Semblances

A Semblance is a representation of a character's soul, manifesting in unique abilities that vary on an individual basis. A Semblance differs from Aura in that only sentient beings such as Humans or Faunus possess them. And unlike Aura, a Semblance is unique, with no two Semblances being exactly alike.

When using a Semblance in the RWBY d20 system, Semblances are broken down into basic categories, and aspects of a Semblance's use are identified as "Semblance Powers." When creating a Semblance for a character, generally you should only draw Semblance Powers from 1 or 2 Semblance Power categories (Such as Yang Xiao Long's Semblance drawing from the Elemental Semblance Powers and the Physical Semblance Powers, or Pyrrha Nikos' Semblance drawing solely from the Telekinesis Semblance Powers).

## Semblance Powers

When creating a Semblance, the output of a Semblance is represented as Semblance Powers. A Semblance Power is categorized into one of many categories (See below), and represents a single facet of a Semblance's use.

A character gains a Semblance Power on even levels (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc...) and selects a Semblance Power to compliment their chosen Semblance. In roleplaying, this is seen as a character becoming more versatile and proficient with the use of their Semblance over time.

For example, Pearl has just reached level 4 in her campaign. Her Semblance, a combination of Elemental Telekinesis, has already received 1 Semblance Power from the Elemental Semblance Power list, and chooses to now select a Semblance Power from the Telekinesis Semblance Powers list, granting her more control of her Semblance's range and spread.

## Semblance Power Categories

Below include all Semblance Power categories fully compatible with the RWBY d20 system. For players with a unique Semblance idea that doesn't categorize into the below, consult with your Gamemaster to better integrate your Semblance for your campaign.

* Elemental Semblance Powers- Semblance Powers that allow an individual to channel certain elements, empowering themselves and imputing their attacks (Such as Nora Valkyrie's Lightning Semblance or Yang Xiao Long's Fire Rage Semblance).
* Duplicate Semblance Powers- Semblance Powers that involve duplicating oneself, whether for an instant or an extended period of time (Such as Blake Belladonna's Shadow Semblance, or Sun Wukong's Via Sun Semblance).
* Mental Semblance Powers- Semblance Powers that affect an individual's mind or state of mind, whether it be supportive or detrimental (Such as Lie Ren's Calming Semblance, or Emerald Sustrai's Illusion Semblance).
* Physical Semblance Powers- Semblance Powers that affect the user's physical prowess, weather through strengthening or amplification (Such as Ruby Rose's Speed Semblance, or Velvet Scarlatina's Copycat Semblance).
* Telekinesis Semblance Powers- Semblance Powers that deal with manipulating objects from a distance, usually restricted to certain action or effects (Such as Professor Glynda's Meding Semblance, or Pyrrha Nikos' Polarity Semblance).
* Unique Semblance Power- Semblance Powers that are simply too unusual to accurately fit into a basic Semblance Power category (Such as Qrow Branwen's Misfortune Semblance, or Winter Schnee's Summoning Semblance).