Editing Samsara:Motives (section)

==Wrestling with Yourself==
In particularly stressful situations, an actor may be forced to contest with his own motivations.  Perhaps the paladin knows that helping the criminal is the logical course of action, but it might be very hard for him to break down and do it.  He stands still, locked in internal turmoil, struggling to act.

In this case, he enters a contest (either Simple or Full), probably using just his WIL attribute (doubled, as with any straight attribute test, although WIL + INT would also make sense here as the rational brain tries to “defeat” the emotional brain).  The opposing modifier is the Motive score doubled (just like any other attribute test).  Note that the motive does not provide a modifier to the character in these cases, as that would be “double-dipping”.

If the Motive is defeated, the character may act howsoever he wills.  If the character is defeated, the Motive has mastered him in this moment of crisis and he must act in accordance with it.  The paladin in this example would punch the criminal for even suggesting that they team up.  Severe checks (see the next section) will most logically apply to the mental sphere.

A high motive rating is both a blessing and curse and the GM should utilize both aspects of a character’s motive.  The motive rating is another type of tactical decision.  A fully interesting, balanced character can be had with small Motive ratings and a +/- 1 now and then is noticeable.  Not everyone has to be a figure of operatic passions.  Unless that’s what you want in your game.


Contents

[[Samsara:Main Page|Main Page]]

1.[[Samsara:Fundamentals|Fundamentals]]

2.[[Samsara:Contests|Contests]]

3.[[Samsara:Modifiers|Modifiers and the Character]]

4.[[Samsara:Attributes|Attributes]]

5.[[Samsara:Abilities|Abilities]]

6.[[Samsara:Motives|Motives]]

7.[[Samsara:Checks|Checks]]

8.[[Samsara:Character generation|Character Generation]]

9.[[Samsara:Samsara points|Samsara Points]]

10.[[Samsara:Long term play|Long Term Play]]

11.[[Samsara:Examples of play|Examples of Play]]

12.[[Samsara:Ultramundane abilities|Appendix A - Ultramundane Abilities]]

13.[[Samsara:Settings|Appendix B – Settings]]