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Class: Ability Req: Prime Req: Hit Die: Attack as: Save as: Advance as: Exc Strength? Spell Ability? Exc Constitution? Starting Cash: |
Mystic Wisdom 14 Wisdom d6 Mystic Mystic Mystic No As mystic No 2d4 |
Proficiencies
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Weapon Slots: Additional Slot: Nonproficiency Penalty: Nonweapon Slots: Additional Slot: Available Categories: Bonus Proficiency: Recommended Proficiencies: |
1 5 -4 5 3 General, Arcane Religion History, Singing, Sixth Sense |
Description: Contemplatives are mystics in the technical sense of the word – religious folk (of any faith) who devote much of their lives toward the aim of uniting their souls with the divine. Part of this quest involves a struggle against evil within the self, which in many cases leads directly into a struggle against supernatural evil in the world. They are inclined to focus on the "big picture" in this struggle, always looking for the lords that command the minions of evil. If there are such things as overlords in the hierarchy of evil, the contemplative’s burning desire would be to discover such creatures and banish them, as preparation for banishing the Red Death itself from Gothic Earth. Of course, such a task is monumental, and in the meantime contemplatives simply try their best to battle evil wherever it is found.
Role-Playing: Contemplatives are holy people of the highest morals, often following strictly ascetic lifestyles. They are rarely self-righteous or condescending in their piety, however, since an important part of holiness is humility. They have a strong connection to the supernatural world, and often come across as other-worldly because of this, but they are also passionately concerned with the world and fighting the evil that has possessed it.
Special Benefits: Because contemplatives derive their mystical powers from supernatural sources of good, they are not as susceptible to corruption through spellcasting as are other characters. Though they make Powers checks with normal chances of failure, they are not considered corrupted by these Powers checks, and retain the +2 bonus to saving throws made to resist the powers of evil creatures which is granted to "innocents" (see p. 106 in A Guide to Gothic Earth). This bonus is still lost if the contemplative must make a Powers check for any reason besides spellcasting.
Special Hindrances: Most contemplatives live under severe rules which restrict their behavior. These restrictions often include celibacy and chastity, poverty, obedience to a superior in a religious order, the obligation of regular worship and prayer, and an otherwise simple lifestyle. Players and DMs are encouraged to detail a character’s religious obligations (or research historical religious orders) for contemplative characters.
In addition, though their disciplined life sometimes results in high levels of health and fitness, contemplatives still are not as hardy as other mystics, and roll six-sided Hit Dice instead of eight-sided.