Author Topic: New Template, Plus Some Rambling About Optimization  (Read 3752 times)

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Re: New Template, Plus Some Rambling About Optimization
« Reply #15 on: October 14, 2011, 11:37:03 PM »
Edited.

BLOODTHIRSTY WEAPON BEARER

There are many legends of cursed swords, possessed axes, evil knives, and other weapons that dominate their bearers and drive them to kill. Like most legends, they are based in fact.

Sometimes, when a weapon is used to kill enough people by an evil enough person, it takes on a life of its own from the pieces of the ones it has taken. It becomes partially sentient and entirely magical, with a personality similar to that of the bearer that gave it power. It invariably wants to do more killing.

These weapons are called Bloodthirsty Weapons. Most people who wield them become nothing more than slaves to their weapons, killing endlessly to appease the thirst of their master. When they die, their indestructible weapon simply sits and waits for a new bearer.

But with a strong enough will, it is possible to master a Bloodthirsty Weapon. Someone who does so can use it for a good cause, if he or she so chooses.

Musts: A Bloodthirsty Weapon Bearer must have a high concept that references their weapon (eg. SLAVE TO THE DEMON SWORD or GOOD MAN WITH AN EVIL AXE). This aspect may be compelled to represent the influence of their weapon, and is linked to their Item Of Power power. Speaking of which, a Bloodthirsty Weapon Bearer must bear a Bloodthirsty Weapon. A Bloodthirsty Weapon is always an Item Of Power with the following abilities:

[-1] True Aim
[-1] Blood Drinker
[-1] Demonic Co-Pilot

Options: A Bloodthirsty Weapon Bearer may take a variety of powers, but all of them must be linked to his Bloodthirsty Weapon. Strength, Toughness, Speed, and Recovery are options, and if taken they should be linked to an appropriate Feeding Dependency. Sacred Guardian is an option, if you want to admit that it exists. Living Dead is an option, if the magic of the weapon keeps the wielder from dying. The GM and player should determine what happens if the weapon is lost when Living Dead is taken. Beast Change and Human Form are options, if the personality of the weapon sometimes takes over the wielder.

Important Skills: Weapons, first and foremost. Discipline is also important. Conviction and other combat skills are secondary, but still worth taking.

Minimum Refresh Cost: -2

Examples: None, but I may yet write some.

Variant: Some GMs may wish to use this template with a character that wields a gun. Those GMs are of course more than welcome to do so, but they should keep in mind that the Blood Drinker power requires close contact with one's target. Also, Bloodthirsty Weapons tend to be rather old. This might mean that a Bloodthirsty Gun is obsolete.