Converted Chrysalises and You: A New Guide

After a suggestion on the Discord and a poll on the forum, and a whole lot of brainstorming and discussion, the Origin GMs have reworked how Converted characters will respond to entering their chrysalis.

Prior, the chrysalis meant that the character would be very likely to miss their "stabilization" window for stabilizing Corruption (as with Corrupted-level characters), and die. This was intended as a consequence for engaging in dangerous behavior without safeguarding themselves, but it's agreed by all GMs that this would be an unfair punishment for characters chrysalized without an alternative via situations beyond their control.

However, we still feel that the consequence should be a strong deterrant, as the Stabilization was intended to be, against random acts of violence: in-character actions should always have in-character consequences, and a chrysalis should not be a simple escape from those consequences.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to reiterate that Corruption is an influence. It does not brainwash a character, and although it can certainly be a disturbing (even maddening) experience, it is not an excuse to turn a character straight toward violence. Therefore, the consequences will in part be intended to curb that use of the mechanic: players should not aim OOCly to Corrupt characters to grant an excuse for conflict. Instead, see it as an opportunity for internal conflict: anguish, self-doubt, and so on as they journey deeper into Chaos. This is not to say those characters won't be driven toward violence, but Corruption will not take a friendly character and make them abruptly embrace violence and hatred. It will likely be a long, disturbing process instead.

The new result of a Converted character entering their chrysalis away from a corruption source will be as follows; these changes have been updated in the general Corruption information post. (Those entering their chrysalis at a corruption source--ex. the Black Altar or Black Spire--can disregard all steps and treat their chrysalis as stable).

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1. The player should GM tag the post in question, and clarify that the character is a Converted character who will be entering their Chrysalis. (Any prior chrysalises should also be noted, along with date, so that regular Chrysalis Consequences can also be rolled for at this time.)

2. GMs will set the character back to Fledgling level. At this time, they will also roll one of a multitude of consequences for the character from a list known only to GMs. These consequences will be temporary, but very harsh, drawbacks.

3. The character will need to stabilize, as before, up to a maximum of five points per day--to a total of 60 points (for Master/Genius/Champion) or 30 for Pupil, Brawler and Strategist ranks. This must be done via on-screen posts.

4. The character can, once these 60 (or 30) points are reached, post in Update Me with the requisite links to be returned to their prior progression level (Master, Champion, etc).

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It's our intent to make this process far less punishing than the character simply dying, without removing the punishing nature of the consequences for those characters choosing to engage themselves in deadly situations. The results may be tweaked, tailored, or completely changed depending on how this works out in roleplay, but for now we hope this is an alternative you'll all prefer!