This is a core mechanic of ND1 Character Generation as well as Character Advancement. While building a character, the player may choose to buy Disadvantages in order to receive more Build Points to afford to buy more more Abilities. Disadvantages might be Physical Disabilities, or they could be campaign conditions like acquiring an Enemy.

Similarly, as part of their adventuring career, an Actor will acquire injuries that result in Disabilities. In the same way that Disadvantages during Character Generation provide additional Build Points, compulsory Disadvantages and Disabilities acquired during the course of adventuring aren't all bad: they provide bonus EXP points equivalent to whatever is their Negative Outcome modifier. However, just because your character is blinded during combat, they don't suddenly become smarter or learn a new ability. Instead, EXP must be allocated to Stats and Abilities as part of Down Time.

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