How to Use This Guide
Character Traits define your character's personality, abilities, and background. Choose 5 traits during character creation that reflect your vision.
Card Tags are keywords assigned to ACEO cards (1-5 per card) that enhance narrative storytelling and mechanical interactions. Tags can be invoked by spending 1 Edge Point to make them relevant to the current scene.
Mixing Categories: Feel free to combine traits from different categories to create unique characters. A character might have combat skills, magical abilities, and social quirks all working together.
Tag Synergy: Cards with related tags can create powerful combo effects when played together, especially when their themes align with your character traits.
Character Traits Compendium
Select 5 traits during character creation to define your character's unique identity, capabilities, and story hooks.
Physical & Combat Traits
Dancer's Grace: Moves with a dancer's grace.
Unflinching: Unflinching in the face of danger.
Iron Wall: Has an unbreakable defensive stance.
Surgical Precision: Strikes with precise, surgical accuracy.
Wild Energy: Fights with an explosive, wild energy.
Improvised Armory: A master of improvised weaponry.
Intimidating Presence: Has an intimidating presence in combat.
Shadow Weave: Weaves through a crowd like smoke.
Hunter's Instinct: Knows every vulnerable point on an opponent.
Lightning Reflexes: A lightning-fast reaction time.
Surprising Burst: Possesses a surprising burst of speed.
Natural Balance: Finds their balance on any surface.
Unyielding: Can endure extreme physical hardship.
Iron Grip: Has a deceptively powerful grip.
Echo of the Blade: Can mimic the fighting style of others.
Whirlwind: A whirlwind of motion in a brawl.
Ghost Step: Their movements are silent and undetectable.
Environmental Master: Uses their environment to their advantage.
Endurance of Legend: Never seems to run out of stamina.
Deadly Shot: A deadly shot with any projectile.
Low Center: Has a low center of gravity and is hard to push.
Supernatural Agility: Their agility is almost supernatural.
Efficient Strike: Every action is a study in efficiency.
Inhuman Strength: Possesses inhuman strength.
Escape Artist: Is a master of escaping from bonds.
Quiet Confidence: They move with quiet confidence.
Primary Speed: Their speed is their primary weapon.
Expert Tracker: They are an expert at tracking.
Unwavering Stance: Never loses their footing.
Preternatural Calm: They have a preternatural calm in combat.
Deliberate Movement: Their every move is deliberate and calculated.
Cat-like Reflexes: Possesses cat-like reflexes.
Defensive Expert: An expert at defensive maneuvers.
Voice of Misdirection: Can throw their voice to misdirect.
Uncanny Balance: Possesses an uncanny sense of balance.
Momentum Master: Knows how to use momentum to amplify force.
Tempered Body: Their body is as hard as tempered steel.
Master of Subterfuge: A master of subterfuge.
Impossible Grace: They move with an almost impossible grace.
Legendary Endurance: Their endurance is a source of legend.
Universal Armory: Can wield weapons of any size.
Quiet Predator: A quiet predator on the battlefield.
Unbreakable Grip: Has an unyielding grip.
Magical & Creative Traits
Echo Sense: Can sense the echoes of old magic.
Musical Art: Hears the music in every brushstroke.
Card Speaker: Can speak to the spirits of the cards.
Emotional Art: Infuses their art with raw emotion.
Rune Speaker: Knows the true names of ancient runes.
Aura Sight: Can see the auras of magical items.
Memory Weaver: Draws power from their memories.
Pressure Forge: Their creativity flourishes under pressure.
Word Weaver: Weaves reality with a word.
Light Shaper: Can shape light and shadow with their will.
Artistic Truth: Sees the truth in every brushstroke.
Realm Artist: Their art is a window into another realm.
Essence Bender: Can manipulate the very essence of a scene.
Healing Art: Uses their art to heal and soothe.
Living Art: Their creations have a life of their own.
Spell Sense: Can feel the vibrations of distant spells.
Boundless Imagination: Their imagination is a boundless landscape.
Temporary Enchantment: Can imbue mundane objects with temporary magic.
Chaos Conduit: Possesses an innate connection to Chaos.
Empathic Sense: Can sense the emotional weight of a place.
Passion's Fuel: Their magic is fueled by their passions.
Enchanter's Knack: Has a knack for enchanting objects.
Reality Bender: Their art bends and warps reality.
True Illusionist: Can create illusions that feel real.
Wild Magic: Their magic is wild and untamed.
Forgotten Tongue: Can speak a language no one else understands.
Magical Crafter: Has a gift for crafting things with magical properties.
