Besm

Edit Skeleton In The Closet

Name

Type

Cost per level

Description

A Greater Defect. The character has a dark secret. Exposure of this secret could cause harm to the character in the form of public humiliation, loss of a job, arrest, injury, or even death. The Point Rank of this Defect is based on the severity of the consequences if the secret is revealed. The secret must be important enough that the character will actively take steps to keep others from learning of it. If the Skeleton is ever revealed, the character will suffer the associated consequences and the GM should replace it with appropriate Defects worth at least as many Points as Skeleton in the Closet.

For example, most criminals have a -2 Point Skeleton in the Closet – they have committed crimes that could send them to jail or worse but usually there is no easily available evidence. If their secret is discovered, they will usually have Skeleton in the Closet replaced by an equal or higher value of the Wanted Defect (page 167).

**A -6**
Point Skeleton is usually reserved for characters who 07: DEFECTS face destruction or death if their secret is discovered, such as a flesh-eating alien living among humans or an undercover special agent that has infiltrated a terrorist organisation. The Skeleton in the Closet Defect also applies to someone who has a secret identity that they wish to conceal. The value depends on the consequences if the secret is revealed and thus is heavily dependent on the nature and actions of the character.

For example, if an undercover agent’s identity is revealed, enemies can target the character and their family more easily. Whether this is a -2, -4, or -6 Rank Defect depends on the position of the character, popularity of the character, how many enemies they have, how easily the character can maintain a normal lifestyle, etc. When in doubt, assume that most characters who have secret identities gain the -4 Points Defect. Skeleton in the Closet is only appropriate for Companions if their allied character is aware of the secret and must strive to protect it, since its exposure would be harmful to the character as well through “guilt by association” and the loss of an important ally or friend.

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