As befitting his position as the Leader of his own cult, the Corpael Etasen, David wears flowing robes of deep black, lined with crimson. These robes serve to hide that he is extremely thin (Skinny, -5 PTs). Generally, he also wears gloves to hide that his hands appear hideiously burnt (Unnatural Feature, -1PT). David has an attactive and captivating voice (10pts), and is otherwise impecably well-groomed. Without his robe, David appears sickly and desicated, although otherwise would appear appealing to those around him (Attractive (+4 PTs, +1 to Mind Control), and Charisma (+5PTs, +1 to Mind Control)).

Branch makes a very good profit from the Corpael Etasen, allowing him to live luxuriously. (Wealthy, +10 PTs)

Capabilities:

David's association with demonic entities has done nothing to improve his physical capabilities (ST: 10), and has weakened his immune system (HT: 9, -10 PTs). His reflexes are average (DX: 11, +20 PTs), but he exhibits genius-level intelligence and perceptive ability. (IQ: 13, +60 PTs, Perception 14, +5PTs.)

Skills:

David manages the majority of the Cult's day-to-day activities, taking an active part in all aspects of the organization. He is extremely comfortable speaking in public, consitently attends socialite gatherings to gain favor for his group, and is effective at negociations. On multiple occassions, David's fast wit and glib tongue has kept the Corpael Etasen out of hot water.

As the Corpael Etasen is a not entirely benign organization, David has contacts with some unsavory characters associated with crime. He uses them primarily to keep on top of conditions on the streets, but every once in a while they'll fetch him a new convert in the hopes that they'll get a reward. Many feel intimidated by David, and indeed he is capable at utilizing some techniques taught by the military.

The Corpael Etasen has access to a decent amount of lore on demons and their ilk, and David has studied them extensively. Contained within the works on the occult included multiple techniques for detecting lies, which David does exceedingly well. David's grasp on Psychology is fairly advanced, and lends well to his experiments with brainwashing.

Notably, David is incapable of using a computer due to the nature of his hands, and cannot drive.

Demonics:
David was contacted by a demon, Azoxul, a few years ago. Striking a bargain to increase Azoxul's power within Boston in return for some power of his own, David was granted a few supernatural capabilities. Azoxul's influence is responsible for David's sickly appearance and his deformed hands. Azoxul is mostly pleased with Corpael Estasen's operations, and only seeks audience with Branch once a month.

From Azoxul, David gained the capability to move objects with his mind (Telekinesis 10, +50 PTs), read minds (Mind Reading, +30 PTs), as well as Mind Control (Mind Control, No Memory, Independant, +90 PTs). David can also change his hands into a set of Claws (Claws, Sharp +5 PTs), and can summon a short-range beam of fire.

Disadvantages:
Bad Back: David was hit by a car at a young age, which permanently damaged his spinal column. He's prone to frequent bouts of pain after physical activity. (Bad Back, Mild, -15PTs)

Callous: David can percieve emotions, but generally does so only so that he can manipulate and control his cultists more effectively. (Callous, -5 PTs)

Megalomania: He's a Cult Leader, what do you expect? (Megalomania, -10 PTs)

Paranoia: David is convinced that Azoxul is not trustworthy, and that those around him are working for the demon. (Paranoia, -10 PTs)

Phantom Voices: When in a stressful situation, David oftentimes believes he hears the voice of Azoxul whispering orders into his mind. (Phantom Voices, Diabolical, -15 PTs)

Corpael Etasen:

Founded by David, the Corpael Etasen is a front for David's activities trying to bring Azoxul to earth. In addition, David is seeking a way to overpower Azoxul, due to his (rightfully so) fears that Azoxul will kill him once the Corpael Etasen succeeds in summoning the demon. The front organization is slickly run, and prospering. Operating under the guise of a new-age religion, it is profitable, and thanks to David's social acumen, popular. David is waiting for his first celebrity client, hoping that they will give an air of legitimacy to his organization.

Only a few members are aware of David's true intentions, and most either agree with his aims or have been manipulated to do so. Induction into the inner circles is the highest 'honor' that the cult can place on one of its members, and involves a short ceremony that David presides over. Most of the Corpael Etasen believe that they are soon going to face a holy war, and most members are being prepared through David's sermons to die for the cause.

The inner circle tends to be less fanatical, knowing fully well David's motives.

