
    4. Speak softly and carry chalk
    5. What lies below

    Thoughts? Criticism's are welcome. I just want to get a solid collection of aspects to describe my character and tie him to the world.

    Interesting thoughts. While we all have differing play styles I have always stuck to a particular school of thought when it comes to story integration.
    Simply put its the players job not the GM's.  Good roll playing is ad-lib group story creation.  We are all of us equally responsible and hopefully invested in both creating our story and being an integral part of it.

    Now I don't know anything about Dresden (yet) or how the engine works.  So take the next bit with a giant boulder of salt.  This is just kind of my ideas on character flavor text.

    So weather your a naive do-gooder with a penchant for blond college girls that drink to much or a crusty old bastard who talks all day long about 'how it used to be' should be immaterial.  Maybe you don't want to help at all.  But your sooooo bored you'll jump in just to do ANYTHING to break out of the rut your in.  

    Perhaps you see the potential for some profit in the unraveling story?  Your that guy who is always working an angle and this is no different.  Weather your an aspiring information broker or just looking to get lucky with the damsel you just 'saved' is up to you.

    On the other hand you could be that person that volunteers at soup kitchens, rescues stray cats and donates to the red cross all while going someplace horrific with Doctors Without Boarders.  You would gladly jump in to 'help' even if no one wanted your help in the first place.

    I may not know anything about aspects (but I will shortly since I have to build a character concept for the upcoming con) but I don't think I need to in order to create a character.  Or at least I hope I don't. Some of the best roll play sessions I have ever had have been in games I knew literally zero about the rules.  I build a personality and then wrapped some character stats around it.  Hopefully that will translate well into Dresden and how Josh runs his games.

    Granted I will have to read the damn book at some point and actually put stuff on a piece of paper.  But first I will draw up some character concepts and email them to Josh and get some feedback on what will work.  Once one is picked I will flush it out, add in back story and maybe even some personality flaws and quirks.  With that done I hopefully will be able to build the technical character (stats and points and stuffs) around the personality I just created.  Picking skills/aspects that reflect or reinforce the person I just made up.

    Hope all my ramblings helped or at least entertained.  I will probably be posting something myself in the coming days to both introduce my character and start some of that story integration we all know is so important.

    Metal for life,

    Jaid
    The Merlin
    The Merlin


    Posts : 81
    Join date : 2012-03-13

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    Character Name: The Merlin
    High Concept: Fun over reality

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    Post  The Merlin Mon Aug 18, 2014 1:36 pm

    The answer is "C" - all of the above.

    FATE is pretty flexible like that. a Player and thus the character are in charge of their own story. In fact it encourages characters to have their stories integrated in a few spots.

    Aspects also provide ways for both the player and GM to interact with the story.

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