One of the most beloved and enduring Christmas stories, aside from the Gospel original, is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. As most everyone knows, Ebenezer Scrooge, whose name is–175 years later–still synonymous with “miser,” joyously turns from his miserable, greedy ways after 4 spirits–let’s not forget Jacob Marley–visit on Christmas Eve. Over those 175 years, Dickens’ novella has been adapted or parodied in every form of media from opera to Batman graphic novels. (Check this list!) Many of them feature pop culture characters–from Bugs Bunny to Dr. Who–taking on A Christmas Carol roles, or change up the genre or era. So, go ahead and see if your group might want to try this for a holiday game session–you want to make sure this appeals to them, as a Christmas Carol scenario will be mostly RP and social encounters. Here’s some Genesys stats to get you started.
Design & Play Notes: I opted to present the Spirits as Rivals for simplicity’s sake and because they are not intended for combat encounters. As with any Adversaries, alter the stats for your PCs’ XP levels. Use the Christmas Spirit Ability to cover anything appropriate to each Spirit’s time–and for bits you borrow from good Mr. Dickens.
Speaking of borrowing, the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come’s Fearsome Talent is borrowed from Force & Destiny. It’s appropriate for this Spirit, who uses a mortal’s deepest fears–especially of death, but also of rejection, and loneliness–to convince them to change their ways. This is in contrast to the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Christmas Present, who, for the most part, appeal to happier/bittersweet memories and emotions. Although the Ghost of Christmas Present is not above quoting Scrooge’s meanest words back to him; hence the Coercion Skill & Scathing Tirade Talent.
While I have given them very low Wound Thresholds and–in Marley’s case–no Soak, I suggest GMs don’t worry about those stats. If a PC tries to damage, or escape from, one of the 3 Spirits, feel free to narrate an appropriate result for the circumstances. Examples: If a PC runs away from the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, she might find that Phantom (or her own tombstone!) blocking her path. A PC who attacks a Spirit towards the end of an encounter might find himself wrestling a bedpost–just like Scrooge!
Marley’s Ghost [Rival]
Condemned Soul
Characteristics
Brawn 1
Agility 1
Intellect 2
Cunning 2
Willpower 3
Presence 3
Skills
Coercion 2
Abilities
Chains of Despair: When a character first interacts with Marley, the character must make an Average Fear check [see p. 243]. At the GM’s discretion, penalties may be added to the check if circumstances or Marley’s words relate to the character’s Fear motivation.
Ghostly Form: Not subject to laws of physics, including immunity to physical attacks. Wound Threshold 1 and Soak 0.
Soak: 0 Defense (m/r): 0/0 Wound Threshold: 1
Equipment
Belt of Chains, Padlocks, and Strongboxes
GHOST of CHRISTMAS PAST [Rival]
Androgynous Spirit of child-like proportions
Characteristics
Brawn 1
Agility 2
Intellect 2
Cunning 2
Willpower 3
Presence 2
Skills
Charm 2
Ability
Christmas Spirit: Can travel to past Christmases with one mortal and can only be perceived by and interact–including physically–with that mortal.
Soak: 1 Defense (m/r): 0/0 Wound Threshold: 2
Equipment
Lamp Snuffer–negates light from Ghost of Christmas Past when worn by that spirit
Flowery Robe and Holly Sprig
GHOST of CHRISTMAS PRESENT [Rival]
Cheerful Giant, who wards the waifs, Want & Ignorance
Characteristics
Brawn 2
Agility 2
Intellect 2
Cunning 2
Willpower 3
Presence 3
Skills
Charm 2
Coercion 2
Talent
Scathing Tirade
Ability
Christmas Spirit: Can travel to present Christmas events with one mortal and can only be perceived by and interact–including physically–with that mortal.
Soak: 2 Defense (m/r): 0/0 Wound Threshold: 4
Equipment
Plenty’s Horn torch–to spread the blessings of the season
Green fur-trimmed Robe and Holly Crown
GHOST of CHRISTMAS YET-TO-COME [Rival]
Fearful Phantom
Characteristics
Brawn 1
Agility 2
Intellect 2
Cunning 2
Willpower 3
Presence 3
Skills
Coercion 3
Talent
Fearsome 3: When a character first interacts with the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come and whenever the scene changes, the character must make a Hard Fear check (see p. 243 of Genesys core book). At the GM’s discretion, penalties may be added to the check if circumstances relate to the character’s Fear motivation, per p. 48.
Abilities
Christmas Spirit: Can travel to future Christmases with one mortal and can only be perceived by and interact–including physically–with that mortal.
Mute: Cannot speak, communicates by limited gestures.
Soak: 1 Defense (m/r): 0/0 Wound Threshold: 3
Equipment
Hooded black robes
Linda Whitson
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