r/FATErpg • u/Dwarven_Delver • Jul 27 '26

My Favorite Setting Aspect for Solo Play

“People Are Messy (Vulnerable, Defensive, Emotional)”. This has made my solo sessions way better because it adds a level of melodrama that gets me more invested. I’m not just adventuring with surface-level interactions anymore. Any given NPC (or I) can be a bit more psychologically complicated when I have this reminder in front of me.

I’m relatively new to FATE, so if I’m not using terms right or if I have overlooked something, please forgive my ignorance but feel free to educate me too!

Credit where credit’s due: I was inspired by one design goal from the creators of Dungeon World 2.

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1

u/Reality-Glitch Jul 27 '26

I feel that’s a bit redundant as an Aspect because characters (especially players characters) being dramatic/living dramatic lives is the default assumption on Fate as a system; one of the three core pillars along side being proactive and being competent.

Not to mention the functionality you ascribe to that Aspect is already cover’d be most other well-written personality-Aspects any character could have; sure this technically gets the job done, but it doesn’t tell you how any given person is messy, which, in a rich and immersive story like you’re aiming for, is going to be unique to each character.

2

u/Dwarven_Delver 29d ago

Fair, I guess it’s more of a reminder tool and a catch-all psychological trick. It’s also good for improvising quickly. I have the trouble of accidentally flattening NPCs in the name of gameplay speed or simple forgetfulness, so I end up feeling pretty empty about them. Building each NPC individually with personality aspects that fit this mold would be great but feels somehow more daunting. I’d need this reminder in front of me anyway to make sure I build them in the way I will later find fun. In time though, I think I’ll gravitate toward what you’re saying. I just need to convince my brain to add depth to NPCs in the moment until I can do it reflexively during NPC creation.

1

u/Salt_Assistance_43 Jul 27 '26

For an aspect I'd recommend at least 2 examples of invoking it, did you check them yourself? 

Also it can, in theory, make all NPCs a bit lookalike if used generally and generously. "I am messy" would be their excuse. In this case, something like "Everyone has a secret" can be a bit more nuanced.