I definitely prefer diegetic character changes that inform mechanics, rather than the other way around. Into the Wyrd and Wild has an interesting mechanic called “The Call of the Wild”: a roll table that is similar to “scars” in other games, but generally more flavorful , and most of the effects are negative as you become more cursed the longer you stay in the wilds (or other triggers).
It's akin to the sex-change mist filled door from Tomb of Horrors.
It also reminds me of a story by (I think...) Ray Bradbury... wherein an astronaut is marooned on Mars, finds a Martian house empty. He shelters there but the food is inedible, the water undrinkable. As time progresses, he finds he can adapt...the food no longer makes him sick and he can stand the water. Then he realizes the house has been altering him every time he slept, adapting him to it's capacities, to make him into a Martian.
I definitely prefer diegetic character changes that inform mechanics, rather than the other way around. Into the Wyrd and Wild has an interesting mechanic called “The Call of the Wild”: a roll table that is similar to “scars” in other games, but generally more flavorful , and most of the effects are negative as you become more cursed the longer you stay in the wilds (or other triggers).
ItWaW is a great book, and as you say full of flavour!
Makes me think of the “Fallout” table of Liminal Horror which is also based on ItO mechanics. Embrace the weird and change forever!
Way cooler than just leveling up in my opinion
LH’s fallout is a good comparison!
Insidious dungeoneering. Well played.
It's akin to the sex-change mist filled door from Tomb of Horrors.
It also reminds me of a story by (I think...) Ray Bradbury... wherein an astronaut is marooned on Mars, finds a Martian house empty. He shelters there but the food is inedible, the water undrinkable. As time progresses, he finds he can adapt...the food no longer makes him sick and he can stand the water. Then he realizes the house has been altering him every time he slept, adapting him to it's capacities, to make him into a Martian.