This rating system helps clarify what your character is capable of, providing both players and gamemasters with a clear framework for understanding the character’s strengths and challenges. Each level invites different narrative opportunities, from the struggles of a Beginner to the confidence and influence of an Authority.

Each trait is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, giving a clear sense of your character’s capabilities.

Beginner (1)

You’re just starting out. This level reflects being untrained, inexperienced, or completely new to a particular skill or ability. Characters with a Beginner rating struggle with basic tasks.

Archery: A Beginner archer struggles to hit the target, missing completely or shooting wildly off-mark.

Cooking: A Beginner cook might barely follow a simple recipe without making mistakes, resulting in burnt or under-cooked meals.

Driving: A Beginner driver could struggle with basic maneuvers like parallel parking or maintaining a steady speed.

Negotiation: A Beginner negotiator might inadvertently agree to unfavorable terms, missing key details in the conversation.

Painting: A Beginner painter might have trouble mixing colors correctly and creating even the simplest shapes on the canvas.

Novice (2)

You’ve gained a bit of experience, but you’re still in the learning phase. Simple tasks are manageable, though you might stumble when things get more complex.

Cooking: A Novice cook can prepare simple dishes but might have difficulty with timing or seasoning.

Crafting: A Novice crafter might create basic items but has trouble with precision and detail work.

Music: A Novice musician knows a few chords and can play simple songs but struggles with more complex pieces or improvisation.

Public Speaking: A Novice public speaker can manage small, informal groups but becomes nervous and stumbles during larger, more formal presentations.

Swimming: A Novice swimmer can handle basic strokes but would be challenged by rough water or long distances.

Competent (3)

You’re solid at this. You know what you’re doing and can perform most tasks with confidence. You’re reliable and capable, even if you’re not the best.

Carpentry: A Competent carpenter builds sturdy furniture and can follow detailed plans, though they may need extra time for more intricate projects.

Detective Work: A Competent detective can solve standard cases with some effort, analyzing clues effectively but occasionally missing subtle details.

Mechanics: A Competent mechanic can perform most repairs on common vehicles but might need guidance for unusual or advanced systems.

Swordsmanship: A Competent swordsman can hold their own in most fights, confidently using basic techniques and strategies.

Writing: A Competent writer produces clear, well-structured texts, though their work may lack the flair or depth of a more experienced author.

Expert (4)

You’ve reached an advanced level. You’re highly skilled and can tackle difficult tasks that would challenge most others. Your expertise is evident, and people might seek your advice.

Linguistics: An Expert linguist fluently speaks several languages and translates complex texts with ease.

Medicine: An Expert doctor can diagnose and treat rare conditions, catching symptoms that others miss.

Music Composition: An Expert composer creates intricate, emotionally resonant pieces that captivate audiences.

Negotiation: An Expert negotiator skillfully navigates complex deals, securing favorable outcomes even in difficult circumstances.

Swordsmanship: An Expert swordsman deftly parries and strikes with precision, capable of defeating most opponents in combat.

Authority (5)

You’re a master of this trait, the best of the best. Others look to you as a leader or mentor in this area, and your skills are nearly unmatched.

Culinary Arts: An Authority chef sets new culinary trends and teaches aspiring chefs globally, known for their innovative and flawless dishes.

Engineering: An Authority engineer designs revolutionary structures or machines, leading groundbreaking projects that change the field.

History: An Authority on ancient history is recognized worldwide, able to recall obscure details and make insightful connections that others miss.

Music Performance: An Authority musician commands the stage, performing with such skill and emotion that audiences are left in awe, setting the standard in their genre.

Swordsmanship: An Authority swordsman is a legendary figure, able to defeat even the most skilled opponents with ease and grace.

Variety of Traits

It’s important to remember that characters are complex and multifaceted, just like real people. No one is good at everything, and everyone has a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. Your character might be an Authority (5) in one area, like swordsmanship, but only a Beginner (1) in another, like cooking. This range of traits adds depth to your character, making them more realistic and giving you a full canvas to explore their abilities and limitations.

These trait ratings serve as the foundation for how your character interacts with the world. Whether you’re trying to convince a guard to let you pass, decipher an ancient text, or win a duel, your traits determine the number of dice you roll, giving you a better chance of success in areas where your character is strong.

The Lightspress Handbook isn’t just another rulebook. This is a reimagining of what roleplaying can be, challenging the norms and redefining how we think about storytelling in games. Forget the flashy mechanics designed to impress; this book strips things down to what truly matters: playing your characters and crafting their stories. Whether you’re exploring the intricate landscapes of traditional fantasy, venturing into the unknown in space opera, uncovering secrets in a gritty crime drama, or getting lost in the cozy charm of cottagecore fantasy, The Lightspress Handbook offers a universal, adaptable approach that fits almost any genre. It’s especially designed for those who are eager to dive into genres left in the shadows, like dark academia and magical realism.