Reputation

 Reputation System Supplemental Rules

Reputation is a replacement for the alignment system you find in most TTRPGs. It is a collection of self-identifying labels that serve as unique skill checks that pertain only to your characters' lived experiences. It is a tool that your DM can use to help reward narrative growth and encourage you to expand upon what it means to be your character.

How is it applied?

During character creation, instead of assigning an alignment (or your chosen TTRPG equivalent), you are instead assigned a Reputation Label for each level. As you progress, you gain a new label at each level.

What are Reputation Labels?

Put simply, they do what they say on the tin! That is to say that each label is a one or two-word identifying trait that your character possesses. These labels can be thematic, subjective, grounded, or even problematic! They are guidelines for how others see your character, or even how you might see yourself.

For example, Dave the Half-Orc Barbarian's Reputation Labels might be; 

Brave, Intimidating, Poetic.

How does this affect gameplay?

Just like skill checks, your identifies impact rolls that relate to their meaning. In the case of Dave the Half-Orc Barbarian, when being chased down by the mighty red dragon, Dave is given a bonus to his resistance to being frightened for each label he has acquired. Similary if Dave were to dish out some slam dunk poetry, he'd also receive this bonus.

How and when this bonus is applied is up to the DM. However, beware! This bonus can also serve as a penalty when going against an established trait. For example, if Dave had a Reputation Label as being 'Honest,' then the DM may apply the trait modifier as a negative against the roll.

Earning reputation

As well as assigning yourself a label at each level, your DM may assign them to you as you progress in the story.

For example, after saving the town, Dave is given the 'Folk-Hero' label for his good deed.

This can be used as a reward for positive or negative character growth to help expand on who a character is.

Negative reputation

You're repuation isn't only positive traits. You can also be assigned negative ones. Usually by others, though nothing is stopping you from giving them to yourself!

These labels might include things such as: Dishonest, liar, bad kisser, evil, clumsy, etc.

These labels are, of course, subjective. If you're playing an evil campaign, perhaps these qualities are actually a positive for you. Regardless, people will treat you in accordance with your labels, so it's a game of fostering the qualities you want others to see in you!

Party reputation

Reputation labels, though assigned invidually might be rewarded to you as a group. Especially if the party has achieved some heroic (or horrific) great deed. These labels might even help you find work, or deter some from dealing with you. Labels are also a good way to progress your standing within guilds and other factions. Helping your DM assess your standing with certain groups.

What labels should I give myself?

Think of reputation labels like goals. What do I want my character to achieve narratively? Perhaps they are a fighter, and being labelled as 'Sturdy' would be useful. Or you prefer the social sabotage of a indepth roleplay, and being labelled as 'Illustrious' would help you smooth-talk your way to the top. Or maybe you like the practical side of things and take on a label as 'Good Hunter'. 

Whatever your labels may be, they encapsulate what it means to be you, and what you'd like to be skilled at that falls outside of typical TTRPG ruling.