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Human Oracle

Oracles, like other spellcasting classes, draw from real-world examples. Some even have curses like the ones in our Pathfinder games. A famous example is Cassandra of Greek legend, who was gifted with prophecy but cursed so that none would believe her. In fact, she foresaw the fall of Troy and tried to warn the Trojans, but because of her curse Cassandra’s warning went unheeded. But then there are stories such as those of the oracles at Delphi, the high priestesses who were said to have delivered many accurate predictions. Oracles, prophets, and soothsayers are often seen as positive influences and their advice is to be ignored at one’s peril (“Beware the Ides of March” and all that).

In Pathfinder though, the Oracle doesn’t necessarily have visions or know the future. Having access to the same spells as clerics, however, does grant them access to divination magic with the potential to answer questions. Of course, you can just say “This oracle is special and receives random, confusing visions without asking for them,” and your player’s may or may not accept it. Still, many may not understand that the oracle is not necessarily a prophet of any kind, and that they don’t even have to aligned with the motives of the gods. This could give your NPC a way to manipulate others, for good or ill, and perhaps your PCs find out and pull back the curtain.

But what about the human oracle, though? I haven’t even mentioned the race half of this week’s pairing. Humans are, as I’ve always said, a very varied people. But because of that, you could say that a human oracle is the hardest to predict in terms of their reaction to suddenly becoming imbued with divine magic. Sure, amazing new powers from the gods and you don’t even need to offer up prayer. On the other hand, you can hardly see/walk/talk-when-you’re-angry. Unique abilities that give you an interesting edge in and out of combat? Well, you might suddenly look like a walking corpse as well. And there goes your handsome intended, too- ouch. Perhaps the faithful are looking to this human for guidance, maybe even leadership or salvation, but they just want to be left alone. Yesterday, the oracle might be a simple farmer who was looking forward to a good harvest. Now… magic, mysteries, curses, the gods: why did this all happen? They don’t know what to do about all this, they barely know how to READ. Although many of us might say “bring on the divine might,” many others would say, “I want my normal life back.”

In conclusion, the human oracle is a good choice for a variety of possible oracle NPCs, but in particular it’s useful for humanizing these characters (pun slightly intended). Make them conflicted, confused, and hurting. Alternatively, make them inspiring, searching for answers, rising to the challenge. And then there are those who reject it all, hate what’s happened to them, and will work against who/what they feel is responsible. But there’s always backstory, always a reason, and that will help make them feel real to your players.

Guiomar Paredes, the Voice of the Mountain [Mystery: Stone; Curse: Lame]

Guiomar’s family worshipped the old faith, the connection to the land that was here long before the “proper” gods and their churches. But the old faith is persecuted, its followers unsafe in most cities and towns. One day, Guiomar and their companions were chased by wicked nobles claiming they would “redeem” them. Guiomar felt a bolt strike through their leg, but with it came a great surge of power and an understanding that they could wield it. After causing an explosion of stones to surge out from them, the nobles ran off, and Guiomar knew the mountains had given them this power. Unfortunately, the result seemed to be that their leg would never truly heal. Guiomar saw this a fair price to pay for the chance to finally be able to defend the old faith.

Marjani, the Changed [Mystery: Battle; Curse: Wasting]

Once, Marjani was the envy of many, and the lust of even more. She was a great mercenary warrior, but was vain and selfish, and her heart was hardened against the troubles of others. Then, she began to waste away, her beauty fading into the visage of one who has death’s hand on one shoulder. Marjani soon realized that she had come to possess some strange magic, which aided her in battle but was tied to her ailment. After repeated attempts to heal or undo the changes failed, Marjani threw herself into her work and achieved great glory but kept her face hidden. More and more, she was faced with battles where enemies begged for mercy, or where the innocent were at risk, and for some reason Marjani found she was not acting as she had before. Those spared spoke of her honor, and those saved praised her heroism. Marjani has found that even with her beauty lost, she is more beloved than ever, and slowly but surely she is becoming an exemplar of compassion and valor.

Manaia [Mystery: Heavens; Curse: Deaf]

It used to be that the pride of the holy gatherings was Manaia’s singing, which carried over the gathered people of the islands and was thought to be a blessing. But somehow Manaia’s journey rites went wrong, and he came out of the visions unable to hear anything. The elders could not heal him, no matter how much they tried, and some think he did something to anger the gods. But Manaia, confused and in great despair, insists that he did nothing. In the night, though, Manaia tries to cope with another mystery: magic of starlight that he cannot explain. He is thinking of running away, but without his sense of hearing, he is worried he would not survive. Once a confident and eager young man, Manaia has been left a despondent wreck.