Unbound

Document; Idea; Magic
See also: Chain; Slippage

A being is Unbound if they manifest paranormal power based heavily in their belief in themselves. Unbound can grow in paranormal power in a surprisingly-short period of time. An Unbound's use of belief contrasts with other sources of paranormal power, like study, research, practice, innate ability, or a relationship with an extraplanar power (cf. clerics, warlocks, etc.). Of course, an Unbound can combine their use of belief with such sources, for even faster growth and greater power. Many Unbound become heroes or villains. Some Unbound refer to non-Unbound as "Grounded."

((Most PCs are Unbound, which helps explain how they can level up in a relatively-short period of time. Most NPCs are not Unbound but they can still level up. For example, a Grounded wizard can still reach level 20, but they'll probably need decades of study, research, and practice.))

A widely-shared set of tablets offers one explanation (or paradigm) for being Unbound. The origin and age of the tablets is unknown.

Unbound Check (OOC)

The DM may ask you to make an "Unbound Check" for various reasons. This is simply your highest saving throw.

Tablet 1

Belief is power. Most people know this on a basic level, but a few people experience it more deeply. For these few, belief is not just the thoughts and emotions that accompany effort. For these few, belief itself is power. Consciously or unconsciously, they tap into belief to achieve the extraordinary. They are people like:

• A warrior who believes her cause is worth fighting for, and thus shoots with perfect accuracy
• A rogue who believes he can build a chameleon suit, and thus walks past a guard undetected
• A priest who believes he is an instrument of his god, and thus heals with a touch
• A mage who believes she can manipulate reality using a secret language, and thus calls down lightning

We have a special name for people who can directly tap into belief: the "Unbound." Some Unbound believe that every sentient being has the potential to tap into the power of belief, and that some people have isolated, fleeting experiences with tapping. What distinguishes the Unbound is their ability to repeatedly, reliably tap into belief.

Tablet 2

For most Unbound, the belief that causes them to seek challenge is the very belief they tap into succeed. In other words, they seek adversity and then succeed where others may fail, because for an Unbound belief itself is an advantage. How each Unbound treats this advantage varies, but as long as an Unbound believes then the advantage exists. Thus, an Unbound has both heightened abilities and an extraordinary destiny. The actions of these few people have lasting effects in their individual lives, the future of the Unbound, and the future of all human beings.

If you are reading this, then you are one of the few. You are one of us. You are Unbound.

Tablet 3

((This tablet has not been disclosed in a game session yet.))

Tablet 4

As an Unbound, the unlimited power of belief is your right. Treat this power carefully. Your beliefs have a greater impact on the world, as well as yourself. Your thoughts and feelings, your hopes, dreams, grudges, and hatreds can change the world. They can also reshape you, in ways a sleeper can never experience. Heraclitus of Earth said it well:

The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny… it is the light that guides your way.

Tablet 5

As an Unbound, you have a special relationship with belief. The force of your own beliefs can have a special impact on the world. Furthermore, this relationship can be bi-directional. After you've learned to tap into the power within you, you can open yourself to input from the world. Your inner light can drink in the radiance of other beings, objects, and immaterial energy. Early on, this sensitivity is weak, only letting you notice other Unbound--and then only when they are near and not concealing their nature.

However, this sensitivity can be strengthened, through training, practice, and even certain places and tools. You can become sensitive to many more facets of reality, such as the proximity of celestials, fiends, or undead, or plants, minerals, or animals, or even the influence of other planes of existence. Your sensitivity can extend great distances, through barriers and beyond your natural vision. Some Unbound develop reliable abilities or master repeatable spells to strengthen such sensitivity, at least for short periods of time.

Tablet 6

Being Unbound means having an innate, potential sensitivity. The more you learn to open and tune this sensitivity, the more you can perceive.

Perhaps the greatest form of openness is a sensitivity to the flow of time and the currents of destiny. A few Unbound focus their efforts on strengthening this sensitivity, trying to probe the mysteries of the past and future. They strive to see destiny itself, and test its mutability. Such seers take many different approaches, from building sites of deep power to preparing elaborate rituals. But even by simply focusing all your attention on the lone flame of a candle in the dark, you may progress in this singular art.

Be warned: prophecy is a risky adventure--perhaps the most dangerous of all.