Names are the sets of powers granted to mortals as they become characters in stories affected by Fate.
Terminology[]
The term "Named" or simply "Name" can also be used to refer to a person who as taken on such a role. When used in this way the word "Name" and any derivative of it should always be capitalized, along with any specific Name. Named are frequently referred to by their Name (possibly prefaced with "the") rather than their personal name.
Aspects are always known by a capitalized verb in imperative form, such as Struggle, Learn, or Destroy.
Taking a Name[]
The exact process by which a Name is taken has not been revealed. In the specific case of the Squire it involves either killing, outpacing or forcing out anyone else who is interested in becoming the Squire, but it is unknown if this is common among Evil Names or if it is unusual. When new names come into being, as was the case with Adjutant, it simply coalesced into being as the person in question acted more in accordance with the new role. Amadeus described the thing that separated the Named from others being their moral certainty, but it is unknown if he meant that literally. Certain Calernian seats of power also come with a Name, which settles on any particularly distinguished holder of the seat (in some cases, merely achieving the position is distinction enough).
Normal Power[]
In general, Named will be more powerful than non-Named. This boost extends to their physical and magical ability. The degree to which this happens depends on both the strength and nature of the Name. For example, the bearers of both the Names Warlock and Captain are more powerful than a weaker Name like Squire, but Warlock grants much more magical power while Captain grants much more physical strength. The power of a Name can also be used to empower alchemy, making Goblin fire and similar devices more powerful.
Aspects[]
In addition to the passive powers granted a Name, the bearer will also gain three abilities known as Aspects. Aspects do not so much do specific things as allow the wielder of a Name to use the full power of that Name so long as they remain focused on a specific task that fits with one or more of their Aspects. For example, the Black Knight Amadeus has the Aspects of Lead, Conquer and Destroy, which make him a terrifying foe to face on an open field. However, there are Heroic Names more powerful than Black Knight which means that using his power in such a way runs the risk of triggering Aspects such as Protect in someone who would be able to tap into greater power against him.
While certain Aspects are more common with specific Names, the set that is gained by a given Named when they take their Name is not always the same as their predecessors'. Some Names do have specific Aspects that are always gained though, and every wielder of a given Name will only ever have 3 aspects.
Name Visions[]
A name vision can be activated either by coming into a name as both Catherine and Amadeus or simply having a name over a long period of time. These visions take place to either directs Names resolve, helping a Named come into an aspect, and learning information on a role or a lesson to help the Named with a conflict.
The memories can either be replayed events by past names such as the White Knight, or be personal worlds such as labyrinth for the Amadeus or a swamp and a white tower in Catherine's world hinting at her dual ability to transition her name to either the White Knight or Black Knight.
Fate[]
Named are, by the nature of their power, more attuned to Fate than normal people. This means that in general many of their actions and circumstances will be more likely to be dramatically appropriate. They may suffer from bizarre coincidences than normal (such as having things happen as soon as they declare them impossible), and their actions with regards to other Named are likely to fall into narrative patterns especially if they behave in a manner appropriate to those patterns' beginnings.
Good and Evil[]
Most Names are associated with either Good or Evil. In order for a given individual to retain such a Name they must act overall in accordance with the Good or Evil nature of that Name. However, it is possible under certain circumstances for a Villain to be redeemed or a Hero to be corrupted, in which case they will lose their original Name but may gain a new Name of the opposite side.
Known Names[]
- Adjutant
- Affable Burglar
- Anchorite
- Apprentice
- Ashen Priestess
- Archer
- Archmage
- Astrologer
- Assassin
- Augur
- Barehanded Pugilist
- Barrow Lord
- Barrow Sword
- Baron
- Bandit Lord
- Beastmaster
- Berserker
- Bitter Blacksmith(Hero)
- Bitter Blacksmith(Villain)
- Blacksmith
- Blade of Mercy
- Black Knight
- Black Queen
- Black Sickle
- Blessed Artificer
- Blind Maker
- Bloody Sword
- Blue Mage
- Bumbling Conjurer
- Captain
- Chancellor
- Commander of the Watch
- Concocter
- Conjurer
- Cursed
- Cutthroat
- Daring Pyromancer
- Dead King
- Diabolist
- Doddering Sage
- Drake Knight
- Dread Emperor/Empress
- Drunk Swordsman
- Duelist
- Eater
- Enigmatic Prophet
- Exalted Poet
- Exiled Prince
- Face Thief
- Fae Enchantress
- Fallen Monk
- Flawless Fencer
- Forgetful Librarian
- Forsworn Healer
- Fortunate Fool
- Forlorn Paladin
- Gallant Brigand
- Grave Binder
- Great Buzzard
- Grey Lion
- Grey Pilgrim
- Grey Wizard
- Grim Binder
- Grizzled Fantassin
- Good Queen/King
- Gladiator
- Harrowed Witch
- Hateful Druidess
- Haunted Scholar
- Headhunter
- Hedge Wizard
- Heiress
- Herald of the Deeps
- Hierophant
- Hierarch
- Holy Shield
- Hunter
- Hunted Magician
- Kingfisher Prince
- Knife of Night
- Knight Errant
- Lance of Light
- Lich
- Lone Swordsman
- Lone Sentinel
- Maddened Keeper
- Mage
- Marauder
- Magnificent Minstrel
- Merchant Prince
- Merry Balladeer
- Merry Brawler
- Merry Monk
- Minister of the Left
- Minister of the Right
- Mirror Knight
- Myrmidon
- Nightingale
- Necromancer
- Page
- Painted Knife
- Peerless Artisan
- Philosopher King
- Pilfering Dicer
- Pirate Queen
- Poisoner
- Preacher
- Preacher Militant
- Princess
- Rogue Sorcerer
- Royal Conjurer
- Ranger
- Rapacious Troubadour
- Rebel Knight
- Red Axe
- Red Fox
- Red Mage
- Reaver
- Red Reaver
- Red Knight
- Retired Mercenary
- Relentless Magistrate
- Repentant Magister
- Saint of Swords
- Sage
- Sage of the West
- Salutary Alchemist
- Scorched Apostate
- Scribe
- Sculptor
- Scholar
- Shadow-eater
- Shining Prince
- Silent Guardian
- Silent Slayer
- Silver Huntress
- Silver Mage
- Sinister Physician
- Skein
- Skinchanger
- Spellblade
- Squire
- Stained Sister
- Stalwart Apostle
- Stalwart Paladin
- Stitcher
- Stone Carver
- Stone Shaper
- Summoner
- Swaggering Duelist
- Thief
- Thief of Stars
- Thieftaker
- Tormented Painter
- Troubadour
- Tyrant of Helike
- Unconquered Champion
- Vagrant Spear
- Valiant Champion
- Warlock
- Warlord
- Wandering Bard
- Wanderer
- Warden
- Warden of the East
- Warden of the West
- White Knight
- White Wizard
- Wicked Enchanter
- Wicked Binder
- Witch of the Woods
- Wizard of the West
- Wise Healer
- Young Slayer