[Kirklins]

So thanks to Taranion's character creator (which is quite nice, mind you all), I have a question I'd not considered.

Does each rank in a quality count toward the 6 quality limit, or is it merely different qualities regardless of rank?

Example, if I take five levels of impaired attribute (strength), is that one or five qualities?

Now due to how I've done prior editions I thought it one regardless of rank, but it's per level for the generator. And on re-reading the rules, it appears to me either can be read as 'right'. And I have to admit I like how it so cleanly closes the impaired ability attribute quality "abuse".

But I'm interested in the reasoning the rest of you might have. Thoughts?

[ZeroSum]

I would say qualities only ever count as one, even if they have multiple levels or ratings.

If you are taking Built Tough 4, you are not also taking Built Tough 1 through 3. In other words, you don't write BT1, BT2, BT3, and BT4 on your character sheet.

I see what you mean, but I think this approach falls apart with qualities like Allergy; how do you count the numerous available choices except as a simple Quality?

[Michael Chandra]

Opinion: You shouldn't nerf all Qualities just to fix Impaired. A GM should just put their foot down on that quality instead, or houserule it for being broken.

Also, there's qualities that can have 4 ranks for 4 karma each. It would rather be unfair if taking them at rank 4 would cost you almost all your qualities. Furthermore, 1 Addiction at level 6 should not be treated as a full end of your quality phase for a mere 12 karma.

Anyway: The rules say Qualities. Never talks about levels. On top of that, we have Home Ground as comparison material: This can be taken multiple times, as it explicitly mentions, BUT it has a fixed cost. So if you take Home Ground twice, it's not Home Ground 2 but 2x Home Ground explicitly. This means ranks and quality-count are different. Spirit/Sprite Affinity/Bane also have this wording.