Trait Feats

ABRASIVE [TRAIT]

You are difficult and demanding in conversation, which tends to oppress those around you.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Intimidate checks.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Diplomacy checks and Bluff checks.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might be loud and abrupt or quiet and sinister, but either way, most find them disconcerting or irritating.

ABSENT-MINDED [TRAIT]

You are fascinated by knowledge and learning and are capable of pursuing complex trains of thought quite quickly. However, your preoccupation with such thoughts makes you a little less aware of your surroundings.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Knowledge checks (although this does not let you use a Knowledge skill untrained).

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Spot checks and Listen checks.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might fl it from idea to idea, trailing off in mid-sentence or mumbling their way through complex ideas. Conversely, characters with this trait might be extremely articulate but still allow their thoughts to move faster than the pace of a conversation.

AGGRESSIVE [TRAIT]

You are quick to initiate combat, and you tend to press the attack once battle is joined. Your enthusiasm makes you a dangerous foe, but you sometimes leave yourself open to blows that a more cautious warrior would avoid.

Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on initiative checks.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty to Armor Class.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait are often hotheaded and quick to anger, or simply think that the best defense is a quick offense.

CAUTIOUS [TRAIT]

You are cautious in combat, even a bit cowardly, and you take more care to defend yourself than others. However, this caution renders you susceptible to fear effects.

Benefit: You gain an additional +1 dodge bonus to Armor Class whenever you fight defensively or take the total defense action.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on saving throws made to resist fear effects.

Special: You cannot select this trait if you have immunity to fear or fear effects. If you later gain immunity to fear, you lose the benefit of this trait.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might consistently urge talking rather than fighting, or they might do little to encourage that their companions avoid combat and simply remain as far away from foes as possible, using ranged weapons or spells.

DETACHED [TRAIT]

You maintain a distance from events that keeps you grounded but limits your reaction speed.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Will saves.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Reflex saves.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait are likely to be quiet and restrained, but they might be vocal when others falter in their beliefs.

DISHONEST [TRAIT]

You are naturally deceitful and insincere with others. You have a talent for lying, but have difficulty convincing others when you do speak truthfully.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Bluff checks.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Diplomacy checks.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might be portrayed as crafty liars, or lying might simply be second nature to them, making actually telling the truth a difficult chore.

DISTICTIVE [TRAIT] L5R

You have some distinctive physical feature such as a scar, a prominent nose, a limp, or some similar characteristic that is hard to disguise or conceal.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Reputation checks.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Disguise checks.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might be sensitive about it, or they might play up its presence to gather attention, sympathy, or notoriety.

EASYGOING [Trait]

You are naturally friendly. Others feel comfortable around you, but this trait also makes it more difficult for you to be pushy or suspicious.

Benefit: You gain a +1 bonus on Gather Information checks.

Drawback: You take a -1 penalty on Intimidate checks and Sense Motive checks.

Roleplaying Ideas: Characters with this trait might be more easily manipulated in interactions with NPCs, or they might simply prefer not to argue and instead use their natural talent to learn more about the world around them.