Mortal Peril
When a character's Life Points drop to 0, the player must decide how to resolve their character's fate. This choice between Sacrifice or Survive is explained in more detail below. It allows players to make meaningful decisions even in the most challenging situations.
Sacrifice: Opting for Sacrifice is choosing a brave end, ensuring your character's story concludes with a profound impact. This choice solidifies their legacy and can provide your allies with crucial advantages, potentially changing the outcome of dire situations. The specific details of this sacrifice, created in collaboration with the GM, should reflect the character's essence and the demands of the narrative. This can range from heroic last stands to selfless acts of protection. For example, a character might activate a rune to seal a breach in reality at the cost of their existence or stand alone against a tide of foes to cover their comrades' retreat, embodying the essence of heroism. It's important to discuss with your GM how your character’s death might best serve the party.
Example:
Player: "As the horde closes in, I realize we're not all going to make it out. I want to use my last Bang, not just to hold them back but to cause a cave-in. It'll block the tunnel, sacrificing myself but ensuring the party escapes. Can my character do that"?
Game Master: "That's a brave and selfless choice. If you're sure, your character can certainly attempt this heroic act. As you set the grenade, your companions flee, and you share a final moment of eye contact, a silent goodbye. The explosion is massive, the tunnel collapses behind your fleeing friends, and the horde is stopped in its tracks. Your sacrifice not only saves your party but also becomes a legendary tale of heroism in the face of certain doom. Your character's name will be remembered and honored".
Player: "I want my character's last thought to be of the good times with the party, hoping they'll live fuller lives because of this".
Game Master: "As the rocks fall, your character's final thoughts are of laughter around campfires and shared victories. A smile crosses their face, content in knowing their final act ensured their friends' survival. The party will carry these memories forward, forever marking the impact your character had on their lives and the world".
Survive: Survival requires your character to face significant challenges, often at a cost. This element adds depth to your character's journey and is shaped by both the player's and the game master's (GM's) creativity. For example, surviving a deadly poison could leave permanent scars; a cherished artifact may shatter; or a beloved non-player character (NPC) might sacrifice their life for your character. Additionally, your character could develop a phobia related to their experience. Be sure to discuss with your GM what sacrifices will be made for your character’s survival. Ultimately, your life points will be reduced to 1, putting you in an unconscious state where you cannot take any actions until you receive healing of any kind. If you take damage again before healing, you will once more be in mortal peril.
Player: "Seeing no way out, I think my character's only option is to invoke the ancient curse we discovered earlier. It's meant to repel the undead army, but at a great personal cost. I'm willing to endure the curse to save everyone. How does that play out?"
Game Master: "By embracing the curse, your character channels the ancient words, their voice echoing with power. As the undead recoil and retreat, consumed by the curse's energy, your character collapses, the curse's mark etching into their skin. You've turned the tide, saving your party and the innocent lives at stake. But the curse lingers in you, a constant companion. While you survive, the magic has left its mark, changing your interactions with the world and the arcane. Your bravery has saved many, but the journey ahead will be altered by the weight of this choice. Moreover, you cannot benefit from healing magic outside of Fixes for the campaign's duration. Knowing what it will cost you, do you still want to continue with Surviving"?
Player: "Yeah, let’s do it. I imagine my characters struggling to their feet, leaning on their comrades, determined to face whatever comes next despite the personal toll.”
Game Master: "As your character rises, supported by their friends, there's a newfound resolve in their eyes. The party rallies around you, knowing the road ahead might be fraught with challenges from the curse you now bear. But together, you move forward, a testament to the sacrifices made for the greater good. Your character's story is now of resilience and endurance, a beacon of hope and determination for all who hear it".
Navigating Mortal Peril: When a character faces mortal danger, it is crucial to pause the action and present two options: Sacrifice and Survive. This moment is not merely a decision point; it serves as a significant turning point in the story, shaped by the character's journey and the overall narrative. Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences of each choice is essential. The decision should carry weight and align with the character's development as well as the larger story. By carefully crafting this pivotal moment, it becomes a powerful and memorable aspect of the adventure.
If there is no natural narrative way to honor the character's sacrifice, you can impose the sacrificing condition on the affected player character if they are in combat. They regain 1 Lifepoint, become immune to all damage and healing, and gain an advantage on all capacity checks for the duration of the combat. When combat ends, the character dies after a few last words; nothing can prevent the death of a player character who has chosen to Sacrifice.