Quirks and Flaws are the icing on the cake when it comes to character creation, and are interesting features about your character that can't easily be represented through Skills. Quirks are advantages that your character has and may be actively employed, whereas Flaws hinder your character and will tend to strike without warning.

Quirks and Flaws may be purchased at Character Creation, though both may be acquired or lost through gameplay (though not through Character Advancement).

At game start you may take 1 free Quirk (+), followed by up to 3 further Quirks so long as each is offset by a Flaw (-). You may also take additional Flaws, regardless of the number of Quirks, up to 5 Flaws in total. Unless specified, you may only take a Quirk or Flaw once. Quirks/Flaws designated by (+/-) count as one Quirk AND one Flaw towards your totals.

Playstyle Quirks listed at the bottom of the page are completely free and do not count towards your totals. They can be used to tell the GM team a bit about how we should handle your character and interpret their actions in case of ambiguity. You can take as many of these as you like, and can freely add or remove them at any point over the course of the game.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the GM team.

These quirks and flaws reflect your own personality or personal history.

Adaptive (+)

“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.”

Jaques (As You Like It, William Shakespeare)

While many Muses find that their role in a Vignette is fixed once it's begun, you're able to switch between parts once at will once things are up and running. It might not make things go entirely your way, and other Muses won't like being pushed out of things, but you'll certain have more options!

Back From the Brink (-)

You once came dangerously close to Fading, and it has left you scarred. The prospect of Fading terrifies you, and may cause you to act irrationally if you feel threatened.

Bullet Magnet (-)

“We've already established whoever is writing us is an asshole.”

Ensign Jasper Hester (Redshirts, John Scalzi)

No matter where you are, or what you are doing, when trouble kicks off you are somehow always on the receiving end of it. At least that's how it feels. If you take this flaw, you are not more likely to end up taking fatal damage, but any ruckus that goes on around is much more likely to rebound onto to you.

Deckbuilder (+)

The best sources of Tropes are out in Vignettes and Far Dream, but occasionally they appear closer to home, too, and you're often lucky enough to find them. You get one free Trope Card per turn, in addition to whatever you get from actions.

Extra (+/-)

There's the BORING way of doing things, and then there's YOUR way of doing things: with FLAIR and PIZZAZZ. It may not always be the safest approach, but attention is what Muses need, and attention is what you get.

Fading (TWO -)

Jo hasn't thought of you in a while, and even though everyone's collective Juice is low, you find your powers especially weak. If you take this flaw, you'll be Fading, which means you're losing your Creative Juices. You'll probably want to do something about this before it gets worse!

(If you ignore this it will gradually effect you more seriously, and your character will eventually become unplayable.)

Fashionably Late (+)

How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?

How did it get so late so soon? (Dr. Seuss)

You bide your time in using your Skills. Your intentions will be some of the last to transpire across the Dreamscape and Impressions, which means you tend to get the last say.

(Cannot be taken with Quick Thinker.)

Old School (-)

Fancy Juicetronic inventions and new fangled tech is lost on you. You're a Muse dammit! Your powers are rooted in changing story and making an impact on Jo; no more, no less. You are less capable than normal at understanding the dynamics of the Juice Vat, portable Juice batteries, mining tools, vehicles that traverse Dream and other devices that require Juice to power.

Once Censored (-)

“Yes, books are dangerous. They should be dangerous — they contain ideas.”

Pete Hautman

Though you've been welcomed back into society (at least by some), your ideas were just too radical for most Muses to deal with - so they Censored you. You'll have the outline of the word “CENSORED” somewhere visible on your body. You may or may not have had a traumatic experience with Censorship (though please let us know either way).

Quick Thinker (+)

“Devil’s Snare, Devil’s Snare… what did Professor Sprout say? — it likes the dark and the damp —”
“So light a fire!” Harry choked.
“Yes — of course — but there’s no wood!” Hermoine cried, wringing her hands.
“HAVE YOU GONE MAD?” Ron bellowed. “ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (J. K. Rowling)

You are unusually fast to unleash your narrative powers upon a Vignette. Your intentions will be some of the first to affect the Dreamscape and Impressions, which allows you to get in early.

