Runes of Odin - Alternate Mechanics
by HåvardThe 24 Runes of Power are detailed in Gaz7 The Northern Reaches.
I am looking at some alternate mechanics for a couple of reasons:
1) I would like the Runes to be accessible to all characters, not just Clerics.
2) I think the idea of making the PC permanently sacrifice CON every time they learn a new Rune is too punishing.
New Mechanic: Wyrd Points
Accessing powers from the Nine Realms comes with a cost. Wyrd is a stain affecting the character's fate as recorded by the Norns.
Players must track Wyrd points. Every time a character learns a new Rune, he must go through the rituals described in Gaz 7. However, instead of reducing his Con by 1, he gains 1 Wyrd Point.
New Mechanic: Activating a Rune
This mechanic replaces the Bless Rune spell described in Gaz7.
Whenever a character wants to activate a power from a Rune he or she has learned, they must make a roll below Wisdom - Rune Power Level. (Runes typically have 3 powers rated 1-3). Success means the power of the Rune is activated. Failure means the PC cannot access any Rune Powers untill he has slept a full night. On a roll of a natural 20, the Rune Power not only fails, but the PC gains an additional Wyrd Point.
Effect of Wyrd Points
Wyrd Points are compared to the character's WIS score. As long as the Total Wyrd Points are lower than the characters WIS score, there are no negative effects. However, when the Wyrd Points become equal to or higher than the character's WIS score, the charater begins to suffer the effects of his Fate.
This is where I need your ideas. What could be the negative effects of maxing out your Wyrd Points?
Some ideas:
1) Resurrection and similar spells no longer has any effect on the character. This one might not be harsh enough, since being brought back to life is already so difficult for Norse PCs.
2) As above, but also Cure spells no longer has any effect.
3) Other ideas?
Keep in mind that as I see it, the character can continue to use his Rune abilities no matter how high his Wyrd Point Total is.
Thoughts?