View source for Mortal Rules

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<includeonly>=='''[[Mortal Rules]]'''==

</includeonly><noinclude>__TOC__</noinclude>
Mortals are the bread and butter of society. Other types of supernatural creatures use mortals to recruit from, and as such mortals are often a protected commodity. In general, as a mortal player you are society.

'''''Advantages to playing a mortal:'''''
* You are not a supernatural being and thus are not afflicted by any of their limitations.
* You have access to special power classes called Numina that supernaturals do not.
* You are society and will never have your supernatural betters tell you not to take a mortal position.
* Expected Gameplay: Social
* Native Realm: Realm

==='''''Building a Human'''''===
Use the Universal Character Creation rules, then add...
* Place 18 points into Backgrounds.
* Mortal Energy is called Essence
* Place 20 points (freebies) anywhere you want on your sheet, including Techniques. Please note that you can spend these points WHILE spending the rest of your character points.

; '''''Essence'''''
: Mortal Energy refreshes to full daily at sunrise.

; '''''Ritual and Fetish Access'''''
: Mortals with the Hedge Magic Numina may use Hedge Magic Rituals and with the first level of Hedge Knowledge allows the use of Talismans.. Mortals with the Faith Numina may use Faith Rituals and Fetishes. Other Mortal types may not use Rituals. Some special Mortal Fetishes may come into game. These will include special text to indicate that any mortal may use these, but those should be incredibly rare.

IMPORTANT! As a mortal, unless otherwise contradicted, you are subject to the Delirium whenever you see someone in an animal/monstrous mask. 
: '''''Delirium''''' - A supernatural effect caused by seeing a character in beast form or war form - this is represented by the player wearing an animal mask. Mortal characters (without the Kinfolk or Ghoul merits) react to delirium by forgetting or rationalizing what they’ve seen. Rationalization consists of coming up with explanations - that wasn’t a giant wolf-man you saw, it was a theatrical performance gone wrong. 1-3 willpower characters should flee from the situation or collapse unconscious and rationalize or forget what occurred. 4-9 willpower characters may stay and watch, but will rationalize or forget what occurred. They may even engage in a fight if they wish - they may also choose to react as if they have 1-3 willpower. Characters who reach 10 willpower are automatically immune to Delirium. They need not rationalize or forget. If a character who is playing a mortal character sees you and does not react, you may make a “Delirium” call to let them know what should be happening.

==='''''[[#Power_Format_and_Descriptor_Line_Tags|Mortal Powers: Numina]]'''''===
: Numina are abilities, generally considered rare among mortals, that have some form of supernatural origin. In order to take Numina, you must first take the Numina Merit for that specific Numina. You may only take the Numina merit once.
: When purchasing Numina Powers, you must purchase them in order. In order to purchase a level 2 power, you must have purchased the level 1 of the same tree. To purchase a level 3 power, you must purchase the level 2 power from the same tree, etc… Numina do not require teachers to learn. Up to 3 Numina trees may be purchased at Innate costs. If there are additional trees to purchase, these are bought at non-innate costs.

<div class="powersection" id="Faith Numina">
<span style="font-size: 115%">'''''Faith Numina''</span>''' - you must purchase the '''Numina: Faith''' Merit to take any powers in these lists. Characters with this Numena gain the Conviction tree as an innate, and choose one of Zeal, Mercy or Vision as a second innate. They cannot learn or be taught any other Faith trees unless they have the Depth of Faith merit, which grants 1 additional tree at non-innate costs each time it is purchased. When building a Faithful, you must also choose at least one Vow, listed below, which represents your character’s understanding of how they must behave to be “worthy” of the power they wield. The Convicted are not simple magicians, the fuel for their abilities is their Faith in themselves and their own ideals– to violate those ethics is to undermine their own power. If a Faithful character intentionally breaks their Vow, they lose access to Faith Numena until the next sunrise. A Faithful character with the Meditation skill may expend a use of Meditation to regain the use of their Numena early, instead of gaining the usual benefits of a Meditation, but only once per event.

Faithful characters may utilize Faith Fetishes and Faith Rituals (both Custom Rituals and Systemic Rituals)

Each Faithful character starts play with an '''Idol''', a special tagged Magic Item which serves as a store of willpower to help the Faithful utilize their Numena and stand strong in the face of Darkness. The Idol begins each game containing a number of Willpower equal to the Faithful’s rank in the Basic Conviction tree, which the Faithful can spend as though they were her own provided the Idol is prominently worn on her person or held in her hand. The Idol cannot be recharged in play. The Idol does not take up an Attunement slot. Characters with the active Ghoul, Gnosis Access or Artist merits can still make use of their Idol but can spend only 1 willpower per game from it no matter how many levels of Conviction they have. If a Faithful character loses their Idol they can obtain a new tag at the start of their next game. A given Idol is tied to the Faithful who created it and cannot be used by other Faithful.

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: '''<span class="treename">Conviction</span>''' No other Faith tree can be higher than Conviction
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Breach}}: {{PowerTip|Avert}}, No Cost, Other & {{PowerTip|Taint Cap}}, No Cost, Always On</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Magic Awareness}}, passive, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Cloak Sight}}, 1 willpower, Self, 1 hour</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) '''Irresistible:''' {{PowerTip|Terror}}, 1 willpower, character who resists your Avert, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Immunity}}: {{PowerTip|Rationalize}} + {{PowerTip|Immunity}}: Delirium, self, always on & {{PowerTip|Break Bonds}}, Self only, 1wp</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Mercy</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Healer}}, no Cost, self. You may use faith healing practices or trappings appropriate to your faith when using any Medicine ability instead of the usual props or actions required by Medicine.</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Cleanse Taint}}: Wyrm, 1 willpower per 3 levels of taint, Self or Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Clarity}}, 1 willpower, Other & {{PowerTip|Quell Beast}}, No Cost, once per Recovery, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Break Bonds}}, 1 willpower, Other, & {{PowerTip|Cure Ailment}}, No Cost, Once per Recovery, Other or Self, Touch</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Revitalize}}, 1 willpower, Other & {{PowerTip|Resurrection}}, no cost, other, once used the character may never use this power again</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Zeal</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Resist}}: any tainted power, No Cost, Once per Recovery, Self. The cost does not increase when used against Aggravated Damage</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Exorcism}}, No Cost, Once per Recovery, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Elemental Weapons}}: Fire, 1 willpower, Self, 10 minutes</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Inert}}, No Cost, Once per Recovery, Other, boffer or touch delivery only</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Aegis}}, 1 willpower, Self, 60s, 1/day</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Vision</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Sense Supernatural}}, 10 seconds or 1 willpower, Other & {{PowerTip|Sense Taint}}: Any, 10 seconds or 1 willpower, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Sense Name}}, 10 seconds or 1 willpower, Other & {{PowerTip|Visions}} no cost, Self, 1/day</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Honesty}}, 1 willpower, Other, 3 questions</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Read All}}, Self, Always On</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Precognition}}, No Cost, self, 1/hour</span>
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'''''Faithful Vows'''''

Each Faithful character must choose at least one Vow to live by in order to retain access to their powers. Faithful characters can choose to abide by additional Vows– and those with the Depth of Faith merit must choose additional Vows. A Faithful character who violates one of their Vows cannot make use of Faith powers, their Symbol of Faith, or any Faith fetishes they have until the next sunrise, nor can they perform or participate in Faith Rituals. If the Faithful character possesses the Meditation skill, they may choose to Meditate to restore their access to their Numena, but doing so expends a use of Meditation and provides no other benefit besides restoring their Faith. Available Vows are listed below.