(Cannot be taken with Fashionably Late.)

Resources (+)

In these volatile times, wealth is more important than ever - and you've got a little something stashed away. You start the game with 6 Trope Cards. You may suggest vague preferences for these, though you can't be specific.

Wanderlust (-)

Thank you for the adventure, now go have your own. Ellie, in writing - Up (Pixar)

You just can't sit still in Spindle. You thrive being in Vignettes and beyond the city of Muses. If you haven't left in a while you get antsy. This makes actions taken in Spindle less effective if you haven't visited Vignettes or Impressions in a while.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (-)

“This is one of the safest planets I know, there is never anything dangerous here!”

(ground rumbles)

The Doctor (Doctor Who)

Well, what could? Your planning's on point, everyone's in the right place and you've got your target just where you want them. There's nothing that you might have missed so what is there to worry about?

OC: This will often hit at unexpected and inconvenient times, though we will always aim to ensure things fail in a fun way!

Why Are You Like This? (-)

You have one non-human part gained as you have matured as a Muse. This might be biological, mechanical or otherwise, but it must be related to your personality and Ideal. You may choose what it looks like, but seeing as it is non-human in a mostly humanoid world, it is difficult to maintain, use and and can be clumsy in unforeseen ways.

These quirks and flaws reflect a relationship you have with others.

Allies (+)

“I made a promise, Mr. Frodo… a promise. “Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.” And I don't mean to… I don't mean to.”

Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

They've got your back through thick and thin, and will help out wherever (and however) they can, though it's usually not a good idea to push them too far! They might be specialists from your faction or just a few friends you've made in Spindle, but what's important is that they're there for you.

Booed (-)

There is a particular Vignette in which you really messed up in the past, as a result these Impressions remember. And they remember just how much they don't like you. If you aren't careful they'll start spreading rumours about your shoddy work - or worse.

Dark Secret (-)

Secrets,
running over my soul without sound,
only when dawn comes tip-toeing
ushered by a suave wind,
and dreams disintegrate
like breath shapes in frosty air,
I shall overhear you, bare-foot,
scatting off into the darkness…
I shall know you, secrets
by the litter you have left
and by your bloody foot-prints.

Secrets (Lola Ridge)

You're hiding something, and you don't want anybody to know about it. Not anyone that doesn't already know, at least… and that's the problem. If someone blows your cover who knows what might happens? It could be Censorship, or worse…

Owed a Favour (+)

Someone you know owes you one, and you won't let them forget it. Call it in at some point and they'll help you out however they can.

Powerful Enemy (-)

“You poor, simple fools, thinking you could defeat me. Me! The mistress of evil.”

Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Someone dislikes you. Someone with influence and power. Whether they're another Muse with a friendly rivalry or an Impression who sees you as their nemesis, they're going to do something about it. And you're not going to like it.

Responsibility (-)

You hold a great deal of responsibility for someone… or something. It might be a younger Muse you've taken on as your protégé or you might be a community leader; but whatever it is, if you neglect it for too long things might start to go wrong.

These quirks and flaws reflect your own ability to use Tropes.

Adroit (+)

You just have a knack of knowing when certain archetypes would come in handy, and play them at just the right time. Archetype Tropes are more effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Awkward.)

Awkward (-)

You often lose track of what's needed, or get muddled up when trying to shape Vignettes in a certain way. Archetype Tropes are less effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Adroit.)

Clumsy (-)

For some reason you always drop what you need at the critical moment, or things get jumbled in your pocket and you pull out the wrong thing. Object Tropes are less effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Deft.)

Combatant (+)

You're good at picking your fights, and whatever you're wielding you always manage to get the upper hand. Armoury Tropes are more effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Wrekt.)

