A couple of humorous Servitor/Ethereal Attunements

[ISNorden]

Both these attunements are common among servitors of Nybbas; some Ethereals native to TV/movie-based domains might have them as well, at the GM's option.

Caption

This ability works like a specialized version of the Ethereal Song of Light: by spending 1 Essence, the user can inscribe a glowing message (10 words or less) in mid-air. Captions last for EthF x10 seconds before fading away. In addition, the inscriber can do any of the following:

• For one additional Essence (spent at the same time as the first), the user can change the glowing text at will (replacing one line with another).
• For a third Essence (spent at the same time), he can add "special effects" to a Caption: letters might move or change color, or a buzzer might sound (at normal conversational volume).
• At any time after spending the first 1-3 Essence, the character may spend the same amount to keep the Caption up for EthF x10 more seconds.

Instant Prop

By spending 1 Essence, the user of this attunement creates a single inanimate object appropriate to the situation. Instant Props last for a maximum of EthF x5 minutes, and are subject to these restrictions as well:

• Props can range from the size of a large marble to that of a heavy bowling ball; the largest should fit comfortably in two hands.
• Props can be made of any material that isn't inherently explosive or poisonous. Handheld weapons suffer a -3 penalty to both power and damage; prop firearms cannot fire real ammo, and prop grenades/bombs will do nothing but flash and smoke.
• Props can resemble valuable materials like gold or gems (think costume jewelry)...but they will be realistic fakes at best. Passing prop valuables off as the real thing is difficult if the victim has the right Knowledge Skills, of course!

[ladyarcana55]

Originally Posted by ISNorden

Caption

This ability works like a specialized version of the Ethereal Song of Light: by spending 1 Essence, the user can inscribe a glowing message (10 words or less) in mid-air. Captions last for EthF x10 seconds before fading away. In addition, the inscriber can do any of the following:

• For one additional Essence (spent at the same time as the first), the user can change the glowing text at will (replacing one line with another).
• For a third Essence (spent at the same time), he can add "special effects" to a Caption: letters might move or change color, or a buzzer might sound (at normal conversational volume).
• At any time after spending the first 1-3 Essence, the character may spend the same amount to keep the Caption up for EthF x10 more seconds.

I'm just wondering who sees the caption? If the person who has it is a Media demon, would other Celestials only see it? Would other Media demons be able to see it and not others?

If humans can see it, then I don't understand why anyone would use it at all. What are the uses?

Originally Posted by ISNorden

Instant Prop

By spending 1 Essence, the user of this attunement creates a single inanimate object appropriate to the situation. Instant Props last for a maximum of EthF x5 minutes, and are subject to these restrictions as well:

• Props can range from the size of a large marble to that of a heavy bowling ball; the largest should fit comfortably in two hands.
• Props can be made of any material that isn't inherently explosive or poisonous. Handheld weapons suffer a -3 penalty to both power and damage; prop firearms cannot fire real ammo, and prop grenades/bombs will do nothing but flash and smoke.
• Props can resemble valuable materials like gold or gems (think costume jewelry)...but they will be realistic fakes at best. Passing prop valuables off as the real thing is difficult if the victim has the right Knowledge Skills, of course!

Can other people use it? For instance, if a Media demon has this, could a Vapula demon use the prop too?

[ISNorden]

Captions are meant to be seen by anyone, mundane humans included--much like other illusions created with the Ethereal Song of Light. Media demons (and some TV-character Ethereals) might not flash them around just any audience, but are still fonder of dramatic visual effects than other spirits involved in the War. (I'm also reminded of films in which some praying character asks for a sign and gets a comically obvious "handwriting on the wall" message; Nybbas and Kobal both love that use of Caption, so some Jesters try to pick it up on the side.)

As for Instant Prop: as long as the object remains, any character (demonic or not) can use it. The same restrictions on the prop's duration and abilities apply even if the creator hands it from person to person.


Finally, mortal Soldiers who serve the right Superior could gain these attunements in theory...in practice, though, this rarely happens.

[Rocket Man]

Originally Posted by ladyarcana55

If humans can see it, then I don't understand why anyone would use it at all. What are the uses?

Intimidation is one possibility. A Heavenly variant could be called "Handwriting on the Wall," used to inscribe divine messages in letters of light, such as the Biblical Mene, Menel, Tekel, Upharsin.

[ISNorden]

Originally Posted by Rocket Man

Intimidation is one possibility. A Heavenly variant could be called "Handwriting on the Wall," used to inscribe divine messages in letters of light, such as the Biblical Mene, Menel, Tekel, Upharsin.

That'd work for either version of Gabriel (the fiery punisher in canon or the sane, faithful prophet-herald in my campaign). Handwriting on the Wall would differ from Caption in two important respects:

1. The message is visible only to its intended recipient(s); the angel can specify as many as he has Celestial Forces.
2. The "special effect" of letters written in divine flame/light cannot be altered by spending more Essence.

Otherwise, Handwriting on the Wall works the same as its demonic/ethereal counterpart.