http://exalted.xi.co.nz/w/index.php?title=IsleOfJade/SupportCharacter&feed=atom&action=historyIsleOfJade/SupportCharacter - Revision history2024-03-28T16:05:21ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.29.0http://exalted.xi.co.nz/w/index.php?title=IsleOfJade/SupportCharacter&diff=22607&oldid=prevYeled: *2007-07-07T02:05:59Z<p>*</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>== Playing a Support Character ==<br />
<br />
The key to playing and enjoying a support character is understanding one’s role in the story. Support characters are never the hero of the story, but they can be heroic and can be the hero of an appropriate situation within the story. They can save the day, if that is within their concept, but in the end they aren’t going to overshadow the Hero in importance to the outcome of the story itself. Han Solo, for example, redeems himself at the end of Star Wars IV by returning to the rebel fleet and making it possible for Luke to fulfill his destiny in destroying the Death Star.<br />
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Support Characters invariably define themselves by how they relate to the Hero. They have specific roles to play, and playing those roles correctly is the key to having fun with them. Obi-Wan Kenobi is mentor to Luke. Han Solo is both comic relief and a foil to Luke’s naiveté and optimistic outlook. Lea is the damsel-in-distress, but quickly turns that on its head.<br />
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It is important to note that although Support Characters play a subservient role to the Hero in the course of the story, they are not subservient to the Hero in how useful they are or how enjoyable they are to play. Support Characters are often more wise and/or powerful than the Hero. They always have skill sets that the Hero does not that ultimately prove essential to the overall outcome of the story. They can also be more downright fun. While the Hero contends with self-sacrifice (the fundamental Hero concept), the Support Characters need not focus on such a serious matter and are free to be motivated by whatever the player so chooses. Although Obi-Wan is chiefly concerned with training Luke so as to defeat the Empire, Han is concerned with himself and saving his own skin. <br />
<br />
Support Characters are extremely varied in concept and design, and offer much greater flexibility of choice in character creation than does the Hero.<br />
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== Support Character Creation ==<br />
<br />
Most of the normal rules for Exalted character creation apply here. The default template we will be using for Support Characters is the outcaste Dragon-Blood template. That is because, although the Jade Isle is located near to the Blessed Isle and also to Lookshy, neither type of Terrestrial Exalt is likely to come to Two Rivers School of Enlightenment and Martial Arts to train, as very few will have heard of it. And all characters—Support or Hero—must begin the game as students at the school. It’s also a good default power level for the game.<br />
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Other concepts are viable in this game, and I will consider any reasonable request for a character concept. I will judge the character based on relevancy to this game as well as in regard to game balance, although raw power will not be my only guide. Role, uniqueness, and usefulness will play a larger role in guiding us than raw might. Since other concepts may require different rules, those below are only for Dragon-Bloods.<br />
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Be sure to see my [[IsleOfJade/Houserules|Houserules]] and those employed by [[Prax]] and the [[Prax|Black Orchid Society]] for changes I will be employing in-game.<br />
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=== Step I: Choose Concept ===<br />
<br />
Choose Archetype, concept, elemental aspect, and Motivation.<br />
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All characters begin play as advanced students at the Two Rivers School of Enlightenment and Martial Arts. As such players should choose a Martial Arts concept for their characters. Players are strongly encouraged to further define the concept so as to differentiate their character from the others.<br />
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All normal rules apply, except all Support Characters should choose at least one, and often more than one, Archetype that defines his or her role in the story. You are free to invent your own Archetype, but appropriate sample Archetypes include:<br />
<br />
* <b>Adversary</b> - This is not the villain. Rather, this is a character who challenges the Hero and his ability to succeed. The Adversary antogonizes the hero, questioning his course, his decisions, and his very being. The Adversary may do so directly, but more often these challenges are more subtle and the Adversary may be very innocent in his challenges. For example, the Adversary may simply be a natural leader whose decisions limit the Hero's abilities. The challenge the Adversary presents is something the Hero must overcome.<br />
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* <b>Anti-Hero</b> – The foil to the Hero, his beliefs and Motivation are often at odds with the purity or innocence of the Hero. That is not to say he works against the Hero, as that is the role of the Shadow or Villain. Rather, the Anti-Hero is on the Hero’s side, but often for different reasons. Han Solo is Anti-Hero to Luke.<br />
<br />
* <b>Damsel-In-Distress</b> – In Exalted this should not be the helpless princess in a tower, as that is anti-thematic. However this is always a character who needs the aid of the Hero for one reason or another. This character is often a love interest of the Hero, but need not serve that role. It also does not need to be female. It is simply a character who needs the Hero's help for personal reasons.<br />
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* <b>Guardian</b> – The Guardian is a warrior who protects the Hero, either because the Hero is weak or because there is a threat that the Hero cannot face because of some lacking quality or ability. The Guardian serves because of duty, because his own moral code demands it, and not out of affection or love for the Hero.<br />
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* <b>Love Interest</b> - This character is specifically there so that the Hero might win his or her affection. That is not, however, to say that he or she is all sappy and lovey with the Hero from the get go. Often times Love Interests are also Anti-Heroes or Shapeshifters. They might not get along with the Hero for one reason or another. Or they might have some quality that makes them unatainable. In other words, this is a character's whose heart must be won or earned, and doing that can be as great an obstacle as the Hero will face the entire story.<br />
