Dread gained beyond this number can drive the character insane as described below in addition to its usual effects. Expand them in your game as you see fit.ĭread Threshold: Each character has a dread threshold equal to 3 + her Wisdom modifier. In addition, the rules presented here are self-contained and should be relatively simple and straightforward. (For more on this point, see “Types of Insanity” below) Note that the rules presented here are not intended to be a realistic representation of mental illness, but merely a method to track the effects that exposure to supernatural awfulness can inflict upon heroes and villains alike. Sufficient dread (amongst other equally dark circumstances) can cause a character to suffer insanity, which has more devastating effects in the long term. Dread can have minor effects, such as causing a character to become momentarily shaken, skittish, or distracted, but it can also have long-lasting or even deadly effects such as panic or heart attacks. The core of these rules are the concepts of dread and insanity. Exposure to the presence of an Elder Being, enduring the grueling mental assault of an eldritch magical attack, or even observing a creature whose very presence can instill supernatural fear or unhinge the capacity for sane thought can wreak havoc on the most heroic of adventurers. The potent dread and insanity described herein are reserved for truly dire and horrific circumstances. As such, the concept of a doughty fighter, faithful cleric, jaded rogue, or potent wizard going mad because of something as minor as being startled by a monster or stumbling upon a dead body is not thematically appropriate. Heroic characters featured in the typical fantasy setting are exposed to danger, mayhem, and violence as a regular part of their lives. This also leads to the fun roleplaying challenges in portraying mental quirks and unique psychoses that add depth to your characters. This section will teach you how to implement madness and insanity rules in your game. One cannot even learn of the terrors of the Cthulhu Mythos without suffering a profound effect, much less face them in person, and some of the best-known effects are madness, unreasoning terror, and ongoing neuroses. The Mythos entities are a challenge not just because of their physical power and the danger they present, but because the mere presence of these soul-shattering beings can fracture a mortal psyche. In the face of the Elder Beings, they can break entirely. ![]() When filled with the unknown, they can overflow. ![]() When exposed to that which lies beyond, they can be damaged. Mortal minds are, by definition, limited. Sandy Petersen's Cthulhu Mythos - Pathfinder
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