I intend occasionally to post characters' powers where they may be interesting, or give an insight into how the freeform game actually worked, or are simply too funny to omit. With any luck, other potential freeform authors (as well as players!) will find some food for thought here.
The text given for each card represents *all* of the written rules concerning that power; some of the more difficult powers will require referee involvement (e.g., Root Out Heresy, Go To Hell), but this is always specified on the card.
Most powers can only be used a limited number of times, except where they are marked as a "Permanent Ability".
The following powers belonged to the two Black Army members, Miriros Conradin and Grand Master Orsorkhon.
Arrest Criminal
You may attempt to arrest a criminal. There is a chance they will escape:
play a round of scissors-paper-stone, and if you lose the criminal can flee.
Otherwise, they must accompany you to the Xaronea Prison.
Hot Pursuit
If a criminal flees you, then you can pursue them dramatically (or in
Keystone Cops fashion) for up to a minute. At the end of the minute, play a
round of scissors-paper-stone. If you win, you have caught the criminal; on
a draw or if you lose, they have got away and you can no longer pursue.
(Permanent Ability)
Arrest for Treason
During a Senate session you can arrest anyone guilty of speaking treason.
This includes wilfully defying the Empire's Laws, or denying that Moonson is
the rightful Emperor. You must denounce the treason, arrest the miscreant,
and escort them off the premises. They must then be released, but may not
return to the Senate session.
The Walls Have Ears
You can temporarily play the part of a nondescript informer who can move
freely through the game. Other players will not notice you for up to five
minutes, and you can eavesdrop freely.
Bogus Investigation
You may show card this to the Referee and set up a bogus Black Army
investigation without needing any initial evidence (though you'll need to
concoct some false evidence for the form).
Coerce
You can force any individual to obey your will, preventing them from either
playing or resisting an ability card or spell. This spell automatically
succeeds against targets wearing enchanted shackles; other victims must be
beaten in a round of scissors-paper-stone.
Interrogate
May only be used on a person that your agency's investigators have proven
guilty. That person must show you all of their Religious objectives.
Investigate
You are an expert at finding out what you want. You may ask a character who
is subject to a live investigation by your agency one "yes or no" question,
and they must answer truthfully, if they know the answer at all.
Resist Pain
You can withstand extreme physical discomfort, and even the pain of severe
injuries or torture. (Permanent Ability)
Informants
You have an excellent network of informants. This allows you to ask a
Referee what a player was just speaking to them about. They will tell the
truth and give as full information as possible.
Go to Hell
You can go to Hell (accompanied by one other), to witness the torments of
the damned. This is an excellent way to intimidate wrong-doers: some of the
Empire's most deadly enemies reside in the Lunar Hell, undergoing eternal
torment! You must be within the Xaronea Prison to play this card: call a
Director to assist you.
Root Out Heresy
By reading any literary work you can determine whether it contains heretical
ideas. Give this card to a Director together with the potentially offensive
material: that Director will return to you with an answer. (Permanent
Ability)
Put to the Question
May only be used on someone who your agency is investigating. They must be
captive in a location where you can close the door (so the screams don't
bother anyone). For five minutes describe the tortures that you are
inflicting. Then they must tell you all of their secrets.
Repent, Sinner!
A character found guilty of a Black Army investigation is given personal
correction by you. Describe the pain you inflict while they divulge all of
the their career objectives to you. They must then publicly repent of their
crimes.
Summon Cato Ninetails
In cases involving flagrant disobedience by cult members, you are empowered
to unleash the demon known as Cato Ninetails, known as 'the Lash'. The
recipient must role-play this horrible torture and reveal two secrets to you
(you choose by number).
Play Chess
During your time in prison, you became a master of this difficult game.
(Permanent Ability)
Orsorkhon also has the powers Bogus Investigation, Coerce, Interrogate, Investigate, and Resist Pain (all described above)
:::: Email: <mailto:Nick_Brooke_at_btinternet.com>
Nick
:::: Website: <http://www.btinternet.com/~Nick_Brooke/>
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