:'''Peace:''' You cannot participate in violence, except in defense of yourself or another person. If you witness another person initiate violence, you must not choose to assist them, even if they then come under attack. You can attempt to deescalate a violent situation via use of power or coercion, provided you are not taking a clear side and are using minimum viable force.
:'''Charity:''' You must do your best to aid those who ask for your help, so long as what they’re asking for doesn’t cause harm to themselves or others. You do not need to be successful in your assistance, nor do you necessarily need to give them exactly what they asked for, though you must be genuinely trying to help.
:'''Humility:''' You may not have the Resources, Income or Prospecting backgrounds, and cannot accept money as payment for a service rendered except as a proxy for another individual. You may request and receive charity, and may exchange one service for another. If you have a crafting skill, you may accept money to craft something, provided you take only what is required to craft the object, or else return the excess as soon as you can (that is, you may not profit from your creation). Your gear and garb should reflect your humble way of life.
:'''Respect:''' You must not raise your voice to, insult or curse another person, regardless of your feelings about them. You may oppose their actions or argue against their beliefs, even fight them, but must do so respectfully. In combat, you cannot strike an unprepared opponent, must accept a surrender, and must give your foes an opportunity to defend themselves.
:'''Honor:''' You must endeavor always to keep the spirit of your word when you give it. If you break your word involuntarily, you must make a good faith effort to make up for having done so. If it is impossible to make amends (say, you promise to protect someone and they die) you are considered to be in violation of this Vow.
:'''Truth:''' You must not lie. If you say something you believed to be true at the time, and later learn that it was false, you must make a reasonable effort to correct the misunderstanding if you have the opportunity.
:'''Silence:''' You must not speak, whisper or shout. Being forced to speak via use of supernatural power (such as the Obedience power) does not break this Vow unless you requested that the power be used on you or otherwise arranged for it to be.
:'''Courage:''' You must not show fear or back down from a confrontation or conflict for fear of social censure or violence being directed at you. You may hold yourself back if doing so is the best way to preserve an innocent’s safety. You may retreat from a fight only if doing so would spare the life or reputation of another person. Being forced to flee due to supernatural powers (such as Terror) does not violate this Vow so long as you rejoin the fray as soon as you can. You are not obligated to pursue a fleeing foe or refuse an enemy’s surrender.

<div class="powersection" id="Hedge Magic Numina">
<span style="font-size: 115%">'''''Hedge Magic Numina''</span>''' - you must purchase the '''Numina: Hedge Magic''' Merit to take any powers in this list. Hedge Mages receive double Essence when gaining Essence from Energy Talens, Tonics of Vitality, and Meditation as long as they do not have the Gnosis Access, Artist or active Ghoul merits. All Hedge Mages may use Talismans. The Talisman Infusion ritual is required to recharge Talismans. The Talisman Creation Ritual is required to create a Talisman. Hedge Mages should also consider the Connection background, to recharge and connect to additional talismans beyond the first five.

Note that the Dodge, Inhuman Evasion, Inhuman Vitality and Inhuman Resolve powers cannot be placed into Talismans due to the way they function.
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: '''<span class="treename">Hedge Knowledge</span>''' - At character creation only: upon taking the first level you receive 1 free L1 Talisman
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Protect Item}}, 1 Essence, Item, End of Game, Any Talisman</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Sense Aura}}, 1E, Other & {{PowerTip|Resist}}: (Any Drain or Burn effect), 1E, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Item Sight}}, No Cost, Self, Always On & {{PowerTip|Conceal}}, 1E, Self, Cost is per item, Any number of items.</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Magic Awareness}}, No Cost, Always On</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Essential Transaction}}, Variable, Self, 1x/hour</span>
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<div class="powersection" id="Psychic Numina">
<span style="font-size: 115%">'''''Psychic Numina''</span>''' - you must purchase the '''Numina: Psychic Merit''' to take any powers in these lists. 

Psychic characters who do not have the Gnosis Access, Artist or (active) Ghoul merits on their sheet gain access the following powers:
* {{PowerTip|Amplify Emotion}}: Excitement, 1 Essence, Other, 10 minutes, 1x/1m, Realm Target Only
* {{PowerTip|Emotional Regeneration}}: Excitement, No Cost, Self, Always On
* {{PowerTip|Sense Emotion}}: Excitement, No Cost, Other, Realm Target Only
* '''Crowd-Based Passive Regeneration''': No Cost, Self, Always On: When with a group of 5 or more other people in a non-combat setting, the psychic regenerates 1 essence per 30 minutes. The individuals within the group may change, so long as 5+ remain present. Group is defined as a range of 20 feet or within a single room.

In addition to standard Essence Fetishes, Psychics also gain access to specialized fetishes called '''Psychic Foci''' which allow them to strengthen or share their powers. Foci and their mechanics are detailed in the Using Magic Items section of the wiki.

Psychics do not have their own Rituals.

