A Beginner's Guide to 'Rue Valley': Stop Trying to Min-Max

This isn't Diablo. This is a narrative RPG. Stop trying to find the "perfect build" and just... be a person.

I see you. You're hovering over the character creator, trying to figure out the "optimal" setup. Let me save you the trouble: there isn't one.

Rue Valley is a narrative RPG, and its Trait system is designed for one thing: roleplaying. Failing checks isn't a bug; it's the point. You're supposed to be locked out of dialogue options because you're too awkward, or too arrogant. This is a game about being a specific type of person, not a perfect, all-knowing god.

How Traits Actually Work

You start with nine (and only nine) personality points. You can't earn more. You spend these at the start to define your character, and no, you can't respec.

Traits are permanent passive effects that unlock unique dialogue options and, just as importantly, lock you out of others. If you're "Secretive," you just can't do the "Nosy" options. That's the game.

The 'Switch' Button (And Why It's Confusing)

This part trips everyone up. You're not unlocking a specific Trait. You're unlocking a slot on the personality bar.

For example, putting two points in "Calculated" unlocks the first slot. By default, "Paranoid" is in that slot. But if you hit the "Switch" button, you can put "Indecisive" there instead.

This just lets you grab the Trait you want without having to spend four points just to reach its default position. It's about customization, not some deep, complex system.

All 12 Traits (And What They Do)

Here's the full list of what you're signing up for. The real value is just picking the ones that sound fun to roleplay.

Impulsive Traits

Trait	What It Does
Reckless	Opens Reckless dialogue options, locking you out of some calculated options.
Impatient	Opens Impatient dialogue options, locking you out of some calculated options.

Calculated Traits

Trait	What It Does
Paranoid	Opens Paranoid dialogue options, locking you out of some impulsive options.
Indecisive	Opens Indecisive dialogue options, locking you out of some impulsive options.

Introverted Traits

Trait	What It Does
Secretive	Opens Secretive dialogue options, locking you out of some extraverted options.
Awkward	Opens Awkward dialogue options, locking you out of some extraverted options.

Extraverted Traits

Trait	What It Does
Nosy	Opens Nosy dialogue options, locking you out of some introverted options.
Arrogant	Opens Arrogant dialogue options, locking you out of some introverted options.

Emotional Traits

Trait	What It Does
Guilt-Ridden	Opens Guilt-Ridden dialogue options, locking you out of some indifferent options.
Dramatic	Opens Dramatic dialogue options, locking you out of some indifferent options.

Indifferent Traits

Trait	What It Does
Flat	Opens Flat dialogue options, locking you out of some emotional options.
Unkind	Opens Unkind dialogue options, locking you out of some emotional options.

But Can I Lose My Traits?

Sort of.

You can't respec, and your starting choices are permanent. But as you play, you'll get temporary "status effects" from your decisions.

These effects can add or subtract points from your personality bars, which might be enough to temporarily unlock a new Trait or lock one you already have. This happens to you; you can't control it. It's all part of the story.

So, just stop worrying. Max out "Calculated" and be a paranoid wreck who sees conspiracies everywhere. Or be "Dramatic" and make every conversation a soap opera. Just pick a vibe and commit to it.

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