Frequently Asked Setting Questions
This semi-regularly updated section features a compendium of all the setting questions asked about Purgatory on AHG-announce, and is presented as a reference for the compleat Soulmaster. The answers found below are not binding or set in stone, but are just how I (Jon Wilkie, writer of Purgatory) would call it if I was running the game. Of course, many of these clarifications and answers might make it into the next edition of Purgatory, at which point it will be set in stone. Anyway, here's the Frequently Asked Setting Questions:
Q: Can the Mark of Purgatory be seen over live broadcast video? What about non-live video? By penitents, of course.
A: No. Any electronic transmission does not replicate the Mark. For instance, a Penitent looking at a Penitent through binoculars would see the Mark, since the binoculars are all optical mirrors and such. A Penitent looking at a Penitent through infrared goggles would not see the Mark, since the image is electronically processed.
The only exception to the above rule is when the Mark flares, which occurs for a minute at dawn & dusk, when activating Powers, or if you have Path of Light and are using its Inherent Ability. Since everyone (even normal humans) can see the Mark then, it is visible through all viewing methods.
Q: When a Penitent dies on earth/Purgatory, does their body crumble/evapourate, etc. or is evidence of the death remaining?
A: There is a body left behind, but the body tends to decay a lot quicker than normal, maybe taking a day to reduce to very brittle bones.
Q: Will a cordless drill used as a weapon would work in Purgatory? If a gun does not work, then nothing electric should either.
A: Very true. It won't work in Purgatory. Neither will a chainsaw. However, that may change in Purgatory II: Revelations...