The Hedonist

Attributes: The hedonist's life is all about pleasure in excess. They devote their lives to giving and receiving pleasure (mostly receiving). They are also the footsoldiers of society's decay, representing the apathy and decadence of a "soft," modern life. Some are even forces of destruction, sadists who take pleasure in the pain of others or who will do anything to experience the next thrill. Most do not believe in morality, ethics, or any kind of "higher power;" to them, their senses are the only measure of truth... and their senses tell them what is Good and what is Evil.

Taboos: Hedonists may not engage in activity that is blatantly not pleasurable. Furthermore, they may not deny themselves pleasure in return for future gain, or to avoid future punishment. They must live only for the moment and what it can offer. Excessive planning or self-denial will quickly rob a Hedonist of their powers.

Symbols: Wine, desserts, extravagant trappings of all kinds. Spas, plush furniture, and other creature comforts.

Suspected Avatars in History: Caesar, in his later days, may have channeled the Hedonist. Many children of rich families naturally fall into this avatar as a result of having money without having to work for it.

Channels:

1%-50%: Animal Magnetism In their heart of hearts, all people want to be hedonists. No one wants to work all day when they could be sunning themselves on the beach By embodying these animal desires, and appealing to them in others, avatars of the Hedonist gain enhanced powers of charisma and persuasion. They automatically make good first impressions on everyone they meet (unless the person already has a negative opinion of them) and receive a +20 bonus to all friendly interaction rolls. In addition, their positive emotional state is difficult to alter by magic. Avatars of the Hedonist gain a +30 bonus to resist magickal mental influence.

51%-70%: Sensation Control At this level, avatars gain the ability to transform any physical sensation into pleasure. With a successful Avatar: The Hedonist skill check, the avatar can ignore the effects of fatigue and/or torture (actually, they will enjoy them). With a successful Avatar: The Hedonist check, they can remain conscious after reaching zero wound points (making a new check each round).

71%-90%: Sensation Transformation As Sensation Control, but can be used on others. This includes the ability to amplify or dampen the intensity of a sensation. In effect, a sucking chest wound can be made to feel like a gentle tickle, or a light slap on the cheek can be made to feel like a sledgehammer to the skull. This channel cannot heal to cause actual damage, but the target will think it does.

91%+: Liberation of the Flesh Eventually, avatars of the hedonist lose their dependence on bothersome things like sleep, food, and excretion. They are never tired, hungry, or thirsty. They do not perspire, defecate, or get out of breath. They are free to pursue a life of unfettered pleasure-seeking until the end of their natural lifespan... or until they are killed. Whichever comes first.