GURPS Summary:

ST: 10 HP: 10/10

DX: 11

IQ: 13

HT: 9 FP:9/9

Will: 13 Perception: 14

Basic Speed: 5 Basic Move: 5

Dodge: 8

Thrust: 1d-2 Swing: 1d

Skills:

Acting: 15

Administration: 12

Body Language: 13

Brainwashing: 13

Brawling: 12

Carousing: 9

Detect Lies: 15

Diplomacy: 15

Fast-Talk: 14 (+2 from voice)

Guns (Pistol): 11

Hidden Lore (Demons): 12

Innate Attack(Fire Beam): 13

Interrogation: 12

Intimidation: 14

Leadership: 13 (+1 from Leadership)

Observation:14

Occultism: 12

Psychology: 11

Public Speaking: 17 (+2 from voice, +1 from Charisma)

Savoir-Faire (High Society): 14

Streetwise: 12

Advantages:

Mind Control:
Target Does not remember events while controlled, Independent of David. 90 PTs

Telekinesis 10:

Uses same stats as his normal ST, except up to 10 Yards of distance. 50PTs

Mind Reading:

Nothing fancy. 30 PTs.

Wealthy: 20 PTs.

Innate Attack:

2d Burn Damage. Limited range (10 YDs), Resistable (HT-3), Innacurate 3

4 PTs

Voice: 10 PTs

Claws:

Sharp, changes damage from a punch/kick to Cutting.

Appearance:
Attractive. +1 to reaction rolls. (4 PTs)

Disadvantages:

Phantom Voices (-15 PTs)

Bad Back, Mild (-15 PTs)

Paranoia (-10PTs)

Megalomania (-10 PTs)

Skinny (-5 PTs)

Callous (-5 PTs)

Unnatural Features, Blackened Hands (-1 PT)

Point Totals:

Attributes: 75 PTs

Advantages: 218 PTs

Disadvantages: -61 PTs

Skills: 60 PTs

Total: 293

125

HoH

Hits

3,600

? Ted's Awards and Badges

Stats

Link Backs

Not Registered Yet? No problem.

Do you want Strolenati super powers? Registering. That's how you get super powers! These are just a couple powers you receive with more to come as you participate.

Upvote and give XP to encourage useful comments.
Work on submissions in private or flag them for assistance.
Earn XP and gain levels that give you more site abilities (super powers).
You should register. All your friends are doing it!

? Responses (13)

I like how this one turned out. The character makes good, solid sense. His capabilities match his backstory, and so do his flaws. I especially appreciate that he's not an idiot, and recognizes the treachery of Azoxul.

Overall, a rather effective cult leader.

IN GAME STATS! How brazen, how shamelss, my hands are shaking I felt so dirty reading this. (And GURPS too, you are such a rebel) Everyone else has been posting softcore, just beneath the sheets we can see the outlines of movement bonuses, esoteric and specific in game benifets such as "iron stomach" and stat details such as low willpower but high dexterity. WARNING INFESTED-JERK JUST BROUGHT US A FULL FRONTAL RPG CHARACTER!

Overall:

I agree with CM a decent cult leader, if it were my idea I would like to hear about his childhood or time prior to to his demon-joined cult leader and a little more about his inter personal style but the theme of his behavior comes through. And the disadvantages tell us a lot about the mechanics of dealing with him.

How do you want the player characters to feel about him?

Hopefully, David can come across as affable, someone who doesn't really seem like the kind of guy who is running a doomsday cult. When he's in his element, his charisma and wit tend to make him likeable and popular.

Of course, this is tempered by his psychopathy and the fact that he's being corrupted by Azoxul.

Hopefully during play I can temper his outward appearance with just enough discrepancies to creep players out.

He's a witch! burn him!!!

If Branch had an out would he take it?

now that is an interesting question. I say he would. He strikes me as a good-guy at heart.

Branch is actively seeking the means to rid himself of Azoxul- by digging himself deeper, hoping he can find a means to overpower the demon. If he was provided an out, he would definitely take it, although convincing him would probably hinge on finding a way around his paranoia and megalomania.

What would he be willing to give up for that out?

Nice character, with a nice Call of Cthulhu vibes; but posting character stats? Bad Mojo, dude.

The character makes an interesting villain, but to get rid of the demon, he either has to totally redeem himself, or find a bigger demon.....

I like the character (although I first misread the title as Branch Davidians.) Good, mostly 3 dimensional, and definitely usable as a villain or uncertain ally. Overall an improvement.

I dislike the stats mixed in with the meat of the sub. Personally (for whatever that's worth) I'd prefer them added as an idea at the end. I haven't looked at GURPS in years so the stats mean nothing to me.

It was intended as a direct reference to the Branch Davidians from the start.