Re: [HOE] harrowed and faith- spoiler

[Matt and Teresa Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

Jeff Y wrote (just throwing in the spoiler space for good measure, as
usual):

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>  This will contradict my original stance that the
> manitou couldn't use a doomie's powers, but IIRC the rules state that the
> manitou can't use the powers of the Blessed, regardless of specific religion
> involved.  Doomsayers aren't Blessed, they are Doomsayers, and it would seem
> then not included in that rule.  So yes, in that regard a Harrowed
> Doomsayer's manitou could use the doom powers -- them bein' Faith based not
> excluding them.  Templar powers might maybe fall under the "no Blessed
> powers" rule, since there might be someone behind the granting of those
> powers that wouldn't want the Manitou using 'em (whole nuther thread, that).
> But the Martial Artist's C'hi is Faith based, ain't it?  I could be very
> wrong, it's been a long while since I've needed to use those rules.  But
> assuming it is Faith:C'hi, and since they aren't Blessed, then the manitou
> has full access to the C'hi abilities of the Harrowed character.
>

Correct, a manitou cannot access a Blessed's favors, however (agreeing
with Nick Z. on this), Ch'i powers are fair game.  Templar Rewards.
Hmm.  My gut reaction says yes, a Manitou can use them. Here's why.
Although on the surface similar to the concept of a Blessed's favors,
Rewards are different in the sense that even Simon isn't exactly sure
where the power behind them comes from.  While the Templars are
_loosely_ based upon Christianity, a Templar's faith is simply based
upon a belief in "the saints or some power of goodness that watches over
the world".  The fact that the Anti-Templars may access these Rewards as
well brings a shade of doubt as to this being where the power behind
these come from. Now, Martyr Blessings are an entirely different
matter...these I would say are off limits to the manitou.  These would
seem to be obviously angled toward the powers of good, proven to some
extent in that Anti-Templars may not aquire them.

However, this brings up an interesting point to discuss regarding Martyr
Blessings and Blessed Favors.  While the manitou of a Harrowed Templar
can't use them, can the acts of the manitou while in charge lead the
character to suffer the effects of Sinnin' and Fallin' from Grace?  I'd
say yes.  While the "soul" of the individual isn't responsible for the
atrocious acts, the body (which all living folks would see and identify
with) would obviously be seen doing them.  Responsibility for the body's
actions has to fall somewhere...and teh Harrowed individual would have a
hard time explaining himself once back in control  This would seem to be
the way a manitou could hose a Blessed or Martyr favored Templar.
Thoughts?  Discussion?

Matt Steflik
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik