Terror Tracks
RAVENLOFT games should not center around rules
and mechanics. The use of terror tracks can
help add mystery and excitement to powers
checks.
As stated earlier, the Dungeon Master should consider the
nature of a given character and select the type of monster
that the character will transform into if he follows an evil
course. For example, a forester with a fondness for wolves
could gradually become a werewolf, while a necromancer
may well be transformed into a vampire. The latter will
serve as an example to illustrate the use of terror tracks
(see Table 21: Track of the Vampire).
Once the Dungeon Master determines the final result of a
character's corruption, he should make a list of the powers
and weaknesses associated with the selected creature.
When this is done, the list should contain ten powers and a
like number of disadvantages. Then, the powers and
weaknesses should be arranged in order from least
important to most important.
Of course, few creatures can be so neatly dissected, so
the Dungeon Master may have to add or subtract a
few powers or weaknesses in order to bring the
total to ten. For example, if the final version of
the creature can drain two life energy levels, this
might first appear as the ability to drain one
energy level and then later as the ability to drain
two energy levels. When using the
optional terror tracks method, the
Dungeon Master need not necessarily
worry about the exact definitions of minor, moderate, and
major changes.
On the same note, it can be difficult sometimes to decide
the order of the rewards and punishments. Once again, the
Dungeon Master should not fret too much about this. It is
simply a matter of opinion as to whether casting no shadow
is worse than being repelled by garlic and mirrors. The
overall effect will be achieved admirably as long as the
powers and drawbacks are presented in a more-or-less
progressive fashion. As the hero becomes more like the
monsters he has spent his life hunting, each stage of
corruption will just naturally seem worse than the last.
When writing out the track of corruption for a hero, the
Dungeon Master should introduce a few changes to the
generic monster used as a model. Consider our example of
the vampire: If the character undergoing the transformation
has a fondness for roses, perhaps they should replace garlic
on the list. Similarly, if the hero already has a Strength equal
to that of a common vampire, alter his Dexterity or
Constitution score.
These ten steps can then be used to assign the rewards
and penalties for each failed powers check - all the way up
to darklord status. Table 21 gives an example of what a
terror track might look like for someone destined to become
a vampire.
Table 21:
Track of the Vampire
| Stage |
|
Reward and Punishment |
| I |
|
The character's Strength increases to 18/76, and
his features become angular and feral, reducing his
Charisma by 1 point.
|
| II |
|
The character gains the ability to spider climb at
will. From this point on, he must be invited in order
to enter a house.
|
| III |
|
The character can summon wolves or bats at will,
but he no longer casts a reflection or shadow. |
| IV |
|
The character becomes immune to life-affecting
and mind-affecting spells, but garlic and mirrors
now physically repel him.
|
| V |
|
The character can be hit only by +1 or better
magical weapons, but holy symbols now
physically repulse him. |
| VI |
|
The character acquires the charm gaze ability at
will, but sunlight now burns him, inflicting 1d4
points of damage each round.
|
| VII |
|
The character gains the ability to take on bat form
at will, but holy water and symbols now inflict 2d4
points of damage to him on contact.
|
| VIII |
|
The character gains the ability to take on gaseous
form, but he can now be turned as a vampire.
|
| IX |
|
The character gains the ability to regenerate 3 hit
points per round, but sunlight can irrevocably
destroy him in one round.
|
| X |
|
The character gains the ability to drain two life-energy levels,
but he can now be destroyed by a
stake through the heart. The character cannot
regenerate while the stake is in place, but he will
be completely restored if the stake is removed.
|
