Gruagach
A gruagach (plural, gruagachan) is a Pictish tradition hedge wizard of considerable power -- though there exist similar traditions, such as the trollsynir, that also use the same rules.[1]
Fifth Edition rules and background for the gruagach are found in Chapter 4 of Hedge Magic Revised Edition. The gruagachan were first introduced in Lion of the North.[2]
Gruagach Characters
In Fifth Edition, a gruagach may be designed as either a Gifted companion or an unGifted companion. The difference is that the Gifted gruagach can use any of the gruagachan's non-Hermetic Arts, whereas an unGifted character may only use Arts for which he or she has undergone a mystery initiation for the corresponding Virtues.[3]
Gruagach Powers
Gruagachan use a system of non-Hermetic Arts to create flexible magical effects, much like Hermetic magi do. The scope of the gruagachan's Arts is narrower than that of Hermetic magi, so their magic is less versatile.
The gruagachan have two Techniques:
- Give, which allows the gruagach to affect other characters[4]
- Take, which allows the gruagach to affect him or herself[5]
They have four Forms:
- Blessing
- Curse
- Shape
- Vision
Opinion and Commentary
The range of gruachan's powers seems to line up well with folklore from various parts of Europe, and could be suitable for many kinds of hedge wizards.
References
- ↑ Hedge Magic Revised Edition, p. 76, "Alternate Traditions"
- ↑ Lion of the North, pp. 109-115, "Gruagach - the Highland Magician"
- ↑ Hedge Magic Revised Edition, pp. 56-57, "Character Generation"
- ↑ Hedge Magic Revised Edition, p. 59, "Give"
- ↑ Hedge Magic Revised Edition, p. 59, "Take"