By Georgie R.
Art by CLOUD
In our last blog post, we took a closer look at the location of Padrol Tower and what might await player characters if they journey over there. In this post, we’ll be looking at 2 new character Archetypes featured in the Emerta-Valo Supplement Guide and what they can do in the world of Dreams and Machines.
The first we’ll be looking at is the Courier. These bold and daring individuals are brave enough to face the wilderness around them day in day out to carry messages and urgent supplies between communities. Many of the settlements they serve would sooner trust their bag than risk any radio signals, but good Couriers know that they will have to face risks every time they make a run.
Couriers are fast and logical thinkers, they are able to assess situations quickly and have a multitude of talents depending on what a player may choose for their character. For their Attributes, they are able to take +3 in either Quickness, Insight, or Resolve, add +2 to either of the remaining, and then +1 in the final attribute left. They are also able to increase their Skills by adding +2 to either Move, Sneak, or Operate and then +1 to each of the two Skills remaining. Their Talents consist of Courier’s Recall, Far-Ranging, Out of Harm’s Way, Pathsign, Second Wind, and Swift Shadow. Each of these Talents follow the archetype’s focus on moving and delivering things quickly between communities, Courier’s Recall means that they do not forget anything they’ve seen or read, while Far-Ranging lets a Courier travel further than most by having a vehicle to travel from place to place. When Couriers are successful in carrying information or resources from one community to another they gain growth, so if you’re looking for a fast-paced archetype to move swiftly when exploring Emerta-Valo, the Courier is a solid choice to play in your campaign.
The second we’re looking at are Tellers. These entertainers know the value of culture, traditions, and knowledge which they weave through the stories they tell and the songs they sing. Their value doesn’t just lie in their ability to entertain their fellow Everans, but more within their skill to convey deep truths through different mediums. Their songs, stories, and dances endure more than facts alone ever could.
Tellers are expert entertainers who know the value of a good story to crowds willing to listen, some stay in one place serving as a repository of knowledge for a community while others drift between. They have an aptitude for learning things which they convey into tales as they go between communities, where they spread news and strengthen communal bonds.
Tellers are eccentric entertainers who often keep spirits high in times of low morale, their talents enable them to be welcomed into communities and find wisdom in songs. For their Attributes, they are able to add +3 to either that of Might, Insight or Resolve, add +2 to one of the remaining, and +1 to the remainder. They can then bolster their skills by adding +2 to either Study, Survive, or Talk and +1 to each of the two remaining. Tellers have a wide pool of Talents to access, they could choose Comforting Tales which helps them keep up morale and spirit in times of difficulty, or Secrets in Sagas which deepens their insights in overcoming real-world problems through their stories and songs. When Tellers are successful in helping their group or friendly communities in facing challenges by entertaining them with stories and songs, they gain growth. So if you’re looking for an eccentric, morale-boosting archetype ready to help those around them with their stories and songs, a Teller is a great archetype to choose in your campaign.
Until then, you can ready yourself for your own adventures in Emerta-Valo by pre-ordering the Dreams and Machines: Setting Guide - Emerta Valo today!
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