DP Tool Club 17/CD_ASCQ_17_101194.iso/vrac/high_wod.zip/HTG-5.TXT

Text File | 1994-06-29 | 17KB | 292 lines

       Chapter Five: The World of Darkness
       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    "Fighting to survive, in a world with the darkest powers..."
                                                      - Queen

        Highlander-style immortals fit perfectly into the
   World of Darkness. The movie Highlander is listed as one of the
   inspirations for the World of Darkness - a world where supernatural
   beings walk among us without our knowledge. However, immortals are
   very different from other supernatural creatures in one very important
   way - Unlike the Kindred, Garou and Mages, immortals don't have their
   own society, for very obvious reasons. In a world where various groups
   such as the Sabbat and the Technocracy vie for power, immortals are
   wildcards - powerful individuals; mavericks who can be useful allies
   or dangerous enemies. They have no clearly defined role, unlike the
   Garou, for instance, and instead, follow their own destiny, towards
   the Prize.
        Immortals don't go around in groups, for very obvious
   reasons. Therefore, there will normally only be a single immortal
   player character in a Chronicle, and the other PCs will presumably be
   one of the other character types detailed in the Storyteller games
   released so far - Kindred, Garou, Mage or Wraith.  This brings up the
   interesting topic of what the other characters actually know about the
   immortal character. Given that immortals are probably the rarest of
   all the supernatural beings (excepting Mummies), it's reasonable to
   assume that it's not exactly common knowledge that these guys are
   immortal, and can only be killed if their head is chopped off. If
   assessed using supernatural powers, an immortal's aura will look very
   similar to a Mage's, or perhaps a Changeling's - They store within
   them a large well of power, not unlike Quintessence. However, it will
   soon become obvious that an immortal cannot manipulate magick, nor
   does he possess powers like that of a Faerie. Normally, an immortal
   won't reveal his true nature to people, without a very good reason,
   and it is very unlikely that he will reveal the method by which he can
   be killed.
        Although immortals are, after all, immortal, and don't
   necessarily need to eat, sleep, and so on, failure to do so will
   result in them becoming weak, although they can never die of hunger or
   exposure. However, hunger and cold make immortals as uncomfortable as
   they do mortals, and therefore, it is desirable to have a roof over
   one's head, and money, in order to make your life more
   comfortable. Unlike other supernatural beings, immortals don't have
   Caerns, Nodes or Crypts. Instead, they will most probably live amongst
   mortals.
        During their extended lifetimes, immortals are likely to amass
   huge amounts of wealth. However, like Vampires, immortals must
   maintain a masquerade - the illusion that there is nothing strange
   about them. This can be difficult, and can involve having to leave
   worldly assets behind. In the film, Connor used to leave his goods to
   children who had died whilst very young, and "die", only to return
   after a suitable interval to assume the identity of the dead person
   and claim their inheritance. This is probably the best way of ensuring
   that an immortal doesn't have to give up whatever worldly possessions
   he has earned when he has to move on, in order to prevent his true
   nature being discovered. Doubtless, there are immortals who travel
   around quite a bit, but it's likely that, after several centuries of
   travelling, an immortal may wish to stay in one place for a while.
        Obviously, if an immortal has settled down in one place, they
   will need to have some way of paying for their lifestyle on a day to
   day basis. Duncan, for instance, has extensive stock holdings, but he
   is also an antique dealer, as Connor was. What better job for a man
   who was alive when many antiques were new? Other professions which
   require a knowledge of the past may also attract immortals, like a
   history professor, for instance. Who better to describe the Civil War
   than someone who was actually there? Immortals' supernatural abilities
   mean that they are practically perfect as soldiers, or something
   similar.  What could be better than a soldier who isn't just simply
   unafraid of dying, but is actually unable to die? Most immortals will
   no doubt have been involved in some sort of conflict at some point in
   their lives, unless they actively avoided it.
        Were an immortal's secret to become known, the results could
   be potentially disastrous. Imagine what would happen were a company
   such as Development Neogenetics Amalgamated or Pentex Inc. to discover
   that immortals exist - they would stop at nothing in an attempt to
   discover the secret of immortality. Therefore, an immortal character
   must be careful to guard his secret, and maintain the facade of
   normality.


   Antagonists:
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^

   "How do you fight such a savage?" "With heart, faith, and steel..."
                                                   - Connor, Ramirez

        In this section we will discuss how Immortals are likely to
   interact with the other supernatural beings in the World of Darkness,
   as well as other individuals and organizations, such as the
   Inquisition.

