Ars Magica Definitive Edition, Chapter Thirteen: Bestiary

Creature Might

Supernatural creatures have one of Divine Might, Infernal Might, Magic Might, and Faerie Might, depending on the realm to which they belong. Might Score is very important, as it provides Magic Resistance, fuels the creature's powers, and determines the Penetration of those powers. The higher the Might Score, the more powerful the creature.

All powers have a Might cost, although sometimes it is zero. A creature that hasn't used any powers recently has a Might Pool equal to its Might Score. To use a power, it spends the appropriate number of points from the Might Pool. If the Might Pool doesn't have enough points in to use a power, the creature cannot use that power.

Might Pools almost always refresh to the creature's Might Score over the course of a day. Unless otherwise noted, the Pool refreshes at a constant rate, so that a creature with a Might Score of 25 regains a point in a little under an hour. If a creature's pool refreshes in a different manner, this is noted in the creature's description.

Creature Magic Resistance works against all forms of mystical power, just like Hermetic Magic Resistance. It is equally helpless against direct Divine miracles.

Creature Magic Resistance

Might Score + Aura Modifier

Creature Powers

Creature powers are not Hermetic spells, and thus are not bound by the restrictions of Hermetic magic. For a start, they do not have levels. Instead, every power has a Might cost, which is deducted from the creature's Might Pool when the power is used. Further, creature powers need not use the standard Hermetic ranges, durations, and targets. Nevertheless, Hermetic spells are a good source of inspiration for creature powers, and 'like this spell, apart from...' is a very good way to describe a new power.

The format for a creature power is as follows:

Power Name, X points, Init Y, Form: Description.

The name is simply descriptive. X is the number of points the creature must spend from its Might Pool to use the power. Init is the Initiative modifier for the power; this determines when it is used in combat. The Form is the Hermetic Form that provides Magic Resistance against the power.

The description is everything else; what the power does, and the game mechanics, if necessary, for its effects.

The Penetration of a creature's powers depends on the creature's Might Score and on the number of points spent to use the power.

Creature Power Penetration

Might Score – (5 x Might Point cost of the power) + Penetration Bonus

The Penetration Bonus is calculated in exactly the same way as for Hermetic magi, so if the creature does not have the Penetration Ability, it is zero.

Some creature powers can be dispelled, if they have continuing effects. Their effective level is equal to the Might Score of the creature.

Creature Power Level for Dispelling

Creature's Might Score

Creature Format

The format for a creature is very similar to the format for a character, and uses a lot of the same rules and values. In most cases, if a line does not apply, it is omitted. Sometimes it is left in, with an explanation of why it does not apply, if that would be clearer.

(Realm) Might: The creature's Might Score. For mundane creatures, this line is omitted. The Form with which the creature is associated, for warding purposes, appears in brackets after the Might Score.

Characteristics: A list of the characteristics and values. Creatures with animal intelligence have a Cunning (Cun) score rather than an Intelligence score.

Size: The creature's size. Size 0 is the same size (volume, and thus normally roughly mass) as an adult human being. An increase or decrease of three points of Size is approximately equivalent to a factor of ten change in size.

Age: The creature's actual age, with the apparent age in brackets. (See Long Term Events, page 391, for aging rules and apparent age.) This is often irrelevant for creatures.

Decrepitude: The creature's number of Decrepitude points. These are gained from aging, and described on page 392. This is often irrelevant for creatures.

Warping Score: The creature's Warping Score, with the number of excess Warping Points in brackets. See Warping, on page 389, for more details. Creatures with Might do not have Warping Scores, as they are already part of a realm, but mundane creatures can have one.

Confidence Score: The creature's Confidence Score, with the number of Confidence Points in brackets. Important creatures, just like important characters, have Confidence.

Virtues and Flaws: All the creature's Virtues and Flaws, if it has any. These are all described in Virtues and Flaws, starting on page 61. If the creature has a Social Status, this comes first. Otherwise, the list starts with the Major Virtues, in alphabetical order, followed by Minor Virtues, alphabetically, Major Flaws, alphabetically, and Minor Flaws, also arranged in alphabetical order. A very few creatures do have The Gift, in which case it appears first, as normal. Only creatures with Magic Might can have The Gift, as it is an ability tied specifically to the Magic Realm.

Personality Traits: The creature's personality traits, and scores.

Reputations: Details of the creature's reputations, if any.

Combat: The combat statistics for modes of attack and weapons that the creature uses often.

Soak: The creature's Soak score.

Fatigue Levels: A listing of the creature's Fatigue levels and penalties, which represent how tired the creature is. A notation of 0/0 indicates that the creature has two Fatigue levels that impose no penalty, -1/-1/-1 indicates three Fatigue levels that impose a -1penalty. The penalty from Fatigue is always the penalty imposed by the least-tired remaining level, so a creature with three -1 Fatigue levels has a Fatigue penalty of -1 from when it loses its last 0 Fatigue level until it loses the third –1 Fatigue level. Fatigue is described on page 403. Not all creatures can tire.

Wound Penalties: Shows the penalties for wounds of varying severity, with the number of points of damage required to inflict a wound of that severity shown in brackets. Not all creatures can be wounded.

Abilities: All of the creature's Abilities, in alphabetical order. The format is Ability X (Y) (specialization), where X is the score in the Ability and (Y) is the number of experience points spent towards the next level.

Equipment: The creature's stuff.

Encumbrance: The creature's Encumbrance, with the creature's Burden in brackets. The rules for Encumbrance are on page 403.

Powers: The creature's powers, in the format Power Name, X points, Init Y, Form: Description. (See previous page.)

Vis: The type, amount, and location of any vis in the creature. This is normally found in the corpse, rather than the living being.

Size Examples

Each Size category is approximately twice as heavy as the previous size category. A 1-point difference in Size doubles the weight, 2 points multiplies it by five, and a 3-point increase in Size entails a ten-fold increase in mass. Thus a pig weighs approximately the same as 50 hedgehogs, 200 rats or 2000 mice. Birds are two Size points bigger than their weight would suggest, accounting for their larger overall dimension; if you need to know the weight of a bird, subtract two from the Size before calculation. All heights and weights are approximate.

Size	Height	Weight	Examples
–15	1" or less	Less than 1 oz.	Insect
–10	4–5"	1 oz.	Minnow, mouse
–9	6–7"	1.5 oz.	Bat, frog
–8	8–9"	0.25–0.5 lbs	Mole, salamander, toad
–7	10–11"	0.5–1 lb	Rat, weasel
–6	12–13"	1–2 lbs	Lizard, stoat, thrush
–5	14–15"	2–5 lbs	Cuckoo, dove, eel, polecat, grass snake, hedgehog, partridge, rabbit
–4	16–20"	5–10 lbs	Adder, cockerel, crow, magpie, octopus, owl, raven
–3	21–32"	10–22 lbs	Badger, carp, cat, duck, falcon, gull, hare, human baby, osprey, otter, pike
–2	2'9"–3'9"	22–46 lbs	Beaver, dog, eagle, fox, goose, grouse, heron, human child, roe deer, salmon
–1	3'9"–4'9"	47–100 lbs	Adolescent human, ape, crane, gazelle, lynx, sheep, stork, swan, wild goat, wolf
0	4'9"–6'2"	100–215 lbs	Adult human, antelope, boar, deer, dolphin, pig
+1	6'2"–8'	215–465 lbs	Buck (male fallow deer), ibex, pony, seal
+2	8'–10'	465–1000 lbs	Bear, horse, lion, stag (male red deer)
+3	10'–13'	1000–2150 lbs	Aurochs, moose, shark, walrus, war horse
+4	13'–17'	2150–4600 lbs	Elephant
+5	17'–22'	2½–5 tons	Killer whale
+6	22'–28'	5–10½ tons	—
+7	28'–37'	10½–23 tons	Small dragon
+8	37'–47'	23–50 tons	—
+9	47'–61'	50–107 tons	Humpbacked whale
+10	61'–79'	107–230 tons	—

Creating Creatures

When creating creatures for use in your own saga, you have a great deal of freedom. The first thing to remember is that, if during play you realize that you have assigned the wrong numbers to some of the creature's statistics, you are allowed to change them during the game. Thus, you do not need to worry about getting the numbers exactly right, it's much more important to have the concept right, and have powers, Abilities, and Characteristics that do the right sort of thing.

The first step is coming up with a concept. The magical spirit that is the Rhine is very different from a faerie who mends shoes left out overnight, and different again from a demon who tempts people to blasphemy. An important part of the concept is the intended role with respect to the player characters. If the player characters are supposed to be able to defeat the creature in combat, you need to make sure its statistics are low enough. On the other hand, if the player characters are supposed to have no chance in a fight, you should make the statistics high.

Powers should be defined on the basis of what you think is interesting. If a power proves to be a problem, you can easily change it during play, so, again, you shouldn't worry too much. Creature powers can break the limits of magic, no matter what realm they are connected to, and you don't even have to explain to the other players how a particular power works. As long as you keep things interesting and fun, the players aren't likely to be worried about details anyway.

There are a few things worth bearing in mind when picking the numbers.

Might: Might Score is very important. A Might Score of 20 indicates that starting magi will have a lot of trouble affecting the creature with magic. A Might Score of 40 is enough to cause problems for a middle-aged magus, and a Might Score of 60 makes life difficult for even powerful magi. A Might Score of 75 renders the creature almost immune to Hermetic magic; casting totals over 75 are very rare indeed, even before subtracting the spell level.

A Might Score high enough to stop the player magi using spells that kill or inflict serious wounds is a good way to make sure that a climactic battle lasts more than a round, especially if combined with a good Soak score, or other strong combat abilities. A relatively high Might Score is also a good way to motivate the magi to gather Arcane Connections,

horoscopes, and images, so that they can boost their Penetration as high as possible.

Combat Statistics: If you do not intend the creature to get into a fight, you don't need to work these out in advance. If it is intended to fight, these need to be set by comparison with the player character combat statistics. In general, the creature should be a bit weaker than the force likely to attack it, if the grogs fight as a trained group, this means that the creature should be a lot more powerful than an individual grog.

Powers: The Might cost of a power is not determined primarily by how powerful the power is. Instead, it determines how good the power's Penetration is, and how often it can be used. As a rule, you will want greater powers to have lower Penetration and be usable less often, but that need not always be the case. A dragon that can breathe devastating fire as often as it likes (Might cost 0), but can only heal once or twice per day (Might cost 25), is a perfectly reasonable creature.

Mundane Beasts

The beasts of Mythic Europe are not quite the same as normal animals in the real world. The ferocity of wild animals, in particular, is exaggerated for dramatic purposes. In Mythic Europe, it is not uncommon for beasts such as wolves to attack humans.

Beasts in Combat

Beasts fight much as humans do: they can use most combat options from the Obstacles chapter, including disengaging, (untrained) group combat, exertion, and non-lethal combat. Beasts are clever enough to use exertion and other combat options to their best advantage. Only a few beasts have the cooperative instincts to fight as a trained group. All others must use the untrained group rules.

Beasts with the Ferocity Virtue have Confidence Points, which may be spent in battle under certain circumstances.

Some beasts have more than one natural weapon. The best weapon is always listed first. Secondary weapons are less effective, but might be useful when the primary weapon is unavailable. For example, a bear usually relies on its claws, but might attack with its teeth while climbing with its claws after a victim. Regardless of how many weapons a beast has, it may only attack with one weapon in a given round.

Adder (Viperis)

Characteristics: Cun -1, Per -2, Pre -6, Com -6, Str -8, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +3

Size: -4

Confidence Score: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Lightning Reflexes, Infamous

Qualities: Ambush Predator, Loathsome Appearance, Slippery, Venomous

Personality Traits: Hostile +2 Reputations: Venomous (local) 4

Combat:

Fangs: Init +3, Attack +8, Defense +7*, Damage -7; * +6 to Defense vs grapple attacks

Soak: +2

Fatigue Levels: OK, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1), -3 (2), -5 (3), Incapacitated (4), Dead (5+)

Abilities: Awareness 2 (prey), Brawl 2 (fangs), Hunt 4 (rodents), Stealth 4 (stalking prey), Survival 3 (grassy areas)

Powers:

Venomous Bite: When the adder attacks, compare its Attack Advantage to the victim's armor Protection (not his Soak). If the adder's advantage is higher, the victim suffers the effects of adder venom as listed in the Poison Table on page 406, regardless of whether the bite inflicts an actual wound. The storyguide may adjust the required Attack Advantage for special circumstances: for instance, high boots might offer an effective Protection +3 against the adder's special attack even though they don't protect against normal attacks.

Natural Weapons:

Fangs: Init 0, Atk +3, Def +1, Dam +1.

Appearance: The common adder is a small snake, usually about a foot and a half in length. Its color varies from pale grey or yellow to red, with diamond-shaped black markings along its back. Some individuals are completely black. The adder's head is triangular in shape.

The adder is a venomous snake commonly found throughout Mythic Europe (except in Ireland). It is hardy enough to hibernate through the winter. It hunts rodents, lizards, and frogs by hiding and waiting for prey to pass nearby. Its venom is weak and can sicken, but not usually kill, a man.

The adder is prone to attack reflexively when anything stumbles across its hiding-place (see the Lightning Reflexes Virtue). Because it's so thin and flexible, it gains a +6 bonus to Defense against grapple attacks.

Bear (Ursus)

Characteristics: Cun +1, Per 0, Pre 0, Com -5, Str +6, Sta +4, Dex +2, Qik 0

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Ferocity (when injured), Improved Characteristics (x2), Tough, Greedy (minor), Reclusive

Qualities: Aggressive, Extra Natural Weapons (claws), Fast Runner, Grapple, Hardy, Imposing Appearance, Large Claws, Pursuit Predator, Tough Hide

Personality Traits: Brave +3, Slothful +3, Aggressive +2 Reputations: Ferocious (local) 2

Combat:

Claws: Init 0, Attack +13, Defense +9, Damage +10 Teeth: Init 0, Attack +11, Defense +7, Damage +7 Grapple: Init 0, Attack +7, Defense +5, Damage n/a

Soak: +10

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22-28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (sprinting), Awareness 3 (prey), Brawl 5 (claws), Hunt 4 (deer), Survival 5 (foraging), Swim 3 (against the current)

Natural Weapons:

Large Claws: Init 0, Atk +5, Def +3, Dam +4; Teeth: Init 0, Atk +3, Def +1, Dam +1. The bear's tough hide and thick fur combine to give it a Protection of +3.

Appearance: The bear is a large, shaggy beast that weighs up to fifty stone (700 pounds) and stands over seven feet tall on its hind legs. Its coat may be light brown or yellowish in color to black; most often, it is medium brown. The bear has large claws and makes a bellowing roar.

The only bear species that exists in Mythic Europe is known today as the brown bear. It can be found throughout Mythic Europe in forests, mountains, and even the northern tundra. Its range extends across North Africa and through Asia as well. It is most common in wilderness areas like the Pyrenees, the Alps, and Scandinavia and Russia.

The bear makes its lair in the earth, either in a cave or in a den it digs with its mighty claws. It lives mainly by foraging but can hunt and kill anything up to the size of a red deer. Men hunt the bear by setting deadfalls or chasing it with hounds. Few dare to engage it at close range with spears, for it is extremely powerful, and ferocious when wounded.

The brown bear can run quickly, gaining a +3 bonus to rolls involving running. It can stand on its hind legs so as to attack a man on horseback. It can climb trees and is a strong swimmer.

According to Pliny the Elder, the he-bear sleeps for forty days in winter and the she-bear sleeps for four months. The bear cub is born a shapeless lump of flesh until the she-bear licks it into the shape of a little bear.

Boar, Wild (Aper)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per 0, Pre -4, Com -5, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex 0, Qik +1

Size: 0

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Berserk, Enduring Constitution, Ferocity (when cornered), Tough, Greedy (minor), Wrathful (minor)

Qualities: Aggressive, Hardy, Herd Animal, Tireless,

Tough Hide

Personality Traits: Brave +4, Angry +3 Reputations: Ill-tempered (local) 2

Combat:

Tusks: Init +1, Attack +10, Defense +9, Damage +7 Tusks (berserk): Init +1, Attack +12, Defense +7, Damage +7

Soak: +7

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, 0/0, -2/-2, -4, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20), Dead (21+)

Abilities: Athletics 4 (sprinting), Awareness 3 (foraging), Brawl 5 (tusks), Survival 5 (forests)

Natural Weapons:

Tusks: Init 0, Atk +4, Def +2, Dam +5. The boar's hide has a Protection of +2.

Appearance: The wild boar has prominent tusks and a hairy ridge along its spine. It is densely covered in short bristles ranging in color from grey to black or brown. Its legs are longer than those of a domestic pig and it can run quickly for short distances.

The wild boar lives in forests throughout Mythic Europe, where it forages by night and rests by day. Wild swine travel in groups called sounders of twenty or more individuals, though they are also encountered singly.

In France and England the boar is called la bête noire, "the black beast," for its evil temper. It is a favorite sport of noblemen, who hunt it from horseback using hounds, lances, and swords. According to Pliny the Elder, the wild boar toughens its hide by rubbing against trees.

Boars vary greatly in size, from eight stone (112 pounds) to more than thirty stone (420 pounds). The largest boars are Size +1.

Bull (Taurus)

Characteristics: Cun –2, Per 0, Pre –4, Com –4, Str +5, Sta +3, Dex 0, Qik –1

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Affinity with Brawl, Ferocity (charging), Tough, Oversensitive (to provocation)

Qualities: Aggressive, Domesticated, Tough Hide

Personality Traits: Aggressive +2 Reputations: Strong 4 (local)

Combat:

Horns: Init 0, Attack +8, Defense +3, Damage +7

Soak: +8

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22-28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 4 (charging), Awareness 3 (predators), Brawl 5 (horns)

Natural Weapons:

Large horns: Init +2, Atk +3, Def +2, Dam +3. The bull's tough hide has a Protection of +2.

Appearance: These statistics are for a bull of the Spanish type, which is black in color, weighs about eighty stone (1120 pounds), and has sharp, inward-curving horns and a hump on its back.

There are many breeds of cattle in Mythic Europe, some of them larger than this specimen. Most breeds in Mythic Europe are short and broad-bodied and have long horns. They may be black, white, tan, red, or brown in color. Some breeds have a coat of shaggy fur. Pliny the Elder writes of magical bulls that live in India, but the statistics here are for a mundane bull.

The bull does not attack without reason, but it is easily — sometimes accidentally — provoked. When a bull charges, it exerts itself to gain an Attack bonus and may simultaneously spend Confidence.

In Spain, the Moorish nobles make a spectacle of fighting bulls from horseback on festival days. The sport of bull-baiting, where spectators watch a tethered bull being killed by a pack of dogs, is known throughout Mythic Europe. Bulls are somewhat clumsy fighters at first, but if they survive combat they quickly grow "wise" and become very dangerous. The speed with which they learn to fight is reflected in their Affinity with Brawl.

Cat (Felis)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +1, Pre -2, Com -4, Str -7, Sta 0, Dex +3, Qik +4

Size: -3

Confidence Score: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Perfect Balance, Puissant Awareness, Sharp Ears, Nocturnal

Qualities: Ambush Predator, Crafty, Good Jumper, Skilled Climber, Thick Fur

Personality Traits: Curious +4, Timid +2

Reputations: Evil 2 (local) This reputation is strongest in Celtic areas, and weaker or unknown in other places.

Combat:

Claws: Init +3, Attack +8, Defense +10, Damage -5 Teeth: Init +4, Attack +8, Defense +7, Damage -6

Soak: +1

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-2), -3 (3-4), -5 (5-6), Incapacitated (7-8), Dead (9+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (jumping), Awareness 4+2 (at night), Brawl 2 (claws), Hunt 4 (mice), Stealth 4 (stalking)

Natural Weapons:

Claws: Init -1, Attack +2, Defense +3, Damage +2.

Teeth: Init 0, Attack +3, Defense +1, Damage +1.

The cat's dense fur gives it a Protection of +1.

Appearance: In Mythic Europe, domestic cats are shorthaired and tend to have grey or yellow-orange fur with darker stripes, though black, white, and calico cats are not uncommon.

The European wildcat looks much like a large domestic cat with a thicker, shaggier coat and bushy tail. Its coat is grey-brown with black stripes and a white underbelly.

The cat has a reputation for evil among the common folk. They accuse it of stealing the breath of babies, though only supernatural cats can do such a thing. Cats are sometimes tolerated because they keep down the population of rats, but they are not commonly kept as pets and they are often killed by peasants out of superstition or cruelty. For some reason, the cat's bad reputation is unknown in England and it is looked upon more favorably in that land. Pliny the Elder says nothing about the cat's reputation, noting only that the cat is the natural enemy of mice and that its eyes are so keen it can see in the dark.

Falcon (Falco)

Characteristics: Cun –1, Per +3, Pre –1, Com –2, Str –6, Sta +2, Dex +1, Qik +6

Size: -3

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Ferocity (swooping attack), Keen Vision, Fragile Constitution

Qualities: Accomplished Flier, Extra Natural Weapons, Fast Flier, Keen Eyesight, Pursuit Predator

Personality Traits: Fierce +3

Reputations: None

Combat:

Talons: Init +5, Attack +6, Defense +12, Damage –4

Beak: Init +6, Atk +6, Defense +9, Damage -5

Soak: -2

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-2), -3 (3-4), -5 (5-6), Incapacitated (7-8), Dead (9+)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (swift flight), Awareness 4 (spotting prey), Brawl 2 (talons), Hunt 4 (game birds), Survival 3 (cold climates)

Natural Weapons: The weapon statistics for a falcon's talons are Init –1, Atk +2, Def +3, Dam +2. The statistics for its beak are Init 0, Atk +3, Def +1, Dam +1.

Appearance: These statistics are for a gyrfalcon, the largest and most prized of falcons. Its wingspan can exceed four feet. It has a short, hooked beak and dark eyes. Its plumage may be white, grey, or dark brown and has a banded pattern.

The falcon is among the swiftest of birds and hunts on the wing, overtaking its prey in flight. Nobles use falcons to hunt game birds such as partridge. In the wild, the gyrfalcon can kill prey as large as a goose, and usually hunts birds and small rodents. It lives in cold northern lands including Scandinavia, Iceland, and Russia.

Other, smaller species of falcon are Size –4. All falcons are fast fliers and gain a +3 bonus to rolls involving speed.

Horse, Courser (Equus)

Characteristics: Cun –2, Per 0, Pre 0, Com –4, Str +4, Sta +3, Dex –2, Qik +2

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Long-Winded, Improved Characteristics, Fear (loud noises), Non-combatant

Qualities: Domesticated, Fast Runner, Good Jumper, Herd Animal, Imposing Appearance, Tireless

Personality Traits: Skittish +3, Brave -2

Reputations: None

Combat:

Hooves: Init +4, Attack 0, Defense +4, Damage +5

Soak: +3

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (16-21), Incapacitated (22-28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 4 (long-distance running),

Awareness 3 (noises)

Natural Weapons: The weapon statistics for a courser's kick are Init +2, Atk +2, Def +2, Dam + 1.

Appearance: The courser is a swift horse belonging to a mid-sized, athletic breed like the Andalusian. The Andalusian stallion is tall and strong, weighing about 80 stone (1120 pounds) and standing 15 hands (60 inches) high. It has a gracefully curving neck, a broad chest, straight back, and a flowing mane and tail. Its coat may be grey, black, chestnut, or roan.

The courser is a swift horse used by knights and nobles for hunting, traveling, and carrying important messages. The courser is not trained for battle and panics relatively easily; the statistics for its kick are given in case a character is unlucky enough to be next to a panic-stricken horse.

A light horse trained for battle is called a charger. To create a charger, replace the courser's Noncombatant Flaw with Proud (minor), change the Brave Personality Trait to zero, and give the animal a Brawl skill of 2 (hooves). Another kind of light horse is the palfrey, which is a riding horse chosen for its gentle gait and often ridden by inexperienced riders or by ladies. To convert a courser to a palfrey, reduce Quickness by two points and increase Dexterity by the same amount. Palfreys have the Noncombatant Flaw.

Any light horse — courser, charger, or palfrey — gets a +3 to rolls involving running or jumping.

Horse, Destrier (Equus)

Characteristics: Cun –2, Per 0, Pre 0, Com –4, Str +6, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik –1

Size: +3

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Ferocity (when ridden in battle), Improved Characteristics, Long-Winded, Proud (minor)

Qualities: Domesticated, Fast Runner, Herd Animal, Imposing Appearance, Tireless

Personality Traits: Loyal +2, Brave +1 Reputations: Aggressive (local) 1

Combat:

Hooves: Init +1, Attack +7, Defense +5, Damage +7

Soak: +3

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-8), -3 (9-16), -5 (17-24), Incapacitated (25-32), Dead (33+)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (balancing), Brawl 3 (hooves)

Natural Weapons: The weapon statistics for a destrier's kick are Init +2, Atk +2, Def +2, Dam + 1.

Appearance: The destrier is a heavy warhorse. One breed used as destriers is the Percheron, a huge horse weighing over 140 stone (1960 pounds) and standing over 16 hands (64 inches) high at the withers. It has a heavy, slightly curved neck, a broad and deep chest, and powerful, stocky legs. Its coat is either grey or black in color.

The destrier, or heavy war horse, has been bred in Mythic Europe since at least the time of Charles Martel (8th century A.D.). Some of the large horse breeds in Mythic Europe are the Percheron, the

Belgian, and the Friesian. These horses are used mainly for battle, farm work is done using oxen.

The destrier is almost always a stallion. It is highly trained so it will charge without fear when its rider commands. When pressed into melee, it can rear on its hind legs and lash out with its forehooves. Though huge, the destrier is agile and can balance on its hind legs for several combat rounds without difficulty. It is trained to fight independently of its rider, so it can help defend him if he should be dismounted or badly wounded.

Like all horses, the destrier is a fast runner and gains a +3 bonus to rolls involving speed. It is too heavy to be much of a jumper.

Hound (Canis)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +2, Pre -4, Com 0, Str 0, Sta +2, Dex +1, Qik +2

Size: 0

Confidence Score: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Improved Characteristics, Long-Winded, Sharp Ears, Reckless

Qualities: Domesticated, Keen Sense of Smell, Pack Animal, Pursuit Predator, Vocal

Personality Traits: Loyal +3, Reckless +3, Brave +2 Reputations: Loyal 2 (local)

Combat:

Bite: Init +2, Attack +8, Defense +7, Damage +1

Soak: +2

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20), Dead (21+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (distance running), Awareness 3 (keeping watch), Brawl 3 (bite), Hunt 4 (track by scent)

Natural Weapons: The weapon statistics for a dog's bite are Init 0, Atk +3, Def +1, Dam +1.

Appearance: These statistics are for a large hound such as the bloodhound. The bloodhound stands a little over two feet at the shoulder and weighs up to nine stone (126 pounds). It has large jowls, dangling ears, and a heavy tail. Its coat is short and may be tan, red, or liver in color.

There are many breeds of dogs in Mythic Europe, many of them similar to breeds that exist in our world (though they may be called by different names). The largest dogs are used for guarding livestock or hunting dangerous beasts like wolves, bears, and wild boars. They include the breeds like the bloodhound, elkhound, Rottweiler, mastiff, and great Dane. Smaller hounds, such as the greyhound, Basset hound, and Dalmatian, are Size -1 and are often used to hunt deer, fox, and small game. Medium-sized dogs (Size -2) include spaniels, used to chase small game and to flush game birds for falconers; terriers, which hunt badgers, stoats, and rats, and the Welsh corgi, a small cattle-herding dog. The smallest dogs (Size –3) include lap-dogs, small terriers bred for vermin control, and the tiny Italian greyhound. Several breeds that are popular in the real world, such as the German shepherd and most retrievers, did not exist in the Middle Ages. These statistics are for the bloodhound, and the Characteristics of other breeds may be different.

All dogs have a good sense of smell, and the bloodhound's sense is so keen it gets a +3 bonus to all related rolls. Dogs also get a +3 to endurance-related rolls due to their Long-Winded Virtue.

A pack of dogs may fight as a trained group under the leadership of a human Master of the Pack. Use the Master's Animal Handling score instead of his Leadership score to determine how many dogs he can command at a time.

