Not all characteristics are created equal! Some characters excel in certain areas over others, beyond a simple difference in raw characteristic score. Favored Characteristics are those characteristics a character is naturally gifted in; improving those characteristics, or Skills and abilities associated with them (including Specializations), is easier than usual. Each PC has two favored characteristics. Advancing or learning skills or talents governed by a favored characteristic, or advancing that characteristic, costs 75% of the usual XP cost (round down to the nearest multiple of 5).