Archetypes #
Archetypes are the central aspects of a character, setting their general tone or high concept. When creating a new character, players must choose 2 Archetypes out of the 4 available:
Champions thrive for power and specialize in physical abilities.
Icons thrive for fame and specialize in social abilities.
Geniuses thrive for knowledge and specialize in intellectual abilities.
Sages thrive for wisdom and specialize in wise abilities.
Champions are natural-born achievers and extremely skilled fighters. They have a firm predisposition for combat, thrive in confrontations and inspire others to respect them. With their unwavering focus and determination, they thrive when forging a path for themselves or when ensuring the protection and prosperity of their group.
Champions have great ambition, a strong sense of pride and work tirelessly to defeat their enemies and achieve their goals. Players that choose this Archetype may want their characters to specialize in military expertise or some type of weapon proficiency.
Icons are driven by the desire for social recognition and fame. They excel in fields such as arts, entertainment or politics, and use their skills to inspire, amuse or influence others. Their charismatic presence allows them to effortlessly capture the public’s attention, potentially leading them to become influential figures in society.
Icons are natural-born performers, captivating people and leaving long lasting impressions wherever they go. Players that choose this Archetype may want their characters to specialize in public speaking, some type of artistic endeavor or being able to entertain people.
Geniuses are educated individuals committed to mastering specific subjects. They can be practitioners, technicians, researchers or scholars, carrying expertise across various disciplines including biology, literature or archaeology. They possess a relentless thirst for knowledge and excel in problem-solving, innovation and creative thinking.
Geniuses may be driven by the desire to break established rules, solve problems or understand abstract concepts. Players that choose this Archetype may want their characters to specialize in magic or gain a very strong insight into a specific discipline.
Sages are wise and composed individuals driven by self-discipline and a desire to help, educate or mentor others. They keep their head up in times of uncertainty, using their discernment to navigate hardships and find ways to progress in life without succumbing to despair. Their reflections and understanding of philosophy may also allow them to create new schools of thought.
Sages make perfect healers, monks, teachers or druids. Players that choose this Archetype may want their characters to specialize in some form of caretaking discipline or follow a spiritual path.
Combining Archetypes #
When choosing 2 Archetypes, players must consider their character’s general goals and ambitions in order to pick the right combination. This can be illustrated with the lives of two historical figures: Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius. Despite their shared influence as Roman emperors, both possessed distinct character traits, leadership styles and historical roles that reflect the approach of Archetype combination:
Julius Caesar, a charismatic and ambitious leader, exemplified the combination of champion and icon. His rise to power, from a successful general to dictator, showcased his desire for power, influence and popularity among people. He strategically used his oratory skills and military expertise to establish himself as the most prominent figure in ancient Rome.
In contrast, Marcus Aurelius inherited his role of emperor. As a military leader, his purpose centered around upholding justice, fairness, and ethical values, thus embodying the combination of champion and sage. His renowned philosophical writings, such as the collection Meditations, reflected his commitment to stoic principles and the pursuit of wisdom.
Although both characters can be classified as champions, their overall high-concept diverges based on their second Archetype. For instance, if a character has the combination of champion and icon, they might aspire to become a powerful combatant with a desire for fame and glory. Whereas a character that combines champion and sage may thrive to become a wandering knight guided by principles of wisdom and virtue.
- Examples #
Here’s a list of combinations that can be used for new characters. Keep in mind that these are just examples, and players encouraged to come up with their own ideas:
Arcanic Scholar (Genius & Icon) : this character aspires to become a well-known polymath, mastering multiple disciplines of magic and leaving behind a lasting legacy of discoveries and breakthroughs.
Ascetic Healer (Sage & Genius) : this character aspires to become a reclusive yet compassionate caregiver with extensive medical knowledge, setting them apart as a trusted authority in the medical field.
Itinerant Bard (Icon & Sage) : this character aspires to become a charismatic performer who uses their wit, charm, and musical talents to entertain and inspire others, encouraging social change and fostering peace.
Notorious Rogue (Icon & Champion) : this character aspires to become a master of crime and legendary figure from the underworld, able to outmaneuver authorities and strike fear into the hearts of the rich.
War Artifist (Genius & Champion) : this character aspires to become a skilled artisan of war machines, blending arcanic knowledge with combat expertise, and harnessing their intellect to shape the course of battles.
Warrior Monk (Champion & Sage) : this character aspires to become a honorable warrior following the codes of a martial doctrine, roaming the land mastering both physical combat and practicing self-discipline.
Drives #
Drives represent a character’s motivations, guiding their actions throughout the narrative. Each character must choose 2 Drives, with at least 1 Drive matching one of their Archetypes:
Champion #
Authority : the character wants to assert dominance and issue commands.
Revenge : the character seeks justice or retribution.
Wealth : the character is driven to amass riches and possessions.
Icon #
Hedonism : the character prioritizes indulgence and entertainment.
Distinction : the character seeks to impress others and bring attention to themselves.
Influence : the character aims to sway people to their side and mold their opinions.
Genius #
Solution : the character is driven by problem-solving.
Production : the character wants to build or conceive things.
Curiosity : the character is motivated by a thirst for knowledge.
Sage #
Care : the character wants to help and protect others.
Peace : the character seeks to foster harmony and mend relationships.
Duty : the character is dedicated to fulfilling their obligations.
Quest #
Each character also has a specific Quest that should be a reflection of their Drives. This is written as a concise statement, typically one or two sentences, describing a unique objective or aim for the character:
Wealth & Duty : “I want to travel to the mines of Eldoria to negotiate a trade agreement for my family’s gemstone business.”
Distinction & Solution : I want to decipher the enigmatic Sandravi script to earn acclaim and notoriety in academic circles."
Authority & Care : “I want to administer the city of Lüdim, where hunger and repression have plagued the inhabitants for months.”
Hedonism & Production : “I want to experience the serene sunset of Ignicor and compose a poem about it.”
Quests should be seen as active goals, involving things a character strives to accomplish rather than things they wish to avoid.