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legacy:characters:background:oracle

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Oracle

The Oracle is a mystical figure who serves as the messenger of a higher being, whether a deity, a powerful spirit, or some other form of supernatural force. Chosen by their Origin, the Oracle does not typically seek out this path but is instead selected by the higher power to act as a conduit between the mortal world and the divine or ethereal realms. This position is often one of both honour and burden, as the Oracle’s existence is entwined with the whims and desires of the force they serve. They may carry messages of great importance, foretell events, or provide guidance to those who seek it, all while acting as the bridge for communication between their Origin and those who would listen.

In return for serving as the vessel of their Origin's power, the Oracle is granted magical abilities that stem directly from the higher being they serve. These powers are varied, depending on the nature of the patron, and may include the ability to foresee the future, control elements, heal others, or manipulate the forces of life and death. The powers come at a cost, however; the Oracle's life is often not their own. They may be bound by an unbreakable bond to their Origin’s will, required to deliver messages even at the expense of their personal desires or safety. This sense of duty can weigh heavily on the Oracle, as they must navigate the demands of their Origin while living among those who do not understand the supernatural forces at play.

Some Oracles view their role with resentment, feeling trapped by a destiny they never chose. These individuals often struggle with the constant pressure and the alienation that comes with being a living vessel of power and prophecy. They may long for a life of normalcy or freedom but find themselves unable to break free from the influence of the being they serve. This resentment may manifest as bitterness, rebellion, or even self-destructive behaviour, as the Oracle grapples with the limits of their agency and the seemingly endless demands placed upon them. Their powers, which might have once been a gift, can become a source of frustration, and they may struggle to find meaning in a life controlled by an unseen force.

On the other hand, there are Oracles who find their position fulfilling and meaningful. These individuals embrace their role as servants of a higher power and often view their gifts as a sacred responsibility. For them, the Oracle’s life is one of purpose, offering insight and guidance to those in need. They may take comfort in the certainty of their patron’s will and find fulfillment in the knowledge that they are part of something greater than themselves. These Oracles often feel a deep connection to their patrons, experiencing moments of profound spiritual insight and inner peace as they fulfill their divine mission. In this way, their lives may be marked by a sense of devotion, transcendence, and the privilege of serving a higher cause.

If you select this background, be prepared to have the Director usurp control of your character with no warning!

Attributes

When you select this background, add seven points to your Charisma score and five points to your Wisdom score. In addition, you may distribute eight points among any of your other attribute scores. No single attribute may receive more than four points.

Features

Stamina: An Oracle begins play with 20 stamina, plus an amount equal to your Strength bonus.

Recovery Dice: When you select Oracle as your background, you gain two six-sided dice (2d6) as Recovery dice. This is in addition to any Recovery dice you gained due to your ancestry.

Defences: Add two training ranks to your Will defence.

The Origin

Your powers are granted to you—perhaps even forced upon you—by a supernatural being. Choose the nature of this being from the list below.

Deity

Your Origin is one of the gods, who chose you to serve as their voice in the world. You must choose one of the Deities. You gain one training rank in training rank in Lore, with your deity as the specialty, and in Divine Spellcasting. You gain access to the Realm of Divine Magic. You gain the Divinities of Community, Healing and Protection, and may choose one Divinity from those offered by your Deity.

The Fabric of Reality

There is an underlying structure to the universe, forged in the collective unconscious of all intelligent minds within it. This structure affects you, occasionally forcing its will upon you. You gain one training rank in Arcane Spellcasting, and one in Lore (Arcana). You gain access to the Realm of Arcane Magic.

Outer God

In the realms beyond what is known lurk incredible intelligences, so alien to human thought as to be incomprehensible. These are sometimes called the Outer Gods. Their gift is often one of madness, but also of random knowledge. You gain one training rank in Occult Spellcasting and one in Lore (Esoterica). You also gain access to the Realm of Occult Magic.

The Spirits of the Land

The spirits around you speak through you, informing you of their desires. You may be called upon by different spirits as you travel, moving from one spirit's domain to another. You gain access to the Realm of Primal Magic. Place one training rank in Primal Spellcasting and one in Lore (Spirits).

Skills

Oracles come from any and all walks of life. Choose any three skills, and place one training rank in each of the selected skills.

Spells

Choose six Power 1 and two Power 2 spells from the Realm of Magic that you gained from your Origin, and add them to the list of spells you know.

Mana

Like all spellcasters, you fuel your spells with mana. The maximum amount of mana that you can have is equal to the number of training ranks you have in your Spellcasting skill, plus an amount equal to half your level (rounded down). You recover mana equal to half your level when you complete a short rest.

If you have a spellcasting class, use its mana rules in place of these.

Traits

Choose one of the following traits, and add it to your character. In addition, the following traits are available to your character as Basic traits, regardless of their base class.

Starting Equipment

You begin play with the following equipment:

  • 100 silver coins.
legacy/characters/background/oracle.1742922143.txt.gz · Last modified: by tailkinker