Zephyren collects blades almost obsessively, perhaps because they are some of the least detectable weapons. Or, he does it instinctively because a bird is never complete without its talons. In result, he's also the most proficient with blades.
On blade types:
Specifically, Zephyren is proficient in knives, daggers, and swords. They're good for kitchen use too (he wants to toss a bunch of vegetables in the air one day and try to slice them all).
On weapon usage:
People have guns (even in Canada, they're just quieter about it), but Zephyren legally cannot own one, and traveling with those can be such a pain for those with licenses anyway. He very much prefers a quieter option too. Also, blades are far more versatile. Never bring a sword to a gun fight? Think again.
On blade proficiency:
Fighting isn't the only thing Zephyren uses blades for. If anything he's rarely had to fight outside contracts; he mostly uses knives in the kitchen, and since he has been cooking from a very young age, there's no surprise that this is what he's the most comfortable with. In any video games, he also predominantly uses a knife or sword. Don't ask how he's gotten through Resident Evil; let's just say he had to face a lot of corpses up close.
On bird talons:
Thankfully Zephyren has never been attacked by a bird, but from what he's read, talons can be really sharp. They have to grip onto things after all, even if it means they'd puncture their target.
You gain the following benefits as long as you are engaged in combat with bladed weapons.
+2 dice to all rolls with bladed weapons. You may Defend against firearm attacks from any range using bladed weapons.
You also gain the following effects:
Your bones snap and contort unnaturally to better take advantage of your musculature, allowing your body to push itself far past a lethal point for most.
You gain the following benefits as long as you have your Wytch's Mark.
Your Brawn rating is increased by 3. You may Exert your Mind to automatically gain an Outcome of 5 on any roll that uses Brawn (cannot be used on combat rolls or Effect activations).
If you are witnessed actively using this Effect, whoever sees it can make a Perception + Alertness roll at Difficulty 6. A complete success reveals the source of your power.
You also gain the following effects:
Joshua understands the importance of a good maintenance routine. From oiling the calf skins of his drums to sewing tears in his coat to keeping his trusty caplock pistols clean, each of the items that the soldier carries is part of an intricate web of consistent upkeep. Like trusted friends, he knows that as long as he treats his equipment well, they'll never fail him in his moment of need.
He's more than willing to teach others his best practices. Amazing what can be done with a needle and thread, a rag, and a simple toolkit. Little bit of oil here, a shine there, he lays out the proper routine in plain English. As long as anyone follows his advice, their equipment can be as trusty as Joshua's.
What Joshua doesn't realize is the energies of the shattered Netherworld Portal has empowered this routine with his own latent resistance to entropy. Though he remains rigorous in his procedures (and insists others to do the same), the equipment that he's given close attention keeps itself in its best condition without any deliberate care.
As tales of Joshua's heroic exploits and good deeds continue to spread through the Netherworld and beyond, there are always people willing to lend him a hand. Even if lost, equipment maintained by Joshua will inevitably be picked up and brought back to him by a good samaritan, who will never request more than a song or two as repayment.
This Artifact cannot be broken.
If this Artifact is lost and in no one’s possession, it finds its way back to its creator during the next Downtime.
Ugg seem reeeeaaallly strong. Like...really strong! Strong as dinosaur!
You gain the following benefits at all times.
Your Brawn rating is increased by 0. You may Exert your Mind to automatically gain an Outcome of 5 on any roll that uses Brawn (cannot be used on combat rolls or Effect activations).
You also gain the following effects:
Somehow, some sort of fungus has been introduced into this character's skin. It is disgusting to look at by all means as these stains move around as if it was their personal habitat, being perfectly looked at from the outside.
Now however it seems that this fungus is particularly protective of their habitat, and will work hard to mend any damage caused to it.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
Any Injury you receive heals quickly, reducing its Severity by one level each day, starting once it becomes stabilized. Battle Scars caused by your Injuries will remain.
Possession of this Power grants the following Battle Scar: This character's skin is populated by strange black stains. These stains move at their own will as if they were live beings underneath this character's skin..
Stinky Pete’s transformed body is uniquely adapted for various practical uses, resembling a living toolkit. His tail, long and prehensile, is remarkably strong and flexible, capable of acting as a makeshift crowbar for prying open doors or lifting heavy objects. The tail’s dexterity also allows it to function like a slim jim for unlocking car doors or a screwdriver for turning screws and bolts.
His fur, while coarse and rugged, hides an unusual ability: individual hairs can be plucked and used as lock picks, perfect for delicate lock-picking tasks. These hairs are surprisingly tough and flexible, making them effective tools for manipulating locks and small mechanisms.
His hands, though larger and less capable of fine manipulation, have the strength and shape to serve as glass cutters or portable angle grinders. By using the edge of his palm or his nails, he can score and break glass or grind down surfaces with surprising efficiency.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
You are permanently and visibly transformed: Monkeyish Humanoid. You are considered to be a Sapient, Living Creature when targeted. Your Brawn is increased by 1.
Your body is adapted to Sprinting. You receive +3 dice on non-attack rolls related to Sprinting.
While in Mountainous Areas, heat, cold, pressure, radiation, and other native hazards do not affect you. Dangerous local flora and fauna will not bother you unless you give them a reason.
You are immune to damage from heat and flames. If heat is a substantial component of other damage you would take (e.g. slashed with a flaming sword), that damage is reduced by 2 (in addition to Armor)
Your body provides you with the functionality of Breaking And Entering Tools- Crowbar, Lock Picks, Screwdrivers, Glass Cutters, Slim Jims, Drills, Portable Angle Grinder (Tail and Plucked Hair). If used to attack, these "tools" use the same stats as a small knife.
Possession of this Power grants the following Trauma at all times: Self Sufficient- You can not trust another with your life without a self control roll.
You cannot be mistaken for a normal human. You cannot always use standard human clothes, equipment, vehicles, and facilities, and when you can, you suffer an increased Difficulty.
You cannot ignore or decrease the effects of Stress for any Self-Control rolls you make.
The ninja does not approve of guns; they prefer using the bow for its stealth and versatility.
You gain the following benefits as long as engaged in combat with wooden longbows.
You receive +2 dice to all rolls using wooden longbows. Reloading is considered a Free Action.
You also gain the following effects:
Even in human form, the werewolf retains their incredible sense of smell. This helps them track their prey and learn where people and things have been.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
Your senses are enhanced in the following way.
Driving rugged vehicles in a combat situation is second nature to the Soldier. They measure their shots and navigate obstacles with a subtle timing that doesn't affect the steadiness of their own or their passengers' weapons. Firing a few shots through the windshield or window while performing dangerous driving maneuvers is also no problem.
You gain the following benefits as long as Must be driving a rugged vehicle such as an SUV truck or armored car. and you are piloting any vehicle.
You receive +2 dice to any rolls to pilot a vehicle.
You also gain the following effects:
It's true the mad scientist is one of the greatest minds of our generation, that they can solve any puzzle or riddle. However, no one wants to spend time with them.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
Your Intellect rating is increased by 1. You may Exert your Mind to automatically gain an Outcome of 5 on any roll that uses Intellect (Cannot be used on combat rolls or Power activations).
You also gain the following effects:
The ninja is a master of a wide variety of martial weapons. They kill quickly and quietly.
You gain the following benefits as long as you are engaged in combat with melee ninja weapons.
+2 dice to all rolls with melee ninja weapons. You may Defend against firearm attacks from any range using melee ninja weapons.
You also gain the following effects: