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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: troubles third son on May 04, 2010, 05:50:16 AM

Title: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: troubles third son on May 04, 2010, 05:50:16 AM
Saw the thread on the awesome option of playing a Representative of the Erlking "the Goblin Knight" and was wondering what other awesome Ideas for sponsors and such people have been toying around with, either emissary's or just for nifty sponsored magic. 


I was putting together a "Shapeshifter Prince " the other day based around being the son/scion of the semi-immortal shapeshifter guru mentioned as a freeholding lord in the Ukrane from the series.  True Shapeshifting and a big bag of modular powers will be fun. 


What awesomeness are all of you thinking of?  directly from the books or otherwise
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Deadmanwalking on May 04, 2010, 05:59:31 AM
I'm really seriously considering how an Emissary of St. Nicholas would work.

Emissaries of one Dragon or another sound like alot of fun.

Ditto an emissary of various dieties (Shiva, Odin, and Hephaestus come to mind).

Houngans (voodoo priests) devoted to the various Loa (Ogoun and Baron Samedi leap to mind).

And all those are just what I've considered personally.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Saedar on May 04, 2010, 07:10:33 AM
Yeah, I personally favor the Norse gods. I loves me some Odin, but most of the others, too.

Additionally, things like Sponsored by Stonehenge or Giza Pyramids. I can definitely see both as being pretty serious power centers.

Take a look at the wonders of the Ancient and Natural world. If you buy into the novels' idea that many such places are either built on power centers, exist naturally as such places or become powerful through some faith/belief/curse/etc, any number of really cool locations could be sponsors, assuming that the Ley line or locus is powerful enough to support it.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Papa Gruff on May 04, 2010, 07:34:06 AM
There where some ideas in that other thread about the possible swords of the cross like weapons.

I recall things like: Emissary of Buddha (Shao-Lin Monk style), The Sword of Allah plus lots and lots and lots of Shinto deities...

A member of my party wants to play an emissary of Asgard. But as he wants him to be a distant grandchild of Heimdall himself I guess it is more of a Scion Template. Never the less the possibilities for Emissary of Power seem almost limitless. You just have to check some of your regional folklore and I guarantee that you'll find something, at least for an European setting that is...
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: TheMouse on May 04, 2010, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: Saedar on May 04, 2010, 07:10:33 AM
Yeah, I personally favor the Norse gods. I loves me some Odin, but most of the others, too.

Considering his history, I'd be very concerned for the well being of any mortal sponsored by the All Father. He has this tendency to empower people for long enough that they become worthy of Valhalla, then leading them to their (glorious) deaths. Particularly beware Odin when he gives you a magic sword.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Papa Gruff on May 04, 2010, 12:44:54 PM
Quote from: TheMouse on May 04, 2010, 12:38:32 PM
Considering his history, I'd be very concerned for the well being of any mortal sponsored by the All Father. He has this tendency to empower people for long enough that they become worthy of Valhalla, then leading them to their (glorious) deaths. Particularly beware Odin when he gives you a magic sword.

yeah ... well ... don't blame him to much. he needs many many many excellent soldiers for Ragnarök.  ;D
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Wyrdrune on May 04, 2010, 12:45:54 PM
Quote
Emissaries of one Dragon or another sound like alot of fun.

we will have an NPC like that in our campaign, sometimes as ally, sometimes as opponent... depending on what her master wishes...

Quote
Considering his history, I'd be very concerned for the well being of any mortal sponsored by the All Father.

propably gets eaten by a wolf...
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: neko128 on May 04, 2010, 01:34:58 PM
Besides all the pantheons (and let me just add, be careful with the idea of turning religions into active beings - not that it's necessarily bad, but it does set a precedent)...  Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Roman (different from Greek?  Who knows!), Aztec, Mayan, Incan, Sumerian, Celtic, and god only knows (*little* pun intended) how many more...

