game mechanic idea: first impressions modified by appearance (based on expectations) and reputation, then change based on actions.
villainous - - selfish - - nice - - heroic
invisible - - harmless - - competent - - inspiring
actions cause one to gravitate/drop/rise towards a point on each scale, not just up or down. e.g. tricking an enemy into an ambush with lies and then killing them will cause fall towards well-intentioned and no change if below.
heroic: expected to be honorable even if it's against their best interest.
villainous: expected to rely on no other bonds than fear.
inspiring: people wonder if they've heard the person's name before even if they haven't.
invisible: unless the person's actions are especially relevant to another person, they make no first impression.
how would you rate your own first impression (when you're trying to make one)? why is that? do you act differently?
I think I look nice and neutral, but swing between nice and selfish, and between competent and harmless.
the first impression is because when I care how I look I have to coordinate my outfit with a washed-out black waistcoat with bulging pockets, and I hate buying clothes. I look like a lazy hipster.
my general demeanor is variable because I have variable energy; when I feel good I talk too much, and when I don't I think too slowly.