"Beware the banshee, for when she wails, men die..."

Psirens are women gifted (or some might say, cursed) with a magical voice. The most famous of the Psirens are the Banshees (Bean Sidhe, literally "woman fairy") of Ireland and the Sirens of Greek myth. Banshees still exist to this day, but they are rare and often hide their powers. The Banshees 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 people have 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. 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.

Although the Psirens are not a psychic discipline limited to the Inlustris, there is a large contingent of Psirens working with the Inlustris. Psirens are often sent out as agents because they are harder to detect than a supernatural creature such as the Uziel.

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. 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 below) all Psirens can choose four powers from the sensitive or healing psionic categories. Psirens are considered Master psionics.
3. I.S.P.: M.E. attribute plus 3D6x10. Add 1D4+M.E. per level of experience. Psirens recover I.S.P. at the normal rate.
4. Bonuses: All Psirens are +3 to save vs. Dream Manipulation / Combat and +1 to save vs. possession and insanity.

The Psiren P.C.C.

Alignment: Any

Attribute Requirements: I.Q. and M.E. of 13 or higher.

Note: 90% of all Psirens are female. Males are also called Psirens.

Attribute Bonuses: +1D4 to M.A. and P.B.

 

There are two skill options for a Psiren character. The first is a Psiren who is not affiliated with the Inlustris and has had a normal education prior to developing their powers. For these characters, simply use the Basic Nightbane skill package found on page 89 of the Nightbane main book and add the skill of Singing (+25%). For Psirens trained by the Inlustris, use the following skill package.

 

P.C.C. Skills:

Native Language & Literacy: Latin (98%)

Language & Literacy: Choose four (+30%)

Mathematics: Basic (+30%)

Sing (+40%)

Computer Operation (+15%)

Lore: Nightlands (+10%)

Lore: Demons & Monsters (+20%)

Military Etiquette (+5%)

W.P. Sword

Hand to Hand: Basic. Hand to Hand: Basic can be upgraded to Expert for the cost of 1 skill, or martial arts or assassin for a cost of 2 skills.

 

Other Skills: Select 10 other skills from the categories below. These skills should reflect the position they have been trained for by the Inlustris, whether it be that of a scout, a warrior, an espionage agent, etc. Because of the wide range of training available, these categories are very broad. GM’s, use your common sense.

Communications: Any (+10%)

Domestic: Any (+5%)

Electrical: Any

Espionage: Any

Mechanical: Any

Medical: First Aid and Holistic Medicine only

Military: Any (+5%)

Physical: Any except Acrobatics

Pilot: Civilian vehicles only

Pilot Related Skills: Navigation only

Rogue: Any

Science: Any

Technical: Any (+10%, +20% to languages and literacy only)

W.P.: 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Conversion Notes:

RIFTS®: The Song of Destruction can also do M.D.C. at the Psiren's discretion, but the I.S.P. cost is doubled. The Song of Protection provides an M.D.C. barrier, but the AR still applies as the M.D.C. is depleted.

Palladium Fantasy RPGÔ : No changes

Heroes UnlimitedÔ : 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:

• 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).
• Cybernetic sound filtration systems will not stop the Song of a Psiren. Amplified hearing will DOUBLE the effects (damage, duration, etc.). Artificial life forms (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/I.S.P.: One melee action per 3 I.S.P. spent

Range: 200' + (M.E.+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 foot (3 meter) 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 inch (15 cm) 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 feet / 7.6 meters) 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 S.D.C. 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/I.S.P.: Because this is such a quiet and relaxing Song, it relaxes the singer as well. They can maintain it for one hour per 10 I.S.P. spent. Note that the Psiren must take short breaks to drink water and eat if they are singing for a prolonged period of time. Note that the Psiren regenerates I.S.P. while they are singing, albeit at half the normal rate. This song can only be maintained for a number of hours equal to their M.E. 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 feet (3 meters), however if there is not physical contact, reduce the amount healed to 1D4 rather than 1D6.

I.S.P.: 10

Area of Effect: At first level, only a single person can be affected. However, at level 7, all the people in a 50 foot (15 meter) radius can be affected.

 

Song of Insanity: A truly deadly and cruel song, the Song of Insanity tears the target's mind to shreds, a process known as being "mind burned". 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 I.Q. and M.E. drop by two points and they have no attacks per melee. Roll once on the random insanity table. If they save, they are largely unaffected except for piercing headaches which lead to penalties: –5 to all combat actions and their attacks per melee are reduced by half. Roll to save every 30 seconds. When either the I.Q. or M.E. are reduced to zero, the target(s) fall into a coma and require life-support. While the Psiren is singing, their target is –5 to all combat actions and their attacks per melee are reduced to one.

Duration/I.S.P.: Each 30 second period costs 30 I.S.P at the beginning of the period (so if the Psiren sings for 40 seconds, it costs 60 I.S.P.). The Psiren can keep singing this Song for a number of periods equal to their mental endurance. If they attempt to sing past this limit, the song begins to affect them. After the 30 seconds, pressure builds in their head, right behind their eyes. After the second, the pain increases until it feels like ice picks are being shoved into the person's skull. After a minute and a half, the ice picks are joined by liquid fire. After two minutes, the Psiren's I.Q. and M.E. attributes decrease by two points EACH per additional 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 I.Q. and/or M.E. are reduced to zero, they fall into a coma and require life-support.

Range: 100 feet + M.E. feet per level (starting at level 1)

I.S.P.: 30

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 within their range. 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: Because of the amount of time required for this song to be effective, it is generally not widely used in battle. 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/I.S.P.: 5 I.S.P. per melee.

Range: 300 feet + M.E.x10 feet 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, persistent 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 forms a strong barrier against all physical, energy, and magical energy attacks (fire balls, lightning, etc.). Both sonic attacks and gases will pass through the shield, though.

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

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

Duration/I.S.P.: The shield is created by spending 20 I.S.P. and will last as long as the S.D.C. reservoir holds out or as long as the Psiren sings. The Psiren can sing for three times their Mental Endurance in minutes. The S.D.C. is an indicator of the mental strength of the Psiren. As the S.D.C. is depleted, the Psiren's control begins to waver (see AR, above). When all of the S.D.C. is depleted, the Psiren is stunned for 1D4 melees.

Range: 100 feet + M.E. feet per level (starting at level 1)

Area of Effect: At first level the Psiren can only create a two-dimensional protective screen 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 10 feet (3 meters) wide. 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 foot (4.6 meter) 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 S.D.C. reservoir. This S.D.C. 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 his/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/I.S.P.: This song lasts for 10 I.S.P. per minute. Once the Psiren stops singing, his/her victims will remain asleep for 3D6x10 minutes.

Range: 75 feet + (M.E.+25 feet) 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.

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