1) The Outsiders.  (ZOMG!  IT'S EEEETING MY BREEEEEEEN....)
2) Dragons
3) Demons/Devils (religious overtones?  How close is this to pantheons?)
4) The "great old ones" (hey, Cthulhu might exist!  >.>  Unless he's an outsider, then playing Arkham Horror is a violation of the 7th law!)
5) Vampires (Come on, *really* old vampires could be this powerful...)
6) Spirits of place (You could easily argue that most cities have spirits of place - and that old, strongly charged, powerful ones might have agents)
7) Artifacts (Most artifacts are objects of power, but they don't all have to be.  The Holy Grail?  The Blarney Stone?  The Moai of Easter Island?)
8) The Spring/Autumn Court (see the other thread from a few days back)
9) The Troll/Ogre/Gargoyle/Dryad/insert-monster-of-your-choice King (hey, it's your world)
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: svb1972 on May 04, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Some other interesting possibilities.

1) Fist/Sword of Allah
2) Cabala Rabbi (Similar to a Wizard, and yet.. not)
3) Scion of Coyote, or Raven
4) Scion of Oni
5) Native American Shaman (note how Shagnasty tells L2W he's not a real shaman)
6) Templar
7) Shukenja or a Shaolin Fighting Monk
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Lanodantheon on May 04, 2010, 04:22:26 PM
1) The Internet
2) Johnny Appleseed
3) Star Wars Fandom
4) A Really15 Old Vampire
5) The Spirit generated from the emotions of Hiroshima and/or Nagasaki after the Atomic Bombs dropped.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Tzarii on May 04, 2010, 04:51:22 PM
While not in the book

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermes_Trismegistus  <---- this guy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_of_St._Germain <------ this guy
The old ones (not the outsiders the ones that made the outsiders outsiders)
The All (read the top)
Government sanctioned paranormal expert (don't ask)
Atlantis (just had to throw that one out there)

While Khalid Bin Walid was quite the bad ass and died of old age back in his day, the sword of allah might have a ton of trouble getting around today. 

Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Jaroslav on May 04, 2010, 05:42:23 PM
Summon one of the 72 demons of the Goetia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goetia). Then tell it to empower you. There you go instant sponsor. :)

p.s.
If you having trouble choosing which of the 72 demons to use, i would suggest Ose (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ose_%28demon%29) the President of Hell.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Saedar on May 04, 2010, 05:55:46 PM
Quote from: Lanodantheon on May 04, 2010, 04:22:26 PM
5) The Spirit generated from the emotions of Hiroshima and/or Nagasaki after the Atomic Bombs dropped.



Ooo... I REALLY like that idea. *plots*
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: JosephKell on May 05, 2010, 04:50:34 AM
The Daoine Sidhe are mentioned in passing during Turn Coat. 
(click to show/hide)

So I did a little research and the Daoine Sidhe basically sound like the group of Wyldfae Sidhe.  Not sure I would go so far as to say a "court" but definitely a loosely affiliated entity.  If it weren't for his Goblin court, I would say the Erlking would be a Daoine Sidhe.  Also "Daoine Beaga" translates as "little folk."  A thought just occurred to me, could the Daoine Sidhe be the nobles of the weefolk?  Could Toot-toot be on his way to become a Daoine Sidhe?

I imagine some Wyldfae Sidhe would be somewhat paranoid (not enjoying the umbrella of Summer or Winter), and are a good group to be sponsoring magic.  "Effect change without presenting yourself as a target?  Where can I sign up?"

Changes also brought up the idea of the more powerful Nevernever Entities being scared to leave their centers of power (home field advantage is what tips the balance in the major league).  Which further reinforces the reason for funneling power through emissaries.  These are "immortal" entities, death doesn't come to them very often (see White Night
(click to show/hide)
).
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: kjpowers on May 05, 2010, 07:10:30 PM
Oh, there is so much myth to dive into when looking for a sponsor! I've had so much fun reading back over some of my old textbooks looking for inspiration (I studied ancient history in college). Here's an example that I used for an NPC character of mine (forgive the backstory, but it sets up the Sponsor):

Mario Martello, patriarch of the Martello family of Sacramento, originally hailed from Eastern Italy before immigrating to the United States with his family in 1937. He enlisted in the Army following Pearl Harbor, and qualified for training with the Devil's Brigade, the American-Canadian 1st Special Services Force (and one of the grandfather units of modern US Special Forces). Sergeant Bosso (as he was then known) was among the first soldiers to land in Italy, and was commended for his valor in combat. Mario was greatly troubled by fighting with his fellow countrymen, but knew that Italy was on the wrong moral and ethical side of the Second World War.

