Shadow Points

[Vardaen]

You guys have been pushing the limits with all your threats, I want to be clear here before things go any further...

Sources of Corruption
Adventurers accumulate Shadow points to represent the growing burden of grief, doubt, weariness and self-interest that comes to rest on the hearts and minds of those who oppose the Shadow. While much corruption can be attributed to the anguish caused by the Dark Lord’s deeds, the Shadow can only work to exaggerate and nurture weaknesses that are already present. As the Twilight of the Third Age approaches, the sources of corruption multiply and increase in severity. Heroes mainly risk gaining Shadow points in four ways:

• Experiencing distressing events (see Anguish).
• Crossing or dwelling in an area tainted by manifestations of the Shadow (see Blighted Places).
• Committing despicable or dishonourable deeds, regardless of the end they sought to achieve (see Misdeeds).
• Taking possession of a cursed or tainted item or treasure.

Let's look at Misdeeds...


Misdeeds

Even the most virtuous heroes can find themselves in circumstances that tempt them to do something that would call their integrity into question. Such misdeeds can be the result of an accident or misunderstanding, but could also result from the temptation to achieve a noble goal by nefarious means. In a time when the Darkness is growing ever stronger, those who fight it must master and overcome the darker impulses within themselves. The Loremaster should usually warn the players when they are about to carry out a Misdeed. This can sometimes be a judgement call, but the Misdeed table below can be used as the basis of the Loremaster’s decision.

If the Loremaster determines that a misdeed has been committed, the guilty character automatically gains a number of Shadow points (see table below). Characters do not make a Corruption test when committing a misdeed, as they are not being tempted by the Shadow: they are willingly embracing its ways.

It is important to note that merely attempting to do something despicable is a misdeed, regardless of whether the action achieves its intended objective or not. If the action is classed as a Misdeed due to circumstances that the players are unaware of, for example if they ambush someone they completely believe to be guilty of a heinous crime (unprovoked aggression), but who later turns out to be innocent, they should not immediately gain the Shadow points. Instead, their behaviour when the mistake comes to light determines if they take the points or not. If their reaction is one of contrition and an earnest attempt to put the situation right, then the points can be waived at the Loremaster’s discretion. This shouldn’t be too easy an option, and could result in a side-quest for the characters.

Misdeeds:
Action (Shadow gain)
Accidental misdeed (-)
Violent threats (1 point)
Lying purposefully, subtly manipulate the will of others (2 points)
Cowardice, theft and plunder (3 points)
Unprovoked aggression, abusing own authority to influence or dominate (4 points)
Torment and torture, murder (5 points)

Note you guys are about get at least 1 point for this scene, you've been threateing these poor dwarves since you arrived.