Banshee

Banshee symbol

Banshees are one of the original five Shades that appeared in Orpheus. Banshees tend to resonate highly with emotion and foresight, and their Horrors reflect this. As with all Shades, there are four tiers of Horrors a Banshee can learn.

Banshees are considered to be the most empathetic of the Shades, and the ones most driven by insight and emotions. Many are compassionate, but some of the more cynical ones become prone to judging others who might be considered worthy of their assistance. Caregiver, Gallant, and Penitent are examples of Natures Banshees tend to exhibit.

Because Banshees tend to work in gentle, kinder ways, they do not mesh well with the more aggressive philosophies of the Poltergeists. Therefore, Banshees are banned from taking any Poltergeist Horrors.

Banshees have several abilities in common with the Arcanoi Keening and Fatalism from Wraith: The Oblivion.

Horrors

First-Tier – Wail: Banshees can use Wail to change the emotions of those around them, or to deal damage with a powerful scream akin to that of their namesake.

Second-Tier – Forebode: By tuning in this Horror correctly, a Banshee can see brief glimpses of the past or future.

Third-Tier – Pandemonium: An extension of Forebode, a Banshee can actually alter the future by tweaking the present to match their desired effect.

Fourth-Tier – Screaming Nothing: With this ability, a Banshee can open up a nihil that allows ghosts to pass through the Stormwall.

Crucible Horror – Storm-Gloam: By tuning into each other, a group of Banshees can open tiny tears in the Stormwall, letting Maelstrom winds through to do damage.

Manifestation Forms

Zero Vitality: Can make their voice heard through whispers.

One Vitality: Appears as a "ghost", with light strands of gauze floating around them.

Two Vitality: Fully human, seems as if they are immersed in water.

References

• Orpheus: Orpheus Rulebook, p. 84 -85, 99, 100-102
• Orpheus: Shades of Gray, p. 98 -99
• Orpheus: The Orphan-Grinders, p. 35 -36
• Orpheus: End Game, p. 72 -73