Scouting along the countryside one night outside of Anzio, Mario came across three wounded and starving Italian soldiers. Martello administered medical aid to the best of his ability and offered the three men some of his own rations before claiming them as prisoners of war. The next night, again on a scouting patrol, Mario was visited by Diomedes, the former King of Argos and hero of the Trojan War who was elevated to Godhood by Athena for his deeds in the Trojan War and the service of his late father, Tyedus.

Diomedes was an ideal soldier, one who treated his enemies with respect but also showed no fear in combat. Diomedes and Herakles are unique among myth for being the only mortals to wound members of the Pantheon, though Diomedes is especially noteworthy given his lack of divine birth. He was respected for his wise counsel, and was among the most wise of the Greek leaders despite his relatively young age (though, admittedly, he was the most distinguished veteran of the Epigoni War). Following the destruction of Troy and the fleeing of the Trojan people to Italy, Diomedes himself left Argos and migrated to Italy, where he founded the 10 Italian cities. Fans of Virgil will remember his famous appearance in the Aeneid.

So, to make a long story short, Diomedes recognized several very important traits in the young solider, and offered him an opportunity to make a difference in the world. As a God of Heroes, Diomedes has spent countless generations empowering a mortal to serve as his Liaison in the mundane world, working to keep average people safe from threats they don't understand. While his power has diminished significantly from what it once was, Diomedes none-the-less lives on in history and literature classes around the world.

Being Diomedes' Hammer (Italian translation: Martello) is a thankless job, one filled with restless dreams and a hyper-awareness that forever destroys one's opportunity to live a normal, quite life. In return, however, Mario was granted the skills of Diomedes himself, among them excellent prowess in combat, uncanny wisdom, and the ability to quickly recover from injury. Since taking on the mantel of Martello sixty six years ago, three generations of Mario's family have fought tirelessly to make the world a slightly safer place to live...regardless of the cost.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Archmage_Cowl on May 05, 2010, 08:00:15 PM
i wont completely quote the above poster but i do have something to say to what he said....
<_<  >_>
Awesomness  ;D

Seriously though that is an awesome idea. And while being a fan of vergil i can only slightly remember his appearance in the Aeneid(maybe i should read that book again lol) I had some cool idea's for sponsors around here somewhere. If i can find them i'll post them up.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: kjpowers on May 05, 2010, 09:15:45 PM
Thanks, Archmage_Cowl! I just feel like there is SO much out there, be it in the myths of antiquity or more modern folklore. I've been toying around with some of the ancient Mesopotamian Gods, and I also think that American folklore is rife with opportunity. John Henry's enchanted hammer, anyone? 
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Cajun Guy on May 05, 2010, 09:18:56 PM
Read American Gods. that will give you a lot of ideas. Hey maybe my mage can try to see how many sponsors he can get then put patches on his jacket for each one .. Kind of like NASCAR.  ;)
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: crusher_bob on May 06, 2010, 01:35:30 AM
Remember that if you are playing in a low refresh game, the sponsoring power doesn't need to be a great power itself.  So we could imagine Toot-toot's character sheet with Emissary of Power (Harry Dresden) if we wanted to.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: JosephKell on May 06, 2010, 02:51:21 AM
Mouse
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Saedar on May 06, 2010, 06:29:11 AM
If using gods/goddesses for sponsorship is your thing (it's mine, as I mentioned before), if you have any experience with the Scion system by White Wolf, it is a great resource for adding some really fun dimensions to your sponsor. I think they even did a supplement with Atlantean, Gaelic and American (as in, United States) deities.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Shinto_Knight on May 06, 2010, 11:25:21 PM
Quote from: neko128 on May 04, 2010, 01:34:58 PM
6) Spirits of place (You could easily argue that most cities have spirits of place - and that old, strongly charged, powerful ones might have agents)

i would think most big european and asian cities might have these, however american cities may be too new. it might be fun to be the first spirit of new york or chicago.

spirit of gotham = the dark knight
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Slife on May 12, 2010, 09:55:54 AM
Honestly, what I'm interested in is acting as a sponsor, rather than the other way around.

