I've been working on the opposed pairs off and on for the past couple of weeks and I'm ready to share the provisional list I have. It's a mix of the original traits, our poll winners, and also logical pairs. I've designed it on an axis system, meaning that each pair will represent an axis of your MC's personality. Six opposed pairs is at the upper limit of what I'm comfortable adding, but I'm absolutely open to suggestions for tweaking/changing them to better suit the story.
1. Daring / Measured
Action Trait - Determines your MC's level of initiative and boldness.
Daring is a trait that will appeal both to Serax and players who want a more fiery/take-charge type of MC. She'll be more bold in her interactions and may take risks which sometimes pay off, other times not so much. Daring replaces Spirited.
Measured is a trait which replaces coward, because who wants to be a scaredy cat? Valdricht will prefer a measured MC who shrewdly knows when to hold her tongue and picks her battles wisely, even at the risk of being a bore.
2. Defiant / Devout
Faith Trait – Determines how your MC responds to divine authority and religious norms.
Defiant replaces Irreverent. Your MC isn't faithless, she’s simply done obeying blindly. This MC questions the divine plan and is unafraid to make her own meaning in a world full of liars wearing halos. Naturally, she'll be in good company with Serax.
Devout replaces Pious. A devout MC sees meaning in the sacred, seeks moral clarity, and often holds herself to the highest standard, even when the gods are silent. Valdricht may find her reverence nostalgic, even alluring in its contrast to his own disillusionment.
3. Cynical / Idealistic
Worldview Trait – Determines how your MC approaches trust, love, and (to a lesser extent) morality.
Cynical is a new trait, but I think a much-needed one, especially when considering the MC's backstory. A cynical MC knows better than to hope aloud. She assumes affection comes with a price and sees idealism as a luxury she can't afford. Serax may respect her cynicism as it's a trait he personifies.
Idealistic replaces Romantic. An idealistic MC sees the good in others, seeks deeper meaning in connection, and believes in redemption even for the wicked. Valdricht will lean into a idealistic MC and endeavor to shelter her from things that could dim her light.
4. Intuitive / Erudite
Cognition Trait – Determines how your MC navigates uncertainty, be it through knowledge or instinct.
Intuitive is a new trait that reflects gut-driven perception. This MC trusts her emotional current and senses what’s left unsaid. It's an alternative to perceptive, a potential trait that readers seemed to like. Serax will be drawn to her instinctive reasoning, appreciating her effort even when she falls short.
Erudite offers an intellectual counterbalance. This MC is book-smart and observant. However, she approaches the world through structured thought and learns heavily on learned knowledge rather than trusting her fickle instincts. Valdricht will admire her passion for knowledge and also buy her lots of books.
5. Stoic / Tender
Emotion Trait – Determines how your MC expresses vulnerability and handles emotional closeness.
Stoic is a new trait that reflects composure and restraint. This MC keeps her grief sealed and her longings quiet. She does not weep easily and tends to keep her feelings bottled up. But what she feels, she feels deeply--she just won’t let the world see it. Serax will press against that silence, as compelled by it in the MC as he is by Valdricht's stoicism.
Tender MCs are open and emotionally attuned. This MC speaks from the heart, and when she hurts, it shows. Her empathy is sometimes overwhelming and occasionally misplaced. Valdricht will be affected by her softness, reminded of the world before it hardened him, and feeling a fierce urge to shield what is still unbroken.
6. Provocative / Demure
Sexual Trait – Determines how your MC expresses sexual longing.
Provocative is a new trait that reflects unapologetic desire. This MC lets her gaze linger and may invite closeness with a brush of fingers or a half-spoken dare. Serax will be drawn by her hunger, eager to see just how far she’s willing to take it. Provocative will be a trait that players build over the course of sexual interactions as the MC becomes more confident, however there will be ways to move the needle in the prologue.
Demure is the counterpart, replacing coy. A demure MC is quiet, hesitant, and modest when it comes to her sexuality. This MC feels deeply, but hides it beneath laced fingers and lowered eyes. Desire feels taboo and she may struggle to give herself permission to want. Valdricht will recognize the tension in her modesty and will burn with the need to coax her out of it.
No long rambling, I'm sleeeeepy. Just want to remind you that just because Valdricht prefers an erudite MC, it doesn't mean he won't grow to appreciate an intuitive one. Likewise, a tender and idealistic MC is liable to grow on Serax after a while. Characters should reflect your tastes, not what the ROs want.
I look forward to your thoughts on the lineup.
-Mortish