Higher Purpose

#Rules #rules_analogue #character_option

You are driven to exceed your normal limits in one specific pursuit. You must state this exactly as if it were a Code of Honor disadvantage (p. 127): “Defend all women,” “Slay all BioAI,” etc. If, in the GM’s judgment, you are unfaltering in your pursuit of your Higher Purpose, you get +1 to all die rolls that pertain directly to the pursuit of your cause. If you deviate from your Higher Purpose, you lose this bonus . . . and the GM is free to penalize you for bad roleplaying just as if you had ignored a Code of Honor.

A Higher Purpose must be specific. Higher Purposes such as “Fight evil” or “Oppose authority figures” are too broad to be balanced. In addition, a Higher Purpose must entail genuine risk and inconvenience. The GM should not allow pragmatic Higher Purposes like “Faithfully serve my superiors.” All Higher Purposes are subject to GM approval.

SAMPLE HIGHER PURPOSES:

• Deliver the Package!: In an action scene, you get +1 to all success rolls made to ferry an important cargo or passenger: vehicular skill and Dodge rolls, Mechanic rolls to repair breakdowns, HT rolls to remain conscious at the wheel, etc.
• Buddy Bond! - See Higher Purpose (Buddy Bond).
• Blood Will Tell! This Higher Purpose gives +1 per level (maximum three levels) to all rolls made in unassisted conflicts against sapient (IQ 6+), civilized beings of lesser social position, provided the possessor is unwavering in his belief that high birth trumps all else, taking as read that low-born folk cannot best him and that nobility of blood implies nobility of intent. “Unassisted” typically means a Quick Contest between the swashbuckler and one rival, or a duel or other single combat where neither side receives aid from allies; however, if he faces a horde of his social inferiors alone, his advantage still applies! “Civilized” beings are those that could freely walk into town, and excludes mon-sters. “Lesser social position” normally translates as lower Wealth or a Social Stigma in Dungeon Fantasy – although inferior Rank or Status count if the campaign uses those traits.

Note: These rules are also found in B59.
"Deliver the Package!" is found in Action 1, page 18.
"Blood will Tell! is found in Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Swashbucklers.

gurps_name::Higher Purpose
gurps_source::Basic Set, pg. 59