[UA] Re: Hunter Symbology

[Mike Dewar]

If you're looking for a way to make her earn Hunter power without just
slinging on more symbols, consider the importance of symbolic deeds. 

It may be enough that you can touch the lower levels of the Hunter simply
with subtle life/style changes which don't really cost anything, but to
really tap the power of an archetype (eg. start hitting 3rd and 4th
channel), you need to do more than just "live the stereotype". 

She should be out there seeking increasingly more symbolically meaningful
and potent "prey". Obviously, as a Hunter (and a PC), she's probably doing
that already, but the Hunter power adds a new level to it by providing more
of a carrot (and requiring her to face off against increasingly bigger
sticks). Maybe only let her spend XP on her Hunter when the XP has been
earned in such a Hunt. 

For example, I tend to rule that an avatar has to be involved in a suitably
meaningful activity to tip the balance into a new channel (kind of like an
extremely minor-scale ascension). It stops an Avatar inexplicably gaining in
power after a plotline where he/she didn't use any avatar powers. 

For example, I recently allowed one of my PCs to hit his Merchant second
channel - but only after he completed his most elaborate trade yet, which
involved playing a pair of rival Bibliomancers off against each other in a
whole series of trades to eventually allow him to get a ritual. 

Alternatively, when in doubt, start a cult! Obviously, some Avatars fit this
mold especially well or poorly (King - yes, Masterless Man...er...), but a
Hunter could make it work, if the cult was modelled around the idea of
hunting as a pack, or hunting dogs to drive the prey before her. Generally,
maintaining a few lower-power NPC followers can occupy a decent amount of PC
time and provide some good roleplaying opportunities. 

- Mike