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* <b>Loyalist</b> - This character is perhaps the most trusted companion the Hero has. Very often strong, brooding, and quiet, this character is unquestionably loyal to the Hero and the Hero knows he may call upon this character to do whatever is necessary when the time comes, even if it means his own life. This dog-like archetype is commonly paired with Guardian or Soldier, and this character is very often a brawler or scrapper.<br />
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* <b>Older Sibling</b> - The Older Sibling archetype acts a mentor for the Hero. Although the more traditional mentor archetype is filled through the character of Master Li, the Older Sibling archetype plays a quite different role. This is an older, wiser character who looks out for and guides the Hero along the Journey <i>while participating in the action</i>. Although this archetype is called Older Sibling, the character need not actually be related to the Hero. This character typically has a close relationship with the Hero, and trust and mutual affection between the characters are common.<br />
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* <b>Shaman</b> – The shaman understands the deeper mysteries of the universe. He acts as a guide to these mysteries and through them aids the Hero along his journey. The Shaman need not be a sorcerer, but usually is. He is often deeply mysterious him or herself, and the Hero often cannot understand the shaman's world. Sometimes this manifests in the shaman's personality, and he can be brooding or distant or kooky or somehow off as far as the Hero is concerned.<br />
<br />
* <b>Shapeshifter</b> - The Shapeshifter is a difficult archetype to understand. The shapeshifter is a character whose role will change during the course of the story, perhaps more than once. She wears a mask that misleads the Hero by hiding the character's intentions and loyalties. The shapeshifter's alliances and loyalty are often uncertain, and the sincerity of her claims are often questionable. This keeps the hero off guard and forces the Hero to question beliefs and assumptions. The shapeshifter is very commonly also a Love-Interest.<br />
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* <b>Soldier</b> - The Soldier is a fighting companion to the Hero. Unlike the Guardian, he does not work specifically to protect the Hero. He is a fellow warrior, and a stalwart one.<br />
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* <b>Trickster</b> - The Trickster is a clown, a mischief maker. He provides the comedy relief that a story often needs to offset heavy dramatic tension. The trickster keeps things in proportion. The trickster usually represents the force of cunning, and is pitted against opponents who are stronger or more powerful.<br />
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* <b>Younger Sibling</b> - The opposite of the Older Sibling. The Younger Sibling is less wise and less experienced than the Hero, and the Hero needs to look out for her by playing the role of Older Sibling. This character typically has a close relationship with the Hero, and trust and mutual affection between the characters are common.<br />
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=== Step II: Choose Attributes ===<br />
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All normal rules apply. Dragon Blooded characters start with 7/6/4 to distribute among the nine attributes. <br />
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=== Step III: Choose Abilities ===<br />
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Characters must begin play with Martial Arts ooo or higher, and Martial Arts must be a favored Ability. Outcastes start with 25 Ability Points, at least 13 of which must be from Aspect or Favored Abilities; at least one dot must be in each Favored Ability; none may be higher than ooo without spending bonus points. Taking a fifth dot in any Abilitiy costs double. No character may take a combat related specialty above +1 at character creation, except in punches, kicks, clinches, or other forms of unarmed combat, which may be up to +3.<br />
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=== Step IV: Choose Advantages ===<br />
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I have modified the rules for some Advantages. See below.<br />
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* Choose Backgrounds (7 — except for breeding, use Backgrounds from Exalted Core and from Scroll of the Monk; Mentor ooooo is free; Artifact is not permitted without my express permission, and only at double cost and when its use is for character enhancement and not just a dice adder; three new [[IsleOfJade/NewBackgrounds|Backgrounds]] are available; no background other than Mentor may be higher than ooo without spending bonus points; taking a fifth dot in any Background costs double).<br />
<br />
* Choose Charms (7 Dragon Blooded Charms, at least 4 of which must be from Aspect or Favored Abilities; Characters may not elect to take the Celestial Martial Arts option per the normal rules, nor may they select Terrestrial Circle Sorcery. Instead a character who wants Celestial Martial Arts or Celestial Circle Sorcery should see the new [[IsleOfJade/NewBackgrounds|Backgrounds]], which are more powerful anyway).<br />
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* Choose Virtues (5 - none may be higher than ooo without spending bonus points).<br />
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* Choose Intimacies (Up to starting Compassion. All support characters should begin play with an intimacy focused on Master Li, The Two Rivers School, or the Hero. All three are viable. I will accept a character who does not have an intimacy to any of these three if and only if good reason is given (I define "good")).<br />
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=== Step V: Finishing Touches ===<br />
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Record Essence (2), Willpower (sum of character's two highest Virtues), Personal Essence pool (Essence + Willpower + any gained from Breeding), Peripheral Essence pool ([Essence x 4] + Willpower + [sum of the two highest Virtues] + any gained from Breeding) and health levels (7 + any gained from Charms).<br />
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=== Bonus Points === <br />
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Bonus Points (15) may be spent at any time during character creation.<br />
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== Comments ==<br />
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Post some if you want.<br />
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----<br />
