The month of frights that delight continues. This week introduces a Fate Adversary for use in urban horror or superhero games, Patchwork Penny, reproving the adage: one should not meddle in magics they do not understand. (And if that’s not an adage… well, it should be!)
Patchwork Penny
High Concept: Black Magic-Infused Living Doll
Trouble: Highly Flammable
Other Aspects: Seems Creepy But Innocuous, Producer of Potions and Poisons
“Hi, I’m Penny and I’ll be your best friend until you die!” Massachusetts, 1914; Edith Steimkin was eight years old, but allergic to almost everything. She could not go to school or have friends. She could not be touched, not even by her loving parents, Jeremy and Martha. Edith took comfort in her toys, but they could not replace interaction with others. Jeremy commissioned a life-sized doll for his daughter and, using a book of spells purchased at a curiosity shop, attempted to bring the doll to life.
It seemed a success. Penny became a companion for their daughter, giving her a friend that she could not only hug, but could hug her back. Penny also became a teacher to the young girl, schooling her in sums and chemistry. The parents could not be happier for their child. Two months later the family was found dead. Investigation revealed the tea the family drank was laced with arsenic. The detectives determined that the family committed suicide, likely due to their daughter’s affliction and the burden it caused. The estate was parceled off and auctioned and the doll eventually went to another family with a young girl. Months later, that family was found dead; presumably at their daughter’s hand, who had sliced their throats as they slept, before taking her own life.
Patchwork Penny is subtle, but evil. She hides her killings behind various household tragedies and, over the last century has found many ways to murder. Poison, however, is her favorite M. O. She animates and speaks only to children, hiding her nature from others, lest she be discovered. To the child in question she whispers sweetness and love, biding her time to bring all those living to their doom, stealing their life force to keep herself alive. Her destruction is not limited to families. Shopkeepers who have kept the doll have become her victims, as have neighbors and acquaintances of the homes where she has briefly stayed.
While her porcelain face remains unaged, her attire has frayed and some pieces have been lost. Her cloth “skin” has also aged poorly, becoming more greenish and unnatural than previously. However, even with her odd looks, there is always a child, guardian, or relative that finds the doll charming and takes her in or gifts her elsewhere.
Skills
Superb: Crafts
Great: Stealth, Will
Good: Burglary, Deceive, Notice
Powers & Stunts
Poisoner: Craft poisons (even when on the run) using household or nearby chemicals.
Trapper: Swiftly craft deadly or delaying booby traps.
Stress Tracks
Physical 00
Mental 0000
GM Notes
Patchwork Penny is intended for use in games that utilize a lot of investigation and research. She should not be easily discovered and is not intended for an action game. When used in conflict, she is sneaky and subtle. A girlish giggle made be heard as she scampers about a house or shop, but she will not be seen. She will set tripwires and poisoned booby traps against any direct foes and may hide amongst piles of toys.
Her primary weakness and fear is fire and she will run panicked from any flames. However, unless PCs are willing to set fire to whatever domicile in which she resides, they may find using fire a bit of a challenge.
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