Animal Speaker: Can hear the thoughts of animals.
Intuitive Magic: Their intuition is a powerful magical tool.
Energy Perception: Can perceive the energy of auras.
Magic Channel: Is a channel for raw magical energy.
Card Enchantment: Can imbue a card with powerful, temporary magic.
Prophetic Art: Their art is a form of prophecy.
Emotional Magic: Their magic is fueled by their emotions.
Magical Beacon: Is a beacon of magical energy.
Trap Sense: They can sense magical traps.
Mental & Knowledge Traits
History Obsessive: An obsessive scholar of history.
Perfect Recall: Possesses perfect recall of past events.
Tactical Mind: Thinks ten steps ahead of their opponents.
Keen Eye: Has a keen eye for subtle detail.
Truth Seeker: Easily sees through lies and deception.
Rapid Learner: Learns new skills at an astonishing rate.
Haunted Past: Is haunted by a past failure.
Puzzle Master: Can solve any puzzle, given enough time.
Encyclopedic Knowledge: Has an encyclopedic knowledge of lore.
Technological Aptitude: A gift for understanding complex machines.
Analytical Mind: Has a sharp, analytical mind.
Natural Investigator: A natural investigator and detective.
Master Strategist: Is a masterful strategist.
Sixth Sense: Has a sixth sense for trouble.
Intent Reader: Can read people's true intentions.
Human Nature Expert: Possesses a deep understanding of human nature.
Flawless Logic: Their logic is cold and flawless.
Pattern Finder: Finds patterns in the most chaotic of events.
Master of Cryptology: A master of cryptology.
Uncanny Intuition: Their intuition is uncanny.
Brilliant Tactician: Is a brilliant tactician.
Fortress Memory: Their memory is a fortress.
Artifact Historian: Can deduce a story from a single artifact.
Pathfinder: Has a knack for finding hidden doors.
Supernatural Perception: Their perception borders on the supernatural.
Polyglot: Is highly proficient in multiple languages.
Connection Seeker: Can see connections no one else can.
Master of Deduction: A master of deduction.
Information Broker: Knows how to get information from anyone.
Natural Puzzler: Has a natural talent for puzzles.
Truthful Gaze: Sees the truth in a person's eyes.
Body Language Expert: Can read body language like a book.
Photographic Memory: Has a photographic memory.
Knowledge is Power: Their knowledge is their greatest weapon.
Social & Personality Traits
Silver Tongue: Silver-tongued and highly persuasive.
Loyal to a Fault: Loyal to a fault to their friends.
Loves Drama: Seeks to make every moment dramatic.
Fear of Failure: Has a deep-seated fear of failure.
Natural Leader: A natural-born leader.
Unstoppable Will: Compelled to finish what they start.
Quiet Observer: Quietly observant and introverted.
Sees the Best: Sees the best in everyone.
Thirst for Knowledge: Driven by a thirst for knowledge.
Social Master: A master of social etiquette.
Sense of Humor: Possesses an unshakeable sense of humor.
Wanderer's Heart: A wanderer at heart, never staying in one place for long.
Fame Seeker: Driven by a desire for fame and recognition.
Fierce Justice: Has a fierce sense of justice.
Simple Joys: Finds joy in the simple things in life.
Easy Friends: Easily makes friends wherever they go.
Unstoppable Force: They are an unstoppable force of will.
Deep Secret: Has a deeply-held secret.
Caretaker: Cares more about others than themselves.
Inspirational: Has a talent for inspiring hope.
Cynical Lens: Sees the world through a cynical lens.
Surprisingly Kind: Is surprisingly kind and gentle.
Thrill Seeker: Lives for the thrill of the fight.
Natural Storyteller: A natural storyteller.
Bad Liar: Is terrible at lying.
Hero's Heart: Thinks of themselves as a hero.
Optimism's Power: Their optimism is a source of power.
Passionate Collector: Has a passion for collecting rare things.
Easy Authority: Easily gets along with authority figures.
Master of Disguise: Is a master of disguise.
Natural Performer: A natural-born performer.
Infectious Charisma: Has an infectious charisma.
Adventure Seeker: Is always looking for a new adventure.
Compulsive Liar: A compulsive liar.
Animal Lover: Feels more comfortable with animals than people.
Protective Instinct: Is extremely protective of their family.
Praise Seeker: Thrives on the praise of others.
Vengeful: Is driven by a deep sense of vengeance.
Master Manipulator: A master of manipulation.
Secret Coward: Is secretly a coward.
Easy Trust: Finds it easy to trust others.