Deft (+)

You've got skilful hands - or feet, or appendages… it doesn't really matter, as problems melt like butter when you point the right thing at it - which you always seem to do. Object Tropes are more effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Clumsy.)

Follower (-)

Some people just know exactly how to shape things to get what they what, but not you. You're always one (or three) steps behind, catching up as best you can. Narrative Device Tropes are less effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Innovator.))

Innovator (+)

You know what you want and how to get it - you'll be writing your own Magnus Opus before long! Narrative Device Tropes are more effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Follower.)

Wrekt (-)

No matter how hard you try - no matter what you try and pull out of your deck - fights tend to go against you. Armoury Tropes are less effective when you use them.

(Cannot be taken with Combatant.)

These quirks and flaws are faction-specific.

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of the Academy of Thought.

Beat Cop (-)

You're a newbie, or maybe you've been knocked down a peg or two after spilling your tea on Principal Inquistive Morta Lipwig. Either way, you don't start the game as Inquisitive Praefectus; you're simply an Inquisitive.

(Cannot be taken with Sergeant Pepper.)

Flash the Badge (+)

Inquisitives need to cover important stories and thus sometimes in restricted areas - they even have a Badge to prove it. Though you won't be able to go anywhere, you'll certainly be allowed in places above your rank.

Forever an Intern (+/-)

Blindly following orders is a key part of an Inquisitive's job. However it seems that you've attracted the attention of someone up above who thinks you are the best person to dictate a specific assignment or even outcome of a scenario. You must be seen to strive to achieve this, or suffer the consequences.

Goody Two-Shoes (-)

Academy Inquisitives are beacons of honesty and peace amongst the people. Therefore, they suffer greater social consequences for shady or any less-than-noble thoughts or activities.

Sergeant Pepper (+)

Be it good work, or time served, you're more accomplished than the average Inquisitve. Rather than an Inquisitive Praefectus, you start the game as a Head Inquisitive.

(Cannot be taken with Beat Cop.)

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of Food For Thought.

A Good Listener (+)

You spend so much time in Food For Thought, it is difficult for you not to hear things that are meant to be secret. Every turn you will receive a random piece of information or a rumour.

A Secret Recipe (+)

You understand the art unique to Food For Thought - the condensation of thoughts into taste. You know how to code information into food that can be translated back once partaken of. You can, usually, pass on information easily without drawing suspicion - though of course that's dependent on the circumstance. After all, there is surely nothing suspicious about gifting your friend some cookies, right?

I'm Only Telling You… (-)

Somehow you are just not very good at keeping secrets. Something you've only told one person always manages to get spread through the whole of the Dreamscape. You just can't keep your mouth shut.

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of the Free Idea Forum.

Covert Agent (+)

You've managed to take a position of responsibility in another faction from which you can further the goals of FREEDOM!

Person of Interest (-)

They're onto you, and you know it. Someone snitched, or maybe you fucked up, and while they don't have the evidence they need… yet, the Academy of Thought are out to get you.

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of Jommunity.

Bad Reputation (-)

Your ideas are not well supported within Jommunity, and as a result the Jodom doesn't trust you and Jofluencers will be more hesitant to collaborate with you. Let us know what your ideas are, and why people don't like them.

Head Honcho (+/-)

You have a small business that you run within Jommunity, complete with a space, products, merch and a couple of Impression staff members. Let us know something about it, though if you leave it unattended it may evolve in unforseen ways.

#sponsored (+)

You have a space within Jo TV to promote whatever product or service you wish, or spread any message you fancy! Let us know what these are!

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of Nightmare Fuel Weather Station.

Cartographer (+)

It feels like your soul is pulling you in the right direction. It may look like an ordinary wardrobe to everyone else, but somehow, to you, it's something more… You have a better sense of where Transitions lie in Vignettes and what they may contain.

