Psirens are women gifted (or some might say, cursed) with a magical voice. The most famous of the Psirens are the Banshee (Bean Sidhe, literally "Woman Fairy") of Ireland and the Psirens of Greek myth. Banshee still exist to this day, but they are rare and often hide their powers. The Banshee are the portion of those Psirens with precognitive powers. They often see the death of others and wail at the visions. This has led to their being hunted, for many thought that they caused death rather than foretell them.

These women (and the extremely rare male) have the voices of goddesses (or gods). While their voices are beautiful, they are also extremely deadly. Psirens are able to do wondrous things with their voices, from mesmerizing people to destroying a building. In ancient times, a person was able to neutralize their powers by simply plugging their ears (this doesn't work anymore). In post-Dark Day Earth, their abilities have increased to the point that they are a force to be feared, even by the minions of the Nightlords.

As a small side note, Psirens are also known to have a talent for spoken languages.

Psiren P.C.C. Abilities and Bonuses:

1. The Voice of the Psiren: The voice of the Psiren is capable of a variety of things. It can be used to destroy or to heal, to protect or to attack. All Songs last as long as the Psiren keeps singing (unless otherwise noted). The usual tactic of a Psiren is to begin singing and then simply change their Song to accomplish different things. They may sing the Song of Destruction, and then a short burst of the Song of Protection to ward off incoming gunfire, and then switch back to the Song of Destruction. Be aware however that a Psiren cannot undertake serious physical exertion and keep singing. This means that in order to defend themselves they usually use the Song of Protection. GM Note: You may wish to have Psirens roll against their Singing skill to use these Songs. At first level the Psiren knows all the songs except the Song of Insanity. The Psiren gains this song at level 5. See the section on Songs of the Psiren.

2. Psionic Powers: In addition to their special abilities (see above) all Psirens can choose four powers from the sensitive or healing psionic catagories. Psirens are considered Master psionics.

3. ISP: ME attribute plus 1D4x10. Add 2D6 per level of experience. Psirens recover ISP at the normal rate.

4. Bonuses: All Psirens are +3 to save vs. Dream Manipulation / Combat and +1 to save vs. possession and insanity.

Alignment: Any
Attribute Requirements: ME of 13 or higher.
Note: 90% of all Psirens are female. Males are also called Psirens.
Attribute Bonuses: +1D4 to MA and PB
PCC Skills:

Native Language and Literacy (98%)
Basic Mathematics (+30%)
Sing (+40%)
Pilot: Select 1
Domestic: Select 1 (+10%)
Technical: Choose 2 Languages
Hand to Hand skills must be chosen. Basic costs 1 skill, Expert 2, and
Martial Arts 3 (or Assassin if an evil alignment).

 

Other Skills: Select 8 other skills.

Communications: Any (+10%)
Domestic: Any (+5%)
Electrical: None
Espionage: Any except sniper and tracking
Mechanical: Automotive only
Medical: First Aid and Holistic Medicine only
Military: None
Physical: Any except Acrobatics
Pilot: Civilian vehicles only
Pilot Related Skills: Navigation only
Rogue: Any
Science: Any
Technical: Any
WP: Any
Wilderness: Any

 

Secondary Skills: The character also gets to choose 4 secondary skills at level one. In addition, the character can select 1 skill at levels 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15.

 

Skills Note: In the alternative to using the skills package above, Psirens may choose the skill package of a non-magical, non-psionic OCC to reflect an occupation which they have learned. If this option is used, add the skill of Sing at +40%.

 

Equipment: Varies with background and setting. May have an old car or motorcycle.

 

Money: 1D10x100 dollars in cash in addition to 4D6x1000 in various possessions.

 

Conversion Notes:

RIFTS®: The Song of Destruction can also do MDC at the Psiren's discretion, but they can only maintain it for half the duration. The Song of Protection provides an MDC barrier, BUT the AR still applies as the MDC is depleted.

Palladium Fantasy RPG™: No changes

After the Bomb®: No changes that I am aware of

Heroes Unlimited™: No changes

 

Psiren Experience Table:

1     0000 - 2500
2     2501 - 5000
3     5001 - 10000
4    10001 - 20000
5    20001 - 30000
6    30001 - 50000
7    50001 - 80000
8    80001 - 120000
9   120001 - 170000
10  170001 - 225000
11  225001 - 275000
12  275001 - 350000
13  350001 - 420000
14  420001 - 520000
15  520001 - 700000

The Songs of the Psiren
The Songs of the Psiren are very potent weapons against the living, and even the inanimate. When using the Songs, a few things should be noted:

1. Those who are deaf are only affected at half strength. So if the Song of Destruction would do 20 damage to a person, it would only do 10 damage to a deaf or hearing impaired person (severely hearing impaired, if you can hear more than 25%, you take full damage).

