A nasty little Avatar designed for my planned Route 666 campaign

Attributes: Nothing is as painful as the sting of betrayal – as moral acts go it is one of the most symbolic and potent. The Betrayer holds a position of authority, love or trust – a parent, spouse, lover, friend, ally, confessor, confidante, teacher or guide and is destined to betray out of selfishness, desire or self-preservation. The betrayer need not necessarily be a glib and convincing liar but radiates an aura of benevolence, love and honour so that they appear beyond reproach – an aura that hides a core of self-interest; the worm in their rotten heart. Key to channelling the betrayer is mastery of the art of self-deception – convince yourself that what you do is expedient, justifiable or morally right and you can validate any manipulation, wrongdoing or atrocity with a clear conscience. Interestingly, acts of treason are not the purview of this Archetype as these are the act by or against a stranger or a faceless entity or organisation – true betrayal is a far more personal affair. The path of the betrayer is ultimately a lonely and difficult one to follow – most people waiver from the path or prematurely suffer the consequences of their actions.

Taboos: Acting altruistically weakens this archetype – helping others to your detriment is anthemia. Being betrayed – the biter bit as the say – also pushes one away from this archetype.

Symbols: A dagger, 30 pieces of silver, snakes, lipstick on a shirt collar, a broken cot – all are associated with the Betrayer.

Masks: Lucifer (Biblical), Loki (Norse), Delilah (Old Testament), Lancelot and Guinevere (Arthurian), Cronos (Greek).

Suspected Avatars in History: Brutus and Anne Boleyn are believed to have channelled this archetype for a time. Judas Iscariot is not, but has become one of its strongest representatives none the less. Numerous abusers, fraudsters and adulterers are also believed to have had brushes with the betrayer archetype.

1% – 50%: Whenever you are prompted to make a Self or Violence roll but can think of an argument (even a spurious one) which supports or validates your actions, make an Avatar roll. If successful you convince yourself of this false truth and do not have to make the violence or self roll.

51% – 70%: When someone you have socialised with is made aware of any wrongdoing you may have committed or are going to commit, make an avatar roll. If successful, the listener will disbelieve almost any evidence, no matter how damning (unequivocal proof however is another matter). Even those who have met you briefly become infuriated at such slander. If they are close friends they may become violent (dependant on their general temperament).

71% – 90%: Whenever you fail a lie roll your Avatar skill for a second chance at deceiving someone.

91%+: Back-stabber (attacks always cause surprise) “I just couldn’t believe he would actually attack me”.