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TTRPG Tuesday: Channeling Curses

 Hey it's TTRPG Tuesday.  Well I’m gonna start writing one on a Tuesday.  We’ll see how it goes.

Been doing a lot of writing on Channelers lately.  And this time is no exception! In particular, I’ve been wondering if there's room for a sixth Calling: the Haunted.


The Haunted

There are those who live with a Spiritual affliction: a family curse, intermittent possession, psychic wounds from exposure to a manifestation - whatever the cause, the Haunted lives with a power they can try to manage but never fully control.  The act of Channeling itself is risky, with twisted and unpredictable Techniques and Incarnations, and a tendency for the Haunted’s power to run away from them.

The hidden truth of every Haunted is that they bear their burden because they believe they deserve it.  They may despise their state or try to suppress it, but they will remain cursed only as long as they believe, consciously or otherwise, that they should be.  If a Haunted ever truly confronts this fundamental fact, they can immediately be freed of the curse, and with it, the Calling itself.  The character may take on another Calling, or may simply end their adventuring career, as they leave Channeling behind them and live a life free from the influence and working of Spirits.

Pregen character: Retuno Caravalez (they/he)

Gracefully still, apart from a nervous gaze.  Forever reading or jotting down small chapbooks of poetry.  Adept at deflecting questions back onto others, a charming and flattering conversation partner.  Very fond of maple liquor but always abstains.

Curse: A Haunted does not Channel a typical Spirit and instead is granted access to Techniques and Incarnations from the Haunted Pool.

Tainted Connection: At the start of combat, deal out three Technique/Incarnation cards to the Haunted.  The Haunted can activate any of these drawn Technique or Incarnation cards.  At the end of every turn, they draw one new card and discard one of their cards.  When a Haunted increases their Channel, they draw one new card (and do not have to discard).

Threat Response: Whenever a Haunted takes Self damage, they immediately increase their Channel


Hmm okay, I like this! I think I can work with this: it's definitely on the more complicated end of the spectrum, probably second only to Solitaire, maybe easier than the Pragmatist, I dunno.  But if I can make a bunch of Corrupt versions of existing Techniques/Incarnations, I think we’re in business.

Alright, that's it for now.  Til next time!

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