Difference between revisions of "Book:Spirit"

Revision as of 12:29, 24 March 2020

Life cannot exist without spirit. It is the breath inherent in all things. Spirit permeates and surrounds the world of Immortal Legacy and all who dwell there. Those who have opened their eyes to the world of the spirit recognize solitude as an illusion — all life is woven together by threads of fate into the fabric of reality. We are all cut from the same cloth as the mountains, trees, stones, beasts… even the Immortals themselves.

Spirit Users

Grasshopper, you have been touched by the Spirit Realm and gained access to the ambient energy circling throughout the cosmos. As a spirit artist, you harness the very life force inherent in all things to achieve stunning displays of supernatural ability. Be you the warrior monk, the holy sword, or the merciful healer, it begins by honing the spirit (see Chapter 16: Spirit).

Ranks

1. Spirit Initiate

Expoint Cost: 1 point

The first tier of spirit artists are young in their talent. Their connection to the Spirit Realm remains weak but stable as they train. This rank allows you to perform any spirit art you know at Concentration 1.

2. Spirit Pupil

Expoint Cost: 2 points

The second tier of spirit artists demonstrate clear potential. As they seek answers within themselves, they begin to understand the possibilities in manipulating the power of life itself. This rank allows you to perform any spirit art you know at Concentration 2.

3. Spirit Disciple

Expoint Cost: 4 points

The third tier of spirit artists are constantly aware of their place in the continuous ebb and flow of qi (or whatever they choose to call it). Years of discipline have strengthened their abilities. This rank allows you to perform any spirit art you know at Concentration 3.

4. Spirit Mentor

Expoint Cost: 7 points

The fourth tier of spirit artists are bound to the world beyond. Their staggering expertise in wielding spiritual forces enable them to instruct those willing to learn and to seek enlightenment from the powers that be. This rank allows you to perform any spirit art you know at Concentration 4.

5. Spirit Master

Expoint Cost: 11 points

The fifth tier of spirit artists achieve complete mastery over their relationship with the Spirit Realm. They are immensely scarce and can divert the river of fate with their overwhelming power. This rank allows you to perform any spirit art you know at Concentration 5.

In The Story

The Game Master holds the final say on the availability and use of spirit power in the game. One GM might tell a story in which all characters touch the forces of spirit, while another GM could assemble a world where spirit power is distant or nonexistent.

Most folks don't know exactly how spirit power works… if they're aware of it at all. Some might say that good and evil are tangible forces in the universe and they manifest as positive and negative energy — one can serve either side or fight to maintain the balance. Some might believe all of nature has an intrinsic spiritual essence; every mountain, river, and living thing possesses an eternal spirit.

Spirit artists use their own life force as a tool to interpret and influence the fabric of spirit power. Some call this process meditation or prayer, while others call it qigong or kiko. The concept of spirit power is present in every culture that exists, so it goes by many names, for instance: qi, ki, manitou, orenda, prana, or pneuma.

Some believe that spirit artists are Called and gifted the ability, while others believe that any willing creature can learn the secrets of qi. Some don't see a difference between the two — why would mortals desire to hone their spirits unless higher powers had willed it? Regardless of the source of their power, spirit artists rely on patience, faith, willpower, and discipline to focus their energies and perform spirit arts.

Spirit Arts

Spirit arts are the techniques which spirit artists perform to produce extraordinary effects. Performing any given spirit art may require a specific stance, a certain state of mind, or a precise chant.

Any character capable of performing spirit arts is free to acquire new ones as desired. The spirit arts listed in the next chapter each identify a rarity: the likelihood your character can locate and practice it. The knowledge necessary to perform a spirit art may come from a wrinkly old master's instruction, revelation from the powers that be, or exploring your very soul. The higher the rarity, the more outlandish quests your GM can throw your way to seek it. Regardless of the means of discovery, perfecting a spirit art requires arduous practice.

Like spells, spirit arts have a target: another creature, an area, an object, or oneself. Spirit arts which cause negative or unwanted effects permit the target to make a skill check to avoid them. Again, just like spells, this skill check is referred to as a save. Each spirit art in the next chapter identifies its associated save.

Spirit Points

Every living creature possesses an inner well of energy represented by Spirit Points (or SP). Performing spirit arts drains this well. Meditating and resting replenishes it.

Characters begin the game with 10 SP. A practitioner of spirit arts can add his Self-Control score to his total SP. As the game progresses, a spirit artist can further increase his SP total by purchasing the Enlightened trump.