Trait Usage Question : Opinion ask

[Hammock]

My group is still struggling a bit to find the right amount to use traits... I thought I would ask folks opinions on this one to see if their was already a public consensus on the options.

A character (Beorning) has both the Determined and Hardy traits...

How often, (and what mechanic) would you allow the character to apply these traits to their Fatigue (Travel) Tests? And would you apply it differently on based on the difficulty of the Tests?

Thanks.

[Indur Dawndeath]

I would not allow it on travel fatigue rolls, because I want the Hazard episodes. But I would allow in on forced march tests and possibly reduce TN for the Fatigue rolls.

Cheers

[Falenthal]

There are a few threads on this subject:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3188&hilit=trait+travel+hardy

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3726&hilit=trait+travel+hardy

I think all the different opinions are summarized there, with reasons for each option.

Take a look and choose whatever fits you and your group better. Or try different ones in different adventures and ask your players what rule feels more comfortable and natural.

[Cawdorthane]

This point has come up in various other threads. Many people advocate a simple fix (with which I agree ) to only permit each Trait or Distinctive Feature to be used once per scene or encounter or in a series of prolonged tests; i.e. over a prolonged series of journey Travel related fatigue tests, only the first such Trait use by a companion would create an auto success.

Always remember, a Companion using a Trait for auto-success misses the chance of a better than ordinary success and will have no chance to gain an Advancement point any way. Thus they pay a price for their auto-success, it only seems free superficially....

Also I think it is better as LM not to nerf particular Traits or Distinctive Features. I try to encourage companions to take at least one fairly widely useable Trait or Distinctive Feature at character design stage. And in play I would also always be generous as to the use of other more narrow or specific Traits or Distinctive Features.

Middle Earth is dangerous enough for companions as it is, we LM's can afford to be generous with Trait use, and you can always apply a particularly favoured Hazard episode as a mini adventure anyway....

cheers
Mark

[Hermes Serpent]

I allow them as often as the player wishes to. They don't get an AP if they get an autosuccess with a trait and soon realise that they will fall behind in terms of skills if they go for the autosuccess of a Trait Invocation.

[zedturtle]

I allow them as often as the player wishes to. They don't get an AP if they get an autosuccess with a trait and soon realise that they will fall behind in terms of skills if they go for the autosuccess of a Trait Invocation.

I used to struggle with this question and now my answer is the same as HS.

[Rich H]

Perhaps this guide will help the OP too: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/795 ... 0Usage.pdf