- Created by [[Yeled]]</div>Yeledhttp://exalted.xi.co.nz/w/index.php?title=IsleOfJade/SupportCharacter&diff=22608&oldid=prevYeled: *2007-06-18T18:31:48Z<p>*</p>
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<td colspan='2' style="background-color: white; color:black; text-align: center;">← Older revision</td>
<td colspan='2' style="background-color: white; color:black; text-align: center;">Revision as of 18:31, 18 June 2007</td>
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<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>All characters begin play as advanced students at the Two Rivers School of Enlightenment and Martial Arts.  As such players should choose a Martial Arts concept for their characters.  Players are strongly encouraged to further define the concept so as to differentiate their character from the others.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>All characters begin play as advanced students at the Two Rivers School of Enlightenment and Martial Arts.  As such players should choose a Martial Arts concept for their characters.  Players are strongly encouraged to further define the concept so as to differentiate their character from the others.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>All normal rules apply, except all Support Characters should choose <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">at least </del>one<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">, and often </del>more <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">than one, Archetype </del>that <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">defines his or her </del>role in the story.  You are free to invent your own Archetype, but appropriate sample Archetypes include:</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>All normal rules apply, except all Support Characters should choose one <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">or </ins>more <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Archetypes </ins>that <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">define their </ins>role in the story.  You are free to invent your own Archetype, but appropriate sample <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">mythological </ins>Archetypes include:</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Adversary</del></b> <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">- This is not </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">villain.  Rather</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">this is a character who challenges </del>the Hero <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">and his ability to succeed</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">The Adversary antogonizes </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">hero</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">questioning his course, his decisions, and his very being.  The Adversary may do so directly, but more often these challenges are more subtle and </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Adversary may be very innocent in his challenges</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">For example</del>, the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Adversary may simply be a natural leader whose decisions limit </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero's abilities</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">The challenge the Adversary presents </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">something the </del>Hero <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">must overcome</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Anti-Hero</ins></b> <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">– The foil to </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero</ins>, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">his beliefs and Motivation are often at odds with those of </ins>the Hero.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">That is not to say he works against </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero</ins>, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">as that is the role of </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Shadow or Villain</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Rather</ins>, the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Anti-Hero is on </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero’s side, but often for different reasons</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Han Solo </ins>is <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Anti-</ins>Hero <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">to Luke</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Anti-Hero</del></b> – The <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">foil to </del>the Hero, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">his beliefs and Motivation are often at odds with </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">purity </del>or <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">innocence of </del>the Hero.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">That </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">not </del>to <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">say he works against the </del>Hero<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">, as that is the role of the Shadow or Villain</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Rather</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">the Anti-Hero is on the Hero’s side, but often for different reasons.  Han Solo is Anti-Hero to Luke</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Guardian or Soldier</ins></b> – The <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Guardian is a warrior who protects </ins>the Hero, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">either because </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero is weak </ins>or <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">because there is a threat that </ins>the Hero <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">cannot face because of some lacking quality or ability</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">The Soldier </ins>is <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">a fighting companion </ins>to <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">an otherwise strong </ins>Hero.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Both are stalwart characters who often respect action over words</ins>, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">although not always</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b>Damsel-In-Distress</b> – In Exalted this should not be the helpless princess in a tower, as that is anti-thematic.  However this is always a character who needs the aid of the Hero for one reason or another.  