Traits System
Descriptive tags with mechanical rules effects applied to weapons, actions, spells, and creatures, governing interactions between abilities and game elements.
Traits are descriptors attached to actions, spells, items, and creatures. They have mechanical significance and affect what interacts with them.
Key Trait Categories:
Weapon Traits:
- Agile: MAP is −4/−8 instead of −5/−10.
- Finesse: Can use DEX for attack rolls with this weapon.
- Reach: Extends melee range by 5 feet (usually to 10 feet).
- Thrown: Can be thrown as a ranged attack; uses STR for damage.
- Versatile: Can deal a different damage type (e.g., Versatile P means also piercing).
- Two-Hand: When used two-handed, deals the listed die instead.
Action Traits:
- Attack: Triggers Attack of Opportunity; increases MAP.
- Concentrate: Mental focus; enemies can disrupt with Grab/AoO.
- Manipulate: Involves using hands; triggers Attack of Opportunity.
- Move: Involves moving your location; can trigger reactions.
Spell Traits: Indicate tradition (arcane/divine/occult/primal), tradition (arcane/divine/occult/primal), damage type, and special properties.
Creature Traits: Indicate type (humanoid, beast, undead), size, ancestry, and other properties that spells and abilities target.
Why Traits Matter: Many spells, feats, and abilities interact specifically with traits. An ability that works against 'humanoids' doesn't work against 'undead'; a feat that affects 'manipulate actions' triggers on casting but not Striking.