Lion (Leo)

Characteristics: Cun +2, Per 0, Pre 0, Com 0, Str +6, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik +1

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 2 (6)

Virtues and Flaws: Ferocity (self-defense), Improved Characteristics (x2), Puissant Brawl, Self-Confident, Tough, Proud, Weakness (submission)

Qualities: Aggressive, Ambush Predator, Crafty, Good Jumper, Hardy, Imposing Appearance, Large Claws, Large Teeth, Tough Hide, Vocal

Personality Traits: Brave +5, Fierce +5

Reputations: Fierce (local) 4

Combat:

Claws: Init +1, Attack +15, Defense +12, Damage +10

Bite: Init +1, Attack +13, Defense +9, Damage +9

Soak: +8

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22–28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (pouncing), Awareness 2 (smell), Brawl 5+2 (claws), Hunt 4 (deer), Stealth 4 (stalking), Survival 5 (arid climates)

Natural Weapons:

Large claws: Init 0, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +4;

Large teeth: Init 0, Attack +4, Defense +1, Damage +3. Its hide gives it a Protection of +2.

Appearance: The lion is a legendary beast more often depicted in artwork than encountered in the flesh. It can weigh up to 35 stone (490 pounds) and have a body length of over ten feet. It has a short, broad muzzle with powerful jaws and teeth. Its coat is tawny and the male lion has a dark, shaggy mane. The fearsome roar of the lion can be heard from a great distance.

Pliny the Elder writes that, during his time, lions were found in Europe only between the rivers Achelous and Mestus (in Greece), and that they also inhabited Syria and North Africa. The European lion was extinct before the middle ages in historical Europe, but might have survived in Mythic Europe. Pliny writes that there are two kinds of lions: those with long manes, which are bold; and those with curly manes, which are timid. These statistics are for the bold variety. Pliny also notes that the lion will not attack a man who lies prostrate before it.

The lion can make impressive leaps and gets +3 to jump-related rolls. It can easily leap high enough to attack a man on horseback.

Stag (Cervus)

Characteristics: Cun - 2, Per + 2, Pre 0, Com - 5, Str + 2, Sta + 2, Dex 0, Qik + 2

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Higher Purpose (protect the herd), Improved Characteristics

Qualities: Defensive Fighter, Extra Natural Weapons, Fast Runner, Good Jumper, Large Antlers, Sharp Ears

Personality Traits: Brave +1 Reputations: Noble (local) 2

Combat:

Antlers: Init +4, Attack +7, Defense +8, Damage +5

Hooves: Init +4, Attack +6, Defense +8, Damage +3

Dodge: Init +2, Attack n/a, Defense +7, Damage n/a

Soak: +2

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22-28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 4 (sprinting), Awareness 3 (predators), Brawl 4 (dodge), Survival 3 (woodlands)

Natural Weapons: During the autumn and winter, a stag has antlers with the following weapon statistics: Init +2, Atk +3, Def +2, Dam +3. In spring, it sheds its antlers and must fight with its hooves until the following autumn: Init +2, Atk +2, Def +2, Dam +1.

Appearance: These statistics are for the red deer, one of the largest deer in Mythic Europe. Adult males average 40 to 50 stone in weight (560 to 700 pounds) depending on the richness of the available food supply, and may be up to 15 hands high—as tall as some horses, but more lightly built. The red deer's coat is reddish-brown in winter and tan in summer, with a lighter rump and underbelly. Stags have a shaggy mane of dark fur and an impressive rack of antlers over four feet across from tip to tip. They make a deep, bellowing roar during the autumn mating season.

The red deer lives in open woodlands, moors, and grasslands throughout Mythic Europe. It avoids dense, tangled forests but can be found in alpine forests and meadows. The species is called "elk" in contemporary North America. The size of the red deer varies from +1 where grazing is poor to +2 where the grass is rich and plentiful. Does are smaller than stags and lack antlers.

The red deer is a favorite quarry of hunters. In some places, only nobles are allowed to hunt it. The stag usually flees from combat, trying to draw enemies away from its herd, but it can fight if it must. All deer gain a +3 bonus to rolls involving running or jumping.

Wolf (Lupus)

Characteristics: Cun +2, Per 0, Pre -2, Com 0, Str -1, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik +2

Size: -1

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Improved Characteristics (x2), Ferocity (when hungry), Long-Winded, Sharp Ears, Compulsion (killing), Infamous

Qualities: Aggressive, Hardy, Keen Sense of Smell, Pack Animal/Pack Leader, Pursuit Predator, Sharp Ears, Thick Fur, Vocal

Personality Traits: Brave +3, Cowardly +3 Reputations: Bloodthirsty (local) 4

Combat:

Teeth: Init +2, Attack +11, Defense +9, Damage 0

Soak: +4

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Incapacitated (13-16), Dead (17+)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (distance running), Awareness 3 (smell), Brawl 5 (teeth), Hunt 4 (track by smell), Survival 3 (winter)

Natural Weapons:

Teeth: Init 0, Atk +3, Def +1, Dam +1.

Its thick fur gives it a Protection of +1.

Appearance: The wolf has erect, triangular ears, a narrow muzzle, and a coat of shaggy fur. Its eyes are usually yellowish and have a steady, unsettling gaze. Its color may be any shade from pale grey through dark brown, often with lighter patches on the sides of the face and around the eyes. The wolf can bark, but its better-known sound is its eerie, piercing howl.

The wolf is found throughout Mythic Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. According to Pliny the Elder, the wolves of northern regions are fierce while those of Africa and Egypt are weak

Wolves are greatly feared by commoners. They are hunted with large hounds because they kill livestock. In some lands, there is a bounty on their hides. Many tales attribute supernatural powers to wolves, but most wolves are mundane and have no powers at all.

The Flaws above reflect the medieval perception of the wolf as a wanton, bloodthirsty killer. Individual wolves, such as the Animal Companion of a player character, may substitute another Personality Flaw in place of the Compulsion. A wolf Animal Companion that goes around killing livestock could be disruptive to stories. Regardless of such a wolf's actual personality, mundanes are likely to treat it with a great deal of fear and suspicion.

The leader of a wolf pack has the additional Ability, Leadership 5 (wolves). A pack may fight as a trained group when its leader is present. A wolf pack is extremely dangerous.

Creating Mundane Beasts

Shapeshifters of varying sorts create the need for a wide variety of statistics for mundane beasts. Although the animals listed in the previous section cover a wide range of the most popular options, there is no way to cover all the creatures that a magus might want to change into. This section provides detailed guidelines for creating any mundane beast, from the hedgehog heartbeast of Hérisson of House Bjornaer to a camel from the deserts of Arabia.

1. Type and Size

There are four categories of beasts: Birds, Fish, Hoofed Beasts and Clawed Beasts. Birds are self-explanatory. Fish includes amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders and reptiles such as snakes and lizards, as well as more traditional fish and whales. Hoofed Beasts includes both domestic animals and wild ones. The category of Clawed Beasts contains all creatures which do not fit into the other types.

2. Characteristics

As noted earlier, mundane beasts have a Characteristic called Cunning in place of an Intelligence score. Use Cunning for rolls that would otherwise call for Intelligence, such as finding a way out of a closed barn. Beasts have a limited capacity for problem-solving but they lack imagination, reason, and intelligence as such. Communication and Presence have slightly different meanings for animals. Presence represents how much impact that the creature has on its human viewers. Creatures with a low Presence are barely noticed, those with a high Presence instill awe, fear or wonder. Communication, as for humans, represents the ability of the animal to impart information; few animals (to the medieval mind) are capable of the transmission of complex thoughts to others. For beasts, the Quickness Characteristic has mainly to do with reflexes and agility, and little to do with movement rate. Many animals can run faster than a human, but that does not necessarily mean they should have better Initiative and Defense scores. Animals that run fast, but do not have especially good reflexes, have a Quality (see below) which reflects this.

Unlike human characters, animals only spend points on their four physical characteristics (Stamina, Strength, Dexterity and Quickness). Like human characters, there are up to seven points to spend on increasing these characteristics. Negative points may also be taken to gain an equal number of positive points, but an animal cannot have more than two characteristics with negative values, and the minimum value is equal to (Size -5). There is no maximum characteristic score for an animal, and no Virtue or Flaw is needed for extreme characteristic scores for animals.

After spending points on characteristics, make the following adjustments:

Add twice the Size to Strength
Subtract Size from Quickness

These adjustments may give an animal a third negative characteristic, or reduce a characteristic below the minimum of (Size -5).

The other four characteristics (Cunning, Perception, Presence and Communication) are given values according to the type of creature.

A creature may have the Minor Virtue Increased Characteristics one or more times (this is particularly appropriate for predators), just like a human character. The characteristic points gained from this Virtue may be applied to any of the physical Characteristics. These points should be spent before applying the adjustments for Size. See Step 3, below, for adjustments to this Virtue.

Mental Characteristics of Creatures

Type	Cun	Per	Pre	Com
Clawed Beast	0	0	-2	-5
Hoofed Beast	-2	0	-4	-5
Bird	-1	+2	-1	-2
Fish	-3	-2	-5	-6

Example Physical Characteristics of Creatures

Type of creature	Size	Str	Sta	Dex	Qik	Example
Small predator	-5	-7	+0	+1	+5	Polecat
Large predator	-1	+0	+3	-1	+1	Lynx
Rodent	-7	-12	+1	+3	+5	Rat
Small herbivore	-3	-7	+3	+2	+2	Hare
Large herbivore	+0	+2	+2	+0	+1	Boar
Songbird	-6	-12	+0	+3	+7	Thrush
Predatory bird	-3	-6	+0	+1	+6	Falcon
Reptile	-4	-8	+2	+2	+3	Adder
Large fish	-2	-4	+4	+0	+0	Salmon

Creatures of Non-Standard Size

You may wish to create creatures which are larger or smaller than the average for their type, or they may have been affected by Muto Animal spells. This is a simple procedure: for every point of Size removed, subtract two from Strength (and therefore Damage total), add one to Quickness (and therefore Initiative and Defense totals), and decrease the damage range for each wound level by 1 (minimum of 1). Note that the creature's mass has halved, at least. Increasing Size has exactly the opposite effect.

3. Virtues and Flaws

Each species of beast has certain Virtues and Flaws that are common to all members of that species. Species Virtues and Flaws are not given for game balance reasons, but rather to provide rules for the unique strengths and qualities of beasts. When designing your own species, simply assign the Virtues and Flaws that describe the species the way you imagine it. It is recommended that a species have at least one point of Flaws for every three points of Virtues. All beasts get their species' Virtues and Flaws for free.

Exceptional beasts may also take individual Virtues or Flaws that set them apart from others of their kind. Any individual Virtues a beast takes must be balanced with individual Flaws, just as for human characters.

Personality Flaws are particularly appropriate for beasts; you may need to come up with new Flaws of this type, and creatures can have more than one.

Suitable Virtues and Flaws

Virtues: Berserk, Enduring Constitution, Ferocity, Improved Characteristics*, Lightning Reflexes, Long-Winded, Perfect Balance, Rapid Convalescence, Piercing Gaze, Reserves of Strength, Self-Confident, Tough

Flaws: Clumsy, Fragile Constitution, Poor Eyesight, Poor Hearing, Fear, Noncombatant, Nocturnal, Reckless, Reclusive, Weakness; most Major Personality Flaws taken as Minor Flaws.

* Improved Characteristics: large creatures require more characteristic points, because high value characteristics are increasingly more expensive. A creature of Size +1 or smaller gets 3 characteristic points from this Virtue as normal, a creature of Size +2 gets 6 characteristic points, a creature of size +3 gets 9 characteristic points, and so on.

4. Basic Abilities

All creatures have the following Abilities:

Type	Abilities
Clawed Beast	Awareness 3 (food), Athletics 3 (running), Brawl 3 (bite or claw), Survival 3 (home terrain)
Hoofed Beast	Awareness 3 (predators), Athletics 4 (running), Brawl 2 (dodging), Survival 3 (home terrain)
Bird	Awareness 4 (food), Athletics 3 (flying), Brawl 2 (dodging), Survival 3 (home terrain)
Fish	Awareness 2 (food), Brawl 2 (dodging), Survival 3 (home terrain), Swim 5 (in home terrain)

Qualities (see below) may add further Abilities to this list. Animals (at least, those with Cunning rather than Intelligence) cannot acquire experience points to improve their Abilities once they have reached adulthood, nor can they learn new Abilities. However, an intelligent being can provide a tamed beast with Teaching experience points using Animal Handling instead of Teaching, these points can be applied to current Abilities or conceivable new Abilities.

Unless modified by Qualities, all creatures have one Natural Weapon (usually either Teeth, Claws, or Hooves), and fur, feathers or scales which give them a Protection of 0.

A young animal may not have all of the Qualities that it will as an adult, and has reduced scores in most Abilities.

5. Qualities

Qualities are features of the animal that affect its game characteristics. Add any appropriate Qualities to the base creature from the following list, or make up your own. If any Quality grants an Ability that the creature already has, use the highest score, and choose whichever specialty seems most appropriate. Through Qualities, a creature may have one or more extra Fatigue levels. One extra Fatigue level grants an additional Winded level, two extra grant another Winded Level and another Weary Level, etc.

Accomplished Flyer: this bird is either a particularly powerful flier, or an acrobatic one. Athletics 5 (flying); the creature must be capable of flight.

Aggressive: add 1 to Cunning, Brawl 5 (natural weapons)

Ambush Predator: the beast lies in wait for its prey, and catches it by surprise. Stealth 4 (stalking prey), Hunt 4 (prey). Specialization for Brawl changes to one of the beast's natural weapons. If it has successfully crept up on its prey, it automatically wins Initiative in the first round of combat, and gains a +3 to its Attack total for the first round only.

Amphibious: Swim 4 (home terrain). Can hold breath for twice as long as normal.

Aquatic: Swim 5 (home terrain). Can breathe water.

Camouflage: +3 to all rolls to hide, whenever the creature is not moving.

Constriction: the creature has a long sinuous body or muscular tail, and can constrict an opponent whose Size is less than its own. Constriction is based on the grappling rules (page 398). The Attack Total is computed using the Brawl skill, and a constriction attack has the following weapon statistics: Init 0, Atk +3, Dfn 0, Dam n/a. As long as the creature maintains the grapple, its opponent is considered deprived of air (see page 407). The victim must make a Stamina check every 30 seconds (that is, every five rounds), or suffer the normal effects of deprivation. Once the creature has successfully grappled an opponent (and begun constricting), on subsequent rounds it can continue constricting and still attack with other weapons. These attacks may be directed at the grappled victim, or at another opponent.

Crafty: raise Cunning to 0 (if currently negative), or add 1. This Quality may be taken more than once for exceptionally cunning animals.

Crushing Jaws: although the creature is not particularly strong compared to humans, the muscles with which it bites down are tremendously powerful. The muscles which open its mouth are comparatively weak. A human may hold closed the creature's jaws with a successful Grapple. This Quality adds +3 Damage to any bite attack.

Defensive Fighter: the creature will fight, but only to defend itself. Brawl (dodging) 4, and an extra Fatigue Level

Domesticated: the beast loses any Survival Ability that it might have, but gains 1 point of Communication, if currently negative.

Extra Natural Weapons: gain an extra set of Natural Weapons, such as Horns/Antlers, Teeth/Tusks, Claws, or Hooves. Only one set of weapons may be used in each round of combat. This quality may be taken more than once.

Eyes of the Bat: the creature sees in much the same way as magi using the spell Eyes of the Bat.

Fast Runner: +3 to all rolls involving running.

Fast Flyer: +3 to all rolls involving speed while flying, the creature must be capable of flight.

Fins: no penalties to actions taken underwater.

Good Jumper: +3 to all rolls involving jumping.

Grapple: the creature may make a grapple attack instead of a normal attack. This attack may only be employed against an opponent which is less than or equal to (creature's Size + 1). See Non Lethal Combat (page 397) for rules on grappling. If the creature has another natural weapon (such as a bite), it may add its current Grapple Strength to its Attack Total in subsequent rounds, until the opponent breaks free. The creature must defend against any opponent outside the grapple with its Grapple Defense (see Natural Weapons Table, below).

Hardy: the creature is used to harsh conditions; it has Survival 5 (home terrain) and an extra Fatigue Level.

Herd Animal: the creature is brave when with others of its own kind. When forced to fight as a group, herd animals temporarily gain the Ferocity Virtue, which they may use to stampede or escape what is threatening them as a group. These animals do not have the Ferocity Virtue when caught on their own, unless taken as a Virtue. For example, a stag might have the Virtue, whereas the deer in his herd have this Quality.

Imposing Appearance: the creature has a beautiful, majestic or awe-inspiring appearance which appeals even to humans. Raise Presence to 0 (if negative), or increase by 1 otherwise. This Quality may be taken more than once for exceptionally beautiful or impressive creatures.

Keen Eyesight: add 1 to Perception, +3 to all rolls involving eyesight

Keen Sense of Smell: add 1 to Perception, +3 to all rolls using the sense of smell, +2 to all Hunt rolls.

Large Claws: the creature's claws are larger than average for a creature of its size. Use the weapon statistics for Large Claws listed below.

Large Horns/Antlers: the creature's horns or antlers are larger than average for a creature of its size. Use the weapon statistics for Large Horns listed below.

Large Teeth: the creature's teeth are larger than average for a creature of its size. Use the weapon statistics for Large Teeth listed below.

Loathsome Appearance: the creature is so repulsive that its Presence drops to –6. However, this should be treated as a Presence of +3 if the animal makes any attempt to scare or intimidate an opponent.

Mimicry: the creature is capable of mimicking other noises, such as a human voice. Raise Communication to 0 (if negative) or increase by 1. It does not understand the meaning of the sounds it makes, unless the creature has Intelligence rather than Cunning, in which case the creature acquires Living Language 3. Note that a magus shapechanged into a creature with this quality cannot form the precise and complex sounds required for spell casting.

Overrun: this effect only applies if the creature has charged into combat, exerting itself for this attack. If the attack is successful, the opponent must make a Dexterity + Athletics stress roll against an Ease Factor equal to (Damage Total (before soak) + creature's Size – opponent's Size). If the roll fails, the opponent lands on the ground a number of feet away equal to the creature's Size, taking falling damage in the process. He must spend his next action regaining his feet, although the creature normally follows up with a trample. Prone characters cannot parry, but must use Brawl to defend themselves.

Pack Animal: these creatures may fight as a Trained Group when a Pack Leader is present. If the Pack Leader is not present, they may still fight as an Untrained Group.

Pack / Herd Leader: add 1 to Communication, Leadership 5 (own species).

Pursuit Predator: the beast actively hunts for its prey, either tracking it by scent or by chasing it down. Hunt 4 (prey), and an extra Fatigue Level. Specialization for Brawl changes to one of the beast's natural weapons.

Roll Attack: when the creature has successfully bitten a foe, it may roll in the following round. When the creature rolls, it either twists away a chunk of the flesh of its victim (doing +6 damage) or, if possible, drags its victim beneath the surface of the water. To prevent injury or submersion from a roll, the victim must treat this as a successful grappling attack with an Attack Advantage of 10. If a character is being drowned by the creature, the character may attempt to break free of the creature's jaws each round. This requires the character to overcome a successful Grapple attack with an Attack Advantage of 10.

Sharp Ears: add 1 to Perception, +3 to rolls involving hearing

Shell: the creature is encased in a protective shell. Grants a +4 to Protection, but the creature suffers a -3 to all rolls involving fast or nimble movement.

Skilled Climber: +3 to all rolls involving climbing.

Slippery: this creature has a +6 to Defense rolls against Grapple attacks. This Quality may be taken more than once; and the bonus rises by +3 each additional time it is taken.

Smell Water: the creature can smell drinkable water for a distance of up to two miles.

Spiny: the creature is covered in spines; these grant a+1 bonus to Protection. If any opponent strikes at the Spiny creature with a bite, claw or fist attack, he inflicts damage as normal, but suffers +5 damage in return. Some creatures may poison their spines (see Venomous, below); in which case the attacker's own Attack Advantage is used against itself to determine the success of the Venom attack only.

Survive Without Water: the creature can survive without water for up to two weeks.

Swallow Whole: the creature can swallow whole any creature of Size 4 or more smaller than the creature itself. The victim can struggle to escape, but the confining nature of the gullet permits only Brawl attacks. It is impossible to breathe inside the creature, requiring deprivation rolls (page 407) even if the victim escapes the grapple. Three rounds after being swallowed, the victim reaches the stomach. The powerful acids inflict +9 damage every round, complete immersion quadruples this to +36 (page 407). A character may be able to brace himself and avoid complete immersion: make a Strength + Athletics roll each round: Ease Factor 6 results in only half immersion (triple damage), Ease Factor 9 results in immersion of a limb (double damage), and Ease Factor 12 means just a splash (normal damage). The creature cannot swallow a second creature until the previous one has reached the stomach.

Timid: subtract 1 from Presence, Stealth 4 (hiding), Awareness 4 (predators), usually lacks Natural Weapons.

Tireless: the creature gains two extra fatigue levels.

Thick Fur / Thick Scales: +1 to Protection; this Quality stacks with the Tough Virtue and the Tough Hide Quality.

Tough Hide: +2 to Protection; this Quality stacks with the Tough Virtue and the Thick Fur Quality.

Venomous: one of the creature's attacks (usually the bite) also delivers venom into the wound. Compare the Attack Advantage to the victim's Protection (not Soak). If the creature's advantage is higher, then the victim suffers the effect of the venom, regardless of whether the bite inflicts an actual wound. The venom can be of one of two strengths (chosen when Quality is taken) — the creature can choose from either: a venom that inflicts a Light Wound if a Stamina roll with an Ease Factor of 12 is failed; or one that inflicts a Medium Wound but has an Ease Factor of 9 to avoid the effects. This Quality may be taken more than once: each additional time increases the severity of the wound inflicted or adds three to the Ease Factor to avoid the effects.

Vocal: the creature can produce impressive vocalizations, such as a powerful roar or howl, beautiful birdsong or the like. Communication is raised to 0 (if negative) or increased by 1, gain Music 3. This Quality may be taken twice for particularly impressive vocal ability, increasing Music to 5.

6. Combat Statistics

Combat Statistics are calculated as normal (page 393), using the Natural Weapons Table. Because combat totals are affected by Characteristics, these weapons may be used for creatures of all sizes; a mouse and a cat have the same basic statistics for their bite attack, but the combat totals are very different.

7. Putting It All Together

Your creature is now finished!

Natural Weapons Table

Attack	Init	Atk	Dfn	Dam
Grapple	0	0	0	n/a
Dodge	0	n/a	0	n/a
Teeth	0	+3	+1	+1
Large Teeth	+0	+4	+1	+3
Tusks	+0	+4	+2	+5
Claw	-1	+2	+3	+2
Large Claws	0	+5	+3	+4
Horns	+ 1	+3	-1	+2
Large Horns/Antlers	+2	+3	+2	+3
Hooves	+2	+2	+2	+1

All natural weapons use the Brawl Ability. Strength, Load and Cost are not applicable.

Aging

If an animal is to be an important part of a saga (as an Animal Companion, for example), its response to aging should be considered. There are three things to be considered: the age at which aging begins, the adjustment to the aging roll due to age, and the number of aging rolls per year. A human, with an average lifespan of 50 years (ignoring lifestyle modifiers), begins aging at 35, adds one to the aging roll for every 10 years, and makes 1 aging roll each year. The storyguide should decide upon the average lifespan of the creature and adjust these figures accordingly. Thus a creature with an average lifespan of 10 years has a modifier of (50/10) or five. It therefore begins aging at (35/5) or 7 years old, adds one to the aging roll for every (10/5), or two, years of age, and makes (1 x 5), or five, aging rolls each year. If more than one aging roll is made each year, they should be spread evenly throughout the four seasons, with any excess occurring in Winter.

When deciding upon the average lifespan of a creature, strict biological adherence is not necessary in Mythic Europe. Most small animals will have an average lifespan of under ten.

Statistics of Shapechangers

The rules for creating mundane animals describe the process for producing the statistics for an average member of a particular species, but most player characters are not average humans, and so tend to have characteristics in animal form that differ from the species average. For Bjornaer magi and other shapeshifters, determine the statistics for the creature as described earlier, then follow these steps:

1. Characteristics

For all Characteristics other than Intelligence/ Cunning:

If the human and the animal Characteristic are both negative, use the lower of the two.
If the human and the animal Characteristic are both positive, use the higher of the two.

Otherwise, add the two Characteristics together.

2. Cunning Vs. Intelligence

In most cases, the shapechanger retains human Intelligence. However, lycanthropes lose Intelligence, replaced by Cunning, and other transformations, particularly curses, may have the same effect.

Example of Characteristics, Cunning, and Intelligence:

Ulf (Magus)

Int +2, Per -1, Pre +2, Com 0, Str -1, Sta +1, Dex +1, Qik +1

Wolf: Cun +1, Per +2, Pre 0, Com +1, Str -1, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik +1

Ulf in Heartbeast form:

Int +2 (human value)

Per +1 (sum of human -1 and wolf +2)

Pre +2 (sum of human +2 and wolf 0)

Com +1 (sum of human 0 and wolf +1)

Str -1 (lowest of human -1 and wolf -1) Sta + 3 (highest of human + 1 and wolf + 3)

Dex +2 (highest of human +1 and wolf +2)

Qik + 1 (highest of human + 1 and wolf + 1)

3. Size

Human Size has no impact on the Size statistic of the shapechanged form. However, if the animal form is within the size range of most animals (Size -4 to Size 0) and the character has a Virtue or Flaw that affects Size, then she will be a notably large or small member of her species.

4. Virtues & Flaws

Apply all the Virtues and Flaws of the animal form while shapechanged, as well as all Virtues and Flaws of the human form, if applicable. For example, a Lame character is still Lame as an animal. If the animal form already has a Virtue or Flaw possessed by the character, it applies only once.

5. General Abilities

Use the General Abilities of the animal form. The General Abilities of the animal form are not suitable for human bodies, and cannot be taught to human characters. None of the human General Abilities can be accessed other than languages (which can still be understood) and lores. Arcane and Academic Abilities are available to the shapechanger if he retains Intelligence. Supernatural Abilities can always be used.

6. Communicating

Acquire the ability to communicate with members of the same or similar species as the shapechanged form. Animals of the same temperament and aspect, which also share the same diet and habitat, can be considered to speak dialects of the same language. Thus, it can be assumed that all eagles, hawks, and buzzards share a common language, but this differs from the shared language of the swans, storks, and herons, and also from the language spoken by songbirds.

7. Wounds & Experience

Any wounds taken in the human form are reflected in the animal form, and vice versa. Thus, a human with a Medium Wound has a Medium Wound in cat form, despite the fact that if that wound had been inflicted when in cat form, it would have been more serious due to the different wound ranges of a cat and a human. Lycanthropes are an exception to this — when transforming back into human form, all wounds taken while an animal are healed, although wounds suffered as a human remain.

A character who spends a substantial amount of time in animal form may apply any experience gained for that period (either through adventuring, exposure, or practice) to the Abilities of her animal form.

Creatures of Magic

Baghl, an Earth Jinni

Magic Might: 15 (Terram)

Characteristics: Int -2, Per +2, Pre +1, Com -1, Str +3, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik -1

Confidence Score: 1 (3 points)

Virtues and Flaws: Jinn, Greater Immunity: Fire, Ways of the Mountains, Second Sight, Skinchanger, Strong-Willed, Tough, Greater Malediction (honor bargains made), Magical Air, Vulnerable Magic (mua'addhin's call); Reclusive.

Personality Traits: Reclusive +5, Immutable +3, Proud +2

Combat:

Maul (warhammer): Init –1, Attack +11, Defense +3, Damage +15

Soak: +10

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22–28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Arabic 5 (stone), Athletics 3 (climbing), Great Weapon 4 (maul), Profession: Miner 3 (gemstones), Second Sight 4 (jinn), Theology: Islam 3 (jinn).

Powers:

Flesh to Stone, 2 points, Init -4, Terram: Baghl can change any human he touches into stone until sunrise or until the morning call to prayer (Base 20, +1 Touch, +2 Sun).

