Fate, Persona and Humor

Torchbearer An Adventurer's Essentials
1

Hi!

We noticed that contrary to Burning Wheel the humor factor for persona has been cut off. We were wondering why? Is there people still giving out persona for humor in Torchbearer? Would it break the game that much if we utilize it?

Thanks!

Sameoldji

1 Like
2

Humor has always been a Fate point in Burning Wheel to my knowledge (at least as long as there have been Fate points.

2e has Gallows Humor, which is a specific type of humor.

3

Correct. The humor award in Burning Wheel provided fate, not persona.

As Quincy notes, in 2e we introduced the Gallows Humor award for offering a dry comment in the face of death – one liners from your favorite 80s action movies. Gallows Humor provides a Fate point.

Note that one of the issues with 1e is that it’s relatively easy to get fate points, but you are limited in your opportunity to spend them, to the point that people tend to consistently hit their Persona requirements for leveling quicker than they do the fate requirement. Likewise, the way the embodiment award worked meant Persona was a little too easy to earn. I, personally, would avoid any changes that add even more Persona to the mix.

We tweaked things in 2e to address both these issues.

1 Like
4

Or your favorite Norse saga.

“I see broad heads have become popular on spears.” – Atli Asmundson, stabbed by a spear. Grettir’s Saga

“Is Gunnar home?”
“I don’t know, but his spear is home.” – A scout stabbed through Gunnar’d window. Njal’s Saga

2 Likes
5

Ho…you guys are right my mistake with humor as persona…thank you for the insights.

1 Like
6

The real reason — I broke the game by being too funny each session.

Gallows Humor makes sense as a trigger to reward (short-lived) humans, but I have an alternate reward system floating around in my mind where each stock gets a different opportunity for reward:

For example:

  • Humans, short-lived and ambitious as they are, would still be rewarded for “Gallows Humor” as it’s their response to danger and their discomfort dealing with death and the fear of dying.
  • Halflings might earn a similar reward for “Positivity Under Adversity” — giving an inspiring speech when all hope is lost or showing unflinching optimism when faced with certain doom.
  • Elves with “Expressions of Grace or Grief” — commenting on the fragility, futility or inherent sadness of existence, lamenting a lost or distant love, or eulogizing a fallen friend.
  • Dwarves with “Poetic Poignancy” — the best example being when Gimli reveals his gift from Galadriel, betraying the dour and greedy Nature of dwarves. These are moments when a dwarf displays unusual sensitivity, romantic display or appreciation of beauty that’s not about gold, gems or craftsmanship.

The names are rough, but the idea is rewarding a player who plays to or against the Nature or sterotype of a stock rather than to the character’s belief or creed.

3 Likes
7

Thats a cool idea.