This is a procedure for introducing a change to a character in a campaign-style game in a way that’s not encapsulated in that game’s own rules. There will be some interpretative work to translate the descriptors used in this procedure into those that align with the mechanics of the game you’re playing, and assumes that you’ll work with your GM to finalize the results. The expectation is not for this process to make your character stronger, or necessarily weaker either; only different, changed.
Step 1
You may not know exactly what drew you to the forest on this moonless night. You may not have even realized it was a moonless night. And surely you were not warned, or cannot remember being warned, about what happens in these woods on moonless nights.
What burden have you brought with you? Choose one.
anger, regret, sorrow, disillusionment, indifference, pain
Your character may have several burdens, but something in particular overwhelms them at this point and drives them to seek a change, whether they consciously realize it or not.
Step 2
Whatever the source of your burdens, they’ve left you with unresolved feelings. You can’t remember why you walked so far from camp or from town. On this moonless night, no less, with nothing to light your way. This isn’t really like you, is it?
What defines you? Choose three.
You are defined by your…
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | strength | curiosity | body | deeds | station | devotion |
| 2 | skill | coldness | face | crimes | quest | morality |
| 3 | speed | bravery | clothing | craft | destiny | doubts |
| 4 | charm | pragmatism | weapon | triumphs | obligations | caution |
| 5 | intellect | kindness | instrument | defeats | history | expectations |
| 6 | experience | recklessness | possessions | inventions | family | secrets |
Consider what defines your character mechanically, but also their backstory and the roles they’ve played during your adventures up to this point. There are no wrong answers. Fill in your answers in the middle row of the table below:
| My ___________ | My ___________ | My ___________ |
Step 3
As you absently walk deeper into the forest, you begin to lose your way. The canopy thickens and interlocks, choking the starglow as a the roots and leaves at your feet disappear in a ripple of darkness. A flood of liquid shadow, cool on your skin, weightless but impenetrable, rises towards your knees, your waist, your chest. Finally, you are submerged.