Psychics choose three of the following trees to be innates, and must be taught the others in order to learn them (learned trees are purchased at non-innate costs).
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: '''<span class="treename">Body Control</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Increased Health}}: 4, No Cost, Self, Always On</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Healing Touch}} 2, 1 Essence, once per Recovery, Self Only, levels, this power can also be used after 10 minutes in the Dying state, as an exception to the usual rule governing power use while Dying.</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Healing Touch}} 2, 1 Essence, Other Only, does not level</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Inhuman Vitality}}, 1+ Essence, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Drain Pool}}: Health, 1 essence, Other & {{PowerTip|Augment}}, 1 Essence, Self, 1 hour</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Mind Control</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Instill Emotion}}, 1 Essence, Other, only emotions the user is currently feeling</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Command}}, 1 Essence, Other, 60 seconds</span> & {{PowerTip|Suppress Emotion}}, 1 Essence, Other/ Self, 10 minutes, does not override other mentals except Instill Emotion when used as a Self power.
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Terror}}, 1 Essence, Other, 10 minutes</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Forgetful Mind}}, 1 Essence, Other, 10 minutes</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Obedience}}, 1 Essence, Other, 10 minutes</span>
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<div class="tree">
: '''<span class="treename">Telepathy</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Sense Desire}}, 10 seconds of staring or 1 Essence, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Telepathy}}, 1 Essence for 10 minutes of telepathy, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Cloak Sight}}, 1 Essence, Self, 1 hour</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Inhuman Resolve}}, 1+ Essence, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Astral Projection}}, 1 will, Self</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Spiritualism</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Medium}}, No Cost, Self, Always On</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Channeling}}, No Cost, Self, 10 minutes</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Wraith Magnet}}, 1 Essence, Others, 10 minutes.</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Resist}}: (Any breach power), 1 Essence, Self</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Exorcism}}, 2 Essence, Others, 10 minutes & {{PowerTip|Gauntlet Perception}}, 1 Essence, Self, 1 Hour</span>
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: '''<span class="treename">Kinesis</span>'''
:: <span class="treepower">Level 1) {{PowerTip|Avert}}, 1 Essence, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 2) {{PowerTip|Bind Foot}}, 1 essence, Other, 60 seconds & {{PowerTip|Knockback}} 3, No Cost, Packet Delivery, Other</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 3) {{PowerTip|Element}}: Metal or Earth 2, 1 Essence, Other, Levels</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 4) {{PowerTip|Element}}: Fire 2, 2 Essence, Other, Does Not Level</span>
:: <span class="treepower">Level 5) {{PowerTip|Freeze}}, 2 essence, Other, 60s</span>
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'''New Background:''' Connection (Hedge Mage Only) - This Background may be purchased multiple times.
:: Each level of this background allows you to charge a single Talisman at that level while using the Infusion ritual, as well as Connect to an additional single Talisman at that level.

==='''''Mortal Merits'''''===
: '''Ghoul{{Meritnote}}''' - 2 Point Merit - May only be taken by Mortals. You are a ghoul, as described in the Ghoul Section of the Rulebook.
: '''Kinfolk''' - 3-5 Point merit - May only be taken by Mortals; see the Kinfolk section of the Rulebook for further information. For 3 points you are kin to a Werewolf. For 5 points you are kin to a specific kind of Fera instead, chosen at character creation.
: '''Kinain''' - 3 Point Merit - May only be taken by Mortals. You are a Kinain, as described in the Kinain section of the rulebook
: '''Numina''' - 5 Point Merit - You may purchase a single Numina type as Innate Powers. Mortal Only. The Numina merit may only be taken once and only for one type of Numina.
:: '''Psychic{{Meritnote}}''' - See the Psychic Numina section in this chapter.
:: '''Hedge Magic{{Meritnote}}''' - See the Hedge Magic section in this chapter.
:: '''Faith{{Meritnote}}''' - See the Faith section in this chapter.
: '''Depth of Faith{{Meritnote}}''' - 3 Point Merit (Requires Faith Numina) - Choose an additional Faith tree that you do not currently have access to. You gain the ability to purchase that tree at non-innate costs without a teacher. In addition, you must choose and abide by an additional Vow that you do not currently abide by, with the usual sanction for violating it. This Merit may be purchased twice, granting the Faithful access to all Faith trees in exchange for abiding by 3 total Vows.
<span class="s5r2">==='''''Mortal Flaws'''''===
: '''Precluded First Change''' - 6 point flaw - As a Mortal character, you may never First Change into a Supernatural.</span>
<noinclude>[[:Category:Chapters]]</noinclude>
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