Ruler of Earth, 1–3 points, Init 0, Terram: Duplicates any non-Ritual Perdo Terram or Rego Terram spell less than or equal to 15th level at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Incorporeal, 0 points, Init Constant, Mentem: Baghl is naturally both invisible and intangible, and cannot be influenced by the physical world. Magic can only directly target him if the caster can sense his existence. In this form he has no physical statistics or combat scores. Without taking a corporeal form, Baghl's physical characteristics are only used when dealing with other incorporeal creatures.

Donning the Corporeal Veil, 2 points, Init +1, Corpus: Baghl can form the physical body described under Appearance to house his spiritual form, when doing so he acquires the physical characteristics, size, combat statistics, and Wound levels listed earlier. His arms and armor are also created with this power. He cannot become fatigued. This body lasts until he decides he no longer needs it. Killing the body does not kill Baghl.

Presence, 0 points, constant, Mentem: Baghl is aware of everything that goes on within his haunt. This power needs to Penetrate to perceive beings with a Magic Resistance.

Vis: 1 pawn of Terram vis can be collected every year from his haunt, in the form of a quartz-encrusted stalactite at the back of his cave. If slain in physical form, his body yields 3 pawns of Terram

Appearance: Baghl is the jinni of a dark cave found in the Elbruz mountains that was once used as a quarry until he drove off the miners. He may be appeased mainly by being left alone to enjoy his beautiful cave formations, although he sometimes agrees to converse with theological scholars. He appears as an obese man with a mule's head, pupilless eyes of jetblack stone, and quartz-veined limbs that heft an oversized maul. In physical form he can also assume the shape of a large black mule.

Jinn

The Free Virtue Jinn marks out a category of spirits associated with the Islamic lands. They are all vulnerable to the magic of the Sahirs (see The Cradle and the Crescent, Chapter 3), and may be part of the Magic, Faerie, or Infernal realms. See The Cradle and the Crescent, Chapter 4, for more information.

Caladrius

Magic Might: 14 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun -1, Per +2, Pre +1, Com -2, Str –4, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik +2

Virtues and Flaws: Lesser Immunity (to non-lethal diseases), Unaffected by the Gift, Compassionate (minor), Noncombatant

Personality Traits: Ibis* +3, Magnificent Appearance (Presence)* +3

Combat:

Dodge: Init +2, Attack n/a, Defense +5, Damage n/a Soak: +3

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-3), -3 (4-6), -5 (7-9), Incapacitated (10–12), Dead (13+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (flying), Awareness 4 (food), Brawl 2 (dodging), Ignem Resistance (solar heat) 4. Survival 3 (wetlands)

Powers:

Healing Gaze, 4 points, Init –14, Corpus R: Eye, D: Mom, T: Ind

By gazing into a person's eyes, the caladrius can draw out any non-fatal disease from a sick person into itself. This removes any disease of up to Incapacitating strength, or resolves a critical or lesser aging crisis. The caladrius must immediately fly up toward the sun or else the disease returns to the patient. CrCo 40 (Base 30, +1 Eye, +1 affect either disease or aging)

Perceive the Afflictions of Mortal Flesh, 0 points, Init +1, Corpus

R: Per, D: Mom, T: Sight By sight, the caladrius can identify any diseases a person has and how serious they are. InCo 25 (Base 5, +4 Sight)

Vis: 3 Corpus (1 in each eye, 1 in the wings) Appearance: The caladrius is a magnificent, allwhite bird somewhat resembling a heron (but with shorter legs and beak). It has a long, gracefully curving neck and a short, slightly downward-curving beak.

"If anyone is ill, the caladrius will tell whether the patient will live or die."
— Pierre de Beauvais

A caladrius is a mystical bird much sought by royal households. It can determine whether a sick person will live or die. If the patient is to die, the caladrius sadly turns away from him, but if he is to live, it gazes deeply into his eyes, drawing the sickness into itself. It then flies away toward the sun, going so high that the sun's rays burn away the disease (but they do not harm the caladrius itself).

A caladrius will not absorb a terminal illness (its Lesser Immunity would not protect it), but it will gladly heal any lesser ailment. It can heal either spontaneous diseases, which result from aging crises or diseases due to an external cause. As long as the crisis is not terminal or the disease does not cause a Lethal Wound, a caladrius can cure it. It can only heal wounds caused by disease, not those resulting from poison, combat, or other causes. It cannot remove Decrepitude.

Story Seed: The Imprisoned Caladrius

Both kings and magi greatly prize the caladrius for its healing powers. Such a powerful character has captured a caladrius and plans to keep it until his next aging crisis. The kind-hearted bird wants only to be set free so it can use its healing power to help others. Perhaps it finds a way to ask the characters for help, or maybe it escapes on its own and the characters are accused of stealing it.

Essential Traits

Essential traits are possessed by some creatures affected by the Magic Realm, and indicate features of their being that are part of their essential nature. Magic cannot, therefore, make them act against those traits. They are indicated with an asterisk in the character statistics; for more details, see Realms of Power: Magic, page 54.

Daimons

Daimons are ancient, named, individual spirits that dwell in the depths of the Magic Realm. They are the spirits of heroes and of ancient pagan deities, or the powerful spirits of sacred groves. Unlike simpler spirits, a Daimon can manifest in several places simultaneously, projecting only an Aspect of itself.

A Daimon is a permanent resident of the Magic Realm and cannot enter the material world; instead, it creates an Aspect as its agent on Earth. An Aspect may be created or destroyed with a moment's thought, and costs no Might points to create. Each Aspect is like an independent spirit, with some or all of the characteristics and powers of the original spirit, but its own Might score (less than or equal to that of the parent Daimon), and its own pool of Might points. An Aspect cannot recover spent Might points, rather it is dispelled when exhausted and replaced (if necessary) with another Aspect. Aspects that can take physical damage are incapable of healing, but can be replaced when they die. An Aspect that loses all its Might Points or takes an Incapacitating wound, or loses consciousness for any reason, disappears, returning to the Daimon. Defeating or destroying the Aspect has no impact on the originating Daimon, except perhaps on its disposition towards the perpetrators of these acts. No permanent changes can be made to any Aspect, as they never last. Only the Aspect is ever trapped or bound by magic, and the Daimon can escape by discarding the Aspect. An Aspect cannot appear within several miles of another Aspect of the same Daimon, and no Aspect can return to the same location (as defined by the storyguide) within a day of leaving it. Not all Aspects created by the same Daimon need be identical; designed for different functions, they might have different powers and Mights. (See "The Twilight of the Gods" in Dies Irae for an example.)

An Aspect is a constant Arcane Connection of indefinite duration which is in constant mental contact with its Daimon. In theory, an Aspect could be used to target spells of Arcane Connection Range against its parent Daimon, but the need to cross the boundary between realms to the Magic Realm makes this a difficult proposition. Realms of Power: Magic contains more detail on the Magic Realm and the magic needed to deal with it.

As Daimons only ever send Aspects out of the Magic Realm, you do not need to decide on statistics for a Daimon unless the characters travel to the Magic Realm to find and confront it. If those statistics are needed, a Daimon has all powers possessed by any of its Aspects, and may have more, and has a Might at least equal to the highest Might of any of its Aspects. Its Might Score may be higher, but should still be no higher than 100. As a guideline, the Daimon itself should have a Might of at least 50, even if its Aspects have Might Scores of 10 or 15. In theory, a Daimon could have a single Aspect, and have exactly the same statistics as that Aspect, but it would still be fundamentally different from a simple magical spirit with the same statistics, as the Daimon can manifest multiple Aspects at the same time.

Hermetic magi do not understand Daimons very well, and many of the best informed are in Mystery Cults (as described in The Mysteries Revised Edition, Chapter 9), and thus not inclined to share what they do know. This obscurity is compounded by the fact that, in 1220, Hermetic magi have a very poor understanding of the Magic Realm, and to the best of the Order's knowledge no magus has ever encountered a Daimon on its home territory.

Summoning Aspects of Daimons is typically difficult, and based on remnants of non-Hermetic magic. Ordinary Hermetic magic cannot summon an Aspect of a Daimon from the Magic Realm; a maga must know the mysteries of theurgy to achieve this (see The Mysteries Revised Edition, Chapter 9). It involves long invocations, typically in praise of the spirit to be summoned, and invoking and imploring other spirits, and as such the Church would frown most heavily upon it. St. Augustine in The City of God distinguishes between dulia, or praise and honor accorded to a man or power in accordance with their proper dignity, such as the veneration due to a saint, and latria, praise and honor which should only be accorded to God. Magi who deal with spirits and adjure them by name are often accused of surpassing dulia, and straying into worship of these Daimons, a terrible sin.

An Aspect that has been summoned can be affected by magic just like any other spirit, and can even be controlled or bound, with the caveat that the Daimon can simply dissolve the Aspect and send a new one to escape the binding.

This section includes game statistics for a few sample Aspects of Daimons. Storyguides may design others using their knowledge of mythology and the needs of their saga.

True Names and Synthemata

A True Name is a secret name that is an expression of the spiritual essence of an entity: a special formula of strange incantations and gestures that takes only a few moments to recite, but is difficult to learn. A True Name is an Arcane Connection of indefinite duration, and is often the only Arcane Connections possible to a Daimon. Only creatures with a Might score have a True Name, but not all creatures with a Might score do. All demons, angels, jinn, and Daimons have a True Name, as do other intelligent entities with a unique personality; the storyguide is the ultimate arbiter as to which creatures have a True Name and which do not. Each True Name is a spelllike ability recorded as "True Name of (Being)" on the character sheet, and costs 5 experience points to learn. These points can come from Practice, Exposure, or Adventure; or from an Advancement Total dedicated to the appropriate (Realm) Lore. You receive one free experience point in the (Realm) Lore whenever the character learns a True Name completely.

The True Name of a Daimon is also an indefinite duration Arcane Connection to all of its Aspects, although a magus needs to specify which Aspect a spell is intended to target. If the Arcane Connection is being used to increase the Penetration of a spell that is being targeted by other means, the target is already specified, but this may be more difficult for a spell at Arcane Connection range.

Synthemata are signs, symbols, or passwords that link a magician to a supernatural creature; any being with a Might score has synthemata, regardless of whether they also have a True Name. Theurgic spells include these magical words in the formula of incantation; while granting no actual power, they are necessary for the correct operation of this magic, and remain a secret of the craft. Some magi and hedge wizards have the ability to work the correct synthemata into their magic as an intense and powerful channel to a spirit, so that they may command them through this channel. Virtues to work such magic are described in The Mysteries Revised Edition, pages 86-88. Knowing the True Name of a creature adds 5 to all lab totals to research synthemata for that same being.

Aneirin the Bard

Magic Might: 15 (Imaginem)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +3, Pre +2, Com +4, Str n/a, Sta n/a, Dex n/a, Qik n/a

Size: n/a

Personality Traits: Careful +3, Observant +2, Combat:n/a

Soak: n/a

Wound Penalties: n/a

Abilities: Area Lore Stonehenge Tribunal 10, Magic Lore 8, Music 12, Teaching 5

Powers:

Discorporate, 0 points, Vim: Aneirin never physically manifests, save as a shadow and a melodic voice. He can only be harmed with magic.

Names of Power, 0 points: Aneirin knows many names of minor spirits and can teach them as a result of a Pact.

Vis: If his spirit is somehow bottled rather than banished 2 Imaginem Vis remains.

One of the five great Welsh poets believed by the Order to have left Daimons behind after their death (the other four being Taliesin, Talhaearn Tad Awen, Blwchbardd, and Cian). Famous for a single poem, Y Gododdin, Aneirin praises his fellows among the war band of Mynyddawg Mwynfawr (Mynyddawg the Wealthy) of Caereidyn (near Edinburgh), an army 300 strong sent on a doomed mission to recapture an old Roman stronghold from the Saxons. His tomb lies somewhere in the Cambrian Mountains. His spirit wanders across the entire mountain range, helping those who further his ideals and punishing those who go against them, but he is most powerful within his own tomb.

Chnoubis the Serpent

Magic Might: 30 (Mentem)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +6, Pre 0, Com +2, Str 0, Sta +3, Dex +3, Qik +5

Size -1

Personality Traits: Curious +4, Diplomatic +3, Proud +2, Noble +1

Combat:

Bite: Init +5, Attack +8, Defense +8, Damage +5*

On being bitten the victim must make a Fatigue test against Ease Factor 9 or lose a Fatigue level each round until he has succeeded for three consecutive rounds or fallen unconscious. While suffering these effects, the victim is unable to tell a lie (Penetration 25, Mentem), and is eager to talk to anyone present about anything on their mind, talking to themselves if necessary. Once the victim falls unconscious no further Fatigue is lost, but they awaken with a terrible headache and must make a Stamina stress roll (plus Art of Memory if they have that Ability) at Ease Factor 6 to recall what transpired.

Soak: +9

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Banished (13+)

Augury, varies, Init +5, Mentem: By using this power Chnoubis is able to perform auguries as the Virtue Divination & Augury (see The Mysteries Revised Edition, page 58), with each Might Point allowing ten levels of success. If you do not have access to The Mysteries Revised Edition, this power allows Chnoubis to duplicate the effects of any Hermetic Intellego spell, and costs 1 point for every ten levels of the spell.

Aura of Rightful Authority, 4 points, Init +5, Mentem: Equivalent to the ReMe20 Hermetic spell.

Discorporation, varies, 1 point, Init: +7, Mentem: Becomes a discorporate spirit which can move as fast as lightning and is only visible to Intellego Vim magics or Second Sight. He sneaks up on victims invisibly and bites them, then listens to their secrets as the toxin takes effect.

Vis: On being banished his scales remain, containing 3 pawns of Intellego and 2 of Mentem vis

A lion-headed serpent called upon for his abilities to scry and ferret out secrets. He claims to be a native of the Nile, but theurgists across Europe may successfully summon him. True to his visage, Chnoubis is a powerful fighter, but is much more interested in the power of words.

Dietrich Von Bern

Magic Might: 35 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +2, Per +3, Pre +5, Com +3, Str +5, Sta +5, Dex +5, Qik +3

Size: +2

Personality Traits: Proud +3, Barbarous +2, Crafty +2

Combat:

Greatsword: Init +5, Attack+19, Defense +17, Damage +15*

Dietrich's sword has been dipped in dragon's blood. No magical spell of a level 40 or lower can deflect, harm, or control it. After being hit, the dragon's blood burns, causing an extra +5 damage per round (armor does not soak) unless an alchemist, berbalist, or healer can cure the wound.

Soak: +22 (full chain mail drenched in dragon's blood) Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Banished (22+)

Abilities: Athletics 6, Great Weapon 10, Intrigue 6, Leadership 8

Powers:

Sacred Kingship, 10 points, Init+3, Vim: By laying hands on another character, Dietrich can permanently increase the character's Perception, Presence, or Communication by 1 point. He can only do this once per person, and can only to a maximum of +3. Increasing Presence this way is a very useful aid to the aspiring Mystagogue.

Vis: 7 Řego

A hero in German poetry and song, Dietrich was the boy-king of Bern after the fall of Rome. During his reign, several great Nibelungen heroes, including Siegfried himself, were loyal members of his court. When his uncle Ermenrik, German ruler of Rome, conquered Bern, Dietrich fled to the court of Attila the Hun, where he went on many adventures and became one of the greatest warriors in history. He returned after his uncle died, retook Bern and captured Rome. He died in a quest for revenge against a friend who betraved him. and was buried in an ornate tomb in the Lessini Mountains, where the Alps cross over into Italy. His tomb is a treasure trove of weapons and armor, enchanted by being dipped in the blood of a great dragon Dietrich slew.

When anyone enters the tomb, however, the Daimon of Dietrich animates his hulking corpse. If you come seeking wisdom and prove yourself worthy, he will dispense kingly advice. If you come seeking power, you will face one of the greatest warriors on Earth, even in death. Another legend propagated by the Church says Dietrich, a heretic suspected of Arianism, was thrown into the volcanic Mount Etna. The legend of Dietrich appears in Das Heldenbuch ("The Book of Heroes") a collection of German romances published in the early 13th century, organizing the tales of the Ostrogoths and Franconians into two epic cycles.

Gudruty-kom the Giant

Magic Might: 40 (Auram)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +1, Pre 0, Com -2, Str +8, Sta +6, Dex +3, Qik +3

Size: +3

Personality Traits: Hates Being Interrupted +4, Determined +3, Protective +2

Combat:

Brawl: Init +3, Attack +10, Defense +10, Damage +8 Soak: +20

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-8), -3 (9-16), -5 (17-24), Banished (25+)

Powers:

Auram Magic, varies, Init +3, Auram: May perform equivalent effects to any Auram magic at a cost of 1 point per magnitude, or for spells involving hail, 1 point per three magnitudes. Can perform Auram Ritual spells as if they were Formulaic spells; no extra time or vis is required.

Swallow Spells, 5 points, Init +3, Vim: Can swallow any magical spell or effect with a level of 50 or less, completely dispelling it.

Vis: When he is banished his tongue remains, and contains 8 pawns of Auram Vis.

Gydryty-kom is the master of hail, a giant who can stretch his mouth from the ground to the clouds. He swallows storms and lightning, but grows angry when summoned because it interrupts his eternal battle with a Daimonic snake of fog that threatens to swallow the world. Gydryty-kom was once highly regarded in the lands of the Albanians, but his power has faded thanks to Christianity.

Hipta the Nurse

Magic Might: 15 (Animal)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +1, Pre +3, Com +2, Str varies, Sta varies, Dex varies, Qik varies

Size: varies from -5 to +2

Personality Traits: Calm +4, Protective +2

Combat:

Varies with form

Soak: varies

Wound Penalties: Varies by form. Substitute Banished for Incapacitated

Powers

Shapechange, 1 point, Init +5, Animal: May change form into any natural or fantastic beast from size -5 to +2. The change is instantaneous, and she can always speak in any form.

Dispel, varies, Init +5, Vim: May perform any Perdo Vim spell at will, for the cost of one Might point per magnitude. Hipta counts as familiar with all styles of magic for this purpose, and has a Penetration Score of 30, making invoking her a common way to end malevolent curses.

Vis: Leaves 3 pawns of Animal Vis in the form of a white feather when banished.

The nurse of Dionysus, Hipta is a powerful shapechanger but favors the form of a lovely dove. Her name and spells to summon her can be found in several ancient texts. She is invoked for forgiveness from curses and magical harm.

Donos

Magic Might: 30 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +1, Pre +2, Com +1, Str +3, Sta +5, Dex +4, Qik +4

Size: 0

Personality Traits: Honorable +6, Authoritarian +3, Disciplined +3.

Combat:

Long Spear: Init +7, Attack+14, Defense +12, Damage +10

Soak: +14 (silver cuirass)

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-20), Incapacitated (21-25), Banished (26+)

Abilities: Athletics 4, Great Weapon (long spear) 6, Leadership 6, Teaching (leadership) 3

Powers:

Instill Leadership, 5 points, Init +4, Mentem: With a touch of his long spear, Honos can teach 17 experience points in the ability Leadership, to a maximum of Ability score 6. The Theurgist receives the insights immediately, but must then devote the season to study and reflecting upon them to gain the increase.

Centurions' Feast, 30 points, Init +4, Corpus: Produces a magical feast sufficient to feed one hundred people. All who partake of the feast who possess the Flaw Dutybound are instantly cured of any Light and Medium Wounds, and gain +10 on their next recovery checks. The food lasts for one hour, then dissipates, but the effects are permanent.

Vis: Leaves 6 pawns of Corpus in his armor when banished.

Honos is a Roman Daimon of morality and military honor, with several temples built in his name. Honos appears as a young warrior in ancient armor, carrying a lance and a cornucopia ("horn of plenty"). Honos' temples in Rome have been destroyed or blanketed by the Dominion, although the Legion of Mithras are rumored to know the location of one surviving shrine where he can be invoked.

Portunes, Spirit of Safe Narbor

Magic Might: 25 (Auram)

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +3, Pre 0, Com +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Qik 0

Size: n/a

Personality Traits: Watchful +3

Combat: None. Vanishes if attacked, and can only be harmed by Perdo Vim spells.

Soak: n/a (never materializes)

Wound Penalties: n/a

Powers:

Safe Harbor, 12 points, Init 0, Auram: Guarantees calm weather in the harbor of a port for an entire season, and resists all spells that would disrupt this with a Magic Resistance of 60.

Opening Enchanted Locks, 8 points, Init 0, Vim: Portunes can dispel any magical lock with a level of less then 40 with this power.

Vis: None.

A Spirit charged with ports and harbors, the Greeks called him Palaemon and Melicertes. His purview also covers keys, locks, and domestic animals. In Rome he was worshipped as a god, with a temple located near the Forum Boarium. His feast, the Portunalia, is observed on August 17th. The rite to summon him involves throwing keys into a fire. When summoned, he appears either as a ghostly serpent or the shadowy visage of a bearded man in a leather apron, but he never takes on a solid physical form.

Pukis, Dragon of the Hearth

Magic Might: 10 (Ignem)

Characteristics: Int –1, Per +3, Pre 0, Com 0, Str –1, Sta +4, Dex+3, Qik +6

Size: –2

Personality Traits: Mischievous +3, Loyal +3, Fickle +2

Combat:

Bite: Init +5, Attack +6, Defense+9, Damage +3 Lashing tail: Init +6, Attack +10, Defense +13, Damage +0

Although small, Pukis is long and thin. It can engage 2 opponents without penalty, attacking one with its jaws and the other with its quick tail. It is also burning hot, and can ignite easily flammable materials on touch.

Soak: +8 (leathery hide)

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-3), -3 (4-6), -5 (7-9), Banished (10+)

Powers:

Invisibility, 3 points, Init +6, Imaginem: Pukis can turn itself completely invisible and inaudible, for as long as it chooses, or until it touches a person or animal.

Mischievous Flame, 2 points, Init +6, Ignem: With a glance, Pukis can set anything slightly flammable aflame.

Sneak Thief, 5 points, Init +6, Terram: By touching any object weighing less than 3 pounds, Pukis can instantly teleport the object to its home so that it appears at the edge of its master's hearth.

Sacred Fire, 0 points, Init +6, Ignem: As long as Pukis lives in a particular hearth, and the fire is kept hot year round, the ashes from the fire can be collected for 1 pawn of Ignem per season.

Vis: 2 Ignem, 1 Rego

First summoned by Baltic wizards, this Daimon takes the form of a small dragon of fire that dwells hearth or a fireplace. It enjoys napping amongst burning logs and coals, coiling its long-snake like body beneath the flames to conceal its presence. It will leave gifts for the master of the household, possibly stolen from somewhere else, and will attack strangers if they act destructively. If it is treated poorly, it will cause mischief before departing. The magus Andrilikes, a theurgist of the Novgorod tribunal, wrote a Hermetic ritual for summoning this lesser Daimon to his sanctum, and has given copies to several of his friends.

Elementals

Elementals are magical creatures composed of very pure elemental matter. They are not truly alive, and are capable of neither growth nor reproduction. Instead, they form from pure physical matter under some magical impetus, such as a Magic aura. Nothing that is or has been alive can generate an elemental, nor can matter that is no longer in a raw state, but which has been moved, cut, or otherwise interfered with by a living being.

The process of forming an elemental is called rarefication. This process causes atoms of matter to take on a pseudo-life of their own, freeing themselves from the atoms of other elements and self-organizing into an elemental. Usually only one elemental forms, of a maximum size determined by the amount of matter present. Magi of the Order know spells that can catalyze this process, but they may also create elementals by accident with careless use of elemental magic (see below for more details). Further, raw elemental matter possessing a Warping Score of 5 may spontaneously rarefy into an elemental; for example, a natural spring within a Magic aura of 6 might generate a water elemental after 75 years. However, not all Warped matter develops an elemental, and this process is little understood even by those who have studied it.

Once rarefied, the elemental exists until it is destroyed; elementals do not age, have no need for nutrition, and do not succumb to disease. They suffer from impulses that drive them to certain actions based on their elemental make-up, but they possess no capacity for thought in the traditional sense.

Elementals and Might

An elemental does not replenish its Might Pool every day, but instead only recovers Might Points when resting in a Magic aura of no less than (its Might Score / 5), and at an extremely slow rate. It takes the character an entire season to recover all of its spent Might in this way, though like other magic creatures it can still regain Might Points immediately by consuming vis: 5 Might Points for every pawn of vis associated with the same Form as its Might, or 2 Might Points for every pawn of vis associated with any other Art.

Size, Might, and Characteristics of Elementals

The Size of an elemental is dependent on the Might chosen for it, and the Might of an elemental also determines its typical Characteristics. The table below indicates values for the eight Characteristics at different Might scores.

Might	Size	Characteristics
1	-18	+2, +2, +1, +1, +1, 0, –1, –1
5	-6	+3, +2, +1, +1, 0, 0, –1, –2
10	-3	+3, +3, +1, +1, 0, 0, –1, –3
15	0	+4, +3, +2, +1, 0, 0, –2, –4
20	+3	+6, +5, +2, +2, +1, 0, –5, –6
25	+6	+7, +6, +2, +2, +1, 0, -6, -7
30	+9	+8, +6, +2, +2, +1, 0, –6, –8
35	+12	+9, +7, +2, +2, +1, 0, -7, -9
40	+15	+10, +8, +2, +2, +1, 0, -8, -10
45	+18	+11, +9, +2, +2, +1, 0, -9, -11
50	+21	+12, +9, +2, +2, +1, 0, -9, -12

Magic and Elementals

Some magi who are skilled in elemental magic routinely create and bind elementals to their bidding, but the primitive sentience of these beings, combined with the difficulty in obtaining the appropriate raw materials and vis required, means that most do not bother. Ritual Creo spells can create elementals, and they may be controlled using Rego magic. In addition, standard Rego guidelines may also create wards (or prisons) for elementals with spells that affect creatures from the Magic Realm, and Perdo Vim spells can destroy the Magic Might that animates their simple bodies.

Other spells involving the elemental Forms may accidentally cause an elemental to rarefy, if cast on sufficiently pure matter that is already substantially Warped, such as that found within a Magic aura. The production of an elemental is a potential consequence of any botched spell or lab activity involving an elemental Form while in a Magic aura. Similarly, magic used to purify an element can have a similar effect — more than one Flambeau magus has tried to make his flames hotter, and accidentally rarefied a fire elemental.

Elemental Combat

Elementals are not living, thus they cannot suffer wounds; instead, each blow separates some of their substance from their animating force. In practice, this works the same as inflicting wounds on a living creature, but each wound also reduces the elemental's Might Pool by a number of points equal to the Wound Penalty. An Incapacitating Wound removes 5 Might points, just like a Heavy Wound. The elemental's Might score does not change, so there is no need to recalculate Size following a wound.

An elemental that is reduced to a Might Pool of zero loses its animating force and becomes inanimate. In this state it can easily be mistaken for raw vis. As soon as the elemental regenerates a point of Might pool it can move again, but since elementals do not naturally regenerate Might, they have difficulty recovering it. An elemental could remain dormant for many years before the presence of the correct flavor of vis brings it back to pseudo-life.

The pieces of the elemental's body broken off during physical combat contain vis. Each time the character is wounded, part of its body is separated from the rest, and these pieces contain some of the elemental's vis, a number of pawns equal to ((total Wound penalty /5) – the number of pawns already lost). For example, a Light wound would separate a pawn of vis from the character, and produce another pawn after five more Light wounds. This vis is easily collected for water and earth elementals, less so for air and fire elementals. This vis can be used by a magus to power spells before the elemental is destroyed, although it is often difficult to collect it in the middle of a fight. In addition, the elemental instinctively tries to reunite its matter with itself, and may well manage to re-absorb the vis and replenish its Might pool. If an elemental is damaged by destroying its matter — using Perdo (Form) or Perdo Vim spells, or water against a fire elemental, for example — then the vis is also destroyed.

Elemental Powers

All elementals have a power that results from the elemental matter from which their bodies are made, and a power that describes their natural method of attack. Magic Resistance can prevent the elemental from touching its opponent, but the elemental does not need to spend Might points for this attack, meaning that its Penetration for this is typically equal to its Might. Most elementals have at least one other power. This power should be strongly tied to the type and origin of the magical entity. Typical powers are listed with the descriptions of the elementals.