2. Cybernetic sound filtration systems will not stop the Song of a Psiren. Amplified hearing will DOUBLE the effects (damage, duration, etc.). Artificial lifeforms (machine people, for example) are immune to the mind-affecting Songs. However, Songs like the Song of Destruction will still damage them as normal.

 

Song of Destruction: A loud, high-pitched Song. It sends out powerful sonic waves which disrupts matter that it comes in contact with. As a Psiren gains in experience, they are able to control this power better, until they are able to target a single object. Against living creatures this power is most likely to rupture blood vessels in the brain or head, and possibly rupture eardrums. Targets of this song lose 1/2 of their attacks per melee and their speed attribute is reduced 50%. In addition, they are -4 to all combat actions and -50% to all skills due to the intense pain.

Damage: 3D6 + 1D6 per each even level (2, 4, 6, etc...) per action

Duration: The Psiren can maintain this Song for three times their Mental Endurance in minutes.

Range: 200' + (ME+50') per level.

Area of Effect: Varies. At first level, the Psiren affects a 360 degree area. They cannot focus it any more than that. At second level, they can narrow the sonic waves to a 90 degree area in front of them (note that the Song is still heard by others, however they are not affected by the sonic waves). At third level, the waves can be narrowed to a 10' wide 'beam', and at fourth level the Psiren can affect a single, man-sized target. At fifth level, the control is refined to the point that they can affect a small, 6" object. Note that even if you are fifth level, you can still affect a 360 degree area.

 

Song of Healing: A soothing, quiet Song that is very calming. Those nearby (within 25') will start to drift into a light trance unless they make a save vs. 12 (mental endurance bonuses do apply). This is the most passive Song that the Psirens possess, and cannot be used during combat. Some say that this relaxing Song is one of the most beautiful things in the Megaverse (an awe factor may be applicable depending on the situation, consider it to have an awe factor of 17). While the Psiren is singing this Song she channels positive healing energy into her target, increasing their natural healing to incredible rates. While the target is healing, they are put in a deep trance. They will awaken 3D4 minutes after the Song is ended, or if they experience great pain (at least 2D6 SDC damage). The Song can be restarted, uninterrupted, as long as the target does not awaken.

Healing Powers: At first level, the target heals 1D6 per hour. At second level, the rate is increased to 1D6 per half hour. At fourth, 1D6 per 15 minutes. At sixth level, 1D6 per minute. At eighth, the target heals 1D6 per melee.

Duration: Because this is such a quiet and relaxing Song, it relaxes the singer as well. They can maintain it for (ME+PE/2) hours at a time, as long as they takes short breaks to drink water and eat. If they wish to continue past their limit, they must roll against their singing skill with cumulative penalties. -10% for the first hour, -20% for the second, -30% for the fourth, -60% for the fifth. It is impossible to continue for more than five hours past their limit.

Range: Maximum of 10', however if there is not physical contact, reduce the amount healed to 1D4 rather than 1D6.

Area of Effect: At first level, only a single person can be affected. However, at level 7, all the people in a 50' radius can be affected.

 

Song of Insanity: A truly deadly and cruel song, the Song of Insanity tears the target's mind to shreds. It combines the Song of Destruction with the Song of Mesmerism to force their target to repress all of their memories (this is NOT possible with the Song of Mesmerism itself) and then turn the target's mind into jelly. The longer the target is exposed to this song, the more insane they become until they are a gibbering and drooling lump of flesh. Note that this song is very rarely used by Psirens of a good alignment.

Effects: After the first 30 seconds roll to save vs. 16. If the target fails, the target's IQ and ME drop by two points. Roll once on the random insanity table. Roll to save every 30 seconds. When either the IQ or ME are reduced to zero, the target(s) fall into a coma and require life-support.

Duration: The Psiren can keep singing this Song for a number of minutes equal to their mental endurance. If they attempt to sing past this limit, the song begins to affect them. After the first minute, pressure builds in their head, right behind their eyes. After the second, the pain increases until it feels like icepicks are being shoved into the person's skull. After the third minute, the icepicks are joined by liquid fire. After the fourth minute, the Psiren's IQ and ME attributes decrease by two points EACH per minute. These losses are permanent! The only thing that MIGHT be able to save their mind is a Restoration spell or the intervention of a god. Their brain is literally being burnt up! Each minute past their limit the Psiren must make a save vs. 13, +1 per minute past the first, including mental endurance bonuses, or stop singing due to the pain. So after the second minute, the Psiren must save vs. 14, and so on. If they consistently make the saves until their IQ and/or ME are reduced to zero, they fall into a coma and require life-support.