Sarcastic Wit: Has a dry, sarcastic wit.
Strict Code: Is guided by a strict personal code.
Background & Lore Traits
Fugitive: A fugitive from an ancient, forgotten order.
Elemental Connection: Has a unique connection to a specific element.
Lost Village: Learned their skills in a remote, lost village.
World-Changing Secret: Holds a secret that could change the Forge forever.
Old Rivalry: Has an old rivalry with a prominent Dealer.
Family Search: Is searching for a long-lost family member.
Revered Artisan: Was once a revered artisan in a different realm.
Cursed Heirloom: Carries a cursed heirloom.
Destined for Greatness: Believes they are destined for greatness.
Innate Talent: Has an innate talent that even they don't understand.
Trained by a Master: Was trained by a legendary master.
Legacy Artisan: Comes from a long line of famous crafters.
Last of Their Kind: Is the last of their kind.
Prophetic Birthmark: Has a mystical or prophetic birthmark.
Pact with an Entity: Has a pact with a magical entity.
Exiled: Was exiled from their home.
Debt to a Power: Has a debt to a powerful organization.
Living Legend: Is a living legend from a past war.
A Paradox: Their existence is a paradox.
Guild Orphan: Was an orphan raised by a guild.
Historical Connection: Has an undeniable connection to the realm's history.
Secret Society Member: Is a member of a secret society.
Memory Loss: They have no memories of their past.
Cursed at Birth: Was cursed at birth.
Vengeful Search: Is searching for the one who wronged them.
Tied to a Prophecy: They are tied to a prophecy.
Royal in Hiding: Is a royal, in hiding.
Chosen One: Is a chosen one, destined for great things.
Oathbound: They have an unbreakable oath to a god.
Seeking Redemption: Was once a villain, now seeks redemption.
Uncontrollable Item: Has a magical item they can't control.
Tragic Story: Their story is a tragedy.
Familial Link: Has a familial connection to a powerful creature.
Key to a Lost Art: Is the key to unlocking a lost art.
Magical Burden: They are the inheritor of a magical burden.
Granted Power: Was granted their power by a divine being.
Secret Identity: They have a secret identity.
Magical Pet: Has a magical pet they communicate with.
Guardian: They are the guardian of a sacred place.
Specific Connection: They are connected to a specific kind of magic.
Existential Search: They are searching for the meaning of their own existence.
Magical Sickness: Has a magical sickness they are trying to cure.
Spirit Vessel: Is a vessel for a powerful spirit.
Ancestral Weight: They carry the weight of their ancestors on their shoulders.
Divine Mission: They are on a mission from a higher power.
Reborn: They were reborn with a new purpose.
Star-Bound: They are connected to the stars and their movements.
Keeper of the Sacred: They are a keeper of an ancient, sacred item.
Card Tags Reference Guide
Category 1: Character & Personality
Leader: Inspires and guides others.
Brave: Faces danger without fear.
Cowardly: Avoids confrontation at all costs.
Wise: Possesses great knowledge and good judgment.
Foolish: Acts without thinking.
Loyal: Devoted to a cause or person.
Traitorous: Betrays those who trust them.
Honorable: Adheres to a strong moral code.
Deceitful: Skilled at misleading and tricking others.
Charismatic: Possesses a natural charm.
Shy: Reserved and uncomfortable in social situations.
Vain: Excessively proud of one's appearance.
Humble: Modest and not arrogant.
Curious: Eager to learn or know things.
Stoic: Endures hardship without showing feelings.
Reckless: Acts without thinking of the consequences.
Calm: Peaceful and serene.
Passionate: Shows strong feelings or beliefs.
Reserved: Keeps thoughts and feelings to oneself.
Cunning: Skilled at achieving goals through trickery.
Naive: Lacking experience and judgment.
Ambitious: Driven to succeed.
Patient: Can wait calmly without complaint.
Impulsive: Acts on a sudden urge.
Generous: Freely gives more than necessary.
Selfish: Cares only for personal gain.
Joker: Loves to tell jokes and make light of situations.
Poet: Expresses creativity through words.
Dreamer: Lives in a world of imagination.
Scholar: Devoted to the pursuit of knowledge.
Category 2: Abilities & Powers
Stealth: Can move without being detected.
Invisibility: Can become unseen.
Teleportation: Can instantly travel to a different location.
Regeneration: Can heal from injuries quickly.
Flight: Can soar through the air.
Super Strength: Possesses immense physical power.
Mind Control: Can manipulate the thoughts of others.
Energy Blast: Can fire concentrated energy.
Healing: Can mend the wounds of others.