A Digression into Physics

The universe is made up of building blocks called atoms (from atomas, meaning "uncuttable"). There are four varieties of atoms, and each atom possesses two qualities that govern its nature: earth is cold and dry; water is cold and moist; air is hot and moist; and fire is hot and dry. The corpuscles of atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter, and have size, shape, and color. Corpuscles of earth are cubes, those of water are icosahedrons (shaped like a 20-sided die), air corpuscles are octahedrons (an eight-sided die), and fire corpuscles are tetrahedrons (a four-sided die or pyramid). The size of the corpuscles determine the type of matter that it forms. Small tetrahedral corpuscles make up the fine blue fire that gives the sky its color, whereas large smoky flames are made from the largest corpuscles of fire. Air that is thin and pure is formed from small octahedra; whereas mist is made from large, dense octahedra. Oil receives its thickness from its large corpuscles of water; but very fine atoms make up volatile liquids like spirit of wine. Rock is made of large and heavy corpuscles; whereas sand is made of much finer cubes.
The moist quality causes a thing to adapt to its external conditions, whereas dryness causes a thing to define its own shape and bounds. As a consequence, moist things tend to be volatile and expansive, since they can fill spaces in their surroundings, whereas dry things are fixed and structured. Hotness causes matter to separate and seek those of its own kind, but coldness promotes mixing of matter and coagulation. The world is formed of four regions of elemental matter, with the self-defining dry elements forming the innermost layer of earth and the outermost layer of fire. The two cold elements sink to the center of the earth whereas the two hot ones seek to separate and rise, leaving the final order, from the center, as earth, water, air, and fire. Beyond the region of fire is the Lunar Sphere, which separates the material and the celestial realms. More details on this issue can be found in Art & Academe.

Story Seeds:

The Forgotten Child

A magus uses Incantation of Lightning (or a similar spell of 6th magnitude or greater) in a Magic aura, which inflicts the last Warping point needed to rarefy an elemental. Unaware of what he's done, he moves on. The elemental he has unwittingly created causes no end of trouble for the locals. Eventually the magus discovers his error, and must put right what he has wrought.

The Unforgiving Sea

Concerned that a colleague has not been heard from for a while, the player magi are dispatched to see if anything is wrong. The magus — an expert in Aquam — discovered a way to increase the Might (and size) of his pet water elemental, using raw Aquam vis that he transferred into a sufficient quantity of pure elemental matter. The infused water was then absorbed by the elemental as the magus cast a Creo Aquam spell (with a Vim requisite) of his own devising. Unfortunately for the magus, the elemental became too powerful for him to control, and he is now trapped in his sanctum. Alternatively, the characters may just come across his shattered laboratory and his lab texts, and not realize the danger involved in recreating his work.

Lunchtime in the Vis Stores

The characters discover some Terram vis in a patch of clay lying in a region with no mystical aura. They take it home to their covenant and put it in their vis stores. Now that it is in a Magic aura, the elemental can start to recover its exhausted Might pool, and it consumes the magi's other Terram vis to make itself larger. When the characters next visit their vis stores, they are in for a surprise.

Earth Elementals

The earth elementals are known to the Order as genomi (singular genomus, meaning "earth-living"), but they go by a number of other names including gnomes (contracted from their Hermetic name), pygmaei, and telluri. They may be rarefied from any large concretion of earth that has not been worked by human hands, such as untilled soil, natural rock features, and naturally occurring nuggets of metal. It is no harder to rarefy a genomus from soil than it is from metal, but the quantity of raw material available limits the size of the elemental created — a gold nugget of Size -10 can only produce an elemental with Might 3. Genomi are extraordinarily long-lived, and are as durable as the substance from which they are formed. They are patient predators, driven by an unslakable thirst to extract the delicious moisture from living beings. They are fiercely territorial, and will attack any being who intrudes upon their defined space; thus genomi make excellent guards — most attacks from a genomus result from having stood upon one!

An earth elemental appears much like any other object of earth or rock, except it is made up of sharp edges and right-angled corners that form cubic corpuscles of different sizes. Earth elementals move by sliding these cubic components around in endless cycles; this appears awkward and laborious in hard-bodied genomi, but can be hypnotically smooth in those made of sand or soil. Genomi are exceptionally strong and remarkably fast. An earth elemental made from a hard substance attacks by bludgeoning its prey with its stone limbs. Softer genomi of sand and soil will engulf their prey first by making a grapple attack, and then crush the immobilized target within their bodies.

The elemental's body is composed entirely of soil, sand, or rock. It can match a walking man for speed, and overtake a running horse when tumbling downhill. Only bludgeoning weapons such as hammers, maces, or axes can damage an earth elemental; piercing or slashing weapons merely plunge into the body of a soil elemental or glance off the surface of a rock elemental. Spades and picks are also effective weapons.

Earth Elemental Sample Powers

All earth elementals have the following power:
Crush, 0 points, Init equal to (Qik-2), Terram
R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind
The elemental clubs at an opponent with its heavy limbs, requiring a normal Bludgeon melee attack, which does its own damage as normal. If the elemental is at least equal in Size to its opponent, a successful Crush attack can pin him to the ground, and the elemental adds its (Might/5, rounded up) to its Grapple Strength to prevent its victim escaping. If the elemental successfully grapples, then any equipment carried by its victim is damaged; fragile items are destroyed, robust items are broken (and are destroyed if affected again by this power), and metal items are damaged (and are broken if affected again by this power).
Re(Pe)Te 30 (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +2 affect stone, +1 requisite, +1 constant effect)
Some earth elementals have the following powers. Other powers typically mimic Terram spells, particularly Rego Terram spells.
The Red Touch, 1 point, Init equal to (Qik + 5), Terram
R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind
The touch of the elemental can rust metal; every time it is struck in combat by a metal object, or successfully strikes a being with metal armor, it can convert that metal into a thoroughly rusted object that will crumble to dust.
PeTe 10 (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 affect metal)
Slake Thirst, 1 point, Init equal to (Qik + 4), Aquam
R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Part
Earth elementals are always thirsty, and direct contact with the elemental removes water from the target, inflicting a Fatigue level of damage. Once all Fatigue levels are gone, successive strikes (or rounds of contact) inflict a Light Wound, then a Medium Wound, then a Heavy Wound, and so forth. Fatigue levels may be restored by drinking at least two pints of water (for a Size 0 individual), while wounds are healed as normal
PeAq 15 (Base 5, +1 Touch, +1 Part)

An Earth Elemental

Magic Might: 15 (Terram)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +1, Pre -2, Com -4, Str +3, Sta +6, Dex +2, Qik 0

Virtues and Flaws: Berserk, Great Stamina, Tough, Ways of the Cavern; Poor Memory, Short Attention Span, Simple Minded.

Personality Traits: Cave +3*

Combat:

Bludgeon*: Init +3, Attack +11, Defense +7, Damage

Bludgeon when Berserk*: Init +3, Attack +13, Defense -5, Damage +9

Includes Ways of the Cavern

Soak: +9 (additional +2 when Berserk)

Wound Penalties: -1 & 1 Might point (1-5), -3 & 3 Might points (6–10), -5 & 5 Might points, (11-15), Incapacitated & 5 Might points (16-20), Dead & all Might points (21+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (pursuit), Awareness 2 (interlopers), Brawl 3 (bludgeon), Penetration 3 (Slake Thirst Power), Stealth 2 (keeping still)

Powers:

Crush, 0 points, Init -2, Terram: see insert for details

Slake Thirst, 1 point, Init +4, Aquam: see insert for details

Vis: 3 pawns of Terram, in body

Note: This elemental was rarefied in a cavern with a Magic aura, and guards the vis source found therein with a furious passion.

Water Elementals

The lymphae ("pure waters") are also called undines, undena, or ondines (all from Latin unda, meaning "fluid, wave"), as well as aquacolae ("water dwellers"), nymphs (a term also applied to certain faeries), and alcyones. Only naturally occurring liquids can produce elementals, typically of salt or fresh water. Water that has been separated from its source cannot be rarefied into a lympha, nor can liquid extracted from its source by human effort. Lymphae in a relaxed state sink into a thin film or puddle, perhaps even soaking into the ground. They can pull themselves up into symmetrical humps faceted with triangular units — their corpuscles are naturally icosahedral. The fluid that makes them is always of the utmost purity, often crystal clear and sparkling.

Lymphae have the best capacity for learning and understanding of all elementals, and are remarkably resilient to damage. However, their slow and languorous movements make them unsuitable as protectors. They are driven by their nature to collect and mix substances together, and their homes are often the site of eclectic collections of garbage that they have gathered. They commonly attack by pulling their opponents down to the ground and then smothering them, separating and recombining their possessions with an obsessive interest.

A water elemental's body is composed entirely of water. It can roll across the ground, either slowly if derived from a body of still water, or as fast as the current if from a river or stream. The elemental's speed is halved if moving up even a gentle incline. Most weapons are meaningless to a lympha — blades and piercing weapons simply pass straight through, although bludgeoning weapons can still harm them. A water elemental's attacks only inflict Scuffle damage, and it often attempts to disarm, trip, or grab worn items with its Attack Advantage rather than inflict damage. A source of fire that does damage less than the elemental's Might is extinguished on contact, while more-powerful flames will evaporate the elemental's body, inflicting "wounds" as normal. Successful fire attacks destroy any Aquam vis that might have been present in the evaporated matter.

Water Clemental Sample Powers

All water elementals have the following power:
Drown, 0 points, Init equal to (Qik – 2), Aquam
R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind
After successful melee attack, the elemental can engulf a target whose Size is smaller than its own and attempt to drown him, necessitating a roll to avoid deprivation. The victim can attempt to escape from its clutches each round using the Grappling rules.
ReAq(Co) 30 (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 requisite, +1 constant effect)
Some water elementals have the following powers. Other powers typically mimic Aquam spells, particularly Rego Aquam spells.
Chill Touch, 2 points, Init equal to (Qik + 4), Ignem
R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind
The lympha's touch extracts heat from a target, inflicting +10 damage. This damage is Soaked without the benefit of armor, as the watery body of the elemental seeps through all protection.
Pelg 15 (Base 10, +1 Touch)
Sight of the River, 2 points, Init equal to (Qik – 1), Imaginem
R: Arc, D: Conc, T: Room
The elemental can view any location to which it has an unbroken connection of water, regardless of the distance involved. Thus, it may see anyone on the same river, touching the opposite shores of its sea, or even standing on the same earth through the water that makes soil damp. Someone standing on a stone or wood surface would be invisible to it, however. Anyone who can share senses with the elemental can see what it sees.
InIm 20 (Base 1, +4 Arcane, +1 Conc, +2 Room)

A Water Elemental

Magic Might: 15 (Aquam)

Characteristics: Cun +4, Per –2, Pre 0, Com 0, Str +3, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik –4

Size: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Puissant Hunt, Tough, Ways of the River, Poor Memory, Short Attention Span, Simple Minded.

Personality Traits: River + 3*

Combat:

Bludgeon: Init -4, Attack +8, Defense +3, Damage +6 Bludgeon*: Init -1, Attack +11, Defense +6, Damage +6 * Includes Ways of the River

Soak: +6

Wound Penalties: -1 & 1 Might point (1-5), -3 & 3, Might points (6-10), -5 & 5 Might points (11-15), Incapacitated & 5 Might points (16-20), Dead & all Might points (21+)

Abilities: Athletics 2 (when hunting), Brawl 3 (bludgeon), Hunt 3+3 (river banks), Penetration 2 (Chill Touch power), Swim 3 (speed)

Powers:

Drown, 0 points, Init +0, Aquam: see insert on previous page for details.

Chill Touch, 2 point, Init 0, Ignem: see insert on previous page for details

Crafter of Water, 1 – 3 points, Init –4 – Might Cost, Aquam: duplicate any Creo Aquam or Rego Aquam spell of level 15 or below, at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the spell.

Vis: 3 pawns of Aquam, in body

Notes: This lympha haunts the river banks near its home, preying on the warmth of small creatures who dwell there.

Air Elementals

Zephyrus is the name given to an air elemental by members of the Order of Hermes, but they are also known as silvestres, sylphs, aeoliae (wind elementals), nenuphas (cloud elementals), and brontes (thunder and lightning elementals). Any air under the open sky or any natural weather phenomenon can produce a zephyrus. A zephyrus is composed of chains of octohedral corpuscles: in wind elementals, these chains form ropes, cloud elementals consist of interlocked loops, and a lightning elemental is a branched chain of scintillating energy.

Zephyri are utterly restless — they cannot remain still, even for a moment. They are travelers, moving through the world beneath the sky unless constrained by magic. They rarely descend from their lofty heights, but are occasionally curious about what is going on below them. They are highly perceptive, and are aware of everything going on around their home. They can sense the slightest movement of air from any direction, and are impossible to catch by surprise. They crave the disintegration of rigidity and barriers, and many are capable of dissolving structured matter.

A zephyrus' body is composed entirely of air. It is capable of moving through landscape unobstructed by other objects in its way, and can enter any space that is not air-tight. The speed of movement varies by elemental type: a mist elemental can roll at walking pace, whereas a lightning elemental is literally lightning fast. Weapons are meaningless to a creature with this power, they simply pass straight through. However, the elemental has no natural attack and must use its powers instead.

Air Elemental Sample Powers

All air elementals have the following power:
Sufficiale, 0 points, Init equal to (Qik – 2), Auram
R. Touch, D. Sun, T. Ind
The elemental surrounds its opponent and enters its lungs, necessitating a roll to avoid deprivation. Escaping the elemental requires the victim to get away from the elemental, its airy body can be simply walked through, but the elemental usually pursues its victim. Compare Quickness + Athletics stress rolls of the victim and the elemental (using Might/5 for the elemental's Athletics), the highest wins. Trying to escape requires a Fatigue roll for the strenuous action.
PeAu(Co) 30 (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 requisite, +1 constant effect)
Some air elementals have the following powers. Other powers typically mimic Auram spells, particularly Rego Auram spells.
Dissolution, 3 points, Init equal to Qik, Animal, Corpus or Terram
R. Voice, D. Mom, T. Ind.
The cohesiveness of a base Individual of Terram is lost, making it melt as if heated strongly, although the power imparts no heat to the object. Armor drips off its wearer, swords collapse like melting butter, and so forth. At the end of the round, the matter resolidifies into its new shape. If the item is enchanted, the elemental's Penetration must exceed five times the total pawns of vis invested. The moisture of living bodies prevents them from such a devastating effect, nevertheless, hair, toenails, teeth, claws, and bone are all affected, inflicting +15 damage and ignoring protection from armor.
MuTe(Aq, Co, An) 25 (Base 3, +2 Voice, +2 affect metal, +2 affect humans and animals)

Jupiter's Touch, 1 point, Init equal to (Qik – 1), Auram
R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind The touch of the elemental causes a flash of coruscating lightning, inflicting +30 damage. This power is suitable for a lightning or storm elemental.
CrAu 30 (Base 5, +1 Touch, +4 unnatural)

An Air Elemental

Magic Might: 15 (Auram)

Characteristics: Cun +1, Per +2, Pre 0, Com 0, Str +3, Sta -4, Dex -2, Qik +4

Size: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Keen Vision, Shapeshifter, Ways of the Storm, Poor Memory, Short Attention Span, Simple Minded.

Personality Traits: Storm +3*

Combat:

Jupiter's Touch Power*: Init +5, Attack +5, Defense n/a, Damage +30

\* Includes Way of the Storms

Soak: +0

Wound Penalties: -1 & 1 Might point (1-5), -3 & 3 Might points (6-10), -5 & 5 Might points (11-15), Incapacitated & 5 Might points (16-20), Dead & all Might points (21+)

Abilities: Area Lore 3 (high points), Athletics 3 (storm force winds), Awareness 3 (metal objects), Brawl 3 (Jupiter's Touch Power), Penetration 2 (Jupiter's Touch Power), Shapeshifter 4 (birds)

Powers:

Suffocate, 0 points, Init +2, Auram: see insert on previous page for details

Jupiter's Touch, 1 point, Init +3, Auram: see insert on previous page for details

Charge of the Angry Winds, 1 point, Init +5, Auram: As the spell of the same name; add the elemental's Strength to all the Ease Factors for acting within the wind. CrAu 15 (Base 3, +2 Voice, +1 Conc, +1 unnatural)

Vis: 3 pawns of Auram, in body.

Notes: A creature born of storms, it can be devastating if roused.. Its Shapeshifter Virtue allows it to adopt the forms of the creatures it has seen: a raven, an eagle, a hound, and a bull.

Fire Elementals

Fire elementals, or phlegethi (singular phlegethus, meaning "burners"), also go by a host of other names, such as ignigena (Latin for "fireborn"), vulcans, rolamandri, salamanders (not to be confused with the Beasts of Virtue), and aethnici (a term also used for fiery demons; see Realms of Power: The Infernal, page 67). They are uncommon on earth, for they can only rarefy from naturally occurring sources of flame — usually lightning strikes, but occasionally earth-fires, certain natural alchemical reactions, or the fire from the upper atmosphere. Feeding a naturally lit fire with fuel does not inhibit rarefication, and once formed, a fire elemental can consume normal fuel. A fire elemental is often short-lived, lasting as long as it has fuel, and prone to sudden movements of remarkable speed. Man's fascination for fire is often enhanced when viewing fire elementals, and they can easily beguile those who stare too deeply.

A phlegethus appears as a collection of flames that move contrary to nature. Each flame is actually a tetrahedron, sometimes these pyramids may be stretched long and thin, while at other times they may be low and flat. The motivations and instincts of a fire elemental are basic: they desire to burn, to consume cold and replace it with heat, and to escape confinement.

The body of a fire elemental is composed entirely of fire. The elemental can only cross surfaces composed of potentially flammable material; the more flammable it is, the faster it can move. Through typical vegetation in a temperate climate, a fire elemental can move at the speed of a running man. It may also jump a gap of nonflammable surface (such as bare rock) up to a width equal to its Magic Might in feet. Weapons are meaningless to a phlegethus; they simply pass straight through the elemental, and may catch fire. A source of water that is smaller than the elemental's Size is quenched on contact. Larger sources of water quench the elemental's body, inflicting "wounds" as if it were fire damage; typically +5 to +10 damage, but possibly more depending on the quantity. Successful water attacks destroy any Ignem vis that might have been present in the evaporated matter.

Fire Elemental Sample Powers

All fire elementals have the following power:
Burn, 0 points, Init equal to (Qik-2), Ignem
R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind
Anyone touching or being touched by a fire elemental takes damage equal to a stress die plus the entity's current Might pool. This is the usual melee attack of a phlegethus. Any flammable material catches fire on contact; typically, clothes inflict +10 damage per round on their wearer until extinguished. Any metal coming in contact with the elemental's body for more than a round heats up, causing the effects of Heat of the Searing Forge, but this does not include weapons that attempt to strike them in combat.
Cr(Re)Ig 30 (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 requisite, +1 constant effect)
Some fire elementals have the following powers. Other powers typically mimic Ignem spells, particularly Rego Ignem spells.
Fascination, 3 points, Init equal to (Qik + 4), Mentem
R: Eye, D: Sun, T: Ind
The swirling colors in the elemental's flames can entrance all those who see it. Those failing an Intelligence roll against an Ease Factor of 9 will stare gape-mouthed at the elemental, unable to act. This roll may be attempted once per round
ReMe 15 (Base 4, +1 Eye, +2 Sun)
Heat of the Searing Forge, 1 point, Init equal to (Qik + 6), Ignem
R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Ind
Like the Creo Ignem spell of the same name. Note that this power works at a distance, whereas the Burn power affects only items that touch the elemental.
Crlg 10 (Base 4, +2 Voice)

A Fire Elemental

Magic Might: 15 (Ignem)

Recovers Might points in one quarter of the normal time, which for an elemental means 3 weeks rather than a season. For a Might 15 elemental this is approximately 2 Might points every 3 days.

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per –2, Pre +3, Com +1, Str –4, Sta 0, Dex +5, Qik +2

Size: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Lightning Reflexes, Ways of the Forest Fire, Poor Memory, Short Attention Span, Simple Minded.

Personality Traits: Forest Fire +3*

Combat:

Burn Power*: Init +3, Attack +12, Defense n/a, Damage +(Might Pool)

\* Includes Way of the Forest Fire

Soak: +4

Wound Penalties: -1 & 1 Might point (1-5), -3 & 3 Might points (6-10), -5 & 5 Might points (11-15), Incapacitated & 5 Might points (16-20), Dead & all Might points (21+)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (leaping between fuel sources), Brawl 3 (Burn Power), Charm 3 (small animals), Penetration 3 (Fascination Power)

Powers

Burn, 0 points, Init +0, Ignem: see insert for details Fascination, 3 points, Init +6, Mentem: see insert for details

Enliven the Gross Fire, 6 points, Init –10, Ignem: This ritual-like power rarefies (creates) a fire elemental from a sufficient amount of raw elemental matter. The elemental can have any Might less than that of the creature using this power. The elemental is automatically under the control of the creature; this power can also be used to control elementals which are not of the creature's own making, but in this case must Penetrate the elemental's Might. When the creature has no further use for the elemental, its control lapses but the elemental remains.

Vis: 3 pawns of Ignem, in body.

Notes: Born of a lightning strike hitting a magically tainted tree (perhaps a vis source), this elemental has the frightening power to spawn more fire elementals, which it does if fought with water.

Ghostly Warder

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +1, Pre +1, Com +1,

Virtues and Flaws: None (may take Virtues and Flaws as a grog, if desired by the troupe.)

Personality Traits: Protective +3, two others chosen

Combat: n/a The ghost is non-physical, and so cannot be harmed by combat or harm others in

Abilities: [Area] Lore 5 (places children get lost), Awareness 5 (where her children are), Church Lore 1 (funerals), Divine Lore 1 (after death), Folk Ken 4 (people lying to her children), Living Language 5 (scolding), Magic Lore 2 (ghosts), Profession (housewife) 5 (cleaning)

Powers:

Kinesis, 5 points, Init 0, Terram: The ghost can move an object as if she were still physically present. One expenditure of Might allows her to move one object until she puts it down again. She has no combat Abilities, so she cannot fight wielding

Equipment: Apparently clothing, tools, and even pots and pans, as if she is in the process of cooking, but these are all ghostly and really part of her.

Vis: None. Magi cannot render other characters' Ghostly Warders down for vis.

Appearance: An older peasant woman, rather gaunt, dressed in simple but well-repaired clothes and daily life. This may be a distaff and spindle, or a pot, or a broom; it changes from time to time. Note that she is invisible to characters without an appropriate Virtue.

This Ghostly Warder (see the Magical Warder Virtue, page 93) was the character's mother, aunt, or possibly grandmother. She still gives him all the advice he received as a child, such as to wear warm clothes and stay away from the river, but she is also quite perceptive, both about people and about mundane events.

A Typical Giant

Magic Might: 12 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int -3, Per +1, Pre 0, Com -3, Str +12, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik -2

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Tough, Warrior, Wrathful (minor), Weak-Willed

Personality Traits: Oafish +3

Combat:

Cudgel: Init –2, Attack +12, Defense +5, Damage +19

Kick: Init –3, Attack +6, Defense +1, Damage +15

Stone: Init -3, Attack +7, Defense +2, Damage +14 Soak +9

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-10), -3 (11-20), -5 (21–30), Incapacitated (31–40), Dead (41+)

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Abilities: Brawl 4 (kick), Great Weapon 5 (cudgel), (Living Language) 4 (coarse expressions), Thrown Weapon 3 (stone)

Powers:

Equipment: Cudgel, Partial Fur Armor

Encumbrance: 0

Vis: 3 Corpus in skull

Appearance: The common giant is an enormous, ugly man with bulging eyes, an oversized, squarish head, and a shapeless gash of a mouth full of crooked teeth. He stands about 20 feet tall and wears a crude garment stitched together from bear skins.

These statistics are for a typical giant of the sort found throughout the British Isles. Such giants have been known to form alliances with hedge wizards or faeries. Unlike many magical creatures, giants need to eat, drink, and breathe, and get old and die.

Story Seed: A Cavernous Cage

A giant named Morag has been driven from his home deep in the mountains by a group of diabolists. He has wandered into the area near the covenant and started practicing the traditional trade of his people: robbery. His first act has been to ambush and capture a local knight, whom he now holds hostage in a cave — the entrance is sealed with a boulder so heavy, even Morag needs a stout lever to dislodge it. If the characters simply slay the giant, they may never be able to free his captive. On the other hand, Morag craves revenge against the diabolists and could be persuaded to join forces with the characters to destroy them.

Sir Giles, a Ghostly Knight

Magic Might: 16 (Mentem)

Characteristics: Int -1, Per -1, Pre +1, Com 0, Str +2, Sta +1, Dex +2, Qik +2

Size: 0

Age: n/a (30)

Confidence Score: 2 (6)

Virtues and Flaws: Knight; Puissant Single Weapon, Self-Confident; Proud (Major); Baneful Circumstances (during the day)

Personality Traits: Proud +6, Belligerent +2,

Brave +2

Reputations: Proud 3 (local)

Combat:

Lance & Heater, mounted: Init +2, Attack +17, Defense +16, Damage +7

Lance, dismounted: Init +3, Attack +9, Defense +7, Damage +9

Long Sword & Heater, mounted: Init +2, Attack +17, Defense +17, Damage +8

Long Sword & Heater: Init +2, Attack +14, Defense +14, Damage +8

Long Sword only: Init +2, Attack +13, Defense +10, Damage +8

Soak: +10

Fatigue Levels: OK, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious Wound Penalties: -1(1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16+)

Abilities: (Area) Lore 3 (nobles), Animal Handling 3 (horses), Athletics 2 (running), Awareness 3 (in battle), Brawl 2 (fist), Concentration 1 (remaining invisible), Charm 1 (ladies), Etiquette 3 (nobles), Great Weapon 3 (long spear), Hunt 2 (deer), Intrigue 1 (noble courts), Leadership 3 (soldiers), Ride 5 (in battle), Single Weapon 5+2 (heater shield)

Donning the Corporeal Veil, 5 points, Init -1. Corpus: Sir Giles can assume material form

Riding the Phantom Steed, 2 points, Init 0, Animal R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind When Sir Giles takes physical form, he can also materialize his war horse for an additional Might cost. He can dissolve the horse at will due to the Rego requisite. Use the statistics for a destrier. Cr(Re)An 40 (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 Rego requisite, +1 Size)

Invisibility, 1 point, Init 0, Imaginem R: Touch, D: Conc, T: Group Even in material form, Sir Giles and his horse can become invisible when he wishes (though they can still be seen by Second Sight). PeIm 20 (Base 4, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, +2 Group)

Ride in Dreams, 1 point, Init 0, Mentem R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind When in spirit form, Sir Giles can enter the dreams of a sleeping person whose name he knows, tormenting him with nightmares of a furious, dark knight. The victim must make a Stamina roll against an Ease Factor of Sir Giles' Presence + Leadership or lose a Long-Term Fatigue Level. CrMe 15 (Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Sun)

Equipment: Full chain mail, lance, heater, long sword, black destrier

Encumbrance: 2 (4) Vis: 4 Mentem in lance

Appearance: Sir Giles is a Magical apparition — a ghostly knight in black mail, riding a fearsome black destrier. His shield and surcoat are solid black without any heraldic device, and atop his helm is a crest shaped like a cockerel. If he removes his helm, he appears to be a rather handsome, well-groomed knight whose face shows an expression of fierce pride.

Not all ghosts belong to the Magic realm; there are Infernal and Faerie ghosts as well. Magical ghosts remain tied to the world through some overwhelming emotion or personal need. If its connection is somehow resolved, the ghost passes from the world, never to return.

Story Seed: Repentance

The spirit of a local knight who died in battle some years ago still haunts his former lands, terrorizing the countryside in an attempt to force the living to lay him to rest and end what he thinks are the torments of Purgatory. Sir Giles believes his great sin was that he killed another knight in tournament. His eagerness to win glory was so great that he killed his opponent through excessive force. He thinks that if he can ensure his victim's widow is well cared for, he'll be able to go to Heaven. In fact, he is guite mistaken. His real sin is the pride that drove him to kill his opponent and even now prevents him from true repentance. Only when he comes to terms with how his pride stands in the way of his redemption, and how it caused suffering to others, will he truly pass on.

