Haunt separates its characters into broad archetypes of supernatural investigators. These archetypes represent the kind of people who would find themselves in these types of situations. The archetypes do three things. First, they determine your starting attributes (Faith, Intuition, and Knowledge). The second thing archetypes do is give you boons. Boons are useful tools which allow the player to learn something or help fend off the haunt. Boons are activated by giving the Game Master a hint, so every use is a risk. The third and final use of the archetype is to help you get an idea of your character and how they work. The archetypes in the book are by no means the only possible archetypes or represent what exactly your character is. It is perfectly acceptable to create your own should these not suffice.

The six archetypes in the book are: Priest, Scientist, Psychic, Investigator, Exorcist, and Mystic.

Priest


The Priest is the character that represents Faith. Their belief in a higher power is what grants them this attribute. Priests (of various religions), pastors, or even social workers (for a no religious approach) are examples of Priests. The boon, Confession, is a defensive boon. When someone in the same location of the Priest fails a roll, the Priest may give the Game Master a hint to stop him from asking the player a question. This can save someone’s life, but it can also shorten yours. The Priest is willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save others.

Scientist


The Scientist is the character that represents Knowledge. Half a lifetime’s worth of study and contemplation have granted them this attribute. Teachers, professors, doctors, or other types of scholars are examples of Scientists. The boon, Explanation, is a boon that is best used in preparation. The Scientist gives the Game Master a hint and every character in the Scientist’s location increases their Courage skill by one. This means these characters are better at defending against the supernatural terror. Unfortunately, this extra courage lasts only until it is used. The Scientist sees the world in a logical way, and can explain exactly why everyone is ok.

Psychic


The Psychic is a character that represents Intuition. Their sixth sense is very acute, granting them this attribute. Doomsayers, people with psychic ability, and those who have opened their third eye are examples of Psychics. The boon, Visions, is a boon that can help you confirm suspicions. You give the Game Master a hint, and you get to ask him a question. This question must be a yes or no question. Did Jacob murder the ghost? Will destroying the body destroy the ghost? These are a few good examples. The Psychic gains visions of the future and the past. They can see parts of the truth, but not all of it.

Investigator


The Investigator is the character that blends Intuition and Knowledge. They use a combination of experience and gut instinct to discover what is going on. Police officers, private investigators, and journalists are a few examples of Investigators. The Boon, Investigate, is there to help you when you get stuck. The Investigator gives the Game Master a hint, and the Investigator learns where the closest important clue is. This should only be used when the players are truly stuck and have no idea where else to go. An investigator has the know-how to spot a clue in a pile of red herrings.

Exorcist


The Exorcist is the character that blends Knowledge and Faith. They use religious texts and incantations to battle the dark. Occultists, witch hunters, and those who hunt the dead are a few examples of Exorcist. This archetype is the only that can truly stand up against the spirit. The boon, Ritual, is one of the most potent defensive boons. When the ghost attacks, the Exorcist may give the GM a hint and banish the ghost for a short time, nullifying the attack. This can be a lifesaver near the end of the game, when the spirit is the most dangerous. The Exorcist wields their faith like a weapon and strikes down the things that go bump in the night.

Mystic


The Mystic is the character that blends Faith and Intuition. They combine their sixth sense with a unique outlook on the world. Druids, faith healers, and medicine men are a few examples of Mystics. The boon, Commune, is one of the most difficult boons to use. The Mystic gives the Game Master a hint, and the Mystic may ask the spirit, ghost, demon, or whatever is out there a single question. This is tricky for the Game Master and the Player, because the ghost must answer truthfully. However, the ghost does not need to be clear. They can speak in riddles or metaphors to confuse the Mystic. The Mystic can get the closest with the spirit and has the deepest connection to it. But a door once opened can be entered through both ways.

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