Descriptors

Descriptors are "tags" that can be applied to any creature, describing some fundamental, important set of traits that are thematically linked; typically, these traits are both flavor-oriented and mechanical in nature.

Descriptors typically describe a permanent, innate set of traits, such as the fact that a bird has wings and can fly; they are not intended to describe temporary effects, such as a wizard with a fly spell active. It is possible for some temporary effects to specifically apply descriptors that are normally permanent.

Quick, Incomplete List

Descriptor Brief Description Game Effect Example
Mindless No mind, for better or worse. Immune to mental effects, cannot think. Zombie
Soulless No soul or spirit of any kind. Immune to soul magic, necromantic death effects. Skeleton
Fire Strongly attuned to fire. Resistant to fire damage, vulnerable to frost damage.* Fire elemental
Winged Has wings, can fly. Movement form: flight, with certain wing-specific traits. Bird
Incorporeal Not made of physical matter or energy. Immune to physical effects, resistant to magic, vulnerable to holy/arcane. Ghost