Xuldarinar
2015-10-23, 03:01 AM
In occult origins, one of the many wonderful archetypes (and thankfully one of the fully functional things in there) is the Fated Guide. Im not going to really give anything away in this, save for one small mechanical thing to discuss as needed, but they are spiritualists with an association with Pharasma (if only as the mechanism of them getting the spirit) who serve as guides for a phantom (remorse emotional focus), in this case a judged soul being returned and linked to a believer for another shot, not that they remember a thing from their past lives. Thats for you to figure out and to help them move on.
Theres just one problem in this, or rather an opportunity. At first, I assumed they would have to serve Pharasma but there is no mechanical requirement they be tied to Pharasma, though they have to be tied to a deity because Deific Obedience is in the mix. So, here is where the discussion comes in. I've thought of a few approaches one can throw in to give their fated guides that oomph, specifically in the form of patrons they follow and what that could entail.
The Petitioned: In essence, the concept of this route is someone is sent back to the material. They are fated and judged, given to the follower of a particular deity to serve. This is under the influence of the deity who owns the soul. This doesn't vastly differ from the initial concept, but the facilitator for their return isn't (purely) by the hand of Pharisma, but by the hand of their deity. Not all deities make sense for this concept, as being tied to remorse doesn't fit all directly, but where you cannot come up with a rational explanation, you may be able to negotiate with your DM for a more fitting emotion.
The Damned: Another approach is the spirit was one fated for one of the lower planes, specifically to your patron. Congratulations, you've been given a pet, now go out there and do what you will with them. Considering the torture some deities inflict upon those delivered to them, your phantom should be relieved to have some time away from that, whether they have known pain yet or not. Aiding in this concept, one could ask their DM to allow them to substitute in Demonic Obedience if they served a demon lord rather than a deity.
The Repentant: Going another route, you are the servant of a deity of the higher planes. The soul you are sponsoring is someone who may have been fated for the lower planes, but they have shown such remorse for their misdeeds they have been given a chance, whether or not they have a chance. So go, guide them. Help them avoid the horrors of the lower planes. Aiding in this concept, one could ask their DM to allow them to substitute in the Celestial Obedience if they served an empyreal lord rather than a deity.
The Condemned: Yet another route but one sharing in some of the previous notions is as follows. You have, by your own ability or with the aid of another, intercepted a soul destined for the higher planes. Rather than allowing them to reach their just reward, you get to corrupt them and force them to serve the will of your deity. Perhaps they were one who vexed you or your patron, or maybe they are simply unfortunate enough to have come to you. What ever the case may be, you shall condemn them to the lower planes and deliver them unto your patron.
What these lack are specifics. So, whether you've notions of these or of other routes, what would/could you do with the general concept of this archetype?
Theres just one problem in this, or rather an opportunity. At first, I assumed they would have to serve Pharasma but there is no mechanical requirement they be tied to Pharasma, though they have to be tied to a deity because Deific Obedience is in the mix. So, here is where the discussion comes in. I've thought of a few approaches one can throw in to give their fated guides that oomph, specifically in the form of patrons they follow and what that could entail.
The Petitioned: In essence, the concept of this route is someone is sent back to the material. They are fated and judged, given to the follower of a particular deity to serve. This is under the influence of the deity who owns the soul. This doesn't vastly differ from the initial concept, but the facilitator for their return isn't (purely) by the hand of Pharisma, but by the hand of their deity. Not all deities make sense for this concept, as being tied to remorse doesn't fit all directly, but where you cannot come up with a rational explanation, you may be able to negotiate with your DM for a more fitting emotion.
The Damned: Another approach is the spirit was one fated for one of the lower planes, specifically to your patron. Congratulations, you've been given a pet, now go out there and do what you will with them. Considering the torture some deities inflict upon those delivered to them, your phantom should be relieved to have some time away from that, whether they have known pain yet or not. Aiding in this concept, one could ask their DM to allow them to substitute in Demonic Obedience if they served a demon lord rather than a deity.
The Repentant: Going another route, you are the servant of a deity of the higher planes. The soul you are sponsoring is someone who may have been fated for the lower planes, but they have shown such remorse for their misdeeds they have been given a chance, whether or not they have a chance. So go, guide them. Help them avoid the horrors of the lower planes. Aiding in this concept, one could ask their DM to allow them to substitute in the Celestial Obedience if they served an empyreal lord rather than a deity.
The Condemned: Yet another route but one sharing in some of the previous notions is as follows. You have, by your own ability or with the aid of another, intercepted a soul destined for the higher planes. Rather than allowing them to reach their just reward, you get to corrupt them and force them to serve the will of your deity. Perhaps they were one who vexed you or your patron, or maybe they are simply unfortunate enough to have come to you. What ever the case may be, you shall condemn them to the lower planes and deliver them unto your patron.
What these lack are specifics. So, whether you've notions of these or of other routes, what would/could you do with the general concept of this archetype?