Let me take a moment to sing the praises of long aspects.
I love clever, pithy aspects, but too often a clever turn of phrase trumps clarity. People often ask me "I want an aspect that conveys X, any ideas?" and I'll help, but honestly, the right answer is usually X.
I love clever, pithy aspects, but too often a clever turn of phrase trumps clarity. People often ask me "I want an aspect that conveys X, any ideas?" and I'll help, but honestly, the right answer is usually X.
No, "Youngest child of a family of famous monster hunters who has been trained since birth in the family business but has NO INTEREST in pursuing it" doesn't roll off the tongue, but you know what? That will be a FREAKING AMAZING aspect in play.
The most important thing about an aspect is that it be interesting and fun for you. The *next* most important thing is that it be clear. Even if part of that clarity is fuzziness or uncertainty("Friend or Foe?") - intentional uncertainty is vastly preferable to accident.
Be as concise as you can be, but if it takes you more words to get the idea across, then *DON'T SWEAT IT*. You can always tune up the language better, especially after you and the table have more effective shorthand.
One reason I mention this is that while it's totally reasonable to set up two aspects in conflict, it can be even better to have the conflict exist *within* one aspect. I could easily split that monster hunter aspect into 2+ terse ones, but that obscures my intent.
Further tip: You are entirely free to come up with your own shorthand.
If someone were to come to me with that monster aspect and just end it with (Prodigal), then we now have a conversational hook, since I can refer to the long string as "Prodigal" rather than say it every time
If someone were to come to me with that monster aspect and just end it with (Prodigal), then we now have a conversational hook, since I can refer to the long string as "Prodigal" rather than say it every time
And this comes to a meta point: What is the difference between that long aspect and, say, "Prodigal Monster Hunter"?
If everyone at the table gets what that aspect means? Then there's no difference.
But if it's uncertain or unclear? That's where language matters.
If everyone at the table gets what that aspect means? Then there's no difference.
But if it's uncertain or unclear? That's where language matters.
I'm on a tear about this because I occasional encounter a Fate player who is WONDERFUL and CREATIVE with FANTASTIC IDEAS who jams themselves up because their aspects aren't "good enough".
That is bullshit, and no one ever needs to feel that way.
That is bullshit, and no one ever needs to feel that way.
(Caveat to be clear: I am 100% not *complaining* about short aspects. They are also awesome, and if you *enjoy* the wordcrafting, then absolutely wade in and craft away! But never feel like you *must* do it, or that you can't play your idea because it's insufficiently pithy.)
