I. Identity & Definition (I)

• Customizable Persona: Origins/background/worldview beyond appearance (e.g., origin, class, faith).
• Backstory Control: Player chooses/writes past or it emerges meaningfully, not fully pre-authored.
• Moldable Protagonist: Even if predefined, personality/values/relationships can be steered through play.

II. World Reactivity (W)

• Dynamic NPCs: Dialogue/behavior shifts with identity, choices, reputation.
• Factions: Multiple groups track standings and react.
• Persistent Consequences: Actions drive durable world-state changes.

III. Companion Agency (C)

• Optionality: Can run solo or bring companions by choice.
• Build Influence: Meaningful control over loadouts/skills/roles.
• Autonomy Stakes: Loyalty shifts, departures, or deaths based on play.

IV. Playstyle Freedom (P)

• Approach Variety: Melee/ranged/magic/stealth/diplomacy are viable per build.
• Build Impact: Stats/skills substantively alter gameplay (not flat numerics only).
• Non-Combat Solutions: Challenges can be resolved end-to-end without combat.

V. Endings & Story (E)

• Branching Endings: Result is more than a single final switch.
• Variable Epilogue: Ripples of playstyle/relationships reflected post-state.
• Reactive Final Act: End-state shaped by prior events, allies, factions alive/dead.

VI. Emergence (M)

• Replay Variability: Runs feel meaningfully different.
• Systemic Emergence: Interacting systems create unique stories.
• Anecdotal Richness: “I can’t believe that happened” moments.

Note: Moldable protagonist (I) is about steering a character’s personality/arc. It is distinct from Playstyle Freedom (P), which scores mechanical/build expression and viable approaches.