   Vampires
   ^^^^^^^^
        Immortals are quite likely to run up against the Kindred of
   any city they visit - Kindred feed off mortals, while Immortals are
   more likely to try and protect the them. Kindred seek to control and
   they will normally try to destroy that which they are unable to
   control. Immortals don't often fit into their schemes, which makes
   them dangerous. However, as much as an immortal can be a powerful
   enemy, they can also be a powerful ally. It is possible that
   individual immortals and vampires can become friends and allies, for
   both have one major trait in common - both have the potential to live
   for an inordinate length of time. Both understand what it is like to
   live for much longer than mortals. Added to this is the fact that,
   unlike mortals, immortals have nothing to fear from Vampires - as has
   been stated before, immortal blood holds no sustenance for Vampires,
   and immortals cannot be Embraced, nor made into Ghouls. However,
   unlike many Kindred, Immortals are still innately human, and the
   bestial nature of many Kindred will repel them. If an immortal has a
   Vampire as a friend, it is likely that the Vampire will have a high
   Humanity.

   Werewolves
   ^^^^^^^^^^
        Immortals are more likely to join the Garou than the
   Kindred. The Garou fight for a simpler time, a time the immortal may
   well remember. The Garou also fight against the desecration of Gaia,
   and, as PC immortals are likely to follow in the hero mold of Connor
   and Duncan MacLeod, it is extremely likely that Garou and Immortals
   would consider each other to be brothers, fighting on the same side,
   against the destruction of a mother earth the Immortals have watched
   being desecrated over the centuries. Add to this the fact that Garou
   Caerns are Holy Ground, and a refuge for immortals, and it becomes
   obvious that the Garou and Immortals are very likely allies.
        However, there is a possibility that some immortals may come
   up against the Garou, especially if they have amassed great wealth,
   and control portions of man's world which the Garou do not
   appreciate. Such immortals may be considered by the Garou to be agents
   of the Wyrm. In general, however, Immortals are much more likely to
   form friendly relationships and allies the Garou than anything else.

   Mages
   ^^^^^
        Immortals and Mages don't mix well. This isn't because of any
   direct conflict, but because Mages will often wish to acquire the
   immortal's Quickening, in order to empower their own node. Also,
   Mages, like the Kindred, are often distrustful of that which they
   can't control, an immortals' immunity to magic of both the Prime and
   Life spheres makes them a danger. On the other hand, immortals make
   useful allies, powerful and yet not beholden to any clan or
   tribe. Also, the Mages' nodes are Holy Ground, like the Caerns of the
   Garou. However, what immortal is likely to feel comfortable in a place
   surrounded by people who could gain a lot of power for themselves by
   beheading him?

   Wraiths
   ^^^^^^^
        It's likely that Immortals and Wraiths do not normally
   interact very much, due to the simple fact that while Immortals
   inhabit the mundane world, Wraiths dwell in the Deep Umbra and rarely
   manifest themselves on Earth. It should be noted, however, that
   because of the manner in which the Quickening binds an immortal's
   being together, Immortals cannot be possessed.

   Changelings
   ^^^^^^^^^^^
        Like the Garou, the Sidhe are likely to form strong alliances
   with Immortals, as they are, in many ways, kindred spirits - human,
   and yet wielding powers which no mortal can possess. Both Immortals
   and Changelings strive towards a goal which is their destiny to pursue
   - Immortals strive to win the Prize, while the Sidhe dream of
   returning to Arcadia, to join with their faerie kin. The Sidhe's
   relationship with the Garou (especially the Fianna), is also likely to
   result in Changelings and Immortals becoming friends and allies.
      Certain members of the Fey may also hold clues to the origins of the
   Immortals...

   The Wyrm
   ^^^^^^^^
        Minions of the Wyrm, such as Fomori and the Black Spiral
   Dancers are very likely to attempt to kill any Immortals they come
   across, as Immortals are likely to be considered to be of neither the
   Wyld nor the Weaver alone, but of both - their role as wildcards and
   mavericks is a trait of the Wyld, yet the Weaver holds their body and
   spirit together. Suffice to say that the Wyrm would consider Immortals
   to be enemies.

   Governments
   ^^^^^^^^^^^
        It is highly unlikely that the Government knows, or even
   suspects that there are immortals out there, although there may be a
   section of the FBI or some similar organization which is carrying out
   an investigation into the possibility that there is a serial killer
   going around, chopping people's heads off. Witnesses of Immortal duels
   are likely to be given the same amount of credibility as the ex-Marine
   was in the movie - ie. none at all. On the other hand, Immortals are
   likely to have to tread carefully, and take extra care, when trying to
   hide their immortality from individuals in government departments, and
   so on. However, immortals are much more likely to run into trouble
   when trying to deal with the police. Particularly if they are murder
   suspects, like Connor was in the film. An immortal had better make
   sure that his cover is unshakable if he comes under investigation by
   the police or FBI.