A Magical Wolf

Magic Might: 20 (Animal)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +3, Pre +1, Com +1, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +2

Age: n/a

Decrepitude: n/a

Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Leader +3, Loyal +2

Reputations: None

Combat: Bite: Init +12, Attack +10, Defense +14, Damage +9

Soak: +7

Fatigue levels: n/a The magical wolf is tireless.

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Incapacitated (13–16)

Abilities: [Area] Lore 6 (game trails), Brawl 6 (biting), Hunt 7 (in a pack), Living Language 5 (hunting terminology). Survival 6 (forests)

Powers:

Pack of One, 2 points, Init +10, Animal: The wolf can create five duplicates of himself, who can then fight as a trained group. For these purposes, treat the wolf as having a Leadership score of 5, so that he can get the full +15 group bonus to his attacks. The power lasts until the pack brings down its opponent, which may be a group, or disengages from the fight. As the pack is really all one creature, the nomination of a vanguard is arbitrary. Further, the group does not need to disengage and reform when the vanguard is killed, it can seamlessly transfer the role to another wolf. Finally, the wolf only dies if all the copies are killed. When the duplicates vanish, the least wounded wolf remains.

Terrifying Howl, 4 points, Init +0, Mentem: Anyone who hears the wolf's howl is struck with fear of the wolf and of wilderness places away from the haunts of men. Someone already in a house will merely not want to leave. Overcoming this fear completely requires a Brave roll against an Ease Factor of 12. Acting sensibly while responding to it, such as heading back to the village carefully, requires a Brave roll against an Ease Factor of 6. Those who fail the easier roll simply flee in panic.

Wolf Lord, 0 points, constant, Animal: Any wolf the magical wolf strikes in deadly combat dies instantly. In addition, the magical wolf can make mundane wolves follow his instructions even when he is not around, as long as the instructions are quite simple.

Equipment: None. Magical though he is, he is still a wolf.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 4 pawns of Animal, in head.

Appearance: A gray male wolf, slightly larger than normal, but only slightly, and looking extremely healthy. His eyes, in particular, sparkle more brightly than should be possible.

The magical wolf does not care for such human niceties as names, and isn't particularly interested in human beings. Instead, he watches over all the wolves in his range, doing what he can to ensure their safety, health, and food supply. Sometimes, this means hunting wolves down himself, to keep population down, and in that case he removes the weak from the packs.

While he has no interest in human beings, he does see that they are important, and might be willing to negotiate with a village. On the other hand, he might decide to drive them out. This magical wolf has the same reactions to The Gift as a mundane animal, although other magical wolves may not.

Mount Etna

A powerful and violent spirit of fire, Adranus, slumbers beneath a mountain on the Mediterranean island of Sicily. It has developed an antipathy towards the local peoples, since they long ago ceased worshipping it as a god. Nevertheless, it is satisfied when mortals stay away from its slopes and live in a state of respectful fear, but should they become too bold, disrespectful, or forgetful, the genius loci will become irritated and its sleep will be disturbed. Its wrath gradually builds up until the need to vent its fury is overwhelming, at which point the volcano erupts with spectacular and devastating force. Those few who venture onto the blasted and rocky slopes of the mountain have been known to go insane.

In ancient times, Adranus was worshiped by the primitive inhabitants of Sicily as a god of fire. When the Romans rose to prominence it was cast out by Vulcan, their god of fire and forge, but has since returned, and wreaks occasional and spectacular violent retribution on those who no longer either honor or fear it. A gateway to the Underworld was believed by the ancients to be situated beneath Etna. When using the Manifestation power, Adranus usually possesses one or more Sicilian eagles, the only creatures who will brave the mountain's heights. The volcano last erupted in 1194, and, if your saga follows real history, will next erupt in 1222.

Story Seed: Fire and Fury

Maria, a young woman living in a village not far from the volcano, feels a strange empathy for fire, and she can predict the activity of the volcano through her dreams (she has the Visions Flaw). Her pregnant mother was the only survivor when the volcano destroyed the village during its last eruption a generation ago — only she heeded the warnings and made a miraculous escape. Maria, born with the same talent as her mother, makes dire predictions of an imminent eruption and begs the villagers to assuage the fire spirit to prevent it. They, however, scoff at her heathen mumblings, and so it looks as if the fire spirit will indeed return with a vengeance.

Adranus, the Spirit of Mount Etna

Magic Might: 50 (Ignem)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +3, Pre +2, Com +2, Str +3, Sta +2, Dex -1, Qik -2 Confidence Score: 1 (3 points)

Virtues and Flaws: Ways of the Mountains, Improved Characteristics x5; Fury, Wrathful

Personality Traits: Wrathful +6, Slumbering +3

Reputations: Bringer of Death and Destruction 5 (Local)

Abilities: Sicily Lore 6 (mountains), Magic Lore 8 (underworld)

Powers:

Crafter of Fire, variable points, Init -2 - Might cost, Ignem: Duplicates any non-Ritual Creo Ignem or Rego Ignem spell no greater than 50th level at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Crafter of Earth, variable points, Init -2 - Might cost, Terram: Duplicates any non-Ritual Creo Terram or Rego Terram spell no greater than 50th level at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Grant Visions, 5 points, Init –12, Vim: The target gains the Visions Flaw. Adranus can grant the Flaw temporarily, in which case it does not recover the Might Points spent until it withdraws the Flaw, or permanently, in which case its Might Score is reduced by 5.

Grant Simple-Minded, 5 points, Init –12, Vim: The target gains the Simple-Minded Flaw. Adranus can grant the Flaw temporarily, in which case it does not recover the Might Points spent until it withdraws the Flaw, or permanently, in which case its Might Score is reduced by 5.

Grant Wrathful, 5 points, Init –12, Vim: The target gains the Wrathful Flaw. Adranus can grant the Flaw temporarily, in which case it does not recover the Might Points spent until it withdraws the Flaw, or permanently, in which case its Might Score is reduced by 5.

Hibernation, 15 points, Init –32, Vim: The spirit remains completely inactive for a year (spending no other Might points); the 15 points spent on this power are saved and added to the Might Pool for the first year out of hibernation. In this fashion, the Might Pool may exceed the permanent Might score (50). Using this power, the volcano can save up Might points over many years in succession and have a great amount to spend in the single year in which it awakens.

Manifestation, 4 or more points, Init equal to (Qik – Might points spent), Animal R: Touch, D: Conc, T: Ind or Group Manifests the spirit's consciousness among animals it touches, temporarily granting them a Might score equal to the Might points spent, and controlling their actions. It is a Rego Herbam effect of Level 20 to control a plant that is a pace in diameter (costing 4 Might points), and a Rego Animal of Level 25 to control a single creature of Size +1 (costing 5 Might points). For an extra 2 Might points, a group of ten standard creatures (or the equivalent mass) can be controlled. For each additional 2 Might points spent, the mass of creatures controlled is multiplied by 10. The spirit cannot spend more Might points on this power than the magnitude of its Magic Might. Humans and other sentient beings cannot be controlled by this power. Adranus is considered to be touching any animal on the mountain. ReHe 20 or more (Base 10, +1 Touch, +1 Conc) or ReAn 25 or more (Base 15, +1 Touch, +1 Conc)

Master of Earth, variable points, Init -2 - Might cost, Terram: Duplicates any non-Ritual Muto Terram or Perdo Terram spell no greater than 50th level at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Presence, 0 points, constant, Imaginem R: Arc, D: Sun, T: Ind Grants awareness of everything that happens within the bounds of Mount Etna. In essence, the spirit is coterminous with its associated landscape feature, so it is present simultaneously everywhere within its boundaries. The area controlled by the spirit can produce a yearly harvest of 5 pawns of Ignem vis, which manifests as physical objects within the controlled region. Harvesting this vis does not erode the spirit's Might. InIm 30 (Base 2, +4 Arc, +2 Sun, +1 constant effect, +1 non-Hermetic effects)

Regio, 15 points, Init –32, Vim: By permanently spending Might, the spirit can add levels to the regio around the volcano's crater.

Ruler of Lava, variable points, Init -2 - Might cost, Terram: Duplicates any non-Ritual spell pertaining to lava no greater than 50th level, at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Ruler of Smoke, variable points, Init –2 – Might cost, Auram: Duplicates any non-Ritual spell pertaining to smoke no greater than 50th level, at a cost of 1 Might point per magnitude of the effect.

Vis: 10 pawns of Ignem vis; 5 pawns per year can also be harvested from the crater at the volcano's summit.

Appearance: Mount Etna is a conical and blasted peak that rises ten thousand feet above the eastern end of the island of Sicily.

Revenants, the Walking Dead

While ghosts are the disembodied spirits of the dead, medieval stories also tell of restless dead who still occupy their material bodies. These are revenants or "the walking dead," which differ from ghosts in that their only form is an animate, material corpse.

Although a revenant is bound to a physical body, its animating force is a spirit. Some magi consider them to be a special sub-class of ghosts. Like ghosts, Magical revenants are connected to the living world through some overwhelming personal need. Their motivations and personalities are as varied as those of ghosts.

The physical statistics of a revenant are also usable for corpses that have been animated by spells such as The Walking Corpse. Such automatons are not supernatural beings and have no Might score (and hence no Magic Resistance).

"It was not long before men became aware that Glam was not easy in his grave. Many men suffered severe injuries, some who saw him were struck senseless and some lost their wits. Soon ... men began to think they saw him about their houses. The panic was great and many left the neighborhood. Next he began to ride on the house-tops by night, and nearly broke them to pieces. Almost night and day he walked, and people would scarcely venture up the valley, however pressing their business. The district was in a grievous condition."
— The Saga of Grettir the Strong

Fighting the Walking Dead

Magic can affect either a revenant's body (through the Form of Corpus) or the animating spirit (usually through Mentem or Vim). Destruction of the body does not harm the spirit, though the spirit may lack any power to affect the physical world once its body is destroyed.

Lay to Rest the Haunting Spirit can affect the animating spirit, provided the spirit is subject to the Form of Mentem. Magic can force the spirit out of the body, and if this happens (or if the body is destroyed) the spirit cannot re-enter the corpse or possess a new one unless it has specific powers allowing it to do so.

Revenants are difficult to harm with weapons. In particular, they cannot be Incapacitated; treat Incapacitating wounds as Heavy wounds instead.

Perdo Corpus spells designed to target the living often have no effect on revenants, as their bodies are already dead. Spells that specifically break bones or destroy limbs do not hinder them as much as they do living people, but may cause Wound Penalties at the storyguide's discretion. For example, a broken leg might affect a revenant as if it were a Light wound. Perdo Corpus spells can, of course, be designed specifically to target the unquiet dead.

Different legends speak of special methods by which heroes can destroy the walking dead. In certain Icelandic sagas, a draug (revenant) could be destroyed by cutting off its head and placing it between its thighs. In a tale from Yorkshire, revenants could be destroyed by driving stakes through their hearts. A character who knows the correct method should make a regular melee attack. If the attack would have caused an Incapacitating or fatal wound against a Soak of +3, and if the attack was with the correct weapon (for instance, a wooden stake if that is the way to destroy this particular revenant), then the revenant's animating spirit is destroyed and any vis in the corpse is left behind. Learning the method for destroying a revenant may require a story, or if the storyguide prefers she can assign it an Ease Factor of 9 on an Intelligence + Magic Lore roll.

Medieval tales and illustrations depict both corpse-like walking dead and animated skeletons. The word "zombie" is of New World (Haitian) origin and would not be used by characters in Mythic Europe.

Option: Resistance to Piercing Weapons

Piercing weapons such as spears and arrows are effective against living beings, but potentially less so against the walking dead. Such weapons are unlikely to break bones or hack off limbs. The troupe may wish to grant revenants an additional +10 Soak bonus against such weapons, or simply rule them totally ineffective.
Ars Magica Fifth Edition does not formally differentiate weapons into categories such as "piercing," so if the troupe adopts this option, they will sometimes have to exercise judgment about whether a weapon counts as a piercing weapon.

Animating Corpses with Magic

Wizards can animate corpses using Rego Corpus spells (or certain non-Hermetic powers). Such corpses use the same statistics as a revenant, with the following changes:

It does not suffer from fatigue and has the Soak listed in the statistics, but no powers of its own.

A corpse animated by a spell has no Might score or Confidence score. Its Brawl skill is nominally 3, though as an optional rule the troupe may wish to assign a Brawl score equal to the caster's Finesse.

A corpse animated by demonic possession or a Magic spirit's Manifestation power has a Might score equal to the cost of that power. It uses the possessing spirit's Confidence score, if any. The controlling spirit may be able to use its powers through the possessed corpse (depending on the description of the possessing power).

Realms of Power: The Infernal includes rules for demons who can animate corpses on page 75.

Regardless of how the corpse is animated, its unarmed attacks can be blocked by Magic Resistance.

Revenant, Corpse-Like Form

Magic Might: 9 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int -2, Per -2, Pre 0, Com -2, Str +3, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik 0

Size: 0

Confidence Score: 1(3)

Virtues and Flaws: Baneful Circumstances (in daylight)

Personality Traits: Vengeful +6

Combat:

Fist: Init 0, Attack +7, Defense +4, Damage +5

Soak: +11

Wound Penalties: -1(1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), -5 (16–20), Destroyed (21+)

Abilities: Brawl 3 (fist)

Powers:

Breath of Corruption, 1 point, Init +2, Auram R: Special, D: Mom, T: Ind The walking corpse can exhale foul humors, infecting a person within 2 paces with a disease (Ease Factor 9, effect as a Medium wound). CrAu 20 (Base 10, +2 Range equivalent to Voice)

Rise from the Grave, 1 point, Init –1, Terram R: Touch, D: Diameter, T: Part The revenant can cause the earth over its grave to open for one Diameter so it may enter or leave. The ground then seals, leaving no trace of disturbance. ReTe 5 (Base 2, +1 Touch, +1 Diameter, +1 Part)

Equipment: Tattered burial shroud, the revenant's dead, unfeeling fist strikes as if it were a bludgeon (see page 400)

Vis: 2 Corpus in eyes (1 per eye)

Appearance: A shriveled, leathery corpse; its eyes blaze with unnatural fury.

Revenant, Skeletal Form

Magic Might: 6 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Cun -2, Per -2, Pre 0, Com -2, Str 0, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik +1

Virtues and Flaws: Baneful Circumstances (in daylight), Weak Characteristics (x2)

Combat:

Bony Claws: Init +2, Attack +8, Defense +8, Damage +2

Soak: +9

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-3), -3 (4-6), -5 (7-9), -5 (10-12), Destroyed (13+)

Abilities: Brawl 3 (claws)

Powers:

Rise from the Grave, 2 points, Init +2, Terram R: Touch, D: Diameter, T: Part The skeleton can cause the earth over its grave to open for one Diameter so it may enter or leave. The earth then seals, leaving no trace of disturbance. ReTe 10 (Base 3, +1 Touch, +1 Diameter, +1 Part)

Equipment: Tattered burial shroud

Vis: 1 Corpus in skull

Appearance: A leering skeleton whose bony fingers are as sharp as claws.

Note: A human skeleton weighs much less than a living person, so an animate skeleton's Size is -2.

Scitalis

Magic Might: 5 (Animal) Characteristics:

Cun +1, Per +2, Pre +4, Com -3, Str -2, Sta +2, Dex 0, Qik -2

Size: -2

Virtues and Flaws: Great Presence, Poor Quickness, Weak Characteristics

Personality Traits: Lethargic +2, Territorial +2

Combat:

Fangs: Init -2, Attack +7, Defense +3, Damage -1

Soak: +4

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, –5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-3), -3 (4-6), -5 (7-9), Incapacitated (10-12), Dead (13+)

Abilities: Brawl 3 (fangs), Ignem Resistance 3 (cold), Survival 2 (winter)

Dazzling Appearance, 0 points, Init –3, Mentem or Animal R:Per, D: Conc, T: Spectacle The scitalis can use its wondrous colors and appearance to stupefy those who look at it. Victims stand in slack-jawed amazement, unable to move, speak, or act, for as long as the scitalis concentrates. It uses this power to capture its prey, for it is a slow-moving creature. ReMe(An) 45 (Base 15, +1 Conc, +4 Spectacle, +1 Animal requisite)

Venom, 0 points, Init n/a, Aquam R:Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind The scitalis' fangs drip a venom that causes a Medium Wound (if it penetrates Magic Resistance) unless its victim can make a Stamina roll against an Ease Factor of 9. CrAq 30 (Base 10, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 continuous effect)

Vis: 1 Imaginem in skin

Appearance: The scitalis is a large snake, about six feet long and as thick as a man's arm. Its scales are patterned in a variety of spectacular colors.

The scitalis is a slow-moving serpent that relies on its marvelous appearance to stun its prey. The scitalis usually hunts by hiding near a water source or game trail. It typically preys on small animals, but has been known to attack humans if it feels threatened. Unlike mundane snakes, the blood of the scitalis is hot, enabling the serpent to remain active throughout the winter months.

Story Seed: A Scintillating Serpent

En route to visit an important magus or noble, the characters stumble upon a scitalis, which tries to bite them as they stand spellbound. Little do they know that the scitalis was a warning from benevolent forces, as it foreshadows their upcoming visit: when they arrive at their destination, their host tries to impress them with lavish gifts and hospitality, while secretly planning to take advantage of them.

Stag of Virtue

Magic Might: 17 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun – 2, Per + 2, Pre + 2, Com – 3, Str +4, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik +2

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Ways of the Forest; Essential Virtue (healthy, minor), Ferocity (when at bay), Great Quickness, Lesser Immunity (fevers), Long-Winded, Puissant Athletics; Hatred (of serpents, major); Higher Purpose (protect its herd), Restricted Power (x2)

Personality Traits: Stag* +3, Noble +3, Healthy (Stamina) +3, Brave +2

Reputations: Noble 2 (local)

Combat:

Antlers: Init +4, Attack +10, Defense +10, Damage +7

Hooves: Init +4, Attack +8, Defense +9, Damage +5 Soak: +7

Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22-28), Dead (29+)

Abilities: Athletics 8+2 (sprinting), Awareness 5 (hunters), Brawl 5 (antlers), Stealth 3 (hiding in undergrowth), Survival 4 (forests)

Powers:

Healing, 3 points, Init –8, Animal R: Per, D: Mom, T: Ind The stag can heal one of its own Heavy or lesser wounds. This is a Restricted Power: the stag must eat the herb dittany to activate it. CrAn 25 (Base effect)

Delay the Serpent's Venom, 0 points, Init n/a, Aquam R: Per, D: Sun, T: Ind The Stag of Virtue is magically warded against poison. Any poison introduced into the Stag's body takes no effect until the next sunrise or sunset (whichever comes first). This power activates whenever such a poison is introduced, and thus has an Intellego requisite. Re(In)Aq 20 (Base 5, +2 Sun, +1 Intellego requisite)

Alleviate the Serpent's Bite, 1 point, Init +1, Aquam R: Per, D: Mom, T: Ind A Stag of Virtue can permanently neutralize any poison already inside its body. This is a Restricted Power, which the Stag must drink water to activate. PeAq 15 (Base 15)

Vis: 3 Creo in right antler.

"...[W]hen the stag knows where the serpent is, he goes and fills his mouth with water and spits it down where the serpent is and draws him out ... and stamps him underfoot and thus kills him."
— Pierre de Beauvais

A Stag of Virtue is a great enemy of serpents and kills them whenever it can. It does this by filling its mouth with water and spitting it down the serpent's hole; when the serpent emerges to escape drowning, the Stag of Virtue tramples it to death.

A Stag of Virtue enjoys vigorous health and can live a very long time (in fact, like other Beasts of Virtue, it can live forever). To keep itself youthful and healthy, this stag swallows a live, venomous serpent. Then it drinks a large quantity of water to neutralize the venom. After this process, its antlers fall off and its vigor is restored. Hermetic experts concur that the Stag of Virtue actually consumes Magical serpents for this process and that it becomes weak and looks aged when it cannot find snakes to eat (such as during the winter). The Stag of Virtue lives only in places where Magical snakes can be found.

The right antler of a Stag of Virtue has healing powers and is greatly sought by hedge wizards and magi alike. The stag always buries its antlers after shedding them. Anyone who consumes the flesh of a Stag of Virtue gains a Lesser Immunity to fevers for Moon duration. The stag itself is immune to fevers and the venison transfers this immunity through the Law of Contagion.

Story Seed: A Magical Quarry

The characters need the healing powers in the antler of a Stag of Virtue to heal a sick friend. They can either hunt the stag or try to find one of its buried antlers. In many parts of Mythic Europe, hunting large game is a privilege reserved for the nobility. The characters may be accused of poaching, or they may find that the local noble is hunting the Stag of Virtue for himself. Because the Stag has the Ways of the Forest Virtue and an impressive Athletics score, it can be a difficult quarry.

Stellatus, the Dragon

Magic Might: 50 (Ignem)

Characteristics: Int +4, Per +4, Pre +7, Com +2, Str +8, Sta +8, Dex +3, Qik 0

Age: n/a

Decrepitude: n/a

Confidence Score: 3 (12)

Virtues and Flaws: Second Sight Personality Traits: Proud + 3

Reputations: The Powerful Dragon who Lives in the Mountains (local) 5

Combat:

Claws: Init +3, Attack +22, Defense +18, Damage +20

Soak: +20

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0/0/0/0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-13), -3 (14-26), -5 (27-39), Incapacitated (40-52)

Abilities: [Area] Lore 5 (history), Awareness 8 (human beings), Brawl 7 (claws), Divine Lore 1 (saints), Faerie Lore 2 (knights), Folk Ken 2 (scholars), Guile 4 (keeping secrets), Infernal Lore 0 (1) (undead), Magic Lore 8 (dragons), Order of Hermes Lore 1 (Tytalus), Second Sight 8 (magical invisibility)

Powers:

Human Form: 1 point, Init 0, Corpus: The dragon can assume the form of a human being. This is always the same form, a man with dark hair and eves, in the prime of life. The transformation lasts until he eats or drinks, or until Stellatus uses the same power again to change back. The dragon has all his powers in human form, and the same Characteristics, but he is much weaker in combat and thus changes back if he needs to fight.

Instill Loyalty, 5 points, Init 0, Mentem: Stellatus can make any individual whom he can see totally loyal. This does not remove free will, but the victim is completely loyal to the dragon, and this loyalty lasts as long as Stellatus is alive.

Fiery Breath, 1 point, Init +5, Ignem: Stellatus can breathe fire. The fire extends in a cone from his mouth, out to a distance of 20 paces, where it is 20 paces across. The fire has an intensity of +15. Dodging it is a Oik + Athletics roll against an Ease Factor of 9. A failure means that the character is engulfed in the flames, taking +45 damage, a success by 3 points or less means that a limb is covered, for +30 damage, a success by 4 to 6 points (that is, success against Ease Factor 12) means that the character is only brushed by the flames, for +15 damage, while success by 7 points or more (that is, success against Ease Factor 15) means that the character dodges out of the fire entirely.

Master of Fire, 1 or more Might Points, Init 0, Ignem: Stellatus can control fire. He can duplicate any Hermetic Rego Ignem spell of fourth magnitude or less at the cost of 1 Might point. For every additional Might point he spends, the level of the spell increases by one magnitude.

Equipment: Ancient treasure is piled high in his lair.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 5 pawns of Ignem vis in each eye.

Appearance: An enormous lizard with great wings, covered in scales of red so dark as to be almost black. His eyes are lit from within by a smoldering orange glow. Although he is a little on the small side for a dragon, he is larger than most houses.

Stellatus is an ancient dragon who has laired under the same mountain range for centuries. Most of the time he lies quietly in his lair, contemplating his treasure, or travels the area around in human form (he can go for weeks without eating or drinking). Every couple of centuries, he erupts in draconic form to carry out some plan or seize some item, and every decade or so some would-be hero disturbs him.

The dragon is aware of The Gift, but it inspires him with curiosity, making him less likely to simply kill magi who enter his lair. A Tytalus maga did spend some time challenging the dragon in various ways, and although Stellatus eventually killed her by rigging an entirely mundane rock-fall trap, he quite enjoyed the experience. He regards himself as superior to all Hermetic magi, and is firmly convinced that he is immune to their magic. With a Magic Resistance of 50, this is almost, but not quite, true.

Zwergenstimme

Magic Might: 15 (Imaginem)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre –1, Com +4, Str 0, Sta –1, Dex 0, Qik +3

Virtues and Flaws: Great Communication, Improved Characteristics, Sharp Ears

Personality Traits: Mischievous +3, Echo +3*

Reputations: Murderous 1 (Local)

Combat:

Thrown Rock: Init +3, Attack +4, Defense n/a Damage +5

Abilities: Awareness 4 (sounds), Folk Ken 1 (fear), Guile 1 (mimicry), Music 2 (echoes), Thrown Weapon 4 (rocks)

Powers:

Master of Sound, variable points, Init +5 – Might cost, Imaginem: The spirit can duplicate any non-Ritual spell involving sound up to Level 15, at a cost of 1 Might Point per magnitude of effect. (Te)Im15

Bring Down the Roof, 2 points, Init +3, Terram: The Zwergenstimme can cause the roof of a cave to collapse, crushing any within it. This causes +20 damage, and seals the exit from the cave. PeTe 20 (base 3, +1 Touch, +2 Room, +2 Size)

Presence, 0 points, constant, Imaginem: Grants awareness of everything that happens within the bounds of a specific domain chosen by the spirit. In essence, the spirit is coterminous with its associated landscape feature, so it is present simultaneously everywhere within its boundaries. The area controlled by the spirit can produce a yearly harvest of 2 pawns of vis of an appropriate Form, which manifests as physical objects within the controlled region. Harvesting this vis does not erode the spirit's Might. The echo spirit can haunt a series of caves (constituting a Structure).

Ghost Touch, variable cost, Init +2, Terram: The spirit can hurl rocks at enemies. It uses the combat scores listed above, but each attack costs 1 Might point.

Vis: 3 pawns of Imaginem, as an immaterial echo Appearance: An echo. This spirit appears only as auditory species to those with Second Sight

This spirit of an echo lurks in caves or ravines. Its name literally means "dwarf voice" in German, and these spirits have been known to mislead lost humans by "playing" with them. The spirit certainly has no intent to harm; it doesn't even understand what harm is.

Creatures of Faerie

Faeries are essentially bound to stories, and their roles in those stories. They are made up of stray matter held together with mystical rules.

Despite this, their physical attacks are not blocked by Magic Resistance, including the Parma Magica.

Faeries cannot break their roles. They would prefer to die, because death is rarely permanent for faeries.

Faeries have Pretenses instead of Abilities. Most faeries cannot learn, so they use faerie glamour to mimic human Abilities. Skill in mimicking a particular Ability is called Pretense. This is not quite the same as an Ability, and a skilled character, with a score of 5 or more, may be able to tell. For example, a character with a Single Weapon Ability of 5 or more, when facing a faerie, may make a Perception + Awareness roll against an Ease Factor of 12 – the Ability score the faerie is pretending to have. If successful, the character realizes that the faerie's weapon does not travel through all the space between its strikes and blocks, sometimes it simply appears in the locations where its movements end.

In most scenarios, the difference between abilities and pretenses is insignificant. A faerie knight trying to kill a character is still dangerous regardless of whether he is using his sword the way a human would. In some scenarios, spotting that a character is using pretense is a way of detecting their faerie nature.

New Virtues and Flaws

Faeries have an innate ability to regenerate damage, retaining only those superficial injuries necessary to make their roles believable. They never suffer fatigue, although they may pretend to. They are unencumbered by the normal accoutrements of the role they are playing, which are formed from the glamour of the faerie, and increase its Touch range.

Cognizance is the degree to which a faerie knows it is a faerie, and what that means about its relationship to stories. Most have the Narrowly Cognizant Free Virtue. This means they are aware of their faerie nature in a limited way. They try to play a role accurately, and cannot break role even if it leads to their deaths. There are some faeries, with the Highly Cognizant Virtue, who are able to adapt their roles to feed

on human emotional energy. These are the most dangerous faeries, because they are able to change their roles. Incognizant faeries, conversely, do not even know they are faeries: they follow their roles because they have no potential to understand any other option.

