Changes to Abilities

[EBST]

Awareness: Note: The 20th Anniversary version of Awareness will not be used. Instead we substitute a modified version from Marge (revised). This change is reflected across all games and venues that incorporate Awareness into their game. (10/10/16)

Unlike Alertness, which measures a characters sensitivity to mundane events, Awareness is a gut reaction to the presence of the supernatural. One attuned to the supernatural, such students just get hunches, chills or sudden flashes of inspiration. Supernatural calls to supernatural and the character recognizes instinctively when something is just not right in the area. Of course knowing that something is not right does not mean they know what it is. That is the province of proper knowledge. 

A supernatural can use Awareness deliberately if he or she suspects that something is mystical, in order to determine the general impression of the item or creature. However the ST rolls Awareness sometimes to determine whether a Supernatural notices a strange event that is not immediately visible. 

(1) Novice: You sometimes get strange feelings or vibes from certain places or people.

(2) Practiced: You've felt the supernatural all around you and you're sure that there are 'things' out there.

(3) Competent: When you concentrate, you can feel the ebb and flow of the supernatural in things.

(4) Expert: The very world around you hums with the power of the supernatural and you are keyed to the harmonies.

(5) Master: From the tiniest spell to the grandest spirit, you've seen  and sensed them all. You can feel the tug of the supernatural from across the city or pick out the subtle flavors of an enchanted object with but a touch.

Specialties: Defined by your ST
     

NOTE: Players with Awareness should list their Awareness rating in their Status or signature lines for ST use.

[EBST]

Knowledge: Court Lore (Restricted. PC's will not have this knowledge at creation without a REAL GOOD backstory.)

This knowledge ability provides the PC with working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Umbral Court, both written and more importantly unwritten. This ability is a necessity for long term court interactions; without it, the chance of a PC committing a major faux pas is almost certain. This can also be used as a supplementary Ability with Diplomacy, High Ritual, Subterfuge, Expression, Seduction and any other Ability that is often used before members of the Court.

1 Novice: You know when to shut up and when to say "Yes, your Majesty!"

2 Practiced: You can present yourself to a member with some confidence.

3 Competent: You can introduce Concerns before the Court and maybe get them addressed.

4 Expert: You have the ear of the Court and can sway their opinions on certain matters.

5 Master: The Court has awarded you a Knighthood; you have the right to be addressed as "sir" by all Court Servitors.

Possessed by: Order of Hermes Mages, Hengeyokai, Sidhe, Primogen, Brown Nosers

Specialties: Western Court, Eastern Court, Egyptian Court, Forms of Address, Seat Holders (members), Laws, Dominions, etc, etc.

Source: The book of Madness WW4251 Page 143



Knowledge: Spirit Names (Restricted. PC's will not have this knowledge at creation without a REAL GOOD backstory.)

With this ability, a mage can call upon the names of Umbrood or Mythic beasts. This information is invaluable when summoning; many beings will not answer, and others may be offended. The True Names of such creatures, if available at all, are carefully defended. Mages who know too much may find more trouble than one who knows nothing. 

This knowledge is often traded for favors with other mages, Mentors, other spirits or wise supernatural beings. Bastet werecats and Garou Theurges are good sources of such knowledge if they can be bargained with.

1 Ignorant: You know how to call up a Gaffling or two.

2 Practiced: You know a few mythic creatures by name and can call on them with some confidence.

3 Knowledgeable: You have secrets to trade and names of some significance. There is a good chance that you can call and be heard. 

4 Wise: You know a few True Names as well as the common appellations of most mythic beasts, many Umbrood and a few demons and high spirits. They may not appreciate your wisdom.

5 Sage: The Akashic Record and the libraries of Doissetep are your playgrounds. You can name hundreds of spirits and beasts and call upon them with authority. True Names are a bit trickier, but you have a dozen or so among your collection. You have some stock among the otherworldly, although they resent your power over them. 

Possessed by: Hsien, Librarians, Bastet, Corax, Marauders, Scholars, High Hermetic Mages, Really brave Data Pirates.

Specialties: Demons, European Mythic Creatures, Paradox Spirits, Far Eastern Mythic Beings, Umbral Court, Elementals, Minions, Preceptors, Lords (VERY Dangerous!)

Source: The book of Madness WW4251 Page 143


Knowledge: Spirit Lore (Restricted. PC's will not have this knowledge at creation without a REAL GOOD backstory.)

Much of the knowledge in this book is unknown. Few mages can refer to the Umbral Courts, the Metaphysics of Paradox and the names of tempters and mythic beings with any real authority. The mysteries within these pages should remain for the players (and Storyteller) to know and the characters to find out - if they ever do!

Spirit Lore reflects a working knowledge of the spirit worlds and their denizens. Even mages who have traveled the Realms and spoken with Umbrood will be full of misconceptions and conflicting theories.

1 Ignorant: You mean there is a spirit world?

2 Informed: You've heard a few stories and may have met some spirits in your time.

3 Knowledgeable: You have a working knowledge of the realms beyond and know some of their denizens by name.

4 Wise: You have lore others would kill for. Prize it.

5 Sage: The secrets of the spirit world remain a puzzle, but you have more of the pieces than most.

Possessed by: Hermetic Mages, Ancient Wizards, Hsien, Occultists, Spiritualists, Shapechangers, Kuei-Jin, Wise Shamans, Umbral Voyagers

Specialties: High Umbra, Middle Umbra, Shadowlands (very rare), Metaphysics, Spirit Beings.

Source: The book of Madness WW4251 Page 143