Adapted From In The Black and The Philosophy of Balck
Driven by ambition, self-interest, and the pursuit of power. Can be the source of ruthless efficiency and the ability to get things done at any cost, or of selfish betrayal and a complete disregard for others.
Rival Devotions White and Green
Mana Current: Ambition, self-interest, will to power
Virtues: Ruthless efficiency, self-reliance, survival instinct
Vices: Betrayal, exploitation, disregard for others
Affinity: Blue (shared pursuit of mastery), Red (shared rejection of external control)
Rivalry: White (communal good vs. selfish gain), Green (natural balance vs. artificial dominance)
Narrative Role: Black represents honest pursuit of personal power and advancement. In Starfall, Black manifests in the Ebon Syndicate's pragmatic ruthlessness, corporate ladder-climbing, and those who refuse to be powerless again.
Character Examples:
Ebon Syndicate operatives leveraging Yom-debt
Corporate raiders seizing failing stations
Former slaves vowing "never again"
Necromancers seeking immortality
Mechanical Application: Circumstance bonus with criminal networks, ambitious individuals, mercenary groups, and power-brokers. Bonus against idealists and selfless heroes.
Black Magic When spellcasters manifest Black aligned spells, they may feel a sense of gratification with the surge of power the magic brings. sometimes their awareness of their own mortality builds into a wave of furious anger.
It does not ask what others may do for it; it only asks what it can do for itself. This is a unique perspective that goes against the teachings of many societies, teachings that tell us to be humble, not to covet, and to be happy with our lot in this existence. Black defies this wholeheartedly, adamant that it is meant to be more, to have more, and that this life is to be experienced on its own terms.