Magic Overflow

For most individuals in the Symphony, accessing and manipulating reality code is second nature. Their minds and bodies are designed (or forcibly mutated) to be able to withstand direct exposure to the raw workings of the Symphony, and instead the risks they face come from external factors instead, such as Compromise.

Pactholders, however, exist in a state straddling the line between the mundane and the Symphony. Where even stigmatics have been inured to the Gears, pactholders lack the same metaphysical qualities, being fully human with a complementary symbiote. Comparatively, they are temporary guests to the Symphony, and thus lack any innate protections.

Officially referred to as "symphonic overexposure", this Unscored-specific phenomenon is informally known as "magic overflow", especially among the human halves of pactdom. The use of symphonic abilities threaten the pactholder's Integrity, weakening their soul and mind and breaking them down from the inside. The ability to withstand this overexposure varies from individual to individual, with more resolute pactholders finding themselves able to escape self-destruction more easily.

In rare cases, pactholders may also suffer from similar effects but from external sources, usually due to severe aetheric radiation, such as from the destruction of powerful gadgets or Infrastructure. While some may colloquially refer to these instances as Magic Overflow for ease due to the similar risk of degradation caused to pactholders, it is largely understood that these cases fall outside of the actual definition.

MECHANICS

ROLLING

When a situation calls for Magic Overflow, roll Resolve + Composure, using modifiers appropriate for the situation. Note that Conditions that normally penalize Resolve or Composure almost never apply to Magic Overflow.

Below is a list of cases where Magic Overflow is always rolled:

Cadenzas
- - Every use
Leitmotifs
- - After 1 + Resonance uses in a day
Partial or Full Demon Transformation
- - After reverting to human form
  - Penalized by an additional -1 per Scene where the Transformation was maintained beyond the first
  - Specialist Transformation (Merit) applies an additional -3, and the roll cannot Exceptionally Succeed
Aether Extraction
- - Only while in human form
Aetheric Repairs (Merit)
- - Every use
  - Penalized by the amount of Aether spent

INTEGRITY

As a representation of a pactholder's strength of soul and metaphysical self, Integrity is the sole defense against symphonic overexposure. Poor Integrity can often lead to an individual's downfall.

On all Magic Overflow rolls, apply a modifier based on the character's current Integrity:

9 - 10: +2
7 - 8: +1
5 - 6: +0
3 - 4: -1
1 - 2: -2

COMPROMISE

When a pactholder experiences an instance of symphonic overexposure, the surge of symphonic energy in an otherwise human form amplifies any attention they may be subject to.

When a situation requires both a Magic Overflow and a Compromise roll, always roll Magic Overflow first. If the Magic Overflow roll fails, apply a -1 penalty to the Compromise roll. Apply -3 instead on a Dramatic Failure.

ROLL RESULTS

Dramatic Failure
- - The surge of symphonic energy deeply scars the pactholder. Lose a point of Integrity, and gain a permanent Brand.
  - Gain a Catastrophic Brand.
  - Gain a Beat.
Failure
- - The surge of energy scars the pactholder.
  - Choose: lose a point of Integrity, or gain a permanent Brand.
  - Roll for a Major (failure) or Catastrophic (success) Brand.
Success
- - The pactholder is able to temper the surge of energy, holding steady.
  - Roll for a Minor (failure) or Major (success) Brand.
Exceptional Success
- - The pactholder easily withstands the surge of energy, and experiences no ill effects.
  - Gain a Beat.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse