A hardboiled private detective. Everyone — except Lovecraft — uses magic every day. "What makes me special is I'm my own man. When I started out I said there were things I'd do and things I wouldn't do. A lot of guys start out like that, and a lot of them sell out along the way. But the more who fall, the easier it gets. "See, look, everybody compromises, everybody cheats, everybody uses magic." So they empty their ideals out of their pockets and get down to the job of sticking it to their neighbors before they stick it to them, because that's that way it's done. To all of which I say nuts. My collar may be a little frayed, and maybe I need a shoeshine. But nobody's got a mortgage on my soul. I own it. Free and clear." No nonsense approach to his job and tough guy attitude. "Cast A Deadly Spell" movie Fred Ward

The old joke says that when a Cynic smells flowers, he immediately looks around for the funeral. A character with this Disadvantage has a hard time believing in virtue and altruism in others. He believes that when you boil things down to their basics, people only do things that are in their best interests, and everyone has an ulterior motive for everything. This character mistrusts "random acts of kindness", as they make him wonder what the other person wants from him. he tends to be sneering, sarcastic, and have a hard time taking earnest endeavors seriously. he can also be rather self-righteous, especially when his cynicism is proven right. At the Strong level of commitment, the character must make an Ego Roll in order to avoid acting in this manner. At Total, the character cannot do so except under the most extreme of circumstances. This character is sworn or otherwise dedicated to a set of beliefs which his native culture considers to be good and just. The specific tenets of this should be clearly defined by the player and accepted by the GM before the character is played (or, in the case of NPCs or villains, the GM should have a clear definition of the code before he brings that character into play). Not all Codes of Conduct are going to be the same, because what is considered noble and honorable differs from culture to culture. There are many possible codes. This Psychological Limitation ends up giving the character several restrictions that would otherwise be considered separate Psychological Limitations. The character may not take both Code of Conduct and those other Disadvantages, even though the point total for all of the individual Disadvantages is higher if they are combined. A Code of Conduct, while actually encompassing several lesser Psychological Limitations, is worth less points because it also carries a measure of distinction and respect. For example, while villains may taunt a character who has a Code of Conduct, others will admire and look up to such a character for his solid principles. Some examples of various Codes of Conduct would include: * The Bushido Code: This is the code by which the samurai of the medieval period lived under. Treat Those Deserving of Honor With Honor, Treat a Dishonorable Foe With Scorn, Avenge All Insults, Death Before Dishonor, Utter Obedience to One's Superiors (Even Unto Death), and Never Show Fear. * The Celtic Code: Vengeance is essential. If you (or your family or your clan) are insulted, you must demand an apology. If none is given, you must issue a challenge. If you lose, you must try again as soon as you are able. If a truce is called, it must be observed. You must try to be first into combat. Never lie to an ally. Do not take advantage of an unsuspecting enemy. * Code of Chivalry: The code of the medieval knight. Honor in Battle (meaning no attacks on an unaware foe, not using missile weapons, and treating a vanquished foe mercifully), Expect Obedience From Those Below His Station and Provide Obedience To Those Above, Protect The Weak And The Defenseless, and Honesty In All Things. * The Gentleman's Code: Never break your word. Never ignore an insult to yourself, to a lady, or to your flag; insults may only be wiped out by an apology or a duel (not always to the death!). Never take advantage of an opponent in any way; weapons and circumstances must be equal (except in open war). Associate only with those of your social class. * The Hero's Code: Sometimes known as the "Four Color Code", this Code of Conduct is best exemplified (believe it or not) by Batman as portrayed by Adam West in the 1960's TV series "Batman". It is very close to the Honesty Psychological Limitation, but more so: Work to your utmost to uphold the law at all times. Never lie, cheat, or swear. Drink nothing stronger than soda pop and chocolate milk. Don't smoke. Protect anyone weaker than yourself, and always try to be a good example to the kids. * Omerta: This is the code of silence followed by members of the Mafia: Don't reveal any secrets you might learn under pain of death. Obey the Capo Crimini without hesitation. Avenge attacks on family members, because attacks on one of us is an attack on all of us. Avoid any contact with the police. * Policeman's Code: This is the code that most police forces are supposed to operate under. Must Defend Public Safety, Must Protect The Innocent, Will Only Reply With Equal Force In Combat (meaning, if the opponent isn't using lethal force, neither will the person with this code), Follow the law in all things. * The Soldier's Code: This is the Code of Conduct between "good-guy" soldiers on TV and in the movies. It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees. Never leave a man behind. Never give up, never give in. Never let an insult to you, your unit, or your branch of service go unpunished, especially if it comes from a member of a wimpy branch of service. All branches of service other than yours are wimpy. * The Sorcerer's Code: This code is followed by all but the most evil and callous of fully trained wizards in a modern setting in which magic is generally disbelieved and unknown to the general public. Maintain The Veil That Keeps The Mundane World Unaware Of The Existence Of Magic. Magic Is Too Dangerous For The Common Man And Must Be Kept Out Of His Sight. Cover Up Mystical Events, Even If You Had No Part In Them. Battle Only In Private, Never In Public Except With The Most Subtle Of Effects. * The Vow of the Buddhist Monk: Avoid strong emotion as often as possible, do not initiate violence (but defending oneself is permitted), help others when possible, do not eat meat.