You desire something unconventional, terrible, or forbidden, and you’re willing to pay a great price for it. During this period of Downtime, you cannot be found or contacted, and you have kept your whereabouts and intentions secret from your party members. When you return, you are changed – you have gained something new... and have had to trade something in return. Work with your GM to determine the nature of this dark bargain. What did you gain? Was it a new set of eyes that see into the ethereal plane, a powerful magic item, ancient and forbidden knowledge, an increased Attribute Score, or the resurrection of a long-lost loved one? The price you must pay should be equal if not greater than the benefit you gained and could include a loss of cherished memories from your Lifepath, an inability to wield magic weapons, a permanent reduction to an Attribute Score, or a promise of murder or betrayal. ___ # A Monstrous Deal A *Dark Bargain* is an excellent way for players who wish to play werewolves, liches, vampires, or other monstrous creatures to alter themselves during a period of Downtime. GMs and Players should work together to outline the benefits and downsides such transformations bring. Many of these can relate to a [Metamorphosis](https://a5e.tools/rules/metamorphosis) destiny, and you can start down several paths with Synergy Feats: | Change to a | Base Synergy Feat | | ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Vampire | [Newblood](https://a5e.tools/rules/synergy-feats) | | Revenant | Vendetta while alive, then [Revenant](https://a5e.tools/rules/synergy-feats) | | Lycanthrope | - [New Moon Werebear](https://a5e.tools/node/3113)<br>- [New Moon Wereboar](https://a5e.tools/node/3114)<br>- [New Moon Wererat](https://a5e.tools/node/3116)<br>- [New Moon Weretiger](https://a5e.tools/node/3117)<br>- [New Moon Werewolf](https://a5e.tools/node/3118) | | Lich | Apprentice Lich (in Manual of Adventurous Resources - Complete) | | Mummy | Embalmed (in Manual of Adventurous Resources - Complete) | Be sure that the bargain the character makes adds to the drama and excitement of the story, and avoid deals that will turn the party against one another or lead to friction at the table.