This character is often a love interest of the Hero, but need not serve that role.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">It also does not need to be female</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">It is simply a character who needs </del>the Hero<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">'s help for personal reasons</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Herald or </ins>Damsel-In-Distress</b> – In Exalted this should not be the helpless princess in a tower, as that is anti-thematic.  However this is always a character who needs the aid of the Hero for one reason or another.  This character is often a love interest of the Hero, but need not serve that role.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Another name for this type of character is Herald</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">He announces the coming danger or challenges </ins>the Hero <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">will face</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Guardian</del></b> <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">– </del>The <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Guardian </del>is a <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">warrior </del>who <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">protects </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero, either because </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">weak or because there is a threat that </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero cannot face because of some lacking quality </del>or <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">ability</del>. <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline"> The Guardian serves because of duty</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">because his own moral code demands it, and not out of affection or love for the Hero</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Mentor</ins></b> <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">- </ins>The <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">mentor </ins>is a <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">character </ins>who <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">aids or trains </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">hero. The essence of </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">mentor </ins>is the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">wise old man </ins>or <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">woman</ins>. <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Although Master Li fulfills this role</ins>, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">I consider a secondary Mentor Archetype if a good concept</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Love Interest</del></b> <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">- This character is specifically there so that </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Hero might win his or her affection</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">That is not, however, </del>to <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">say that he or she is all sappy </del>and <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">lovey with </del>the Hero <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">from the get go</del>.  <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Often times Love Interests are also Anti-Heroes or Shapeshifters.  They might </del>not <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">get along with the Hero for one reason or another.  Or they might have some quality that makes them unatainable.  In other words</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">this </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">a character's whose heart must be won or earned, and doing that can be as great an obstacle as the Hero will face the entire story</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Shaman or Wizard</ins></b> <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">– The shaman understands the deeper mysteries of </ins>the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">universe</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">He acts as a guide </ins>to <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">these mysteries </ins>and <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">through them aids </ins>the Hero <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">along his journey</ins>.  <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">The Shaman need </ins>not <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">be a sorcerer</ins>, <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">but usually </ins>is.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Loyalist</b> - This character is perhaps the most trusted companion the Hero has.  Very often strong, brooding, and quiet, this character is unquestionably loyal to the Hero and the Hero knows he may call upon this character to do whatever is necessary when the time comes, even if it means his own life.  This dog-like archetype is commonly paired with Guardian or Soldier, and this character is very often a brawler or scrapper.</del></div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b><ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Shapeshifter</ins></b> - The <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Shapeshifter's mask misleads </ins>the Hero <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">by hiding </ins>a character<ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">'s intentions </ins>and <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">loyalties</ins>.  He <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">changes role </ins>or <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">personality</ins>, often in <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">significant ways</ins>, and is <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">hard </ins>to understand. <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">That very changeability </ins>is the <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">essence </ins>of <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">this archetype</ins>. The shapeshifter's alliances and loyalty are uncertain, and the sincerity of <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">his </ins>claims <ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">is </ins>often questionable. This keeps the hero off guard and forces the Hero to question beliefs and assumptions.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div> </div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">* <b>Older Sibling</del></b> - The <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">Older Sibling archetype acts a mentor for </del>the Hero<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">.  