Motivations
A character motivation is a recurring, pivotal goal or drive. It reflects beliefs, creeds, codes of honor, compulsive behaviors, dreams, hopes, inner demons, vices, or virtues that can inconvenience or even endanger the character during gameplay. At creation, a player creates a motivation for their character, possibly more if the GM allows. Collaborate with your GM and fellow players to ensure your motivations fit the campaign context and party dynamics.
Complications
GMs use motivations as plot hooks. For example, a character may see a goblin quest on a quest board and choose not to take it but an NPC sees them turn it down and laughs saying, "Guess you're scared of a few goblins," thus provoking the character's compulsive need to prove that they are brave and capable. Once the motivation is provoked, the character chooses to fulfill the motivation by adding the goblin quest to their list of aspirations or reject the motivation.
Fulfilling a motivation gives them +1 surge while rejecting it gives them a Breaking Point.
Example Motivations
Addiction: You struggle with a powerful dependency—be it substance, thrill, or obsession—that constantly calls you back. Indulging it may bring relief or power, but resisting it in critical moments reveals hard-won strength.
Ambition: Greatness calls to you. Whether mastery, renown, or dominion, you relentlessly pursue the chance to rise above others and carve your name into legend.
Balance: You seek harmony in a world of extremes, championing the downtrodden and restoring order to broken systems, even when doing so complicates the “right” choice.
Bravado: You refuse to shrink from danger or challenge. Every dare, threat, or test of courage is an opportunity to prove that your grit is stronger than fear.
Chaos: Rules are chains meant to be broken. You delight in shattering rigid systems and stirring upheaval, believing that progress is born from disruption.
Curiosity: Secrets call to you like a siren’s song. Forbidden lore, hidden passages, and ancient mysteries tempt you to look deeper—even when caution warns otherwise.
Destruction: Ruin and upheaval bring you purpose. You seek to topple structures, shatter peace, and unleash devastation simply because you can.
Duty: You are bound by oath, tradition, or sacred obligation. When that duty calls—whether to lord, order, faith, or homeland—you feel compelled to answer.
Empathy: The pain of others resonates deeply within you. When you see someone suffering a hardship you understand, you cannot help but try to ease their burden.
Freedom: Chains, tyranny, and oppression stir your defiance. You fight fiercely to defend the right of every soul—including your own—to live unbound.
Glory: You hunger for deeds worthy of song. Slaying mighty foes, saving the innocent, and achieving the impossible are chances to immortalize your legend.
Greed: Gold glitters like destiny in your eyes. Treasure, wealth, and profit draw your attention wherever they appear, tempting you to bend rules—or break them.
Hatred: A deep-seated animosity burns within you toward a chosen foe. Whether subtle sabotage or open hostility, you rarely miss an opportunity to harm them.
Honor: Your life is guided by an unyielding code. Insults, betrayal, or broken promises demand response, even when defending your honor puts you in danger.
Hope: You refuse to surrender to despair. In dark times, you strive to uplift others and kindle the belief that tomorrow can still be better.
Justice: Wrongs must be answered and balance restored. You pursue fair and fitting consequences, ensuring that no crime goes unanswered.
Law: Order must prevail above all else. You uphold rules, customs, and authority even when morality wavers, believing stability is the foundation of civilization.
Legacy: You yearn to leave a mark that endures beyond your lifetime. Whether through discovery, empire, or heroic deeds, you seek to shape how history remembers you.
Love: Your devotion to someone—ally, family, or beloved—guides your choices. Protecting and supporting them is a cause worth any risk.
Loyalty: Your allegiance is steadfast and unbreakable. When your companions, homeland, or cause are threatened, you stand ready to defend them without hesitation.
Malice: You take grim satisfaction in spreading misery. Ruining joy, undermining kindness, and sowing bitterness bring you a dark sense of purpose.
Peace: Violence is a last resort you strive to avoid. Through diplomacy, cunning, or clever compromise, you seek to end conflict without bloodshed.
Power: Influence and authority beckon you forward. You seek to gather followers, command respect, and build a dominion worthy of your ambition.
Pride: Your sense of superiority demands recognition. You constantly test others’ loyalty and competence to ensure your place above them remains unquestioned.
Prestige: Fame and admiration are your true currency. You pursue opportunities that will earn acclaim and ensure your name is spoken with awe.
Protection: You feel compelled to shield the vulnerable from harm. When innocents stand in danger, your instincts demand you intervene.
Redemption: Shadows from your past still linger. Each chance to right a similar wrong offers an opportunity to reclaim the person you wish you had been.
Rivalry: A rival’s shadow looms over your path. Whenever a chance arises to surpass or defeat them—or someone like them—you feel compelled to prove yourself.
Survival: Life is fragile, and you refuse to squander it. You seek security, resources, and safety above all else, reacting swiftly to threats against your well-being.
Tradition: Ancient customs and sacred practices deserve preservation. When others disregard them, you feel compelled to defend the ways of your people.
Truth: Lies and secrets gnaw at your mind. You are driven to uncover hidden knowledge, expose deception, and illuminate what others would keep buried.
Vengeance: A grievous wrong demands repayment. You relentlessly pursue those responsible, determined to see them suffer the consequences of their deeds.
Wonder: The world’s marvels fill you with awe. Lost ruins, mythical creatures, and ancient magic beckon you toward discovery, no matter the risk.