Mental Merits

**Common Sense**
(Level 4)

Effect: Your
character is exceptionally grounded and pragmatic, and can

usually be
depended upon to make sound, straightforward decisions after a few moments’
thought.

The Storyteller
can make a reflexive Wis DC 10 roll once per chapter for your character
if he is about to embark on a disastrous course of action, or if you find
yourself at a point in the story where you’re completely stumped for ideas. If
the roll succeeds, the Storyteller may point out the risks of a particular
course, or suggest possible actions that your character can take that might get
events back on track. Note: While you’re free to ask the Storyteller for a
Common Sense roll when you’re out of ideas, he is under no obligation to
comply. It’s an aid, not a crutch. Available at character creation only.

**Danger Sense** (Level 2)

Effect: You gain
a +2 modifier on reflexive Wis + Perception rolls for your character to
detect an impending ambush. This kind of roll is typicallymade prior to the
first turn of a surprise attack.

Your character
has a well-developed survival instinct that warns him of impending danger.
Perhaps he’s adept at reading subtle clues in his environment or he possesses
an uncanny ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to avoiding trouble.

**Eidetic Memory**
(Level 2)

Effect: Your
character has a near-photographic memory, being able torecall vast
amounts of observed detail with astonishing accuracy. You do not normally need
to make a roll for your character to remember an obscure fact or past
experience, unless he is under stress (such as in combat). Under stress, there
is a +2 modifier on any Intelligence + a knowledge or other Skill based roll
(say, Academics, to remember a fact) for memory recall. Available at character
creation only.

**Encyclopedic**
**Knowledge** (Level 4)

Effect: Your
character is a veritable font of useful (and sometimes useless) information on
a wide variety of topics. Chances are he can come up with an anecdote
pertaining to any situation based on something he's read, witnessed or seen on
TV.

You can make an
Intelligence + Wis Dc 13 roll any time your character is confronted with a situation
or phenomenon outside his normal realm of experience. If the roll is
successful, he may recall a  'factoid'
that he's heard at some point that may shed light on matters.

*Available at*
character creation only. *Your character has either been soaking up*
trivia all his life or he hasn't.

Dramatic Failure:
Your character 'remembers' something about the situation that is completely
inaccurate. "Wait! Wait! I saw something like this in a movie once!"
The Storyteller might make Intelligence + Wits rolls on your behalf when a dramatic
failure is possible.

Failure: Your
character wracks his brain but comes up empty.

Success: Your
character remembers a detail or fact that sheds some light on the situation.
"You said there was an almond odor? Seems to me I read somewhere that's a sign
of cyanide poisoning."

Exceptional
Success: Your character recalls a number of useful details that provide
extensive insight. "Hey, cool -- a little candy skull. They make these in
Mexico for the Day of the Dead. It's an offering for a loved one who's died.
And they say you can't learn anything on TV."

**Language** (Level 1 to
 Level 3)

Effect: Your
character knows an additional language besides his own. One level in this Feature
means that he can read, write and speak an extra language with minimal fluency.
Two levels indicate that he is literate and conversationally fluent. Three levels
indicate that he can speak the language like a native and is well-read in it.
You must specify which language your character is familiar with when purchasing
this Feature.