   The Inquisition
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
        The Inquisition is likely to have encountered immortals during
   the Dark Ages, when they would have been considered to be witches, or
   "in league with Lucifer", as Kate said. The punishment for such heresy
   was burning at the stake, and at least one immortal in the series has
   survived such an ordeal. It's very unlikely that the Inquisition knows
   of the existence of Immortals. However, see the information on the
   Watchers below.

   The Watchers
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^
        The Watchers are a group which predates the that Arcanum, and,
   although they have links with the Arcanum, the Arcanum proper is
   unaware of the existence of Immortals. The Watchers are. They have
   spent centuries studying the immortals, chronicling their exploits,
   but not interfering.  They keep accurate records of all new immortals,
   who has taken who's head, and (like the immortals themselves) wonder
   as to who will gain the Prize, and what this Prize is. Watchers are
   mortals, and are chosen for their "normalness".  They don't stand out
   in a crowd, they blend.  They don't trigger the immortal's senses, and
   are trained to observe.  Their only distinguishing feature is a tattoo
   on their wrists, a circle with a holy symbol of their order within.
   This allows them to easily recognize one another, and to remind them
   of their mission.

   The Hunters
   ^^^^^^^^^^^
        In recent years, a rogue branch of the Watchers has formed.
   This group has links with the Inquisition. Fueled by paranoia, it's
   members have decided that they cannot wait and hope that the immortal
   who gains the Prize is a good person.  They actively hunt and kill
   immortals, removing their heads and allowing their knowledge and power
   to be lost to the Ether.  In this way, they seek to stop any immortal
   from achieving the power of the Prize.  These "Hunters" view immortals
   as the greatest danger ever to face mankind... both the Watchers and
   the Hunters are detailed in the series, and some of the main
   characters in the second season are members of these groups. Although
   the other supernatural beings, such as Werewolves and Vampires aren't
   mentioned in the series, it's possible that in the World of Darkness
   their mission may have expanded to include Vampires, Magi, and any
   other beings they perceive to be a danger.



   Storytelling
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^

        Running a Chronicle with a group with an immortal is something
   of a challenge. Physically, Immortals are among the most powerful
   characters in the Storytelling system, but there are disadvantages to
   playing an immortal, when compared to a Vampire, a Werewolf, or a
   Mage. All three possess powers which an Immortal cannot match. Many
   Vampiric Disciplines and Garou Gifts bestow advantages which the
   Quickening is unable to match, and the Magick wielded by Mages, while
   Immortals are immune to the effects of the Life and Prime spheres, can
   be very dangerous indeed. Another major difference is that Immortals
   are bound to the mundane world, and cannot pierce the Gauntlet to
   travel to the Umbral Spirit World.
        The Last is designed to help even out these differences, and
   the Storyteller should actively be thinking about what an immortal may
   sense through the Last throughout a Story. Note that an immortal
   player character should not have to ask whether he senses anything
   through the Last - it is designed to be a random way of giving the
   Immortal knowledge which he couldn't normally know, and isn't an
   ability or a Gift to be activated at will. Consider the various
   instances in the film where an immortal knew something he really
   shouldn't have - Connor finding Brenda's gun and tape recorder; Kurgan
   knowing that "there is one among them named Connor"; Connor sensing
   Rachel's presence and asking what she was looking at; and so on.
        It is also necessary to keep in mind the aims and desires of
   the various characters in a group - obviously, the aims of a Garou,
   for example are different from that of a Vampire. The Werewolf may
   wish to increase his Renown by combatting the Wyrm, while the Vampire
   might want to extend his power and influence. However, an immortal has
   but one aim - to win the Prize. The only way of doing this is to kill
   other immortals and take their Quickening. The Storyteller should
   always make sure that there is a reason for the Immortal character's
   presence in the group, and for him aiding the other characters. The
   Mages and the Garou may have teamed up to thwart the Technocracy's
   plans, as it is in both their interests, but, a player with an
   Immortal character could quickly discover that he is just riding along
   in this situation, with no advantage to his character being readily
   apparent. It is important to ensure that the actions of the group as a
   whole don't conflict with the aims of any of it's individual members.
        It can be advantageous if the Immortal character has ties to
   other members of the group, instead of just being an extra member of
   the team, whom no one really knows. He might be kin to a Garou, or an
   ally of a Vampire or a Mage. What is important is that he is actually
   part of the team, and not just an add-on.
        Hopefully, this supplement will bring a new dimension to your
   World of Darkness games, and will provide even more enjoyment for both
   Storyteller and players.

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