I could definitely see a long-running campaign result in the PCs being such big movers and shakers that they're the ones handing out power to further their agendas.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: HoodooHuckster on May 29, 2010, 03:07:03 AM
    I have created a Death Sponsored Magic (Like Death Personified in Supernatural) for the campaign I run in Memphis.  His agenda being a hatred of necromancy and a desire to make Immortal creatures mortal.

The magic deals heavily in veils, entropomancy, divination, a spells that can satisfy "The Catch".
The Character is a Main NPC in the setting.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Archmage_Cowl on May 30, 2010, 06:07:42 PM
You could always do something like a transient being from the Nightside series. For anyone who hasent read the nightside series transient beings are ideas personafied like "lady luck" or "father time" those would probably be fun.
Also just throwing this one out here but maybe one of the big three game consoles? come on you guys know it would be fun to have an Emissary of Xbox duel and Emissary of Playstation lol ;D
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: John Galt on May 30, 2010, 07:19:47 PM
I really want to make a Bard of the Autumn Court- half high sidhe changeling that is tasked with safe keeping the remaining power and lore of the conquered autumn court.  Sponsored necromancy and entropy magic.  Focus items a drum and flute.  Performance replaces discipline for control.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Archmage_Cowl on May 30, 2010, 09:40:29 PM
I like the bard idea it sounds cool  :)
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: exploding_brain on May 30, 2010, 10:15:47 PM
I came up with something not completely unlike the Martello character that kjpowers told us about.  I'm GMing out New York City game, but I created a character along with everyone else, and I hope I get to play him soon when someone else takes a turn at GMing.

Zosimo is a native New Yorker, child of Greek immigrants, granted power by the Greek Pantheon while inadvertently defending one of their temples from Red Court artifact smugglers during a vacation in Greece.  The Pantheon is much diminished these days.  Because their memory is largely sustained by classical scholars, cheesy movies and TV shows, and comic book fans, they currently concentrate on their roles as patrons of the arts and other creative pursuits, and sponsors of the Ancient Greek ideal of the hero.

Zosimo happens to be more than a bit of a comic book nerd, as well as a part time bicycle messenger, so he's a particular favorite of Athena and Hermes.

Zosimo Pepelokios
High concept: Bike Messenger and Hearald to Greek Gods
Trouble: New York ain't exactly Ancient Athens
Other Aspects:
Don't f**k with the fastest otaku in Queens
Fan, Fancy, Fanatic, Phantasm, Faith
The world is stranger than I imagined, and I have a really good imagination,
Hey, you know what would be really cool?
With Mythic Power comes Mythic Responsibility

He has sponsored magic, Guide my hand, and an Item of Power (Hermes's wings)
The wings are usually affixed to his bike helmet and bicycle, giving him inhuman speed and armor:2.
The sponsored magic usually acts a lot like spirit evocation, while the ritual side of it is very good at teleportation, speed, and travel through the nevernever.  He stole all his rotes from Marvel superheros, specifcally Wolverine (attack), The Hulk (maneuver), and Nightcrawler (block), because hey, magic is all about what you believe in, and he totally believes in superheroes. ;)
He uses his bike gloves and messenger bag as focus items.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Cyberchihuahua on May 31, 2010, 03:58:52 AM
Quote from: Shinto_Knight on May 06, 2010, 11:25:21 PM
i would think most big european and asian cities might have these, however american cities may be too new. it might be fun to be the first spirit of new york or chicago.

spirit of gotham = the dark knight

Pure Awesome.

I am in the midst of fleshing out a recurring NPC for my campaign based LOOSELY on the Joker (and a bit of Gollum). Harlen Quinn, a winter court changling that never chose human or fae, even after he was called. I may have to shoehorn your idea in some how.

If you haven't read The Authority comics, the character Jack Hawksmore might hold some inspiration for you. Especially his part in The Secret Origins of Jenny Sparks.

*edit*

D'oh. Also, other sponsors could be Gia, Sol, Luna, etc. Gia being the most obvious and simple to work in.

Actually, The Authority has a character sponsored by the earth... Just read the comic. Its usually epic win, and its choc full of ideas.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: ryanroyce on May 31, 2010, 05:28:26 AM
Champion of the Phoenix.