Shield: Can create a protective barrier.
Force Field: Generates a powerful, impenetrable barrier.
Summoning: Can call forth creatures or spirits.
Telekinesis: Can move objects with the mind.
Time Manipulation: Can alter the flow of time.
Illusion: Can create deceptive appearances.
Shapeshifting: Can change physical form.
Fear Inducing: Causes terror in others.
Shadow Step: Can instantly travel through shadows.
Wall Climbing: Can scale vertical surfaces with ease.
Echoing Voice: Their voice resonates with supernatural power.
Category 3: Equipment & Items
Sword: A weapon for close combat.
Axe: A heavy, bladed weapon.
Bow: A weapon for ranged attacks.
Staff: A conduit for magical energy.
Wand: A small magical implement.
Armor: Protective gear.
Shield: Used for defense.
Potion: A liquid with a magical effect.
Scroll: Contains a written spell or incantation.
Amulet: A piece of jewelry with magical properties.
Ring: A magical ring.
Gauntlets: Protective gloves.
Boots: Magical or protective footwear.
Helmet: Protective headgear.
Cloak: A magical or inconspicuous garment.
Dagger: A small, sharp blade.
Crossbow: A powerful ranged weapon.
Scepter: A symbol of authority and power.
Tome: A book of powerful spells.
Map: Shows a layout of a region or treasure.
Category 4: Locations & Environments
Forest: A large area dominated by trees.
Mountain: A towering landform.
Desert: A vast, arid landscape.
Ocean: A deep and expansive body of water.
Swamp: A waterlogged, difficult terrain.
City: A large and densely populated settlement.
Village: A small community.
Ruins: The remains of a past civilization.
Crypt: An underground burial chamber.
Temple: A place of worship.
Castle: A fortified residence.
Dungeon: A subterranean prison or lair.
Cave: A natural underground chamber.
Volcano: A mountain that spews lava.
Jungle: A dense, tropical forest.
Glacier: A slow-moving body of ice.
Wasteland: A barren and desolate region.
Sky Realm: A fantastical domain in the clouds.
Underworld: The mythological realm of the dead.
Celestial Plane: A heavenly or spiritual dimension.
Category 5: Events & Actions
Attack: Initiates a fight.
Defend: Protects against an attack.
Heal: Restores health.
Curse: Inflicts a negative effect.
Bless: Inflicts a positive effect.
Sacrifice: Gives up something for a greater good.
Exploration: The act of journeying into unknown territory.
Discovery: Finds something new.
Betrayal: The act of breaking trust.
Triumph: A great victory.
Defeat: The state of being beaten.
Rally: Calls on allies to gather and fight.
Retreat: Withdraws from battle.
Surrender: Gives up.
Negotiation: Attempts to reach an agreement.
Search: Looks for something or someone.
Forging: The act of crafting weapons or tools.
Meditating: Focuses the mind for a purpose.
Casting: Performs a magical ritual.
Training: Practices to improve skills.
Category 6: Lore & Background
Ancient: From a very long time ago.
Forgotten: Lost to memory.
Prophecy: A prediction of the future.
Legendary: Famous and well-known.
Cursed: Afflicted by a malevolent spell.
Sacred: Considered holy or revered.
Fated: Predestined to happen.
Destined: Meant to fulfill a certain purpose.
Relic: An artifact from the past.
Mysterious: Difficult to understand or explain.
Lost: Cannot be found.
Hunted: Pursued by an enemy.
Exiled: Forced to leave their home.
Pristine: In perfect, untouched condition.
Corrupted: Tainted by a dark influence.
Whispered: Spoken about in hushed tones.
Hidden: Kept out of sight.
Sealed: Locked away or contained.
Bound: Tied to something or someone.
Ethereal: Lacking physical substance; ghostly.
Category 7: Status Effects & Conditions
Stunned: Temporarily unable to act.
Poisoned: Afflicted by venom or toxins.
Blinded: Unable to see.
Enraged: Filled with uncontrollable anger.
Charmed: Under a spell of attraction.
Sleeping: Unconscious and vulnerable.
Wounded: Suffering from an injury.
Invulnerable: Cannot be harmed.
Burning: On fire.
Frozen: Immobilized by cold.
Weakened: Reduced in power or strength.
Strengthened: Increased in power or strength.
Haste: Moves and acts at a faster speed.
Slowed: Moves and acts at a slower speed.
Silenced: Cannot use magic or speak.
Paralyzed: Completely unable to move.
Terrified: Overcome with extreme fear.
Confused: Unable to think clearly.
