“In a world of gods and monsters, reputation is power.”
In the Bee Terrific Universe, being known can be a blessing — or a curse.
Popularity measures a character’s public reputation within their typical environment. Are you celebrated, feared, or forgotten? Whether you’re a costumed icon on city billboards or a whispered name in the underground, your Popularity determines how people respond to you — especially large groups and neutral NPCs.
🗣️ What Popularity Is
- A ranked measure of your reputation, fame, infamy, or public perception.
- Generated during character creation, influenced by your backstory, faction ties, public acts, or media presence.
- Heroes usually have positive Popularity. Villains often carry negative Popularity — fear, notoriety, or loathing.
- Used in social FEATs to determine crowd reactions, sway public opinion, gain support, or avoid mob backlash.
Why Popularity Matters
Popularity isn’t about vanity — it’s about narrative leverage. High Popularity lets you:
- Call for aid in the middle of a crisis.
- Get the benefit of the doubt from law enforcement or the press.
- Inspire followers, fans, or even a movement.
Low or negative Popularity can:
- Get you mobbed, mistrusted, or shot on sight.
- Turn media and neutral NPCs against you.
- Force you into the shadows, where only rumors follow.
In a game where supernatural activity is suppressed and belief fuels power, being seen — or avoided — is a strategic choice.
How Popularity Is Measured
Just like other abilities, Popularity is ranked:
| Rank | Description |
| Feeble (FB) | Unknown or ignored. Most people have no idea who you are. |
| Poor (PR) | Known by a small group. Maybe a niche community, local neighborhood, or online subculture. |
| Typical (TY) | Recognized by people in your field or city. You’ve made some waves, but you’re not a household name. |
| Good (GD) | Respected or noticed in regional media. People have opinions about you. |
| Excellent (EX) | National recognition. News coverage, public debates, social media buzz. |
| Remarkable (RM) | Known in multiple countries. Appearances, interviews, merchandise. |
| Incredible (IN) | Celebrity status. Loved or feared — but watched. |
| Amazing (AM) | Global icon. Every action has ripples. |
| Monstrous (MN) | Legendary. People argue about you in schools, sermons, and cults. |
| Unearthly (UN) | Mythic status. Revered, worshipped, or universally feared. Your name alone moves crowds. |
Negative ranks follow the same scale, but with opposite reactions.
A villain with Remarkable (-30) Popularity might cause panic by entering a room — or rally opposition just by being spotted.
Your Personal Wanted Level
Not all Popularity is applause. In fact, some of the most feared figures in the Bee Terrific Universe have negative Popularity — and that’s by design.
Think of negative Popularity like the star system in Grand Theft Auto:
- A small negative value might mean people are suspicious or cautious around you.
- A high negative value? That’s “SWAT team on sight” energy. You’re infamous. People run, scream, or shoot just because they recognize you.
Just like high positive Popularity gets you support, influence, or special access — high negative Popularity draws fear, panic, hostility, and consequences.
Both sides of the scale are powerful.
Whether you’re beloved or reviled, Popularity means your presence matters. The world reacts to you — hard.
Final Thought
Popularity is more than a number — it’s your myth in motion.
It reflects how the world sees your character, and whether they’re ready to follow, fear, or fight you.
In a setting where belief shapes reality, your reputation is more than talk. It’s a tool, a weapon, and sometimes, a warning.
