Traits and Character Backgrounds: Pathfinder - Behind enemy lines

[Jamie]

I'm getting a lot of calls to include traits.

The short answer is no.

The long answer is maybe.  If you submit a character background (and I okay it), then I may give you some traits (of my choosing) based on that character background. 

Please remember that I asked all characters to be dedicated to the cause of resisting the Molthune invasion of Nirmathas above all other concerns.  Your background submission should reflect this.

[Snakes in the Tiki Lounge]

I'm not entirely sure what traits even are or do. Are they those things where you get a small penalty in exchange for a small bonus, or something like that?
I'll probably pass, though working on Peck and his Eidolon's background some more would probably not hurt regardless.

[Jamie]

Best I can see, traits are all upside.  They are about half as good as a feat and Hero Lab gives you two of them.

[Snakes in the Tiki Lounge]

I checked up on it out of curiosity. Yeah, seems that in 3.5 Traits were a small benefit and a small penalty, whereas pathfinder traits are all positive. So, my memory wasn't entirely out, just something that's changed.

Interesting to know, I guess.

[EvilGinger]

Traits to be honest struck me as interesting & characterful & I only noticed them playing with HEROLAB as thought I downloaded the original traits document for Pathfinder I did not read it in any detail.


I don't see them as anything game breaking which needs to be banned.

 Ginger

[Snakes in the Tiki Lounge]

I can see why Jamie would be leery of it, especially given that they have no drawback.
However, giving them out as a bribe for backstory and only as chosen by Jamie seems a pretty good way to balance those concerns, especially as it's explicitly supposed to be representing formative events in your past.

[Jamie]

Got a background in from Simon C for Peck.  Peck gains the following traits:



Well-Informed - Knowledge (Local)

You have listened to a lot of local stories

Benefit: You gain a +1 trait bonus to Knowledge (local) checks and this skill is always a class skill for you.

---

Broken Mind

You are used to living with your own mental difficulties.

Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on saves against madness and confusion effects.

[Snakes in the Tiki Lounge]

When I read this post during my lunch break, I couldn't help but laugh.
Spot on. I guess that's a thumbs up for the flexibility of the Traits system.

[Jamie]

David produced a cool character picture and a verbal background which I felt was sufficient for his character Gogo to get traits:


Focused Mind
Your time at the monestry has honed your ability to block out distractions and focus on the immediate task at hand.

Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on concentration checks.

---

Indomitable Faith
You were born in Molthune where your faith in Cayden Cailean is not popular, but you still have never abandoned it - even while staying at a very lawful monastery. Your constant struggle to maintain your own faith has bolstered your drive.

Benefit: You gain a +1 trait bonus on Will saves.