4.1.1 Characteristics
The characteristics system allows you to define physical traits about your character - things like eye colour, hair, build, height, and more. These traits are displayed when someone looks at you or glances your way, giving a quick snapshot of your most notable features. Type CHARACTER by itself to see all available fields and what you currently have them set to. The fields available to you are determined by your race. Upon achieving an endgame race (e.g. Azudim, Idreth, Yeleni), all fields become available. Setting Characteristics ----------------------- Almost all fields are entirely freeform, so you can write whatever you like within the character limit. We do provide a list of race-appropriate suggestions which you can view with CHARACTER OPTIONS <field>, but these are just suggestions. * CHARACTER SET <field> <value> Set a characteristic. e.g. CHARACTER SET EYES sparkling blue eyes * CHARACTER CLEAR <field> Remove a characteristic. Height ------ Height is handled a little differently from other characteristics. Rather than freeform text, you provide a measurement which is validated against your race's natural range. * CHARACTER SET HEIGHT <number> <cm|ft|in> e.g. CHARACTER SET HEIGHT 170 cm e.g. CHARACTER SET HEIGHT 5 ft 8 in e.g. CHARACTER SET HEIGHT 67 in * CHARACTER OPTIONS HEIGHT View the height range for your race. When someone looks at you, they will see a relative comparison based on their own height (e.g. "She is noticeably taller than you.") rather than a raw number. You will need to set your own height to see these comparisons on others. Verbose Descriptions -------------------- If you want to add extra flavour to a particular trait, you can set a verbose description. When someone looks at you, they will see a hint that there is more to examine, and they can take a closer look with LOOK <person> <field>. * CHARACTER SET VERBOSE <field> <description> Set a verbose description on a trait. e.g. CHARACTER SET VERBOSE EYES A dim sadness lingers behind her gaze, as though something weighs upon her thoughts. * CHARACTER CLEAR VERBOSE <field> Remove a verbose description. Note that height does not support verbose descriptions. Viewing Others -------------- * CHARACTER <person> View all of someone's visible characteristics. * LOOK <person> <field> Take a closer look at a specific trait, revealing its verbose description if one has been set. * QL <person> Glance at someone to see their race and visible characteristics without a full LOOK. Endgame / Ascended Races ------------------------- Those who have achieved an endgame race gain access to all characteristic fields regardless of racial restrictions. However, you may only display up to six characteristics on your look at a time. Use the following commands to choose which ones are visible: * CHARACTER SHOW <field> Display a characteristic when others look at you. * CHARACTER HIDE <field> Hide a characteristic from your look. Derived Characteristics ----------------------- Some characteristics cannot be set directly and are instead derived from other systems. These will appear automatically when the relevant conditions are met. For example: * Scent - Derived from the perfumery system. Apply a perfume or cologne and it will show up as a visible trait. * Pelt - Derived from shapeshifting. Your pelt will display when you are in a mutated form. Additional Notes ---------------- * Suggested options from CHARACTER OPTIONS are just that - suggestions. You are free to write your own values within the character limit for each field. See also: HELP DESCRIPTION, HELP ATTIRE