Mystic (FiD)

Starfox's Blades in the Dark fan page

A mystic is a universal master of mysticism, combining arcane and divine magic. Related to Theurgy and Wizardry, mystics claim a deeper, universal understanding of the cosmos. Combining introspective meditation, analysis of ancient texts and legends, and observation of the physical and ethereal worlds, mystics move towards enlightenment and mastery of all the different worlds. Mystics need to cultivate inner peace and turn themselves into an enlightened being.

This playbook can represent all kinds of mystics, such as a bodhisattvas, yogi, cabalists, or sufi.

Trauma Condition—Balance

A mystic manifests powers by meditation, which requires that you remain calm and still but does not require speech or gestures. You must maintain your calm, which means stress is a problem. The minimum number of dice you need to use a power is always at least equal to the number of stress points you have used. You still need to meet the normal die requirements for each tier of power. This means that it quickly gets harder for you to use the easier effects of your power, while affecting more difficult powers less.

Special Abilities

You have access to these special abilities.

1. Enlightened: You may expend your special armor to resist a power consequence, or to push yourself when using powers.
2. Ground Spirit: You can Attune to the ether to force a nearby spirit to appear and obey a command you give.
3. Medium: You can speak to any supernatural creature. You can use Attune as if it was any other Resolve action when doing so.
4. Serene Focus: During a score, when in a controlled position your action rolls gain increased effect. You may push yourself to improve your position when using Powers.
5. Spirit Ally: You have a spirit ally you can summon using Advanced Attune powers. You have an established relationship with this creature, which gives you +2d on Attune checks against it. Your ally will advance in tier as you do.
6. Spirit Sight: You’re always aware of supernatural entities in your presence. Take +1d when you gather info about the supernatural. Add 1d to engagement rolls after a successful gather information that finds signs of the supernatural.
7. The Bigger They Are: When making an action roll that involves a higher tier threat gain +1d per difference in Tier.
8. Powers: Air, Animal, Barrier, Darkness, Death, Earth, Electricity, Fire, Ice, Flux, Illusion, Kinesis, Life, Light, Metal, Mind, Order, Plant, Space, Time, and Water.

Mystic Connections

˄ ˅ Adriel, a wizard

˄ ˅ Casim, a mystic

˄ ˅ Liora, a fanatic

˄ ˅ Malin, an investigator

˄ ˅ Rafiq, a theurge

Inventory

☐ Black Lotus.

☐☐ Ceremonial Robe.

☐ Coffee.

☐ Censer.

☐ Mystic Amulet.

◯ Opaque Veil

• Black Lotus ☐: A tar-like resin made from the leaves of the plant. Induces hours of stupor and visions. Adds effect to Attune rolls. Alchemy, Consumable, Volatile “Woozy,” lvl 2 harm.
• Cacao, Coffee, or Tea ☐: A dark, bitter brew cultivated in tropical areas. Restores 1 point of stress. Improves alertness for 4 hours. Alchemy, Common, Consumable, Unreliable/Volatile Complexity die when the effect ends: 1-3 level 1 harm: "Anxiety".
• Ceremonial Robe ☐☐: Extravagant robe embroidered with mystic symbols, along with a ceremonial hat. Reduces the stress cost of powers by 1. Playbook.
• Incense ☐: Burns for an hour in a censer, a perforated metal bowl hung on chains. Swung in one hand, it spreads aromatic smoke. Saturating an area with incense smoke takes a minute for a large room. This improves position against spiritual threats. Alchemy, Common, Consumable, Unreliable
• Mystic Amulet ☐: Reduces the stress cost of a power by one as long as you have no stress. One use per score. Playbook.
• Veil ◯: Impairs vision, giving -2d on most actions, but this blindness does not affect the use of Powers. Halves the stress-induced die requirement of powers from Trauma Condition—Balance. Playbook.

XP

• Every time you roll a desperate action, mark xp in that action's attribute.

At the end of each session, for each item below, mark 1 xp (in your playbook or an attribute) or 2 xp if that item occurred multiple times.

• You addressed a challenge using wisdom or powers.
• You expressed your beliefs, drives, heritage, or background.
• You struggled with issues from your vice or traumas during the session.

Starting Actions

Survey 2

Sway 1

4 points by choice, no higher than 2 in any one.