#16: Anathema: The Cursed

[RPGnet Columns]

http://www.rpg.net/columns/wushuskidoo/wushuskidoo16.phtml

Summary:

Your gift is your curse.

Go to the column (http://www.rpg.net/columns/wushuskidoo/wushuskidoo16.phtml) for more information.

[ozbot]

Basically, it's low-level supers but with a gritty twist. This reminds me of my favorite new 'universe', Darker Than Black.

The world changed with the sudden appearance of a stellar phenomenon, but it left certain people ... changed. They are called "Contractors," since they gave gained a singular power, but there is a "contract" that must be fulfilled every time they use it-- ranging from having to eat particular foods, growing steadily younger, arranging pebbles on the ground...

In Wushu terms, your Contract is a 1 trait, which could flare up until you fulfill your contract.

The governments of the world try to recruit Contractors as spies and assassins, usually to investigate or kill rival (or freelance) Contractors.
Other governments are trying to experiment with the stellar phenomena that started the whole thing.
One secret society is dedicated to reveal the Contractor's existence to the world.
'Freelance' Contractors try to survive and recover the humanity that has been tainted by their 'contract'.

I'm not sure if it's out in America yet, but more information is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darker_than_black

[slashnull]

It reads like a cross between the World of Darkness and Carnivale the TV show - great stuff!

[indra]

That is, in fact, precisely what I was going for. Sa-weet :D

--Dan