Themes represent ways in which a Character may develop their abilities further as they gain levels within an Archetype.
Whereas Archetypes focus on a Character’s narrative role, your Theme represents ways in which your Character may excel in a particular aspect of that Archetype or perhaps introduce features which reflect a particular genre or fantasy through that Archetype.
Note that some Themes are only available in certain Fantasies and Settings.
For a List of Themes, see the Themes Page.
Basic Themes
The “Basic Themes” represent the simplest possible set of features a Character may gain while remaining as capable as Characters which choose Themes which grant them more complex features orientated towards a more specific Theme.
They are well-suited to Players who wish to make a simple a Character as possible, however they are also useful for Diversified Characters where Players want to limit the full scope of complexity such Characters may cause.
Generic Themes
Some Themes are accessible to multiple Archetypes as they explore a Theme which is relevant all them. For example, the Fighter Theme is available to all Martial Archetypes.
If a Character gains access to multiple Themes, they cannot pick the same Theme multiple times even if the Archetype allows them to choose that Theme.
Specific Themes
Many Themes are accessible only to specific Archetypes, and typically enhance features specific to those Archetypes.
It is worth keeping in mind the Specific Themes an Archetype may grant you access to when initially choosing an Archetype, and you may wish to reflect the choice of Theme you intend to make at higher levels through your Character’s Backstory.
Changing Themes
When you Level Up, you may wish to change a Theme you gained for another one available to your Character. This might represent a change in their outlook in relation to their Archetype, or some other dramatic change to their Character.
When you Change your Theme, ensure that all features related to the Theme you previously had are removed, and add the features granted by your new Theme.
Next Steps
By this point you should know everything you need to know in order to Make a Character.
The rest of the Character Building series concerns specific lists you may wish to choose from, including Archetypes, Ancestries, Backgrounds, Perks, Themes, Skills, Tools and Languages.