Puppetry

Puppetry is one of the thirteen primary Arcanoi from Wraith: The Oblivion. Those who master Puppetry can control the bodies of the Quick.

Puppeteers are usually responsible for the classic possessions of history. If someone is behaving in a strange fashion, a Puppeteer is likely behind it, Skinriding the person and bending them to their will. However, this possession is not usually as all-encompassing as a Puppeteer would like it to be. Most Puppeteers can only manage small changes or suggestions to a host. It is the more powerful Puppeteers that those still living should fear, as they can completely control a person or even destroy the soul and ride the body alone.

In order to use any of the arts of Puppetry, a Puppeteer must always Skinride their potential host first. After this, they may do what they have the power to do, but this first step must always be taken, no matter how powerful the Puppeteer is. More experienced Puppeteers will, in all probability, have an easier time Skinriding and working on a host faster. Only one wraith may possess a mortal at a time; any wraith who wishes to boot one already there must have a battle of will with them.

Puppetry is said to be the art that Charon forbade the most (excepting the three Forbidden Arcanoi). Only he, Deathlords, and higher members of the Hierarchy were permitted to Skinride mortals, and only then on a strictly limited basis. Despite the prohibited nature of Puppetry, some wraiths risk it anyway. Some want to feel the sensations of life they can’t get through Embody. Others see it as part of a religious experience, the Riders of the Wheel being one strong example. At any rate, any Puppeteer not involved with the Hierarchy had best use this art wisely and infrequently.

Puppeteers frequently become trapped in their hosts if something goes wrong with Puppetry. Other problems include their hosts doing things the Puppeteer did not intend; really messing this up can mean a host will even do the opposite.

Basic Abilities

 * Detect Possession: A Puppeteer can detect if a mortal is being Skinrode.

Standard Powers

 * • Skinride: A Puppeteer can slip into the body of a mortal.
 * •• Sudden Movement: A Puppeteer may take momentary control of a host’s limb.
 * ••• Master’s Voice: A Puppeteer can temporarily speak for a mortal host.
 * •••• Rein in the Mind: A Puppeteer can take almost complete control over a host.
 * ••••• Obliterate the Soul: A Puppeteer can kick out a host’s soul and claim the body for their own until it decays.

Alternate Powers
Several mentioned in Guildbook: Puppeteers and Pardoners.