Basics

Appearance is one’s exterior look, being visual and thus entirely outward and superficial. Appearance provokes deep responses in human beings, automatic and normally outside of our awareness, never mind being within our control. (Exceptions exist, but not among knights.) One could read the abbreviation “APP” as standing for “appeal” as much as “appearance”.

APP Interpretation
01-05	Ugly. See below.
06-09	Plain, unattractive, flawed.
10-15	Handsome, pretty.
16-20	Superlative; beautiful (women) or spectacular (men); See below.

Appearance is only useful when it can be seen. It has no effect when men are clad in concealing armor.

Superlative Appearance

In a crowd of equals, the most handsome person will be addressed first, as if he or she is the leader (since handsome people have Honor, the most handsome is the most honorable!).

Everyone is always watching, especially when the beautiful person is not watching. Thus it is very difficult for them to do anything in secret, including whispering at a feast, speaking to anyone, and even how long is spent with him, or her, or that group over there.

Each superlative APP point (16+) grants a +1 bonus to Flirt, Intrigue, Orate, Singing, Play, and Dancing. It does not affect Romance.

Ugly Appearance

Ugliness carries a taint with it. Commoners lack Honor, and are thus less appealing to the noble eye. Ugliness has its advantages and disadvantages. In a crowd of equals, the ugliest person will not be addressed. At all if possible. If something goes wrong, the ugliest person is always blamed first. Nobody looks at you. In a crowd you are practically invisible, able to stand nearby to whisperers, or in a room perhaps entirely unseen, as if you are one of the servants.

All heroic characters are handsome, and all their ladies are beautiful. Being ugly is a terrible disadvantage since people immediately judge a person on his superficial traits. Thus, at character generation, each point of APP below 10 costs 1 Honor.

Losing APP due to major wounds or aging does not diminish Honor, however. Scars from wounds are a note of courage and strength, and counteract the loss. Likewise, aging adds to honor in exact proportion to losses.

Glory for APP

APP of 16 or above grants Annual Glory in the same manner as notable Traits and Passions.