Difference between revisions of "Old"

Revision as of 00:10, 9 November 2007

The opposite extreme of the Child fault. You are considered past your prime for your race and culture, although the exact effects of this Fault depend upon your level of age, as follows:

Over the Hill

Expoint Bonus: 2

You've passed the midpoint of your lifespan, (50 years for humans) and those unburdened by age are beginning to doubt your capabilities (-2 penalty to your Influence against anyone at least 1 generation younger). You can still hold your own, but age is catching up to you: subtract 1 from Muscle, Agility, or Endurance. On the plus side, you've picked up a few tricks in your time: add XX points to your starting Skill ranks.

Incompatible with

• Child
• Ancient
• Prehistoric

Ancient

Expoint Bonus: 4

By all accounts, you should be on death's doorstep. You are near the end of your race's average lifespan (75 for humans), and anyone younger than Over the Hill has little respect or patience for you (-4 penalty to your Influence). Those irresponsible young whippersnappers, still blessed with keen senses and supple joints… just wait till they're in your shoes, then they won't be so cocky. While your mind may still be sharp, your body isn't what it used to be: subtract 2 ranks from Muscle and 1 from either Agility or Endurance, and 2 Action Points. Time's ravages have left their mark on your face as well as your body: Ancient characters can be at best Attractive, never more beautiful. However, in your long years you have learned much, so starting Ancient characters have XX additional Skill ranks.

Exception to the Fault: in cultures where elders truly are revered, you will be honored and deferred to – however, you will be expected to provide wisdom, guidance, and leadership, whether you are wise and charismatic or not!

Incompatible with

• Contortionist
• Child
• Over the Hill
• Prehistoric

Prehistoric

Expoint Bonus: 6

By all accounts, you should've been dead years ago. You're well past the average life expectancy of your race (90 for humans) and are considered by anyone younger than yourself (which is almost everyone) to be a doddering oldster, capable of little more than spooning mush into your toothless maw – you take a -6 penalty to all Social rolls with anyone who is your junior ("Shut up, you old windbag." "Clyde, you warty lizard, you ain't but a day younger than I am!" "Don't matter, younger is younger."), and subtract 4 from Muscle and 1 from Agility and Endurance each. You may be no more than Attractive in appearance. Needless to say, you have a hard time scoring hot dates. When 900 years old you are, look so good you will not! In your favor, you are affected by the Exception noted above, and anyone who's been around as long as you have is bound to have some useful experience: add XX points to your initial Skill ranks. Keep in mind the adage: "Old age and treachery will beat youth and enthusiasm every time."

Incompatible with

• Contortionist
• Child
• Over the Hill
• Ancient
• Everybodys Best Friend
• Girl/Guy Magnet

As if you needed any more reminders of your decrepitude, keep in mind that age is frequently accompanied by any number of Physical Faults, especially poor hearing and vision.