Range: 100' + ME' per level (starting at level 5)

Area of Effect: At fifth level the Psiren cannot specify a target, rather they affect a radius equal to their range. At sixth level, they can effect everyone in a 90 degree area to their front for a distance equal to their range. At seventh level, they can target a specific person. Note that everyone will hear the Song, but the power will only be targeted against an area as noted above.

Saving Throw: Save at 16 or higher. Mental endurance bonuses are applicable.

Note: This song is not gained until 5th level

 

Song of Mesmerism: The Psirens are known for their seductive voices, voices which men (and women) will die for. This is sort of a super-hypnotic suggestion. As long as the Psiren keeps singing, the target remains mesmerized. The only time they get a second save is if they are told to do something which is contrary to their alignment, like a principled person killing an innocent, etc.

Duration: As long as the Psiren keeps singing. They can see for three times their Mental Endurance in minutes.

Range: 300' + MEx10' at levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 15

Area of Effect: At first level the Psiren cannot specify a target, rather they affect a radius equal to their range. At second level, they can effect everyone in a 90 degree area to their front for a distance equal to their range. At third level, they can target a specific person. Note that everyone will hear the Song, but the power will only be targeted against an area as noted above.

Saving Throw: Save at a 14 or higher. Mental endurance bonuses are applicable.

 

Song of Protection: A vaguely soothing, persistant Song, mostly composed of the lower notes of the Psiren's particular octaves. This Song forms a protective shield composed of psychic energy. The shield form a strong barrier against all physical, energy, and magical attacks.

AR: Not applicable when the SDC reservoir is full, but gets an AR of 18 when the reservoir is depleted 50%. Reduce that again to 15 when 75% of the SDC reservoir is gone.

SDC Reservoir: Mental Endurance x10 + (Mental Endurance + 10) per additional level. This SDC regenerates at a rate equal to the character's Mental Endurance per half hour.

Duration: This Song will only last as long as the SDC reservoir holds out. The SDC is an indicator of the mental strength of the Psiren. As the SDC is depleted, the Psiren's control begins to waver (see AR, above). When all of the SDC is depleted, the Psiren is stunned for 1D4 melees. The Psiren can sing for three times their Mental Endurance in minutes.

Range: 100' + ME' per level (starting at level 1)

Area of Effect: At first level the Psiren can only create a two-dimensional protective screen 10'x10'. This screen must be within the line of sight of the Psiren. At second level the Psiren is able to create a protective bubble surrounding the Psiren for a 15' radius (cannot be created around someone else, unless the Psiren is also inside the bubble). At third level, the Psiren can make temporary shields which are used to parry attacks. They simply snap up to block an attack and then disappear. Note that these ARE automatic parries. When parrying using these shields, roll for damage as usual and take it off of the SDC reservoir. This SDC cannot be used to create shields until it regenerates. At fourth level, the Psiren can create protective bubbles around other people, as long as the targets are within their line of sight.

 

Song of Sleep: The Song of sleep is similar to a psychic lullaby. This is the only Song which the Psiren does not need to continue singing in order for its effects to be felt. When the Psiren begins singing her target(s) begin to feel drowsy (-5 on initiative, -3 to strike, parry, and dodge and they will be somewhat disoriented and confused as their mind approaches the Dreamstream). At the end of one melee, they must make a save vs. psionics or fall into a deep slumber. Those that make their save must make another save at the end of the next melee. After the second save, if they remain awake they must make a save every melee in order to remain awake. During this entire time they remain drowsy (see penalties above).

Duration: The Psiren can maintain the Song for a number of minutes equal to his/her Mental Endurance. If they attempt to continue singing past this time limit, they must make a save vs. psionics or fall prey to their own Song. If they fail, they fall asleep for 1D6x10 minutes. For every minute past their limit that they sing, apply a -1 to save. Eventually, they _will_ give in. Once the Psiren stops singing, his/her victims will remain asleep for 3D6x10 minutes.

Range: 75' + (ME+25') per additional level

Area of Effect: At first level the Psiren can affect a radius equal to their range. At second level, they can affect a 90 degree area in front of them with a radius equal to their range. At fourth level, they can target a specific individual.