Faerie Sight is the ability to read glamour, the magical rules from which faeries are constructed. Assume that characters with Faerie Sight can see magical things, and tell what other faeries want, just by looking at them.

Faerie Speech allows faeries to converse in the language of their audience. They can speak any language that someone has used to speak to them, and this effect does not need to Penetrate because it only affects the faerie.

A Traditional Ward is a taboo: the faerie may not touch a thing protected by the ward with its glamour. The faerie is likely uncomfortable in the presence of the ward, but is not compelled to flee. The faerie cannot regenerate Might points in the presence of a traditional ward. If forced to touch the ward the glamour holding the faerie's body together begins to decay. The damage to the faerie's body can be simulated with the Heat and Corrosion rules. Assume that the object acts as a source of damage with an intensity of +6.

A Sovereign Ward is a powerful taboo. A faerie cannot hurt someone carrying that faerie's sovereign ward. This includes indirect harm like burning down the building the warded person is in, or poisoning the well at which they are likely to drink. Direct contact with a sovereign ward destroys the body of a faerie, removing it from the scenario.

Realms of Power: Faerie contains much more detail on faeries and their realms, along with many more examples of faerie creatures.

Faerie Lounds

Faerie Might: 5 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +2, Pre -4, Com 0, Str 0, Sta +2, Dex +1, Qik +2

Size: +1

Virtues and Flaws: Faerie Sight, Improved Characteristics, Sharp Ears, Large; Incognizant, Reckless, Traditional Wards (varies)

Personality Traits: Loyal +3, Reckless +3, Brave +2 Combat:

Bite: (small teeth): Init +2, Attack +10, Defense +9, Damage +1*

\* In some cases faerie hounds have the Power Damaging Effect, which adds +5 to the damage score of their bite. This is usually visually obvious, for example their spittle ignites tiny flames on the ground, or their breath puffs like smoke because their teeth freeze like ice.

Soak: +2

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-6), -3 (7-12), -5 (13-18), Incapacitated (19-24), Dead (25+)

Pretenses: Athletics 5 (distance running), Awareness 6 (keeping watch), Brawl 5 (bite), Hunt 6 (track by scent)

Powers:

The powers below are commonly found in Faerie Hounds, but it is rare for a single hound to have more than two of them.

Damaging Effect: 2 points: Init 0, Varies: Causes all of the faerie's weapons, which are part of its glamor, to take on a more deadly aspect for two minutes. The danger of the aspect varies according to the motif usual for the faerie, but always increases the weapon's Damage by +5.

Enthralling Sound: 3 points, Init –2, Mentem: Used to cause terror and panic with its howl. This power also increases the intensity of an emotion that already exists. A stress roll with an appropriate Personality trait against an Ease Factor of 9 allows a victim to overcome this power's effect.

Enthrallment: 4 points, Init -2, Mentem: Allows the facrie to take complete control of a single human's mind for a day, by making eye contact.

Fearful Flaming Eyes: 2 points, Init –2, Corpus: Completely paralyzes a human who makes eye contact with the faerie.

Hound: 2 points, Init 0, Corpus: Allows the faerie to know the direction and distance to its human quarry.

Flight: 0 points, constant +2, Animal: The character is capable of flight. The character may use the Athletics skill to simulate difficult maneuvers, but may not engage in combat while flying incredibly swiftly. The faerie may not fly when heavily encumbered, or with a passenger of its Size or more, unless assisted by another faerie that shares the load.

Vis: 1 pawn Animal, dog corpse

Appearance: Faerie hounds are usually of chunky, hunting breeds. Many have shining eyes, and almost all have black, white or green fur. These statistics also suit the hunting hounds of the courtly fae. This type of faerie hound often has a white coat, red ears and blue eyes.

Huge faerie dogs haunt the roads of much of Mythic Europe. They terrify, and sometimes kill, travelers. Some can run rapidly, and others run upon their hindlimbs when chasing humans, to have their teeth closer to the victim's throat.

Faerie Hound Variants

In part of France, this role is filled by a terrifying goat.

Aufhocker, found in German-speaking areas, acts as a kelpie, and uses a power to cling to foes while goring them so that his weight adds 6 to their combat Load.

Kludie, from Belgium, is the most powerful variant of this beast. It can take monstrouslylarge versions of the forms of dog, cat, bat, horse or frog. It walks on its back legs, with a dancing movement as it sprints toward its victim. It is preceded by supernatural blue flames. Kludie knows the trick of bouncing on the back of his quarry and using a power to drag his prey down. He also does the kelpie trick, dunking or drowning those who mount him in horse form.

Faerie Knight

Faerie Might: 10 (Corpus or Terram)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre -2, Com -2, Str +3, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +1

Size: +1

Virtues and Flaws: Faerie Sight, Faerie Speech, Large, Narrowly Cognizant, Observant, Sovereign Ward (varies), Vow (Chivalrous conduct), Oath of Fealty, Overconfident.

Personality Traits: Arrogant +3, Courteous +3

Combat:

Brawl (gauntlet): Init +1, Attack +6, Defense +6, Damage +5

Long Sword and Heater Shield*: Init +3, Attack +10, Defense +9, Damage +9

Mace and Heater shield*: Init +2, Attack +9, Defense +8, Damage +11

Lance and Heater Shield (mounted)*: Init +3, Attack +10, Defense +8, Damage +8

Does not include +3 to Attack and Defense for being mounted.

Soak: +9* Faerie metal scale, made of glamor using the Shift Human Shapes Power.

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-6), -3 (7-12), -5 (13-18), Incapacitated (19-25), Dead (26+)

Pretenses: Awareness 1 (enemies), Brawl 3* (knights), Carouse 3 (feasts), Charm 1 (ladies), Etiquette 3 (chivalrous combat), Faerie Speech 5 (boasting), Hunt 2 (humans), Leadership 2 (guards), Ride 3 (horses), Single Weapon 4* (varies).

Many knights have far higher scores than this. These statistics are correct for faeries that plan to improve their Pretenses by losing to a character, then mirroring his experience gain for the season.

Damaging Effect: 1 point, Init -4, as per motif of court: Causes all of the faerie's weapons, which are part of its glamor, to take on a more deadly aspect for two minutes. The danger of the aspect varies according to the motif usual for the faerie, but always increases the weapon's Damage by +5.

Flight, 2 points, constant, Corpus: The character is capable of flight. The character may use the Athletics skill to simulate difficult maneuvers, but may not engage in combat while flying incredibly swiftly. The faerie may not fly when heavily encumbered, or with a passenger of its Size or more, unless assisted by another faerie that shares the load.

Shift Human Shapes: 1 point, Init 0, Corpus: Allows the knight, who is usually armored to demonstrate his role, to remove the armor simply by thinking about it.

Equipment: Arms and armor. Has a faerie horse constructed of the knight's own glamour, so it flies when the knight does, and shares the knight's Magic Resistance.

Vis: 2 pawns, often rusty pieces of armor that the knight has poured its glamour into.

Appearance: A knight clad in silver leaves of metal, astride a fine horse. These knights often display the motif of their court on their surcoat, shield and pavilion.

These faeries are often encountered outside courts, on lonely roads, and guarding bridges. They seek out defeat by humans as a way of gaining additional combat Pretenses. They are never seen with their armor off, so they may be a role that other faeries take on when they wish to enjoy some blood sport. Faerie Knights are more bound to the rules of chivalry than real knights, and so they do not use the Damaging Effect Power on their weapons against worthy foes.

Południca

Faerie Might: 10 (Auram)

Characteristics: Int +1, Per 0, Pre +3/-3, Com 0, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Oik 0

Size: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Faerie Sight, Faerie Speech; Incognizant, Sovereign Ward (running water), Traditional Wards (questions)

Personality Traits: Curious +3

Combat

Scythe: Init +1, Attack +6, Defense +4, Damage +5

Soak: +0

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20), Dead (21+)

Pretenses: Awareness 3 (laziness), Charm 2 (rural people), Faerie Speech 5 (rural people), Local Farms Lore 6 (stewardship), Profession: Farmer 6 (stewardship), Single Weapon 3 (rural people)

Powers:

Cause Fatigue: 0 points, Init 0, Ignem: Causes the loss of a long-term fatigue level via heatstroke.

Shift Human Shapes: 1 point, Init –1, Corpus: (beautiful to hideous within a range of +3/–3 Presence)

Transform Into Whirlwind: 3 points, +2 Init, Auram Vis: 2 pawns (scythe, Ignem)

Appearance: This faerie may appear as a beautiful maiden, a crone or an adolescent girl. She wears a white dress and carries a scythe or shears. She may travel as a dust devil, and is used as a nursery terror, to frighten children so that they do not harm crops.

Południca usually appears around noon on hot days, and asks farmhands difficult questions, or engages them in conversation. If the farmhand tries to change the topic of their conversation, or cannot answer one of the faerie's questions, she gives him heatstroke. If particularly annoyed at this farmhand she might instead drive him insane, or cause his death from hyperthermia. Południca are unable to spend Might points during the winter.

Story Seed: Południca

There is a little girl in a village near the covenant who has an imaginary friend. Her friend is a hyperthermia faerie, like Południca. The girl, through an artistic temperament, some luck and an invitation to play, has convinced the spirit that it should express emotional, rather than atmospheric, warmth toward the girl. The girl's friendship with the faerie keeps it close to her village, and does not alter its attitude to other humans, so she poses a terrible risk to her neighbours. The girl can be used as bait to trap the faerie and destroy it.

Skilled characters might, instead, trap the faerie and over the course of years, alter it. They would need to find a way to feed it sufficient vitality that it can change role, spread stories about the faerie that make the change of role easier, defend the role against other faeries that attempt to fill it, then coach the girl to collaborate with it, so that it becomes a more helpful harvest faerie.

Mateos, the Faerie Butler

Faerie Might: 10 (Herbam)

Characteristics: Int -1, Per 0, Pre -1, Com +3, Str -2, Sta +2, Dex 0, Qik -3

Size: -2 Age: n/a (40)

Virtues and Flaws: Narrowly Cognizant

Personality Traits: Convivial +3, Generous +2, Careful –2 Reputations: None

Combat:

Club: Init -2, Attack +4, Defense 0, Damage +1

Soak: +2

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-3), -3 (4-6), -5 (7-9), Incapacitated (10–12)

Pretenses: Carouse 9 (drinking), Charm 4 (drunk people), Etiquette 2 (parties), Faerie Lore 3 (drinks), Folk Ken 3 (drunk people), Guile 9 (convincing people to drink more), Living Language 5 (metaphors for drinking and getting drunk), Music 1 (drinking songs), Single Weapon (club) 1

Powers:

Heady Brew, 0 points, Init -10, Corpus: Any drink served by Mateos is three times as intoxicating as normal. Drinks that were non-alcoholic to start with become as alcoholic as ale. This does not change the taste of the drink. The extra intoxication is a magical effect, with Penetration 10, and can be resisted.

Unending Drinks, 1 point, Init –10, Aquam: For as long as he is serving a particular person, the drink in Mateos's barrel does not run out, even if he serves other people as well. If the chosen person (who is not the target of the power, and thus cannot resist) leaves, passes out, or stops drinking for any other reason, the contents of the barrel start to run out.

Equipment: Barrel of alcoholic drink.

Encumbrance: 3 (3)

Vis: 1 pawn of Herbam in each hand.

Appearance: Mateos is the size of a child, with a large pot belly, full beard sprinkled with gray, and a slightly grubby apron. He is always smiling, and offers just about everyone he meets a drink from his barrel.

Mateos lives for parties, particularly parties with lots of drunkenness and stupid behavior. If he arrives somewhere where there isn't a party, he tries to start one. With his faerie ale (or wine, or cider), it doesn't usually take him very long. Once people start getting drunk, he tries to convince them to do ridiculous and embarrassing things. He does not usually encourage people to do things that could kill them, however. The parties normally finish with everyone but Mateos passed out on the floor.

The Gift makes Mateos feel that the Gifted individual is a killjoy opposed to parties, and someone to be hurried out of the way as soon as possible.

Jumayl, A Jinni Guide

Faerie Might: 15 (Vim)

Characteristics: Int -1, Per +2, Pre 0, Com 0, Str +2, Sta +0, Dex +2, Oik +3

Age: appears 25 Confidence: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Jinni, Faerie Speech, Highly Cognizant, Improved Characteristics, Second Sight, Skinchanger, Warrior, Well-Traveled, Wilderness Sense, Greater Malediction (keep any bargain made), Carefree, Dutybound (Bedouin honor code), Traditional Ward (Bismillah Invocation), Vulnerable to Folk Tradition.

Personality Traits: Impulsive +3, Cheerful +3, Impious -1

Reputation: Skilled Caravan guard 2 (Mythic Middle East)

Long Sword: Init +5, Attack +14, Defense +9, Damage +8

Soak: +3

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead (21+)

Pretenses: Animal Handling 3 (camels), Athletics 3 (running), Mythic Middle East Lore 4 (trade routes), Awareness 3 (alertness), Brawl 3 (dagger), Bows 5 (short bow), Carouse 2 (power drinking), Faerie Speech 5, al-Mushaqqar Lore 2 (drinking establishments), Faerie Lore 3 (jinn), Folk Ken 4 (mercenaries), Leadership 4 (battle), Ride 3 (camels), Second Sight 3 (jinn), Single Weapon 7 (long sword), Survival 2 (deserts), Theology: Islam 1 (jinn), Wilderness Sense 3 (find water).

Powers:

Cuirass of the Zephyr, 1 point, Init +3, Auram: as Circling Winds of Protection with Duration of Recitation / Qira'a (as long as Jumayl keeps reciting verses of the Qur'an — equivalent to Concentration).

Blinding Light of the Pious, 1 point, Init +3, Ignem: as Flash of the Scarlet Flames.

Tay al-Ard (Travel), 4 points, Init +1, Corpus: this power instantly transports Jumayl and 2 individuals he holds hands with from one location to another that he has visited before or has an Arcane Connection to, regardless of distance. As Leap of Homecoming, with R: Touch, T: Group

Equipment: a fine damascene steel long sword, leather scale caravan guard armor, flashy jewelry Vis: 3 pawns of Vim vis, camel's tooth

Appearance: Jumayl ("little camel") is a comely, lithe man of uncertain oriental appearance, alabaster skin and white hair. One eye is iridescent green, the other ocean blue. He favors swirling robes dyed a deep blue color over light leather armor, highlighted by gold jewelry.

This jinni, one of the jann, is a mercenary guide, forced to wander from caravanserai to caravanserai along the trade routes of the Levant, Arabia, Persia, Transoxiana, and beyond for a crime his brother committed. An excellent swordsman and skilled outdoorsman, he is well known among the Muslim merchants and even Levantine Redcaps for his easy-going nature and bravado in defending caravans from raiders and brigands. Like most Faerie jinn, he can change into an animal form — in his case, a white wild Bactrian camel using his Skinchanger Virtue.

Although immune to Fatigue like other faeries, Jumayl is unusually susceptible to the effects of mundane alcohol — a weakness that helps him to play his role within stories along the caravan routes. Unlike most faeries, his Might points, once spent, can only recover if he gets a full night's rest and eats a meal in the company of fellow travelers. This must be done within a human community, eating travel rations or caravanserai meals, drinking beverages fermented by humans and listening to humans sing or tell tales about their travels. For every eight hours the character rests, he recovers a number of Might Points equal to the prevailing Aura as modified by the Realm Interaction Table, or 1, whichever is greater. He does not actually need to eat or drink however. Jumayl knows enough about wizards to avoid leaving Arcane Connections carelessly and keeps his True Name a close secret.

Tarlan the Wolf

Faerie Might: 20 (Animal)

Characteristics: Int -2, Per +5, Pre 0, Com -3, Str +3, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik +3

Age: n/a

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Incognizant

Personality Traits: Relentless +3, Cheerful -3

Reputations: Soul-eating demon (local) 1

Combat:

Bite: Init +9, Attack +10, Defense +10, Damage +6

Soak: +7

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Incapacitated (13–16)

Pretenses: [Area] Lore 6 (hunting tracks), Athletics 5 (running), Awareness 8 (spotting quarry), Brawl 3 (bite), Hunt 10 (human beings), Living Language 2 (threats), Stealth 9 (hunting), Survival 7 (forests)

Powers:

Marked Quarry: 1 point, Init +5, Mentem: Tarlan can pick a single human being whom he can see and who can see him, and mark him as quarry for the hunt. This inspires the victim with a strong fear of Tarlan, requiring a Brave roll against an Ease Factor of 9 to overcome, and specifically makes him likely to run.

Prey's Vigor: 1 point, Init +8, Corpus: By breathing on a tired person (anyone who has lost Fatigue levels), Tarlan can restore them to full vigor (i.e. all Fatigue levels are regained). However, the target also ages one year. This power can only be used if the target is close enough to actually feel the wolf's breath on his skin, and only works on adults.

Silent Running: 0 points, constant, Imaginem: Tarlan makes no noise unless he deliberately decides to.

Equipment: None. He's a wolf.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 2 pawns of Intellego in his nose, 1 pawn of Intellego in each ear.

Appearance: A large, deep black wolf with eyes that glint even when there seems to be no light around. He moves silently and can stay hidden unless he really wants his quarry to see him.

Tarlan exists to hunt people. He picks individuals who are in the wilderness by themselves, marks them as quarry, and then harries them to exhaustion. Once they can run no further, he bursts out of cover, and, somehow, the victims regain their vigor at that moment, finding that they can run away once more. The wolf can keep the hunt up indefinitely, but normally he times a final attack, on an exhausted victim, to happen just before dawn. If the quarry is particularly resourceful, he might keep the hunt up longer.

Tarlan does not always kill his victims, leaving some alive to tell the tale of their ordeal. He likes the idea that people are scared of him even before he uses his power. Indeed, he has occasionally not needed to use Marked Quarry at all.

The wolf does have one weakness. He cannot enter holy ground, so a victim who can run into a church or graveyard is safe. Tarlan knows this, and tries to herd his victims away from such places. In addition, because Prey's Vigor cannot affect children, Tarlan never hunts them. In fact, he's come to feel somewhat protective of them, on the grounds that, if he can't hunt them, no-one else is going to. Finally, The Gift inspires respect in the faerie. He never hunts Gifted individuals, and might even be happy to work with one who let him hunt people.

Valkyrie

Faerie Might: 20

Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre 0, Com 0, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +3, Qik +1

Size: 0

Virtues and Flaws: Faerie Sight, Faerie Speech; Incognizant, Visions*

\* Valkyries know where and when worthy men are likely to die

Personality Traits: Brave +5, Judgmental +3

Combat:

Axe and Round Shield (unmounted): Init +2, Attack +16, Defense +12, Damage +6

Axe and Round Shield (mounted): Init +2, Attack +19, Defense +15, Damage +6

Soak: +9

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20), Dead (21+)

Pretenses: Awareness 9 (battlefields), Brawl 9 (einherjar), Ride 5 (wolf), Single Weapon 9 (giants)

Powers:

Fly: 0 points, constant, usually Corpus but sometimes Animal: The character is capable of flight. The character may use the Athletics skill to simulate difficult maneuvers, but may not engage in combat while flying incredibly swiftly. The faerie may not fly when heavily encumbered, or with a passenger of its Size or more, unless assisted by another faerie that shares the load.

Equipment: Arms, armor, wolf mount, vast quantities of wine.

Vis: 4 Corpus, a dead vulture

Appearance: Shield maidens or crones that ride wolves above battlefields, and select the worthy dead. They have excellent equipment and extraordinary training.

Wolf Mount

Faerie Might: 20 (made of the glamour of the Valkyrie and shares her Might pool)

Characteristics: Cun +2, Per 0, Pre -2, Com 0, Str +2, Sta +3, Dex +2, Qik -4

Size: +3

Virtues and Flaws: Faerie Sight, Ferocity (when hungry) Sharp Ears

Personality Traits: Brave +3, Cowardly +3

Combat:

Teeth: Init –2, Attack +12, Defense +6, Damage +3

Soak: +7

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-8), -3 (8-16), -5 (17-24), Incapacitated (25-32), Dead (33+)

Pretenses: Athletics 5 (distance running), Awareness 3 (smell), Brawl 5 (teeth), Hunt 4 (track by smell), Survival 3 (winter)

Powers:

When the valkyrie uses Fly the wolf, as part of her glamour, flies too. The valkyrie can carry a passenger with the aid of her wolf.

Vis: None: the wolf is an extension of the valkyrie. Appearance: A wolf the size of a horse, with saddle and harness. Its thick fur gives it a Protection of 1 and it wears leather covers which act as partial barding.

These minor goddesses of the Norse pantheon are no longer worshiped in Mythic Europe, but have been encountered by magi in Elysium, and in their ancient places of power in Scandinavia. Their name means "Chooser of the Slain", because they are believed to choose who lives and dies during battle, and which spirits are worthy of transformation into einherjar, spiritual warriors awaiting Ragnarok. They also act as serving maids in Valhalla. Many have names that evoke the tumult of battle. They ride through the sky, invisibly, on wolves.

Great Lezi

Faerie Might: 40 (Herbam)

Characteristics: For Size 0*: Int +3, Per +3, Pre -2, Com 0, Str +6*, Sta +3, Dex 0, Qik 0*

\* For every +1 Size, add +2 Strength and subtract 1 Quickness. For every -1 in Size, subtract 2 Strength and add +1 Quickness.

Size: varies from -10 to +7.

\* A Lezi may change size in increments of fractions of an inch, if it wishes.

Virtues and Flaws: 3 x Great Characteristic; Faerie Sight, Faerie Speech, Highly Cognizant, 5 x Improved Characteristics, Sovereign Ward (may not leave forest), Some Lezis, particularly those with backward feet, are unable to harm humans who have turned all of their clothes backwards.

Personality Traits: Loves Forest +5

Combat:

2 x Brawl (club)* Init:1-Size, Attack 8, Defense 7–Size, Damage 9+(Size x 2)

\* The lezi's arms are made of solid wood, and do damage like a club. They are wielded with the Brawl Pretense, even if the lezi generates clubs to use in battle.

Soak: +15

Wound Penalties: See chart.

Pretenses: Animal Handling 9 (woodland creatures), Athletics 3 (striding), Awareness 9 (damage to forest), Bargain 3 (from position of strength), Brawl 6 (human interlopers), Carouse 3 (wine), Charm 2 (forest folk), Faerie Speech 5, Folk Ken 3 (forest folk), Forest Lore 9 (locations), Guile 2 (about woodland dangers), Leadership 9 (woodland creatures), Swim 3 (streams).

Powers:

Extended Glamour: 0 points, constant, Mentem: Grants awareness of everything that happens within the bounds of the forest. In essence, the faerie is coterminous with the forest, so it is present simultaneously everywhere within its boundaries.

Focus Power (Manifestation): 5 points, Init –5*, Animal or Herbam: Manifests the faerie's consciousness amongst animal and plant life its glamor touches, temporarily controlling their actions. This power allows the lezi to simulate any Creo Animal, Rego Animal, Creo Herbam or Rego Herbam effect with a value of 25 spell levels or less, targeted at the animals within its glamor and suiting its motif.

Focus Power (Woodland Change): 5 points, Init -5*, Animal or Herbam: Muto and Intellego effects only in Herbam and Animal.

Focus Power (Size Reduction): 5 points, Init -5, Corpus or Animal: Greater Lezi are considered to naturally be Size +7, and use powers to live at a smaller Size.

Transform Into Animal**: 3 points, Init. -3*, Animal: Transforms the character into a land animal. Faeries retain the power of speech in animal form.

Transform Into Bird or Fish**: 3 points, Init: −3*, Animal: Transforms the character into a specified bird or fish. Faeries retain the power of speech in animal

Transform into Human: This power costs the Lezi whatever it cost to transform away from the human shape.

Transform Into Object (Plant)**: 4 points, Init -4*, Herbam: In plant form, the lezi is capable of speech and limited movement.

\* Add appropriate Quickness modifier, based on Size.

\** Lezi are extraordinary in that they can change into any animal or plant from their woodland: they do not specify alternative forms as other creatures do.

Equipment: Can fabricate an endless variety of material from the woodland.

Vis: 8 pawns, External vis, club

The Forest Lord is found in Slavic lands. He usually appears as a tall, pale, bearded man with emerald eyes, but can take the shape of any plant or animal. He may change his size from that of a blade of grass to that of a tall tree. Many lezi have feet that face backward, and many are faunlike. Great Lezi command woodland animals. particularly wolves. The term "great" is used to compare this creature to the more common lezi, which is a form of faun.

Great Lezi Wound Penalties

Size	-1	-3	-5	Incapacitated	Dead
–3 or lower	1-2	3–4	5–6	7–8	9+
-1	1-4	5-8	9–12	13–16	17+
+ 1	1–6	7–12	13–18	19–25	26+
+3	1-8	9–16	17–24	25–32	33+
+7	1-12	13-24	25–36	37–48	49+

Great Lezi Variants

Gigantic fauns are found in the Basque country in Iberia. Once they were much like other fauns, although even then they had striking red fur. When humans won the right to till the country, these fauns became agricultural faeries. They use their great height to plan agricultural improvements, perform feats of remarkable engineering, and shout warnings when predators approach. In the region they are called Basajauns, but this is confusing because Basajaun is a large, wild faun in the folklore of the surrounding peoples, who keeps house with his wife and human slaves.

Lord Marsyne

Faerie Might: 50 (Aquam)

Characteristics: Int +2, Per +1, Pre +4, Com +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Oik 0

Age: n/a (40)

Confidence Score: 2 (6)

Virtues and Flaws: Great Characteristics, Improved Characteristics x 2, Narrowly Cognizant Personality Traits: Proud +3, Just +1, Forgiving -3

Reputations: Grants eternal youth 2 (local)

Combat:

Dodge: Init 0, Attack n/a, Defense 0, Damage n/a Soak: +25 (+5 against iron or steel weapons)

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)

Pretenses: [Area] Lore 5 (nobility), Awareness 3 (in his castle), Charm 8 (human women), Etiquette 10 (courtly), Faerie Lore 6 (cold faeries), Folk Ken 5 (people making requests), Guile 5 (pretending to grant requests), Intrigue 4 (court politics), Leadership (servants) 7, Language (All) 5 (commands), Magic Lore 2 (Hermetic magic), Order of Hermes Lore 1 (Merinita)

Powers:

Commanding Presence, 1 point, Init +10, Mentem: Anvone who can see Marsvne becomes awed by him, and gains a Personality Trait of Respectful to Lord Marsyne +3. Even magi must roll this Trait, if they fail to resist the spell. Disagreeing with him is Ease Factor 6, outright contradiction is Ease Factor 9, and attacking is Ease Factor 15. This power does not force obedience to the faerie's commands, but it does force you to be subtle about refusing.

Entomb, 10 points, Init –10, Mentem: A single human target is entombed in ice. The effect is Mentem because it also suspends the target's awareness, so that he or she does not need to eat, drink, or breathe, and does not think, dream, or remember while in the ice. Marsyne can break the effect at will, or it can be dispelled. If it is broken, the person returns to awareness without, immediately, realizing that they were unconscious. People do, normally, age while entombed, and can die of old age.

Gift of Youth, 10 points, Init –10, Corpus: This power targets a single woman, who stops aging. As long as she remains in Marsyne's castle, she does not age at all. If she leaves, she has the benefit of the Unaging Minor Virtue, so she might not realize that she is aging again. Once aging has restarted, it does not stop if the woman returns to the castle. The power only works on human women, and Marsyne normally only uses it on his wives.

Inner Warmth, 1 point, Init 0, Ignem: The recipient of this gift is unaffected by mundane cold until she (or he) enters an aura aligned with a realm other than Faerie. (Simply leaving a Faerie aura for an area with no aura doesn't end it, but entering a Magic, Infernal, or Divine aura does.) The gift provides no protection against magical cold.

Lord of Ice, 1 or more points, Init +8, Aquam: Marsyne can create any effect he wants involving ice, including effects that would require a Hermetic ritual. For every point he spends, up to a maximum of 5, the effect has three Hermetic magnitudes of power. Thus, if he spends 5 points, he can create a 15th magnitude effect.