In my 'verse, Phoenix spirits are a kind of genius loci that are spawned when a location is ruined by fire.  As the location rejuvenates, the phoenix spirit grows with it; the stronger and more powerful the renewal, the stronger and more powerful the phoenix spirit becomes.  The cities of London, Chicago, Atlanta and many others all have a powerful phoenix spirit nesting in them.  New Orleans had one, too, from the Great Fire of 1788, but Hurricane Katrina killed it several years ago.  The agenda of the Phoenix mainly involves protecting its 'nests', inspiring or causing change and growth, and to opposing the schemes of the Thunderbird/its Champions.  

Similarly, Thunderbird spirits are also genius loci, but they are spawned when a location is flooded instead - there's a new Thunderbird Champion living in New Orleans right now, having slain the Phoenix Champion.  As that city recovers from the damage, so does the Thunderbird increase its power.

The enmity between the Phoenix and the Thunderbird is rooted entirely in the opposition of their base natures of fire and water.

Powers of the Phoenix Champion include Marked by Power, Supernatural Recovery (the Catch being the trappings of Thunder; i.e., electricity and running water), and an Item of Power (Phoenix Feather) that grants Physical Immunity: Fire (the Catch being not-fire).  Sponsored Magic is also an Option, covering ground similar to Seelie Magic without the plants (i.e., change, life, growth, renewal, fire).

Other spirits in a similar vein could be ones created by earthquakes or blizzards or even a new and terrifying radioactive kind at Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Wyrdrune on May 31, 2010, 12:07:24 PM
i've got a really scary sponsor: the czernobog
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: Michael,HandofGod on June 01, 2010, 04:24:50 AM
For a game in Savannah, GA, I'm considering an Emissary of Power with some sponsored magic from some loa--I'm thinking either Baron La Croix or Baron Samedi.  Any ideas on what kind of benefits that might have?  I'm thinking I might satisfy the Catch against Undead, and perhaps get bonuses towards Healing magic.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: John Galt on June 01, 2010, 06:28:08 PM
Quote from: Archmage_Cowl on May 30, 2010, 09:40:29 PM
I like the bard idea it sounds cool  :)

Thanks.  I spent a little more time fleshing him out if anyone's interested...

High Concept: High Bard of the Autumn Court
Trouble Aspect: The Lament of Autumn
Other Aspects: In High Demand of the Fae, Air of the High Sidhe, Don't Stop the Music

Powers:
[-2] Channeling- Earth/Entropy
[-2] Ritual- Necromancy
[-2] Glamours
[-2] Inhuman Toughness
[+3] The Catch: Cold Iron
[-1] Marked by Power

Stunts:

Skills:
Superb: Performance
Great: Deceit, Lore
Good: Rapport, Conviction, Alertness
Fair: Athletics, Weapons, Presence
Average: Stealth, Empathy, Endurance

Focus Items:
Clarinet (+1 Offensive Power, +1 Defensive Power)-Earth Evocation
Drum (+2 Complexity)-Necromancy

Items:
Leather/Kevlar Armor- Armor 1 against weapons/guns
Rapier- Weapon 2
Concealed Knives (4)- Weapon 1

Stress:
Physical: 00000 (0)
Social: 000
Mental: 0000






Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: skakid on June 01, 2010, 06:57:02 PM
Quote from: ryanroyce on May 31, 2010, 05:28:26 AM
Champion of the Phoenix.

This whole idea is just AWESOME!  I'm going to adopt it as well.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: blues.soldier on June 05, 2010, 03:44:15 PM
Quote
Champion of the Phoenix.

The Phoenix Spirits of Hiroshima and Nagasaki would be EPICALLY powerful. Like, rivals of the Faerie Queens powerful. Which could be a really neat "loophole"-- maybe faerie magic just plain doesn't work inside the boundaries of those cities.

Just a quick thought off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Powers to get sponsored by
Post by: CMEast on June 05, 2010, 05:46:34 PM
I love the phoenix/thunderbird idea Ryanroyce, it works really well!

In my game there are two emissaries, one is the middleman for Mithras and the other is led by the Lady of the Lake.

Also, another player used to be an emissary for Apollyon after finding a powerful item but is now trying to use it for good. She's basically a recreation of Spawn but without needing to die first :).