Shrivelled Tastebuds

Shrivelled Tastebuds is a duplicant trait that denotes an absence of taste sensation. The in-game description repeatedly illustrates this by saying the duplicant "could lick a Puft's backside and taste nothing," using the Puft example to emphasize that even an otherwise strong or unusual flavor would register as nothing to a duplicant with this trait. The name and description make clear that the trait affects the sense of taste rather than other senses.

The trait text appears as a short, blunt line of flavor text about a duplicant who cannot taste, and it functions as a characteristic assigned to a duplicant at character generation. It communicates that the duplicant lacks gustatory perception; the description focuses on the experiential quality of being unable to taste rather than specifying any particular gameplay mechanics or numerical modifiers.

• In-game description: explicitly states the duplicant cannot taste, illustrated by the Puft example.
• Scope: the description refers to taste perception specifically; it does not claim effects on smell, touch, or other senses.
• Presentation: the trait appears as concise, flavor-driven text when viewing the duplicant’s traits.
• Interpretation: the wording is descriptive and evocative; it indicates a sensory deficit (no taste) rather than detailing mechanical consequences.

Players encountering Shrivelled Tastebuds should read the trait as a sensory descriptor. The trait communicates character flavor and roleplay detail, and the Puft metaphor underscores the completeness of the taste loss. The game text does not enumerate additional effects, bonuses, or penalties tied directly to the trait within the description itself.