For a campaign setting I’m working on I’m trying to create a new race called the Keralli. The lifepaths come easy, and I have a simple magic system that I want to implement, that should be fairly easy to create. The problem is about Emotional Attributes. I read the section of the magic burner about creating emotional attributes, and I feel like I can justify it, but I’m not sure if I’m just stretching things to make it special. I figured the best way to figure out if I need it or not was to consult the forums. I’ll walk through what the magic burner suggests, and then talk a little more about the history of this species.
In this section I will briefly describe the history of the Keralli. It’s probably not important so you can skip down if you want, as this might get a little long winded.
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1. Are the characters more than human? Is there something special about them that sets them apart?
Yes. They are vaguely humanoid in shape, but clearly different. They are much larger and muscular, but have a predatory grace. They have extra organs (similar to a space marine), heal rapidly, and have more acute senses.
2. Are they dogged by a fate, destiny, or higher power? Does that fate or higher power grant them aid while damning them at the same time?
I believe so. The Keralli have been forsaken by their gods, who literally created them. Without their gods, they traveled the world, finding purpose in the causes of others. Essentially, they became a species of mercenaries, with tribes spread around the world. As a species, they believe that they have nothing left to fight for, so they essentially find causes that they deem worthy in order to avoid facing their own nihilism.
They were created as soldiers, and their gods gave them many gifts that cause them to be extremely efficient. Even though their gods abandoned them, the gifts remain.
3. Is there a theme that applies to all of the characters of this type? Is there a common set of behaviors?
The Keralli follow a code called the Keral. It could be described as a religion, but it is more than that. The Keral is an honor code (similar to that of a Knight/Samurai), but taken to the next level. It also has a religious aspect, because they generally have no government. The Keral vaguely prophesies that a warleader will unite all of the tribes, and lead them to their last fight.
- Can these quirks and behaviors be attributed to other standard Burning Wheel mechanics?
This is what I don’t know about. I feel like I have a decent understanding of the rules, but Burning Wheel is a very large game, and I haven’t been playing that long.
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The question ends up being, should this race get an Emotional Attribute? Tailoring Grief was my first instinct, but that doesn’t really explain their cultural belief in fighting for others with a just cause. Anger also doesn’t quite hit the mark, though it feels a little closer. However, I’d be just as happy to find out that they don’t deserve an Emotional Attribute, because that’s less work for me. If that’s the case, what common traits would you recommend I give them to represent their beliefs?