Juicetronic Invention (+)

You have access to a unique Juice powered invention that has yet to be released to the public. While Muses may wield any invention that can possibly be created in this world, usage of inventions that threaten the peace of Dream can and will be prosecuted by the Academy of Thought. Let us know what it is, though.

Some examples of possible purposes for inventions:

• Project a hologram of the contents of a Trope Card.
• Temporarily close a Transition.
• Detect nearby large quantities of Juice.

Well-Travelled (+)

Through your travels you have once visited a long-lost Vignette or discovered a Trope mine that the public doesn't know about yet.

X days without incident (-)

Working in close proximity to the Juice Battery on a daily basis means that when accidents happen, staff tend to feel the brunt of its effects. This makes the Muse more susceptible to the side-effects of Juice experiment malfunctions that may not be your fault.

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of Pure Inspiration.

Curator (+/-)

You are a Curator at the Exhibition Hall and have some sway over which creations get featured. You therefore have more control than most about what gets brought to the forefront of Jo's attention. However, you will also be under considerable pressure from those within Pure Inspiration - and outside it, should your position be more widely known - over which pieces do, or don't, get displayed.

Trendsetter (+)

You have both an innate sense of style and a charm which makes others want to emulate you - and perhaps even a dedicated group of fans. From appearance and clothing choices to trends in Vignette alteration, you find it easier than most to influence the Next Big Thing.

You may only take these quirks and flaws if you are a member of Union.

Dark Materials (+)

“TIMBERRRRRRRRRR!”

Union workers get all the dangerous jobs, but you have a knack for telling when things are about to explode. You're more likely to escape unscathed from problems with heavy machinery, cave-ins and accidental Vignette de-activations.

Homies (+)

“An injury to one is an injury to all!”

David Coates; slogan taken up by General-Secretary Johanna

If you're in danger, you're not in danger alone. Union looks after its own, and scrappy bands of workin' folks have a tendency to appear in the most improbable circumstances when you are in danger, eager to fight by your side or provide powerful moral support. While similar to the Allies Quirk, this ability is less easy to call on intentionally (rather, your comrades will appear when you are in danger), but the minions and fellow-workers it summons are willing to put down their lives on the line for you.

Mad Gains (+)

You've been working in the mines all your life, and you're pretty damn good at it by now. You have the strength to extract Tropes where others couldn't, so any time you spend collecting Tropes will have greater yields than what others would get.

Organiser (+/-)

You are secretary, leader, counsellor and advocate for a particularly rowdy group of Union members who are keen on managing from below. They will approach you and expect you to deal with their problems - sometimes professional, often personal. They are annoying, but they’ll come through for you with information, resources and support in your hour of direst need.

Rustic etiquette (-)

Your Union homies always speak their minds, and don't let protecting feelings get in the way of clear communication. When you're interacting with other people, though, this is often misinterpreted as rudeness, and conversely, you sometimes misinterpret the sorts of social signals the haughty socialites use, too.

These quirks don't count towards your totals in either direction. They don't represent in-character traits or abilities, but serve to indicate to the GMs what sort of game you want. If you wish to change your choices about these quirks after game start, feel free to ask your GM.

Hit Me Harder (0)

Taking this quirk indicates that you wish to play the game on hard mode. You wish your encounters with new dangers to be more dangerous, and possibly more dramatic; you accept that it is slightly easier for your character to have an epic death or to come away from an encounter with more injuries.

Make Me Cry (0)

Though your encounters may not be more dangerous per se, the effects of them are likely to affect you more, and it's more likely that you'll experience grief, trauma or something else that'll make you want to curl up into a ball and cry.

Mindbender (0)

Characters with this quirk may be subject to mind-controlling effects. We will avoid this happening to player characters otherwise, but there may still be roleplaying effects from things that alter your mental state, which will take the form of suggestions (e.g. “you feel happier than usual”).

Romanceless (0)

If you have this quirk, NPCs will not try to initiate romances with your character. Not taking the quirk doesn't necessarily imply that it will happen; only that it might if we think it makes sense.