Lord of the Castle, 0 points, Init +15, Mentem or Corpus: Marsyne can command any one of his servants to do anything, and the command is irresistible. He can also take control of the servant's body, and move it like a puppet, or even make it fly through the air. The only limits are that he can only target one servant at once, and can only target beings who have voluntarily agreed to serve him. Most are faeries, but his wives also qualify.

Equipment: Anything he wants, although particularly elaborate items gained particularly quickly will be faerie glamor rather than real.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 10 Aquam, in his blood.

Appearance: Tall, well-built, and handsome, with white skin, pale blond hair, and eyes the clear gray of sea ice. He wears fine clothes in white and blue, and a crown of diamonds rests on his brow. He almost looks like a human being, but the authority in his voice belies that, as does the fact that literal ice water runs in his veins; when he bleeds, there are small crystals of ice in the water that flows out.

Lord Marsyne is the ruler of a faerie domain in the far north or in a range of high mountains. His home is a castle of fantastic beauty, made entirely of ice, and he has an extensive faerie retinue. Marsyne and his faeries act out an elaborate charade of the routines and festivals of mundane noble life, hunting strange creatures, holding tournaments, and even passing judgment on criminals within the court.

Most of the time. the court has little direct contact with humans. However, Lord Marsyne always has a human wife, and every so often he needs to find a new one. He always chooses a beautiful. young woman, and looks for some spark of creativity, independence, and spirit. He is quite taken by The Gift, and any beautiful, young Gifted woman in the area he is searching is very likely to be wooed. The wooing is utterly sincere, as the wife must return of her own free will.

Marsyne's wife plays an important role in the politics of the court, having her own set of faerie ladies-in-waiting and servants, and presiding over many of the tournaments. She also plays an important mystical role, as her presence and creativity allow the faeries to do new things. One thing she is not, is a physical wife to Lord Marsyne.

As long as the wife follows the rules of the court, everything is fine. Marsyne makes her unaging, and protects her from the cold. If she breaks the rules, however, Marsyne judges her, entombs her in ice, and seeks out a new wife. He has many entombed wives, as some of the rules are along the lines of the classic "Do not go into this room. Here is the key."

It is also possible for a wife to win her freedom, either through a successful challenge by an external champion, or through her own wits. Lord Marsyne remains fond of any wife who wins her freedom fairly, because that is part of the rules, but any who simply flee are brought back and entombed in the ice.

Infernal Creatures

Infernal creatures are sometimes called demons or devils. These terms refer to the same group of creatures, and the choice of which to use is purely a matter of personal preference. There are some creatures with Infernal Might that are not true demons — physical beings that have been greatly corrupted by the Infernal. These beings may not have all the powers and features of true demons.

All demons can put off their physical forms and revert to being pure spirits at will. In combat, they can only do this on their action, but while they are not physical, they cannot attack or be attacked physically. They can also move as quickly as they like, and are not hindered by physical barriers, but they remain fully aware of their surroundings.

Demons are never noticeably bothered by The Gift. This may be because they try their best to damn everyone, so hostile behavior towards The Gifted looks no different.

Demonic Powers

All demons have the following powers:

Coagulation, 1 point per 10 Might (or fraction), Init –1, Corpus: This power allows demons to manufacture a solid body from the ambient, unformed matter of the universe. They may only take a single specific form with this power (the one described under Appearance in the demon's statistics) unless they have another power which allows them to alter it. Manifesting a physical form takes a round for every point of Infernal Might possessed by the demon; those with a high Infernal Might have more power which they must collect and force into solid form. The demon can end this power at any time, allowing its body to become finer and more rarefied and return to its natural state. Dissolution of the solid form is almost instantaneous, taking only a round of concentration from the demon, although this concentration may be disrupted.

The game statistics of a demon do not change regardless of whether it is in its physical or spiritual form, although a demon in spiritual form may not use its physical Characteristics. This power may not be a Corpus effect if the demon's body is naturally of a different substance, such as composed of elemental matter, or in the shape of an animal. Demons in Christian lands are forced to abandon their coagulated form on Holy Saturday (see Religious Limitations on Demons, later).

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim. Every demon possesses a particular sin — called its Obsession Trait — which it may attempt to impose upon a mortal whenever the mortal indulges in a venial sin. A demon can only use this power when there is a chink in the armor of virtue; that is, when a person is indulging in sinful thoughts or deeds. At this moment, the demon can impose its Obsession trait, if it penetrates Magic Resistance. The victim is assailed with sinful thoughts, and acquires a Personality Trait to represent these thoughts, with a score equal to the number of Might points spent by the demon (maximum of 3). When the victim is next presented with the opportunity to act on the Obsession Trait, the victim's player must make a simple roll and add the Obsession Trait; this must be lower than a simple roll + any other suitable Personality Trait to successfully resist the impulses (a Trait which is similar to the imposed Trait may act as a penalty instead). If the Obsession roll fails, then the demon's power has failed and the Obsession trait is lost. If the Obsession roll is higher, the victim gives in to sin, permanently acquiring the Obsession Trait at +1 (or increasing it by one if he already possesses it). Any further succumbing to this trait counts as sinful, rather than as an action forced by a demon.

Each demon can inflict only certain traits, representing its particular role in the corruption of mankind, these Personality Traits are listed under the creature's powers. Due to its low initiative, it is unlikely that this power will be used by a demon when in physical combat.

Example of Obsession
Bartholomew has the Obsession Trait of Avarice. He sees a nun collecting alms for the orphanage, and bumps into her deliberately on the street. The nun's flash of anger over his apparent clumsiness gives Bartholomew the doorway he needs, and he imposes the Trait upon her, spending three of his Might Pool. When the nun is counting her pennies later that day, she has an opportunity to act on the demonically-induced greed, so is forced to make an Avarice personality roll. She rolls a 5, +3 for the Obsession trait for a total of 8. Her opposing die roll is only a 6, but she also has the Generous Personality Trait, for a total of 9. She resists the impulse to steal, and resolves to pray harder, shocked that she even considered such an act.
The next day, Bartholomew observes a reeve fleecing his lord of taxes, and imposes his Avarice trait on him, again spending 3 points. The reeve is immediately presented with the opportunity to be even more larcenous, so must make a roll. He rolls a simple die (3) and adds the Obsession Trait of +3 for a total of 6. The opposing die roll (a 6) is penalised by the reeve's own Greedy Personality Trait of +1, and so the reeve steals even more money from his lord than he was intending. The reeve's Greedy trait increases to +2, and Bartholomew makes a note to return here again soon.

Envisioning, 1 or 5 points, Init +0, Mentem: This power allows a demon to appear in the dreams of a sleeping target (in which case it costs 1 point), or make the target experience a waking dream or vision (in which case it costs 5 points). A demon cannot instantly make substantial changes to a dream, but can gradually twist it to take on a darker and frightening tone, and can speak through any figure from the victim's subconscious. A waking dream is more obvious; the victim suffers an immediate and powerful hallucination of whatever the demon desires. This may be so frightening that the victim is stunned for a round, and must make a Brave Personality roll against an Ease Factor of 9 or have an extreme reaction, such as retching, convulsions or abject terror. This is the only way in which a spiritual demon can communicate with mortals.

Many (but not all) demons also have the following power:

Possession, variable points, Init +2, Mentem: To possess a human, the demon may expend any number of points from its Might Pool to create a Possession Might Pool; these points actually enter the possessed creature and will not be regenerated by the demon until the possession is ended. The more of its Might it expends to use this power, the more the demon can do with its host (also called an energumen), but the weaker the Penetration. If the target's resistance is overcome by this power, the victim is possessed by the demon, and is under its direct control. If the demon uses all of its current Might Pool in a possession then its spiritual form effectively enters the victim and resides within (forcing the loss of any physical form). Alternatively, a demon may divide its consciousness by only placing a portion of its Might within a victim, allowing the possessing part of it to act independently from the rest (which remains in spiritual or physical form). In this situation, the separate parts of the demon's consciousness may only communicate information learned since the split when within sight of each other; otherwise they should be considered independent copies of the demon's mind.

The demon may use any of its powers that it has sufficient Possession Might Pool to use, but these points do not regenerate until the possession ends. The demon may choose to extend its power over its host to give it Magic Resistance equal to the Possession Might, if it does so, then the host is excluded from wards against supernatural beings just as if it were the demon itself. The same is true if the host is currently under the effects of one of the demon's powers. In all other situations, the demon can 'hide' within the host, and walk through such wards with impunity.

If the demon attempts to force the victim to act contrary to his nature, or to use any of the energumen's own magical powers, the demon must spend points from its Possession Might Pool. A supernatural power (including spell-casting) requires 1 Might point per magnitude (for a spell or similar effect); 1 Might point per point of a Supernatural Ability (such as Entrancement); or Might points equal to the Might points expended by the energumen. A questionable action which is contrary to the nature of the host requires the demon to exceed the possessed being's Personality Trait roll on a stress die + Might points spent. The storyguide may give a modifier to the Personality Trait roll based on the nature of the command. Over time, exercise of the demon's Obsession power on the host may result in a reduced resistance to such questionable actions. Note that use of a supernatural power might also be contrary to the victim's nature, in which case both costs must be met.

Once the Possession Might Pool placed into the victim reaches zero, the possession ends. Note that a being can be possessed with as little as 1 Might point, as long as the demon does not wish to do too much with its host. Furthermore, a demon may possess more than one host simultaneously, and can direct each independently. Vim spells may be used on the energumen to target the demon rather than the host, these must overcome the demon's Infernal Might in the usual way, but drain the Possession Might Pool, not the Infernal Might.

Demons and Magic

Hermetic magic cannot pierce any deception produced by a demon, although other varieties of Supernatural Powers (particularly Divine Powers) may well be able to do so. A demon's lie is not detected with Frosty Breath of the Spoken Lie, a demonic illusion does not show up as false with Discern the Images of Truth and Falsehood, and a shape-changed demon appears to be a mundane creature if Sight of the True Form is used. Even if a magus casts a spell of compulsion on a demon, he cannot force it to tell the truth. This 'protection' from truth-revealing magics need not involve an active act of deception on behalf of the demon; the presence of a demon's Infernal Might is invisible to Hermetic magic, as is the stench of Hell in their Infernal Powers. However, only Infernal Powers used by demons are immune to detection, use of Infernal Powers by humans may be detected with Hermetic magic.

The Ease Factor for the Second Sight Ability to detect naturally invisible things (such as spirits) is normally 9. However, the sheer deceptiveness of demons is such that this Ease Factor is increased by the magnitude of their Might. If this Ability derives from non-Divine sources, then it may not pierce illusions created by demons at all, in the case of Second Sight of a Divine origin, use the normal Ease Factor of 6 + magnitude of Might to pierce these deceptions.

A Hermetic magus must be able to sense his target to affect it, and a demon in its spiritual form cannot be sensed through mundane means, nor may it be sensed through Hermetic magic due to its inherent deceptiveness. If a spiritual demon can be tricked into using its supernatural powers (and a magus is able to detect the power's effect without the use of Hermetic magic) then he can target the demon with his spells. Otherwise, he must rely on other resources such as Second Sight, Sense Holiness and Unholiness, or Divine Powers (his own or another's) to reveal the demon.

Demons can be warded off by the Form listed next to their Infernal Might, and, if in physical form, may be affected by magics corresponding to that Form. Thus, in addition to the Rego Vim spell Ward Against Demons, which affects all demons, there is a Rego Animal Ward Against Animal Demons, a Rego Aquam Ward Against Water Demons, and so forth. Demons are mostly intelligent beings and may also be targeted by Mentem spells.

The Infernal Might of a demon may be manipulated with the Art of Vim. Demons may be attacked with Perdo Vim spells such as Demon's Eternal Oblivion (or its non-Hermetic equivalents) in either form, assuming the target has been sensed. The Infernal Might of the demon is reduced by a successful casting of this spell, and the demon also loses any Might Pool that exceeds its new reduced Infernal Might. As the demon's Infernal Might is reduced, subsequent Perdo Vim spells penetrate more easily, and have greater effect. The demon's body is actually eroded using these magics, and a demon that is reduced to an Infernal Might of zero is destroyed, leaving behind no corpse (and thus no vis). Demons in either spiritual or physical form may be attacked with these spells and the result is the same.

All demons are entirely immune to magic which would cause them to act in a contrary way to their Personality Traits.

Demons may be summoned and compelled by Hermetic Magic, although the Oath of Hermes specifically forbids it. Knowing a spell which will either summon or compel a demon is grounds for expulsion from the Order and a Wizard's March.

Demonic Weaknesses

All demons are vulnerable to expressions of God's power, whether this is the sacraments of a faith, a prayer from a devout follower, or the relic of a saint. Relics, as supremely holy items, are anathema to demons, as described in the Realms chapter (page 419). A character who has a focus for her prayers (such as a rosary, a phylactery or so forth) and who successfully invokes God's aid to defeat a demon (see Realms of Power: The Divine, page 41) gains twice the usual bonus. Any object which is an intrinsic part of Divine worship, but not actually a relic in its own right (such as a Church bible, the Host, the scrolls of the Torah) is a Vulnerability (see below) of all demons.

All demons have an additional weakness. These may place limits on what a demon can and cannot do (in any form), or it might cause wounds in some circumstances, in which case only the physical form is affected. To determine whether a character has learned the weakness of a specific demon, he must have had some prior exposure to knowledge of the demon (for example, through study of a catalog of demons), and must make an Intelligence + Infernal Lore roll against an Ease Factor of 9 + (Might /5). Subtract 3 from the Ease Factor if the demon is a member of a family, for all members of a family share the same weakness. Failure indicates that the character does not know the weakness of this demon, but can make another attempt to discover it once his score in Infernal Lore increases.

Weaknesses should be chosen from the following list:

Abhorrent Material/Circumstance: The demon cannot abide a particular type of object or substance, or a particular circumstance. This may be a common material such as light, salt or garlic (for weak demons); or a reasonably uncommon one, such as iron horse-shoes, or objects that have been given names, or charms made of rowan wood, for the more powerful demons. The material or circumstance inflicts no actual damage, but should such a thing come into the demon's presence, it must flee; or else spend a Confidence point to remain for two minutes. If it is unable to do either, then a brave or foolhardy soul may be able to strike a bargain with the demon using the advantage he has gained. A demon in the presence of its Abhorrent Material or Circumstance cannot regain spent Might points. This weakness affects demons in both spiritual and physical form, but demons possessing a human are more resistant to their weaknesses, and may make a Stamina roll against an Ease Factor of 6 to remain in the presence of the abhorred material. If the roll is failed, they must either make their host flee, or if this is not possible, end the possession and flee themselves.

Compulsiveness: The demon is compelled to enumerate randomly-scattered objects; if, for example, a jar of beans is scattered in the path of this demon, it must count every one before it can proceed. The objects must be purposefully scattered in sight of the demon to hinder it.

Ordering: The demon has no power over anything which is sealed, counted, measured or tied up. It cannot open sealed vessels, steal grain from a bushel (although it can falsify the weighing in the first place), and so forth. Many demons in Jewish lore have this limitation.

Protected Group: The demon cannot act directly against a particular, reasonably common, group of people. It may not be able to affect children, or men with beards, or female Muslims. None of its supernatural powers work on this group, and if they face it in combat, it can only defend itself. A person who is not a member of the protected group is safe from the demon if he remains within a defined group of at least 9 others who are protected from the demon. Likewise, 2 vulnerable people can hide within a group with a total size of twenty, and so forth.

Running Water: The demon cannot cross running water. This must be fresh water deriving directly from within the earth — spilled water from a jar will not hinder them.

Vulnerability: A certain substance (see Abhorrent Material for example) causes a Light Wound to the demon merely by touch. The more powerful the demon, the rarer this substance should be. Any weapons made of the material to which the demon is vulnerable inflict a Light Wound to the demon on a successful attack in addition to any damage inflicted as a result of the attack, even if the demon's soak absorbed all the other damage. Light is a common Vulnerability of weak demons.

Demons and Free Will

All demons possess free will as an essential part of their nature, but they have already made the choice for evil (or, as Judaism would have it, are doing God's will by being evil). Because demons are dominated by their evil inclinations, they always act according to their selfish and wicked impulses. Demons are wholly corrupt, so the free choices they make are also wholly corrupt. Demons have no virtues at all, which includes such virtues as patience, courage, and self-control. This means that demons are not good at elaborate long-term plans that provide no immediate pay-off. The mastermind behind such a plan would be a human diabolist, or a faerie. See Chapter 4 of Realms of Power: The Infernal for more information on using demons in a saga.

Confidence is an aspect of free will, representing the ability of demons to put aside their base impulses and act in a rational manner. Not all demons have Confidence, so some demons are incapable of acting against the dictates of their passions.

Religious Limitations on Demons

In Christian lands, all demons are forced to abandon their physical form at dawn on Holy Saturday (the day between Good Friday and Easter Day), furthermore, no demon may spend Might points from this point until dusk on Easter Day. This is a reminder of Christ's victory over Satan and subsequent descent into Hell to bring the good news to the souls trapped there.
For Jewish families, if all sins committed in the past year by the adults of the household are atoned and forgiven in the five days between the holy days of Yom Kippur and Sukkot (in September–October), then all demons who are currently affecting their family must flee the household and not return for a year.
No demon can use any Infernal Might to directly affect a Muslim who has completed the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) within the last year. The hajj must be properly and devoutly performed to grant this immunity.

Demons, Auras and Regiones

Infernal creatures recover spent power more quickly in Infernal auras and regiones. Might Pool usually refreshes at a constant rate such that that all Might would be restored in a day; i.e. Infernal Might / 24 points per hour. In an Infernal aura, it refreshes at a faster rate:

NUMBER OF HOURS TO RESTORE ALL MIGHT: 24 - (2 x Infernal Aura)

MIGHT POINTS RESTORED PER HOUR: Infernal Might / Number of hours

Thus a demon with an Infernal Might of 25 resting in an Infernal aura of 6 regains 25 points in 12 hours (approximately 2 points an hour), which is twice as fast as usual.

A demon cannot regenerate any Might in a Divine aura. In all other auras they refresh their Might at the usual rate.

Baal-Peor, Lord of Filth

Infernal Might: 30 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +2, Pre -5, Com +1, Str +4, Sta +5, Dex +1, Qik +1

Size: +2

Confidence Score: 3 (9 points)

Virtues and Flaws: Oversensitive (coitus), Obese

Personality Traits: Proud +6, Hungry +3, Shame -3

Reputations: Treasurer of Hell 6 (Infernal), Demon of Filth 5 (Infernal)

Combat:

Noxious Vomit: Init +9, Attack +12, Defense n/a, Damage +12*

Claws: Init +4, Attack +5, Defense +6, Damage +6**

\* See power description

\** Claws are coated in excrement. Unless injuries are cleaned carefully, they will fester and never heal. A roll on the Recovery Table that results in an Improvement indicates stability, while a Stable result indicates that the wound worsens. Once the infection has set in, only Divine aid in healing cleanses the wounds.

Soak: +8

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22–28)

Abilities: Artes Liberales 4 (arithmetic), Brawl 4 (claws), Civil and Canon Law 4 (trade), Folk Ken 6 (fornication), Infernal Lore 5 (wealth), Intrigue 7 (envy), Medicine 4 (poisons), Profession: Merchant 7 (unfair deals)

Powers:

Form of Woman, 0 points, Init 0, Corpus: Baal-Peor can take the form of a woman, although he cannot use this power to mimic a specific woman. He always chooses a form which will be considered beautiful by the target audience of his schemes.

Noxious Vomit, 1 point, Init +9, Corpus: This power allows Baal-Peor to spray vast amounts of vomit (or, facing the other way, even less pleasant substances) through an area. His vomit is an expression of his spiritual vileness, and does the damage indicated in his combat statistic through corrosion, except to characters with True Faith, whom it cannot touch. The target must make a Strength + Size stress roll against an Ease Factor of 9 or be sent flying backwards. Anyone successfully struck by this vileness continues to suffer +3 damage in each round until it is washed off. This damage does not stack for multiple successful attacks.

Swallow Assault, 5 points, Init +3, Terram: Baal-Peor may avoid injury from mundane objects by opening his maw so wide that the attack slides harmlessly down his throat.

Coagulation, 3 points, Init −1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim: Shamelessness, Gluttony

Shroud the Stench of the Pit, variable points, Init +3, Vim: This power may be used in two manners, both of which affect the expression of other supernatural powers. A demon can conceal the Infernal nature of any other supernatural power, making it appear to be magical or faerie instead. This power is used on an overt expression of power, to prevent spells from recognizing it as infernal in origin. Secondly, it may be used on more subtle powers to remove all stench of the supernatural, making them appear wholly mundane. This power costs Might points equal to the original cost of the power being concealed, or Might points equal to the magnitude of the Infernal effect if it does not cost might to use. This power lasts for as long as the power it is masking.

The Wealth of Nations, 3 points, Init 0, Terram: The demon can summon riches, each use of this power can create wealth equivalent to up to pound of gold for every point of Infernal Might possessed by the demon. This wealth can be of any form — gold, gems, rich tapestries, ivory, etc. — but it is always has intrinsic value, rather than being valuable because of its utility (a roomful of grain, for example). This wealth is not created, it is instead summoned from somewhere else, chosen by the demon, usually for the greatest effect. This might be a royal treasury on the other side of Europe or the purse of the man standing next to you.

His Master's Voice, variable points, Init +1, Vim: The demon can summon other demons or corrupt beasts to its current location. This costs one Might point for every point of Infernal Might of the being summoned, so is used sparingly. The demon has no control over the demon he has summoned.

Weakness: Running water

Vis: 6 pawns of Perdo, in tongue

Appearance: Baal-Peor appears as an immensely fat naked man, with rolls of flab cascading down his body. He is completely hairless, and has a repulsive, snake—like tongue. He wears a serpent wrapped around his girth like a belt, and its head is usually draped over his shoulder.

Baal-Peor (or Belphegor) is a demon of wealth. He creates discord by moving mortal riches in disruptive ways (using the Wealth of Nations power). He gives money to the vulnerable, so that the strong are tempted to take it. He gives the possessions of the powerful to others. This tempts the recipients to keep their stolen treasures, and rouses the powerful to recover them by force.

Baal-Peor was worshipped, in ancient times, less as a wealth-god than as an embodiment of the desire to consume everything and transform it into vileness. His title, "Lord of the Openings" describes him: an unfillable mouth leading to a ceaseless defecation. Priests and pilgrims used the space before his statue as a latrine, as a form of worship. Baal-Peor, it is said, was sent by his masters to seek the truth of rumors that humans lived in marital bliss. He tried to live as a woman, but was so disgusted by marital relations that he fled back to Hell.

Bartholomew

Infernal Might: 50 (Mentem)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +2, Pre +3, Com +5, Str –1, Sta 0, Dex –1, Qik –1

Size: 0 Age: n/a (50)

Confidence Score: 2 (9) Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Slothful +3, Gregarious +2, Retiring –2

Reputations: Excellent adviser on money matters 5 (local)

Combat:

Fist: Init -1, Attack -1, Defense -1, Damage -1

Soak: +8

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)

Abilities: [Area] Lore 6 (trade routes) (Three of these, for the area where he lives, the larger area including it, and the whole of Europe), Artes Liberales 2 (arithmetic), Bargain 10 (trade goods), Charm 5 (merchants), Etiquette 4 (merchants), Folk Ken 8 (merchants), Guile 10 (trading), Intrigue 5 (market politics), Language 6 (trade talk), Latin 6 (ecclesiastical), Profession (merchant) 10 (cloth)

Powers:

Merchant's Blessing, 2 points, Init +0, Mentem: The recipient of this blessing seems trustworthy to most people, and gets a +3 bonus on all social rolls to do with trading. People react to him as if he has an excellent reputation for honesty, fair dealing, and getting high quality goods cheaply. The blessing lasts for a week, unless Bartholomew chooses to renew it.

Merchant's Curse, 1 point, Init +0, Mentem: The inverse of Merchant's Blessing, this curse makes people treat the victim as if he had a strong reputation for dishonesty, cheating and reneging on deals, and selling shoddy goods at inflated prices. He also has a –3 penalty to all social rolls to do with trading. The curse lasts for a week, unless Bartholomew chooses to renew it.

Merchant's Knowledge, 0 points, automatic, Mentem: Bartholomew knows what someone in receipt of his curses or blessings is doing with their business.

Project Blessing, 2 points, Init +0, Vim: Bartholomew can bless a particular commercial venture, so that chance favors it whenever possible. This results in a very successful trading venture. The blessing only lasts for one day, which isn't normally long enough to have an effect, but Bartholomew can renew the blessing every day, if he so chooses.

Project Curse, 1 point, Init +0, Vim: The inverse of Project Blessing, this effect makes everything that could go wrong, go wrong. It takes at most a month to drive someone to bankruptcy through this power. As for the blessing, the curse only lasts for one day at a time.

Coagulation, 3 points, Init –1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init -5, Vim: Avarice

Equipment: Fine clothes, a nice house, trade goods. Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Weakness: Ordering

Vis: 10 pawns of Mentem vis, one in each of his fingers. Infernally tainted.

Appearance: Bartholomew appears as an older, but still vigorous, merchant. He is plump, but not fat, and while he never appears positively cheerful, he also never seems angry, or impatient, at least not with other merchants. His clothes are of excellent quality and taste.

Bartholomew is a well-established and moderately successful merchant in a trading city. He is known for being lazy, but still making an extremely comfortable living from his trade. He also willingly gives advice to other merchants, and they have noticed that following his advice makes them rich, while disregarding it makes them poor. Most people in the city also think that Bartholomew attends church regularly. In fact, being a demon, he has never set foot inside a consecrated building. He has, on the other hand, made substantial donations to the Church, and those donations are well known.

The advice he gives is good business advice in itself, but he normally backs it up with his blessings, at least for a while. If his advice is ignored, he uses his curses to make sure that people suffer. The demonic features of his advice are very, very subtle. Merchants following them often find that they need to work on Sundays, although Bartholomew does not explicitly suggest that, and that they are often away from home on religious holidays, and thus unable to attend their local church. Further, he gives advice about charity, suggesting that the merchant give money away to reinforce his social standing. He also gives extensive advice on how to calculate how much to give, so that it doesn't cause the merchant financial problems.

This has the effect of making the merchant feel that he is doing a lot of good by giving alms, while removing any actual virtue it has. Anyone following Bartholomew's advice gives only for their own glory, and thus earns no merit. They are sinners, but they don't realize that they are, and thus they do not see the need to repent and reform. Bartholomew's strategy is subtle, but it wins many souls for Hell.

Bomburkhan

Infernal Might: 5 (Vim)

Characteristics: Int -2, Per 0, Pre 0, Com 0, Str -9, Sta +1, Dex +6, Qik +7

Size: -9

Virtues and Flaws: Weak-Willed, Short Attention Span

Personality Traits: Resentment of Being Controlled +5, Selfish +5, Brave -6

Reputations: none

Combat:

Dodge: Init +7, Attack n/a, Defense +14, Damage n/a

Soak: +1

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious Wound Penalties: -1 (1), -3 (2), -5 (3), Incapacitated (4) Abilities: Athletics 5 (flying), Brawl 6 (dodge), Guile 6 (boasts)

Powers:

Make a Liar of the Boastful, 5 points, Init 0, Vim: If this imp hears a boast and expends all of his Might points, he can immediately grant someone nearby an Ability or Power which will contradict that boast, and cause them to use it immediately. Thus if someone proclaims that she is the most beautiful woman in France, Bomburkhan can immediately make someone more beautiful than the boaster. This power must penetrate Magic Resistance to grant the Ability or power to the person, and that talent lasts for 1–10 rounds only (roll a simple die). A physical change, such as the example given above, lasts until the boaster and the target can no longer see each other.

