Author Topic: [General] Powers Checks  (Read 1761 times)

Offline Skyrock

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[General] Powers Checks
« on: December 03, 2018, 03:51:41 PM »

In a land where the forces of Evil rule openly and the Good is fragile and precarious, even the most shining heroes may be tempted to resort to evil methods, take shortcuts and exploit the innocent to keep up with their ruthless opposition - or even to switch sides and become part of the evil winners. And there is indeed power to be gained from corruption - but for a terrible price.

Unseen by mortals, the Dark Powers sit in judgment of all that occurs within their realm and silently watch countless worlds as well. Whenever a mortal performs an evil act in Ravenloft, there is a chance that the Dark Powers will react, bestowing them with a dark gift - accompanied by a corresponding punishment. If a character continues down the path of corruption, they may eventually become a monster, or even a Darklord themself.

Making a Powers Check
Whenever a player character willingly performs an evil act, the DM will resolve the powers check by making a percentile roll. No spell, class feature, feat or any other ability can ever modify or re-roll this dice roll.

A percentage chance of attracting the attention of the dark powers will be assigned based on the severity of the transgression. Some acts are so trivial that they are beneath the attention of the Dark Powers (such as attacking monsters or stealing apples from strangers). Others are such severe Acts of Ultimate Darkness (such as sadistic torture of innocents) that they automatically succeed.

The nature of the victim also affects this percentage. Crimes against innocents and loved ones are more dangerous than those committed against strangers or enemies. Be prepared to explain (not justify) your character’s mindset when committing a morally questionable act, motivation can also affect this chance.

Crimes or Acts of ViolenceEvil NPCs or MonstersNeutral NPCs or StrangersGood NPCs or FriendsPCs, Family or Innocents
Assault, Unprovoked*1%2%3%
Assault, Grievous1%2%4%6%
Betrayal, Mayor1%3%6%9%
Betrayal, Minor*1%3%6%
Extortion*2%5%8%
Lying***1%
Murder, Brutal3%6%10%**
Murder, Premeditated or Nonbrutal2%3%6%10%
Theft, Grave Robbing*1%5%7%
Theft, Major*1%4%7%
Theft, Minor**3%6%
Threats of Violence**1%2%
Torture, Routine4%7%****
Torture, Sadistic10%******

Unholy ActsEvil FaithNeutral FaithGood FaithOwn Faith
Breaking a Tenet*1%3%5%
Breaking an Oath*2%5%10%
Breaking a Vow*5%10%50%
Defilement*1%10%**
Desecration*2%50%**

Supernatural Evil
Laying a Curse:
- Embarassing: 1%
- Frustrating: 2%
- Troublesome: 4%
- Dangerous: 8%
- Lethal: 16%
Casting an Evil or Necromantic Spell: 1% per effective spell level
Casting an Evil and Necromantic Spell: 2% per effective spell level
Using an Evil Magic Item: as casting equivalent spell
Bearing an Evil Magic Item: as using item's most powerful ability
Crafting an Evil Magic Item: total percentage of prerequisite spells, plus 10% of XP costs
« Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 03:55:17 PM by Skyrock »

Offline Skyrock

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Re: [General] Powers Checks
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2018, 03:52:05 PM »
(Placeholder for Steps of Corruption)

Offline Skyrock

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Re: [General] Powers Checks
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2018, 03:52:19 PM »
(Placeholder)

Offline Stratovarius

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Re: [General] Powers Checks
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2021, 05:34:32 PM »
Not done, obviously. I assume that single * means no check and ** means auto succeed?

Offline Skyrock

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Re: [General] Powers Checks
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2021, 12:39:23 PM »
I assume that single * means no check and ** means auto succeed?
Yes, as explained in that section in the Ravenloft books.