Non-specific Meta-Characteristic bonuses?

Something criticized on the old mailing list was that the one-to-one correspondence between Ka-elements and mundane Characteristics was too much like GURPS, when the lore itself specifies that all the elements have physical, mental and spiritual manifestations.

In the French 5e, this was written into the rules for task resolution. There are no longer Characteristic rolls: instead, "Experiences" (a consolidation of Skills and Past Lives) are always rolled for all tasks. However, Nephilim may use an "Approach" to apply a bonus to an action based on a relevant Ka-element. These don't map to specific uses like Fire for strength or Water for dexterity. Instead, each Ka-element represents an approach to how the task is resolved (hence the name).

Each element represents a different approach. Fire is for blatancy, brute force, recklessness, etc. Air is for analysis, planning, prudence, using knowledge, etc. Water is for adaptation, flexibility, circumventing problems, imitation, etc. Earth is for defense, protecting, taking hits, etc. Moon is for charm, cunning, deceit, etc. Even Black Moon has its own approach for manipulating emotions, like fear or intimidation, and Imago Aspects may be associated with specific approaches upon purchase too (compare the Meta-Maneuvers linked to Metamorphosis in my last post on the subject).

I find this more interesting than the original Meta-Characteristic mechanic, and I would like to integrate it into my campaign rules in the future. Since 3e changes Meta-Characteristics to a consciously activated power, it would be easy to re-flavor those rules to use the 5e style of approaches.

Hope you enjoyed!

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