Lunar Virtue Flaws

Of the Ōmijin, the Moon-Marked are considered the second most powerful after the Sun-Struck. They, too, are no longer quite human, and so Izanami's curse and promise of death does not directly apply to them--they can be killed, but need not fear natural death. Instead, the curse manifests as an inverse of their mystery and adaptability, reducing them to mere instinct-driven beasts via their Virtue Flaw.

''The following section presents examples of Flaws you may choose to match your Lunar’s primary Virtue. These aren’t the only Flaws that a Lunar might develop. Storytellers and players can work together to develop their own Flaws. Keep in mind that these Flaws are the result of an ancient and terrible curse, so they are never pleasant or useful.''

The Curse of the Whipped Dog
The character is overcome with indecision and doubt. He capitulates in the face of adversity and cannot resist authority. The Whipped Dog refuses to take any sort of leadership responsibility, instead blindly following the suggestions of anyone around him. The character may defend himself if physically attacked, but he will try to remove himself from the confrontation as quickly as possible.

The Curse of the Mother Hen
The character is overcome with the desire to take care of those around her as though they were helpless baby birds. She hovers around them and eagerly tries to feed, clothe and bathe them, or insist that they rest quietly, regardless of cost to herself. The Mother Hen will not listen to refusals of her aid; she treats such attempts as though they were the confused cries of a child in need. If anyone tries to harm another person within her presence, she first scolds everyone involved, but she will engage in non-lethal suppressive violence if necessary.

The Curse Of The Heartless Weasel
The character becomes a creature of pure selfishness. He ignores the needs, feelings or very survival of others, and does not consider how his actions may impact those around him. The Heartless Weasel has no mercy, and he will slaughter innocents who impede him as surely as his enemies. The character may not expend effort or take risk in order to help another. He may flee if threatened, though he will do nothing to help his comrades who are left behind.

The Curse Of The Hungry Wolverine
The character is overcome with the boundless importance of the instant. He cannot ignore his vision of how things should be, no matter what the consequences. The Hungry Wolverine will cripple someone who tries to take his bowl of rice as surely as he will fight to preserve his own life. The character must always do what he thinks is right even if it means dying in the process. Storytellers should consider the character’s own past history when judging what the character defines as “right.”

The Curse Of The Drunken Monkey
The character becomes a creature of impulse and ignorance. He is a slave to his desires, unable to control himself long enough to resist temptation. The Drunken Monkey acts without thinking and does not consider the consequences of his actions. He gorges his appetites without restraint and ignores dangerous situations in the heat of the moment—but will drop any indulgence the moment some new temptation presents itself.

The Curse Of The Humble Sloth
The character becomes unconcerned with anything except for the bare essentials. He cares about nothing except eating and sleeping. The Humble Sloth cares not for the concerns of the rest of the world, for the true necessities of his daily life are all that matter. He will not take the slightest chance except to avoid a direct threat to his life. He will not study or work, or fight except in self-defense.

The Curse Of The Raging Bull
The character becomes a fighting animal. He is dangerously quick-tempered, willing to fi ght anyone for any reason and unable to back down from any challenge to his dominance. While this Flaw is active, the character cannot fail Valor checks and can’t spend Willpower points to ignore them. Just as an angry bull, he attempts to fight anything that inconveniences or startles him. He doesn’t talk much, either, unless it is with his fists (or worse).

The Curse Of The Lone Wolf
The character needs no one. He feels no fear, and doesn’t respect others. The Lone Wolf does not wait for help before wading into combat, and he doesn’t share the glory for success. He feels nothing but contempt for “the pack” and will always proceed without waiting for others to catch up.