Whisper-Tainted

When Warden Freya Lengaardi arrived in Minneapolis, her first order of business was tobutt heads with a demon-worshipping sorcerer cult. The cult had gotten a hold of bad mojo on a serious level, and had apparently used it to conjure up an Outsider. Freya torched the cult, expediently made with the metaphysical slice and dice for which Wardens are most famous, and dispatched the Outsider as best as she knew how. Instead of successfully banishing the demon though, she shattered its consciousness. Over time, that fractured consciousness has settled into vulnerable mortals of the region, granting them morsels of the demonic power that had been intended for the members of the sorcerer cult.

As always, power is a trade off. This one is transmitted through circumstance, psychic attack and/or ritual (see below). Some might think of it as a curse. It amplifies people’s tendencies, their impulses, highlighting the violent nature of human. As people make more and more violent choices, the call to do more gets stronger and stronger until people are consumed by this power. Choice is paramount here. This power is temptation.

It can be increased physical strength and speed, as needed. It sharpens the senses, such as hearing, sight, and taste in particular. It manifests differently in different people, and can change over time. Psychic powers are not uncommon, especially the ability to increase the emotions of nearby victims to be more receptive to the user’s desires. Reaction time is increased. One of the many costs is increased fatigue. It draws on the stores of the body, burning energy at an alarming rate. Frequent users of power are typically gaunt and appear underfed. Also, it is sentient, to a degree. It whispers to the user, drawing them toward violent means. It heals injuries in quick order, using the body stores to do so.

A person’s control over her temptation is somewhat limited due to her ability to concentrate on resistance. Physical deprivation will lead to reduced control, and since intense caloric consumption is a byproduct of using the Whisper, decreased control over one’s temptations is a side effect of power usage.

Violence does not imply wanton destruction. It could be sexual violence or oppression. Mostly what the power users are tempted toward is exerting their will over those less powerful than themselves. Political manipulation, etc. As this goes on, more and more control and choice is ceded to the parasite power-giver.

Vulnerable victims/recipients of the demon-parasite power might include coma victims, the chronically ill, trauma victims, or recent victims of psychic trauma, especially those near to the site of the initial shattering of the Outsider’s essence.


 * Musts:** Whisper-tainted PCs must have a High Concept that is reflective of their infected status. An example of this might be “Outside/Inside,” “How did this happen to me?” or “Tainted.” In addition, they must take the following Powers.

Marked by Power [-1], p. 169 This character is marked by the Outsider known as “Rumor.” Cloak of Shadows [-1], p. 169 In conjunction with Feeding Dependency. Incite Emotion [-1], p. 172 (Submissive, Lustful, Agreeable). This character can instill these emotions on a target. Also in conjunction with Feeding Dependency.

Feeding Dependency [+1], p.189


 * Options:** Whisper-tainted may use a variety of inhuman powers at the cost of exhausting their hunger track. The more an ability is used, the more difficult it become for the Whisper-tainted to ignore the commands from their inner impulses or parasite. Their hunger manifests itself as an increased metabolism, so they don’t feel the need to eat anything repulsive or evil, but it’s best to not let them get caught without a Burger King nearby.

Inhuman Speed[-2], p. 178; OR Inhuman Strength [-2], p. 183;

Depending on the power-level of the game, Whisper-tainted may increase any of the supernatural abilities (Inhuman to Supernatural, etc.), depending on the consent of the GM. All of these are subject to the Feeding Dependency/Hunger Stress Track.

Whisper-tainted may take upgrades or modifications to Incite Emotion if they choose. See here (links to Custom Powers thread).

NPC Whisper-tainted would most likely be people who have more or less allowed their impulses to rule them. A common NPC would be the leader of a gang, a repressive minister, or a social-climbing politician.


 * Important Skills:** Deceit (p.126), Discipline (p. 127), Stealth (p. 142), Intimidation (p. 132), Presence (p. 136),


 * Minimum Refresh Cost:** -2