How Do I Choose an In-Character Aesthetic That Fits My Class or Background?

Every character has a story before the campaign even begins - a history, a culture, a way of moving through the world. But when you sit down for an online session, much of that nuance disappears unless you intentionally bring it into your visual presentation. Choosing an aesthetic that matches your class or background isn’t about being flashy; it’s about reinforcing the identity your character already has.

Here’s how to make that visual layer feel grounded, believable, and true to the character you’re playing.

Start With Where They Come From

A character’s appearance should feel like a product of their environment.Ask yourself two simple questions:

• Where were they shaped?

• What resources or influences exist there?

A ranger raised in forest settlements will look different from one trained in a coastal fortress. A cleric from a wealthy temple won’t carry themselves the same way as one from a remote village shrine.

Setting informs style more than class does.

Look at Their Daily Life, Not Just Their Hero Moments

It’s easy to imagine a character in battle-ready form, but the aesthetic you choose should also reflect who they are when they’re not swinging a sword or casting a spell.

Think about:

• What they wear to travel

• What they value enough to carry

• What they’ve repaired more than once

• What they avoid because it reminds them of something painful

Small details like a frayed cloak edge or a pendant they never remove speak louder than ornate gear.

This is the kind of detail Faes AR excels at: textures, layers, and subtle cues that communicate history without needing explanation.

Match the Aesthetic to the Class Archetype - Lightly

Each class comes with a broad visual grammar. You don’t have to lean fully into it, but using it as a baseline helps players recognize your character at a glance.

Examples:

• Fighters: Structured silhouettes, practical materials, muted colors.

• Mages: Flowing shapes, layered fabrics, arcane accents rather than bright costumes.

• Rogues: Asymmetry, fastenings, smaller accessories with purpose.

• Clerics/Paladins: Symmetry, iconography, consistent color themes tied to faith.

• Druids/Rangers: Natural tones, worn textures, lightweight materials.

Use the class as a starting point, not a costume rulebook.

Let Personality Break the Template

Class rarely defines a character completely. A paladin might wear something understated to avoid attention. A bard might dress plainly despite their profession. A barbarian might carry one crafted item that betrays a surprisingly delicate skill.

Aesthetic becomes memorable when it reflects individuality, not stereotypes.

Ask:

• What does my character want others to assume about them?

• What do they hide?

• What do they emphasize on purpose?

This personal tension is where aesthetics stop feeling generic and start feeling lived-in.

Choose One Element That Anchors Everything

Instead of juggling ten visual ideas, choose one anchor element that defines the character’s look:

• The color of their order

• The shape of their hood

• A travel-worn accessory

• A distinct silhouette

• A magical effect that appears subtly around them

One clear anchor reads more strongly than scattered details.

When using Faes AR, this becomes simple: you can select overlays that highlight the anchor without overwhelming the camera frame. It gives you a coherent look without needing physical props or costumes.

You can explore options through the Faes AR Portal or purchase the app directly at store.faes.ar.

Think of Aesthetic as a Form of Communication

The goal isn’t to decorate your character - it’s to make them easier for the party to understand.Your aesthetic should quietly answer:

• What kind of life has this person lived?

• What do they prioritize?

• How do they move through danger, uncertainty, and trust?

When the visual style reflects these answers, your character feels more authentic. It’s not about looking impressive. It’s about being consistent with who they are.

And when that consistency shows up clearly on camera - especially with a visual layer that matches the world you're playing in - players immediately understand the essence of your character before you speak.

That’s when an aesthetic becomes more than a look.It becomes part of the storytelling.