Karma

Karma is not explicitly defined in URW and is very mysterious (which is the way the spirit world should be) It is mentioned as the "character's relation to its surrounding".

Characters with a good relation to their surroundings will receive "You feel unity with the world" messages, while characters with very bad relations will wake up at night, have nightmares and receive "hostile nocturnal forest" messages.

The effects of bad standing with the spirits are uncertain, but some player have experienced poor healing, bad luck in hunting, fishing and any other activities. However, we can't say for sure if it is actually implemented in the game or player's superstition. But for sure, characters should try to keep a good relation with the spirits.

The karma can be improved through the use of some rituals such as sacrifices. It degrades with the excessive use of favor requesting rituals, cannibalism, non-hostile human murder and probably many other other random factors. For example, excessive use of the Origin of Fire for low survival characters will severely hit their standing with the spirits.

When successfully Meeting The Water Folk it may be possible to determine whether the spirits are pleased or visibly upset with the player.

From best to lowest standing with spirits:

• You feel unity with the forest around.
• You feel comfortable and safe.
• You feel comfortable.
• [Neutral] (no message upon waking up).
• You feel uneasy.
• You feel frightened.
• The forest around looks frightening.
• The forest around looks extremely hostile.
• You wake up covered in sweat! You've just had the worst nightmare you've ever experienced!