Enchanted: Under the effect of a positive spell.
Cured: Healed from an affliction.
Category 8: Creature Types & Races
Human: The most common sentient race.
Elf: An elegant, long-lived race.
Dwarf: A short, stout, and resilient race.
Orc: A green-skinned, warlike race.
Goblin: A small, mischievous creature.
Undead: A creature that has been reanimated.
Dragon: A giant, reptilian creature.
Beast: A non-magical animal.
Elemental: A being made of a raw element.
Demon: A powerful creature from a dark realm.
Angel: A benevolent celestial being.
Construct: An animated object.
Giant: A huge, humanoid creature.
Fey: A magical creature from the spirit world.
Spirit: A disembodied essence.
Merfolk: A humanoid creature with a fish tail.
Vampire: A blood-drinking undead creature.
Werewolf: A person who can shapeshift into a wolf.
Harpy: A creature with the body of a bird and the head of a woman.
Gnome: A small, magical humanoid.
Category 9: Elements & Magic
Fire: The element of flame and heat.
Water: The element of fluid and ice.
Earth: The element of stone and ground.
Air: The element of wind and sky.
Light: The element of illumination and purity.
Darkness: The element of shadow and void.
Nature: The magic of plants and animals.
Arcane: The fundamental magic of the universe.
Holy: Magic derived from a divine source.
Shadow: Magic of the dark and unseen.
Ice: Magic of cold and frost.
Lightning: Magic of electricity.
Poison: Magic of toxic substances.
Metal: Magic of forging and shaping metal.
Sound: Magic that manipulates vibrations.
Blood: Magic derived from life force.
Chaos: Unpredictable, destructive magic.
Order: Structured, logical magic.
Life: Magic that creates and sustains.
Death: Magic that destroys and consumes.
Category 10: Professions & Roles
Warrior: A master of armed combat.
Mage: A practitioner of magic.
Rogue: A master of stealth and thievery.
Cleric: A healer and divine spellcaster.
Hunter: Skilled at tracking and ranged combat.
Bard: A musician who uses magic through song.
Paladin: A holy warrior.
Druid: A protector of nature.
Engineer: Builds and operates machinery.
Alchemist: Creates potions and elixirs.
Scout: Gathers information and explores.
Commander: Leads armies and units.
Assassin: A professional killer.
Smith: A skilled metalworker.
Thief: A professional robber.
Artisan: A master of a specific craft.
Merchant: Deals in trade and commerce.
Diplomat: Represents a group in negotiations.
Juggernaut: An unstoppable force of destruction.
Necromancer: A magician who communicates with the dead.
Character Examples
Here are some examples of characters built using the traits and tags from this guide, to help inspire you in your own character creation.
The Resolute Veteran
Traits: Unflinching, Fortified Body, Master of Deduction, Quiet Predator, Loyalty to a Fault
Example Card: Shield of the Ancients
A dented, heavy shield that has seen a thousand battles. The metal is worn, but its core is unyielding.
Metal, Iron Wall, Ancient, Resilience
Example Card: The Flawless Strike
A precise sword strike aimed at the exact weak point in an opponent's armor.
Blade, Hunter's Instinct, Precision, Surgical
The Arcane Librarian
Traits: Encyclopedic Knowledge, Aura Sight, Pathfinder, Thirst for Knowledge, Master of Cryptology
Example Card: Scroll of Forgotten Tongues
A scroll filled with a swirling script that seems to move and change as you look at it. Reading it grants temporary understanding.
Scroll, Forgotten Tongue, Knowledge, Illusion
Example Card: The Unseen Thread
A glowing line of energy that connects a magical item to its hidden source of power.
Aether, Connection, Secret, Revelation
The Nomadic Charlatan
Traits: Master of Disguise, Silver Tongue, Wanderer's Heart, Loves Drama, Secret Coward
Example Card: The Gilded Lie
A golden coin that, when tossed, creates a momentary flash of light and a distracting chime.
Coin, Misdirection, Light, Deception
Example Card: The Grand Entrance
The character bursts through a door with a flourish, commanding the attention of all in the room.
Performance, Social, Distraction, Unexpected
The Fated Survivor
Traits: Cursed at Birth, Unyielding, Haunting Past, Familial Link, Iron Will
Example Card: The Burden of Lineage
A heavy, dark chain made of pure energy that restricts your movement but also grants a surge of power.
Curse, Chains, Power, Shadow
Example Card: The Final Breath
A surge of inner strength, a last resort when all seems lost, fueled by a single, powerful memory.
Memory, Will, Unyielding, Finality