Game Master companion / Monster
Running Vetala
A possessive spirit wears an unattended corpse as a borrowed disguise. The body's history and the inhabiting presence need not tell the same story.
Prepare the scene
The corpse sits up with surprising composure. Its gaze passes over the mourning clothes as though seeing them for the first time.
A possessive spirit wears an unattended corpse as a borrowed disguise. The body's history and the inhabiting presence need not tell the same story.
Establish the surroundings, each participant’s position, and what the party can perceive before resolving the encounter. Use the current core rules for surprise and turn order when combat begins.
Run the profile
Use the following source instructions for the encounter’s actions and effects.
Spirit Touch
Use: Basic attack · Spirit Touch: Might + supplemental d8 Rend (Unholy); defender uses Ward + Spirit.
Signature abilities
Effect - Signature: Glamour; Phase. Action + 2 Mana can animate one unattended corpse as a disguise; uses the Vetala’s existing profile, Resolve and action economy, never an extra unit.
Counterplay
Counterplay: Expose its disguise or remove available bodies; PC possession is not automatic.
Relationship
Relationship: Independent spirit; negotiate purpose or separate it from remains.
Present the counterplay
Expose its disguise or remove available bodies; PC possession is not automatic.
Make the relevant behavior or environmental clues perceptible through the scene so the party can act on them.
Keep the mechanical profile nearby
Affinities: Vitality d6, Might d6, Agility d8, Intellect d6, Tact d6, Spirit d8.
Skill overrides: Evade d6.
Resolve 14; Stamina 7; Mana 8. Movement 25 feet.
Player Book idea: Possessive undead spirit.