Onyx Path: [Scion] Saints & Monsters preview 2

[Matt]

Prophets

Throughout history, there’ve been those that could see the paths beyond time itself and were driven to explore those possibilities. Prophets don’t just exist within the zeitgeist; they embody and accelerate it toward eventual fulfillment through Fate’s machinations. They peer directly behind Fate’s veils at differing levels and, with the many interconnected and invisible strings visible to them, they pluck them until the desired harmonies ring forth. Though they can see Fate’s workings, Prophets are incapable of understanding its totality, driving some to become intoxicated by Fate itself. Some Prophets are blinded or driven insensate by glimpsing the inner workings of destiny. Though they’re not properly Legendary figures, they leave indelible marks regardless of whether they’re believed or not, and sometimes they even end up worshipped themselves. Whether advising great kings and generals who make pilgrimages to hear their utterances or summoning sudden miracles while glorifying one who is to come, these are all signs of unwise it is to ignore Prophets.

Scion: Hero (p. 316) provided players with a baseline Path for Prophets unsure of their destiny yet able to glimpse into Fate. This chapter will provide four new Prophetic Destinies in addition to Cassandras (found in Scion: Hero): Heralds, Oracles, Architects, and Miracleworkers. Prophetic Destinies also provide Prophets access to Legend, though in restricted and dangerous ways. Prophets can now be Fatebound into three Prophetic Purposes, giving them blessings unique to their circumstances: Prophet of a Purview/Patron/Pantheon, Prophet of the People/Land/Culture, and Prophet of the Chosen/Cursed/Exiled. A player may combine any Prophetic Destiny (including the baseline Prophet path) with any Prophetic Purpose.

Sample Prophetic Destiny 

Architects

Many have lamented tragedies that foreknowledge might have prevented, but only a few among those blessed (or cursed) to know Fate’s workings have the will to turn aside what otherwise will be. By laying the groundwork for designs of their own, they throw a wrench in the machinery of destiny. They’re master manipulators and astute planners who see the denizens of the World, mortal and divine alike, as pawns in an all-stakes chess game against Fate itself. Whether this requires arranging certain romances to blossom at the right time or leading mystery cults whose initiates enact the Architect’s will behind the scenes, Architects will do anything to manifest their utopic visions. Others often see them as cold and calculating, without a care for trivialities like collateral damage, however behind Architect’s drive lies deep compassion and an astounding bravado against supposed inevitability. Fate is not so easily turned aside, though, and sooner or later the price for one’s design must be paid: no Architect has ever lived to see the world they create, but nevertheless trade their lives gladly knowing that the future will be of their own making.

Path Effect: Architects gain a fourth Deed, a Design Deed focused on the ultimate goal of their designs (Prevent Zeus’ overthrow, avert a war between pantheons, ensure the Mariners finally win a World Series, etc.) and a Legend Trait, which begins at 1. When they make progress toward fulfilling their goal, they gain Legend, which can only be used with Birthrights or for Prophet Knacks. Upon reaching Demigod Tier, the Architect’s design enters its endgame; upon achieving Legend 9, the Architect seals both their newly-forged destiny and their own doom, and perishes, having changed the World forever.