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The Bound

The Bound

AX.GHW.13.04.05

Type: Cursed/Possessed, Standard

Power Package: Standard (6D, shadow compact in full activation)

Nature: Voluntary compact; the Bound chose this and cannot unchoose without negotiation

Size: Medium
Attributes: Body 3D · Speed 2D · Wit 2D
Talents: Athletics 2D · Deceive 1D · Intimidate 2D · Hollow Pact 1D
Health: 33 (20 + 3 + 10)
Defense: 2 (1 + (2+0)÷3)
Saves: Body 5D · Speed 3D · Wit 4D

Attacks

  • Compact Strike (Primary Action): Wit + Hollow Pact vs Defense, 4 Shadow damage; the cold dark counts as Hollow Pact tradition attacks for purposes of interacting with protected or sanctified targets (they penetrate Sacred Fire barriers at Threshold 3)
  • Binding Word (Primary Action): Wit + Deceive vs Wit Save, target is held by a minor shadow compulsion for 1 round; they cannot take aggressive action against the Bound specifically (can still act otherwise). Does not work on characters with Shadow-Bound or Light-Bound lineage traits.
  • Compact Flare (Reaction): When reduced to half Health, the shadow compact activates defensively, 2 Shadow damage to the attacker who triggered the threshold (no roll; automatic)

Special Abilities

  • Shadow Backing: The Hollow entity that holds the Bound's compact is aware of the combat. At any point, the Bound's controller may intervene, sending a lesser Shadow entity (see Shadow entity category file) to assist within 1d6 rounds. Characters should track scene duration and be prepared for this escalation.
  • Compact Terms: The Bound is operating within specific terms. If characters can identify what the compact requires of the Bound in this situation (Wit + Lore vs Threshold 3), they may be able to offer the Bound something that satisfies the compact terms through a different path, technically fulfilling the requirement without the violence. Hollow Pact practitioners have +1D to this identification roll.
  • Corruption Mark: The Shadow corruption is visible to appropriate senses, Shadow-Bound Marked characters recognize it instantly; Sacred Fire practitioners see it clearly; Mediumship practitioners can detect it as Liminal distortion.

Tactics

The Bound is following orders, not acting on personal initiative. They will use the minimum force necessary to complete their compacted task. If characters offer an alternative path to compact satisfaction (or threaten to interfere with the compact in ways that would bring Shadow consequences down on the Bound rather than the characters), the Bound will negotiate. They want out of the situation as much as anyone, the compact just prevents them from simply leaving.

Contract Dissolution

This requires a Hollow Pact practitioner or equivalent expertise in shadow compact law. The process: identify the compact terms, find a binding alternative that satisfies the letter of the agreement, and present it to the Hollow entity holding the compact (Wit + Hollow Pact vs Threshold 3). Success releases the Bound from this specific obligation; it does not void their overall compact, which likely has other terms. Full compact dissolution is a major campaign undertaking.

Scene Materials

Investigation: the Bound has a history of unusual capability appearing suddenly at a specific life turning point, inexplicable luck followed by inexplicable obligation, Shadow corruption mark visible to appropriate senses. Context: the Bound is almost always a morally complex NPC, the characters may want to help them rather than fight them once they understand the situation.