Although the more traditional mentor archetype is filled through the character of Master Li, the Older Sibling archetype plays </del>a <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">quite different role.  This is an older, wiser </del>character <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">who looks out for </del>and <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">guides the Hero along the Journey <i>while participating in the action</i>.  Although this archetype is called Older Sibling, the character need not actually be related to the Hero.  This character typically has a close relationship with the Hero, and trust and mutual affection between the characters are common.</del></div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div> </div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">* <b>Shaman</b> – The shaman understands the deeper mysteries of the universe</del>.  He <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">acts as a guide to these mysteries and through them aids the Hero along his journey.  The Shaman need not be a sorcerer, but usually is.  He is often deeply mysterious him </del>or <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">herself</del>, <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">and the Hero </del>often <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">cannot understand the shaman's world.  Sometimes this manifests </del>in <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">the shaman's personality</del>, and <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">he can be brooding or distant or kooky or somehow off as far as the Hero is concerned.</del></div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div> </div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">* <b>Shapeshifter</b> - The Shapeshifter </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">a difficult archetype </del>to understand. <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline"> The shapeshifter </del>is <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">a character whose role will change during </del>the <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">course </del>of <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">the story, perhaps more than once.  She wears a mask that misleads the Hero by hiding the character's intentions and loyalties</del>. <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline"> </del>The shapeshifter's alliances and loyalty are <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">often </del>uncertain, and the sincerity of <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">her </del>claims <del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">are </del>often questionable. This keeps the hero off guard and forces the Hero to question beliefs and assumptions<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">.  The shapeshifter is very commonly also a Love-Interest.</del></div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div> </div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">* <b>Soldier</b> - The Soldier is a fighting companion to the Hero.  Unlike the Guardian, he does not work specifically to protect the Hero.  He is a fellow warrior, and a stalwart one</del>.</div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b>Trickster</b> - The Trickster is a clown, a mischief maker. He provides the comedy relief that a story often needs to offset heavy dramatic tension. The trickster keeps things in proportion. The trickster usually represents the force of cunning, and is pitted against opponents who are stronger or more powerful.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <b>Trickster</b> - The Trickster is a clown, a mischief maker. He provides the comedy relief that a story often needs to offset heavy dramatic tension. The trickster keeps things in proportion. The trickster usually represents the force of cunning, and is pitted against opponents who are stronger or more powerful.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"></del></div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">* <b>Younger Sibling</b> - The opposite of the Older Sibling.  The Younger Sibling is less wise and less experienced than the Hero, and the Hero needs to look out for her by playing the role of Older Sibling.  This character typically has a close relationship with the Hero, and trust and mutual affection between the characters are common.</del></div></td><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step II: Choose Attributes ===</div></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step II: Choose Attributes ===</div></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" class="diff-lineno" id="mw-diff-left-l55" >Line 55:</td>
<td colspan="2" class="diff-lineno">Line 45:</td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step III: Choose Abilities ===</div></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step III: Choose Abilities ===</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'>−</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>Characters must begin play with Martial Arts ooo or higher, and Martial Arts must be a favored Ability.  Outcastes start with 25 Ability Points, at least 13 of which must be from Aspect or Favored Abilities; at least one dot must be in each Favored Ability; none may be higher than ooo without spending bonus points.  Taking a fifth dot in any Abilitiy costs double.  No character may take a combat related specialty above +1 at character creation, except in punches, kicks, clinches, or other forms of unarmed combat, which may be up to +<del class="diffchange diffchange-inline">3</del>.</div></td><td class='diff-marker'>+</td><td style="color:black; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>Characters must begin play with Martial Arts ooo or higher, and Martial Arts must be a favored Ability.  Outcastes start with 25 Ability Points, at least 13 of which must be from Aspect or Favored Abilities; at least one dot must be in each Favored Ability; none may be higher than ooo without spending bonus points.  Taking a fifth dot in any Abilitiy costs double.  No character may take a combat related specialty above +1 at character creation, except in punches, kicks, clinches, or other forms of unarmed combat, which may be up to +<ins class="diffchange diffchange-inline">2</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step IV: Choose Advantages ===</div></td><td class='diff-marker'> </td><td style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #333333; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #e6e6e6; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>=== Step IV: Choose Advantages ===</div></td></tr>
</table>Yeled