Aspects record associations, reputations, relationships, and other situational truths created by a character's behavior. Each aspect is recorded as a named percentage-point bonus, such as Religion A +5% or Famous in Blackwater +15%.
An aspect is not a stat or trained skill. It modifies a roll only when the association materially affects the situation.
Write every aspect as <aspect name> +N%. The name must identify the association clearly enough for the GM to decide when it applies.
When behavior strengthens or weakens an association, the GM changes its percentage-point bonus. For example, publicly leading a forbidden prayer might increase Religion A +5% to Religion A +6%.
An aspect change does not replace the normal check for the action. In this example, the character still makes the usual Persuasion check to lead and inspire the townsfolk; the aspect records the resulting association with Religion A.
Aspect rolls use the standard Roll Check, not a separate d20 roll-under subsystem. When an aspect helps the acting character:
adjusted result = converted percentile roll + total check bonus + applicable aspect bonusIf the association makes the situation harder, apply its bonus to the opposing side of a contested roll or increase the DC by that amount. When several aspects describe the same advantage, use only the highest applicable aspect bonus unless a rule explicitly says they stack.
To determine whether someone recognizes an association, make a standard check against a percentage DC and add the relevant aspect bonus. The GM selects the stat and skill appropriate to how it could be recognized. The standard outcome margin determines the quality of the result.
When associations oppose one another, each side makes a normal contested roll and adds its applicable aspect bonus. Compare the resulting totals. There are no special aspect zones.
For example, Religion A +5% might help identify a forbidden religious connection, while Famous in Blackwater +15% helps the character be recognized for a different public identity. Each bonus applies to the side and approach it actually supports.
Aspect growth should use diminishing returns: small reputations form easily, while influential or widespread associations require increasingly significant actions.
The exact award schedule, maximum bonus, decay rules, and advancement thresholds remain to be defined.