Insignificance, 0 points, Init 0, Vim: No Magic, Infernal or Faerie power can force Bomburkhan to use any of his nowers

Misfortune, 0 points, Init 0, Vim: As an agent of misfortune, the presence of the demon causes the worst luck. In games of sheer chance, the odds always favor the opponent of the imp's target. In other matters where luck is more of a factor than judgement or skill, the target receives a penalty of -2 to any rolls. This misfortune lasts until the demon grows bored or is driven off

Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init -5, Vim: Boastful

Weakness: Vulnerability (salt) Vis: 1 pawn of Vim, in wings

Appearance: Bomburkhan appears as a jet-black bat, no bigger than a person's hand, but with a pinched and twisted human face protruding from the black fur.

Bomburkhan was released from Hell after the false bravado of a Crusader led to the capture of Jerusalem. Since then he has taken great delight in puncturing the over-inflated egos of the prideful. This demon has an ability that could be exceedingly powerful, depending upon the magnitude of a speaker's self-importance. For example, should a magus declaim "no-one can breach my Parma Magica!", a nearby grog might suddenly hurl a Pilum of Fire which slices straight through it! Fortunately for all concerned, this power uses all of Bomburkhan's Might pool, and he grows bored very easily, wandering off once his mischief is done.

Bordelon, a Personal Tormentor

Infernal Might: 15 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +2, Per +1, Pre 0, Com +2, Str -1, Sta 0, Dex +3, Qik +4

Size: 0

Confidence Score: 1 (3 points)

Virtues and Flaws: Piercing Gaze, Puissant Leadership

Personality Traits: Cruel +6, Stern +5, Implacable +3

Reputations: None

Combat:

Switch: Init +6, Attack +11, Defense +10, Damage +4

Soak: +2

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16–20)

Abilities: Leadership 6+2 (children), Single Weapon 5 (switch)

Powers:

Crushing the Will, 2 points, Init 0, Mentem: This power saps the will and vitality of its target, leaving him listless, less energetic and withdrawn. All Personality Trait rolls suffer a —3 modifier, and the target may not spend Confidence points to increase other rolls. Each use of this power lasts until the victim has slept for at least 6 hours.

Chastise the Disobedient, 0 points, Init +3, Corpus: Every strike of Bordelon's switch inflicts a fearsome sting. Double the wound penalties inflicted by the weapon, although these extra penalties vanish after an hour. Wound penalties caused by any actual wounds she inflicts are healed as normal.

Coagulation, 2 points, Init -1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim: Shame

Betrayal of the Heart, 2 points, Init 0, Mentem: Bordelon can see into the hearts of mankind and draw forth the most secret thoughts — people's fears and sins. Each use of this power reveals to the demon one fact about the target to which he would never admit. Truly holy people may be immune to this power, if they have no secrets, no matter how petty.

Whispers Behind the Back, 2 points, Init 0, Mentem: Exactly as the spell Pains of the Perpetual Worry, this power gives the victim a nagging, taunting, painful emotion linked to their secret sins. It is a recurrent sense of anxiety that their secret will be uncovered, and a suspicion that everyone already knows it and is taking about the target behind his back. This power lasts for a month.

Weakness: Protected Group (red-haired women)

Vis: 3 pawns of Mentem, in hair.

Appearance: Bordelon appears as a stern-faced old woman, with hair tied back in such a tight bun that it distorts her face. Her small horns are hidden within this hair. Her skin is mottled with liver-spots, and she wears an austere gown which covers her cloven hooves and forked tail. She affects the demeanor of a stern governess. She carries a switch of willow bound with leather, which she wields with expert ability to inflict the most pain.

Bordelon believes that meekness is a virtue, and that those who strive to better themselves are victims of pride. Her goal is to crush all ambition and prevent those whom she watches from committing the very sin of Satan himself. Bordelon chooses a child early on in his life, and becomes his personal tormentor (granting the Story Flaw Plagued by a Demon). The child soon learns that the demon's periodic appearances are more frequent whenever he tries to distinguish himself from his peers, so her victims tend to become withdrawn. unambitious and meek. Whenever her victim acts in a way that would grant a Confidence point due to increased selfworth, he can expect a visit from Bordelon to punish the presumption.

The Buran of Yenghissar

Infernal Might: 25 (Auram)

Characteristics: Int -5, Per 0, Pre +3, Com -2, Str n/a, Sta n/a, Dex +3, Qik +6

Size: +4

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Jinni, Berserk, Strong-Willed, Wilderness Sense, Fury (Major) (when summoned), Greater Malediction (bound by bargains), Mute

Personality Traits: Untameable +5

Reputations: Scourge of Yenghissar 2 (local)

Combat: Not applicable, the buran is an insubstantial spirit

Soak: Not applicable, the buran is an insubstantial spirit

Wound Penalties: Not applicable, the buran is an insubstantial spirit

Abilities: Arabic 5 (understanding)*, Folk Ken 3 (travelers), Theology: Islam 3 (jinn), Survival 5 (desert), Taklamakan Lore 5 (legends), Wilderness Sense 2 (weather)

\* Represents level of understanding as the spirit is Mute.

Delusion of the Desert, 1 or 5 points, Init +3, Imaginem: This evil spirit can create illusions of a lost traveler's companions or a welcoming oasis, only to launch itself in fury at an unsuspecting victim. Alternatively it can create images of itself as a humanoid sandstorm with glowing fiery eyes in order to terrify its victims prior to their deaths. A minor illusion which affects an Individual amount of material (such as the demon itself) costs one point, a larger illusion which fills a room costs five points. These visions always have a flaw, however (they smell wrong, can only be seen by one target, etc.).

Elemental Control of Wind, variable points; Init +1; Auram: The buran has control over the winds of nature, which it uses to wreak destruction on the desert fringes. It may create any Creo, Muto, or Rego effect appropriate to Auram, at a cost of 1 Might Point per magnitude of effect. The demon cannot create any effect with a level greater than its Infernal Might, nor duplicate Ritual effects.

Recalcitrance, 0 points, Init constant, Vim: Any attempt to control (but not destroy) the buran with any form of Supernatural Power (magical, Divine, or otherwise) treats the demon's Might as if it were 150% its actual Might, or otherwise has its Ease Factor increased by 50%. For example, a Circular Ward Against Demons of 38th level is needed to stop this demon.

Weaknesses: Protected Group (individuals that invoke the Bismillah invocation)

Vis: 5 pawns of Auram vis prava, left behind as black sand when dispersed.

Appearance: Usually manifests as a giant shapeless vortex of raging black sand using its Auram powers. To those with Second Sight, a giant humanoid shadow can be discerned within the sandstorm.

This wild desert storm spirit, or buran, once plagued the small village of Yenghissar along the route to Khashgar, bringing devastation to the crops and herd animals every seven years. It is now bound by an Infernally-aligned sahir using the Goetic Art of Binding (see Realms of Power: The Infernal, page 117). A speechless, destructive force of fury incarnate, it rages to be released and constantly strives to create elemental havoc around the thoughtless sahir who has trapped it within his ancestral sword.

Unlike many other corrupt jinn, the buran lacks the Coagulation and Obsession powers common to most demons and is an insubstantial spirit, unable to affect the physical world except through its magic. It is an example of an Infernal storm spirit likely to be found in the Taklamakan Desert, although much stronger and less powerful creatures also exist (see The Cradle and the Crescent, Chapter 9: On the Silk Road and Beyond...). Many travelers' tales tell of companions fallen behind who are tempted off the track by the illusions created by these demons.

Fimus, Warrior Demon

Infernal Might: 10 (Terram)

Characteristics: Int -2, Per +2, Pre -2, Com +2, Str +4, Sta +4, Dex 0, Qik -4

Size: +2

Virtues and Flaws: Puissant Great Weapon, Poor Eyesight, Simple-Minded

Personality Traits: Untamable +5, Intimidating +3 Reputations: Champion of Hell 1 (Infernal)

Combat:

Cudgel: Init –3, Attack +13, Defense +6, Damage +11

Fist: Init –4, Attack +6, Defense +2, Damage +4

Soak: +15

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-7), -3 (8-14), -5 (15-21), Incapacitated (22–28)

Abilities: Athletics 3 (pursuit), Awareness 4 (foes), Brawl 5 (fist), Great Weapon 6+2 (cudgel)

Powers:

Elemental Control of Earth, variable points, Init +1, Terram: Fimus has control over earth, which he uses to wreak destruction in the world. He may create any Creo, Muto or Rego effect appropriate to Terram, at a cost of 1 might point per magnitude of effect. The demon cannot create any effect with a level greater than his Infernal Might, nor duplicate Ritual effects. He prefers effects such as Wielding the Invisible Sling and Rusted Decay of Ten-Score Years.

Born of Rock, 0 points, Init 0, Terram: The body of this demon is made from solid rock. This makes it exceedingly heavy and almost impossible to harm with mundane means.

Death's Vengeance, 0 points, Init +10, Terram: Upon death, this demon's body explodes, sending shards of debris up to 20 paces in all directions. Treat this as a physical attack against all within range that can be dodged but not otherwise defended against. The Attack Bonus is +12, and the Damage is +15.

Coagulation, 1 point, Init -1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init -5, Vim: Cowardice

Recalcitrance, 0 points, Init constant, Vim: Any attempt to control (but not destroy) the demon with any form of supernatural power (Magical, Divine or otherwise) treats the demon's Might as if it were one and a half times its actual Might, or otherwise has its Ease Factor increased by 50%. For example, a Circular Ward Against Demons of 30th level is needed to stop Fimus.

Weakness: Abhorrent Material (Cinnamon)

Vis: 2 pawns of Terram, in eye.

Appearance: Fimus appears as an immense man apparently put together out of boulders. He has but one eye, in the center of his forehead. He carries an immense cudgel made out of a stalagmite.

Fimus is but one of many brother-demons (all with the same name); their mother produces more every time she evacuates her bowels. He and his brothers are popular foot-soldiers and shocktroops used by other demons, because they are effective warriors, and too stupid to effectively entertain rebellious thoughts. Each of the brothers has a different Abhorrent Material, depending upon what their mother had been eating prior to their birth.

Michael

Infernal Might: 10 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +2, Per +2, Pre -2, Com -2, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +1, Qik +1

Size: -2 to +1

Age: n/a (varies)

Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Cruel +3, Wrathful +3

Reputations: None

Combat: Michael does not normally fight, and if he does he uses whatever weapons are suitable for his current disguise.

Soak: +0 (unless wearing armor)

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20) (Michael always takes wounds as a Size 0 creature, even if his current Size is different.)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (running away), Awareness 4 (victims), Craft (practical jokes) 8 (painful and humiliating ones), Folk Ken 5 (figuring out what will make someone most angry), Guile 10 (pretending to be someone else), Intrigue 3 (maneuvering people into his plots)

Change Form, 0 points, Init +0, Corpus: Michael can change his appearance to match that of any human being. The change includes clothes and other equipment, as necessary.

Coagulation, 3 points, Init -1, Corpus

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init -5, Vim: Sensitivity to Mockery

Working Material, 1 point, Init +0, Terram: Michael can create whatever he needs to set up a particular practical joke.

Equipment: Whatever is appropriate to his current role.

Encumbrance: Varies

Weakness: Abhorrent Material (salt)

Vis: 2 pawns of Muto in his heart (Infernally tainted) Appearance: Michael appears as he needs to for his latest role. As a demon, he doesn't need, nor does he have, a 'natural' form.

Michael (he likes taking the name of a famous angel) is a minor demon who tempts people to wrath. He sets up elaborate, painful, and humiliating practical jokes, and makes sure that he is seen in the form of one of the victim's friends while doing so. If possible, he ensures that the victim sees him, in the form of the friend, laughing at their misfortune before running away.

He normally stays around to watch the resulting confrontation, because if it isn't heated enough he sets up another, even more hurtful, joke. He is especially happy if both friends become angry, and the friendship is ruined. Since both parties feel that the other was unreasonable, sometimes they can nurse their anger for years, which is exactly what Michael wants.

While Michael's jokes are normally painful and humiliating, they are almost never fatal. He wants people to sin so that they damn their souls, not die and possibly go to Heaven.

Polandrus

Infernal Might: 20 (Animal)

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +2, Pre 0, Com +2, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +3

Size: 0

Age: n/a

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Envious +3, Proud +2, Calculating +2

Reputations: None

Combat:

Bite: Init +18, Attack +11, Defense +9, Damage +8

Soak: +6

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, –1/–1/–1, –3, –5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)

Abilities: [Area] Lore 3 (livestock), Bargain 7 (for sins), Brawl 5 (bite), Charm 4 (frightened people), Folk Ken 3 (peasants), Guile 8 (when making deals), Hunt 6 (livestock), Language 6 (making deals), Leadership 4 (wolves), Survival 5 (woods)

Powers:

Calm Person, 1 point, Init +18, Mentem: Makes the target person unnaturally calm about talking to a large wolf. It doesn't lessen their fear, just the sense that it is something they should act on immediately.

Dominate Wolves, 0 points, Init +18, Animal: Polandrus can establish absolute control over any wolf. The wolf doesn't like it, but Polandrus doesn't care. This power applies to mundane wolves, wolves with Might scores, and to characters who can naturally take the form of a wolf, including shapechangers, lycanthropes, skinchangers, and Bjornaer with wolf heartbeasts, but not including magi who change using spells. Once established, the domination lasts until Polandrus decides to drop it, the dominated wolf enters a Dominion aura of level 3 or higher, or someone dispels the power.

Coagulation, 3 points, Init -1, Animal

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim: Secrecy

Equipment: None Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Weakness: Vulnerability (Holly)

Vis: 1 pawn of Animal in each of four large canine teeth, all Infernally tainted.

Appearance: An extremely large, jet black wolf, with red eyes.

Polandrus targets livestock farmers. He dominates a few wolves, and then kills some livestock, making sure that someone sees the wolves do it. A little later, he confronts the peasant in question, offering to ensure that the wolves do not attack for a week if the farmer does something innocuous, such as not wear a particular tunic. Polandrus comes back every week, and the requirements gradually become sinful, and more and more heinous. By the end, the wolf relies more on the threat to expose the farmer's deeds than on the threat to the livestock.

Polandrus is unnaturally fast in combat, much more so than in normal situations. However, he never attacks people unless he is attacked first.

Corrupt Beasts

Corrupt beasts can come about in a number of different ways. Some are mundane beasts corrupted directly by the power of a demon, while others are born corrupt after a coupling between a demon and a beast. Creatures that dwell in an Infernal aura become corrupted by the very nature of the area, this may only become apparent in the offspring of animals moving into a weak Infernal aura, but is a result of Infernal Warping in stronger auras. Certain Infernal auras may corrupt a creature overnight. Finally, diabolists and Infernalists may have the power to create corrupt beasts, either intentionally or as an unintended side effect of their powers.

To create the game statistics of a Corrupt Beast, start with the statistics of a mundane beast, and apply the Corrupted Beast Flaw. Balance this Flaw with a Virtue, or, if the beast has been corrupted for a long time, or was born in this state, apply more Flaws to acquire further Virtues. Virtues and Flaws for Corrupted Beasts may only be chosen from the accompanying list. The corpse of a corrupted beast typically contains one pawn of vis for each five points of Might it possessed.

Virtues and Flaws for Corrupted Beasts

Virtues: Greater Immunity, Greater Infernal Power, Ferocity, Lesser Immunity, Lesser Infernal Power

Flaws: Horrifying Appearance, Corrupted Beast (compulsory), Demonic Weakness, Lesser Malediction

Corrupted Beast

Minor Supernatural Flaw, animals only

The creature has been corrupted by Infernal power, and has acquired an Infernal Might of 5. The negative side of its character is brought to the fore, and it acquires one sinful Personality Trait at +6, such as Violent, Gluttonous or Lustful. As part of the corruption, the beast acquires some sort of disgusting or repellent appearance, decreasing its Presence to -6. However, should the animal make any attempt to scare or intimidate an opponent, this should be treated as a Presence of +6. Despite this deformity, it is possible (although difficult) to pass the animal off as a natural member of its species. Finally, the creature acquires the Tainted with Evil Flaw which affects the reactions of both humans and other animals towards it. Corrupted Beasts do not react negatively to The Gift.

Demonic Weakness

Minor Supernatural Flaw, Corrupted Beasts only

The beast has a weakness similar to that of a demon. Corrupt Beasts cannot have the Ordering or Compulsion Weaknesses.

Horrifying Appearance

Major Supernatural Flaw, Corrupted Beasts only

The creature is hideously deformed in some way, and this deformity causes a major hindrance to its life. These deformities may have some minor side benefit (a creature without a skeleton can seep through cracks, for example), but prevent the animal from ever being passed off as a member of its original species.

Example Horrifying Appearances

A pair of huge but useless wings which hang limply at the sides of the creature's body.
Transparent skin, so that its organs can be seen pulsating within the flesh.
A snake's body instead of hindquarters, forcing the creature to move with a combined crawl and slither.
No internal skeleton. The beast can force itself into its original form for short periods, but soon collapses into a puddle of hair, teeth and claws, oozing slowly along the ground.
A head at each end of the body, or in the center of the back.

Greater Infernal Power

Major Supernatural Virtue, Corrupted Beasts only

Choosing this Virtue adds 5 to the Infernal Might of the Corrupt Beast. The creature has an Infernal Power which it may activate by spending points from its Might Pool. Design the effect as if it were a Hermetic spell, or an Infernal Power, if you have Realms of Power: The Infernal. The level of effect cannot exceed the Corrupted Beast's (Infernal Might + 10).

A Greater Power typically costs its magnitude in Might points to activate, and has an Init bonus equal to Qik + magnitude. A power is a Greater Infernal Power if it requires a Penetration total to work. Corrupt Beasts may have this Virtue more than once, each for a different power. Infernal Might increases for each Power acquired.

Lesser Infernal Power

Minor Supernatural Virtue, Corrupted Beasts only

Choosing this Virtue adds 2 to the Infernal Might of the Corrupt Beast. The creature has an Infernal Power which either affects it constantly or may be activated by spending points from its Might Pool. Design the effect as if it were a Hermetic spell, or an Infernal Power if you have Realms of Power: The Infernal, but adjust the level for Constant Effect or Maintaining Concentration if appropriate (ignoring other Effect Modifications). The level of effect cannot exceed the Corrupted Beast's Infernal Might. A Minor power typically costs 0-2 Might points to activate, and has an Init bonus equal to magnitude. A Lesser Infernal Power cannot have a Penetration Total; if the power would have to exceed the Magic Resistance of a target to operate (even if they do not have any Magic Resistance), then it is a Greater Power instead. Corrupt Beasts may have this Virtue more than once, each for a different power. Infernal Might increases for each Power acquired.

Demonic Steed

Infernal Might: 7 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun –2, Per 0, Pre –6, Com –4, Str +4, Sta +4, Dex +1, Qik +1

Size: +3

Virtues and Flaws: Enduring Constitution, Improved Characteristics, Lesser Infernal Power*, Long Winded; Proud; Corrupted Beast*

\* These Virtues and Flaws are a result of its corruption

Personality Traits: Vain +6, Brave +1

Combat:

Kick: Init +3, Attack +7, Defense +7, Damage +5

Soak: +4

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0, /0/0, -2, -4, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-8), -3 (9-16), -5 (17-24), Incapacitated (25-32)

Abilities: Athletics 5 (long-distance running), Brawl 3 (hooves)

Powers:

The Unimpeded Traveler, 0 points, Init +1, Animal: This steed is not impeded by poor terrain, and may move at maximum speed along even the poorest of roads, achieving 30 miles a day. It may even cross open water and chasms, unsupported by ground, but can do this only at a trotting pace.

Vis: 2 pawns of Animal, in hooves.

Appearance: A fearsome black stallion with bloodshot eyes, fangs in its mouth, and hooves of iron.

This horse is one of three created by an Infernalist magus in a tribunal at the fringes of the Order by repeated applications of a tainted version of Steed of Vengeance (Muto Animal Level 35). There were many failures before he successfully created these three corrupted beasts. Because the spell is well-known, he is able to use the steeds in front of other magi with impunity.

Two-headed Hound

Infernal Might: 10 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +2, Pre -6, Com 0, Str 0, Sta +2, Dex +1, Qik +2

Size: 0

Ferocity Score: 1 (3 points)

Virtues and Flaws: Greater Infernal Power*, Ferocity* (against intruders), Improved Characteristics, Long Winded, Sharp Ears, Horrifying Appearance*, Reckless, Corrupted Beast*

\* These Virtues and Flaws are a result of its corruption

Personality Traits: Hatred of Owner +6, Hatred of Humans +5, Hatred of Self +3, Reckless +3, Vigilant +1

Combat:

Bite: Init +2, Attack +11, Defense +10, Damage +1

Soak: +2

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)

Abilities: Athletics 4 (pursuit), Awareness 4 (keeping watch), Brawl 6 (bite), Hunt 4 (track by scent)

Powers:

Spit Fire, 4 points, Init +6, Ignem: The hound may spit a bolt of fire at its opponents; which does +15 damage to the individual it hits. The creature may bite one opponent and spit fire at another in the same round.

Vis: 2 pawns of Vim, one in each head.

Appearance: This huge dog has two slavering heads protruding from its massive shoulders. The two heads are cursed with independent minds which clearly hate each other and would like nothing more than to bite the other, it is only because the hound's necks are too short that it cannot. The dog is covered in gray fur in the few areas which are not affected by mange, which has left patches of puffy, purulent red flesh.

This corrupted beast was created by a diabolist to be a guard for his sanctum. He controls it with an Infernal charm, but is fearful of the day that this charm fails, for he knows that the dog hates him.

Creatures of the Divine

Creatures with Divine Might use the normal rules for determining Magic Resistance, Penetration, and whether their powers can be dispelled.

Although they are acting on behalf of God, they are not direct interventions by the deity, and thus are not omnipotent.

Creatures with Divine Might cannot have True Faith. That blessing is limited to beings who are not already part of the Divine Realm.

Creatures with Divine Might are never bothered by The Gift. They judge people based on their actions and hearts, not on the powers that they might have. If you decide that magic is inherently sinful, they are inclined against magi, but because of their sins, not because of The Gift. Specific Flaws (such as Offensive to Divine Beings and Unbearable to Divine Beings) that modify or simulate the effects of The Gift may cause creatures with Divine Might to react negatively to the character with the Flaw, although Magical Air does not. Such Flaws, and encounters, are not common enough for anyone in Mythic Europe to wonder why.

Angelic Powers

All angels possess the following powers:

Angelic Mantle, 2 points, +12, Corpus: Angels use this power to manifest in the mundane world and appear to take on mortal flesh. In reality, this form is entirely formed from their intellect, but appears and acts exactly like real flesh. While in this "material" form, they must follow the mundane world's natural laws, and so are limited, with Characteristic and Soak scores, and Fatigue and Wound levels. Although angels are genderless, their Mantles normally do have a gender; while in their Mantle, angels may breed, and sire or bear children (although no angel has done so since the flood), although they do not age. If they are "killed" while in their Mantle, they return to their spiritual form, but may if they choose (and have the necessary Might Points) immediately use this power again. An angel's Mantle may appear as anything.

Enfolding, 2 or 10 points, +10, Vim: When the pious are in danger or torment, the angel may grant them comfort, imparting a moment of peace and mercy. This power renders the target's soul wholly safe and protected for a short time. While Enfolded the target's soul (and mind) may not be targeted by any supernatural power of any kind. This power only lasts for a few scant moments, but for the target it is timeless and can seem to stretch to a lifetime. An angel may also Enfold a person's body (costing 10 Might points), rendering them completely invulnerable to magic, pain, damage, fatigue, wounds, or death, although this power only lasts for a very short period of time (no longer than one combat round). This power is most often used on a member of the faithful who is about to be martyred or suffer terribly.

Envisioning, 1 or 5 points, +0, Mentem: This power allows angels to appear in the dreams of a target, or even while awake, and impart a Divine message. This is different to a miraculous vision, which occurs through direct Divine agency. An Envisioning that takes place while the target is awake costs five points and may seem like a daydream, or a vivid or frightening vision, depending on what message the angel intends. Anyone may be the target of Envisioning, pious and impious, pagan and infernalist. Envisioning may occur over any distance.

Gabriel, the Archangel of Prophecy

Divine Might: 100 (Mentem)

Characteristics: Int +10, Per +10, Pre +10, Com +10, Str +8, Sta +8, Dex +8, Qik +8

Size: 0 Age: n/a

Confidence Score: 7 (50)

Virtues and Flaws: Good Teacher, Inspirational

Personality Traits: Compassionate +3, Intellectual +3, Just +3, Love of God +5, Patient +3

Reputations: Messenger of God 5, among Jews, Christians and Muslims

Combat:

Fist: Init +8, Attack +19, Defense +19, Damage +8 Soak: +8

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0/0, -1/-1, -3, -5, Unconscious Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16–20)

Abilities: Awareness 10 (the uneducated), Charm 10 (pupils), Brawl 10 (fist), Leadership 10 (calling attention), Teaching 15 (Theology), All knowledge at a score of 15

Powers:

Enlighten, variable, Init +0, Mentem: Gabriel can implant any Knowledge into the mind of another, at a cost of 1 Might for every experience point implanted. He may not give any character knowledge that takes their Ability score over 15.

Spirit Form, 0 points, Init +30, Vim: Gabriel can become a creature of pure spirit as he wishes. This means that he is unable to affect things physically, or be affected physically.

Subtle Form, 0 points, Init +0, Corpus: Gabriel can change his appearance to look like any human being. His statistics do not change.

Equipment: Robes Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 20 pawns of Mentem in head.

Appearance: Gabriel usually takes the form of a compassionate, gentle man, sometimes with wings growing from his shoulders or arms.

More approachable and intellectually-minded than his fellows, the Archangel Gabriel (Jibril or Jabra'il in Islam) is the chief messenger of God, best known for his teaching of the prophet Daniel, his announcing of the incarnation of Christ to the Virgin Mary and his bringing of the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad, for whom he also acted as a constant counsellor. He may be encountered by characters who are seeking wisdom, particularly if this wisdom is of a religious nature. He is most likely to be encountered in the form described here; in his natural form he is a 600-winged figure who is large enough to stand astride the horizon.

"Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Jibril! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers."
— Qur'an 2:97

Kolazonta, the Chastiser

Divine Might: 30 (Ignem)

Characteristics: Int +3, Per +3, Pre +3, Com +3, Str +2, Sta +5, Dex +1, Qik +1

Confidence Score: 2 (15)

Virtues and Flaws: Greater Immunity (Fire) Personality Traits: Love of God +5, Grim +4, Remorseless +3

Reputations: Scourge of the Impious 3, amongst Jews.

Flaming Fist*: Init +1, Attack +6, Defense +6, Damage +7 This fire is natural and ignores Magic Resistance, although not Soak from Arts.

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)

Abilities: Brawl 4 (fists), Dominion Lore 6 (angels), Theology 6 (sin)

Powers:

Chastise the Sinful, 5 points, +1, Corpus: As Curse of the Unportended Plaque.

Cloud form, 0 points, +30, Auram: Can take on the form of a cloud at will, making him immune to all physical attacks (although he may be targeted by Auram spells).

Fiery Form, 0 points, +30, Ignem: May become a fiery man at will, doing +5 damage to anyone that approaches within 5 feet.

Equipment: None. Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 4 pawns Corpus throughout body, 2 pawns Ignem in veins.

Appearance: Kolazonta most often appears as a dark, ominous cloud, but may rarely manifest as a man made of white fire, with veins of flame and eyes of Kolazonta is one of the angels tasked by the lord to chastise His faithful for their failings, and as such he is a servant of Uriel, the Angel of Punishment. Kolazonta was the angel who brought the plague upon the Israelites (in Numbers 16:46–50) for rebelling against Moses. Aaron defeated Kolazonta after Moses told him the punishment was lifted. Kolazonta is a grim angel who executes the chastisement of the Lord without fear or favor. He is often present amidst armies or cities under siege, waiting for the Lord's command to inflict a plague upon the sinful.

...our father Aaron, armed with the censer, ran through the multitude of the people and conquered the fiery angel...
— 4 Maccabees 7:11

Lupersus

Divine Might: 20 (Animal)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +3, Pre +3, Com -2, Str +2, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik +2

Size: -1 Age: n/a

Confidence Score: 1 (6)

Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Loyal +3, Patient +2, Helpful +2

Reputations: None

Combat:

Bite: Init +8, Attack +11, Defense +16, Damage +8

Soak: +7

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0/0/0/0/0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Incapacitated (13–16)

Abilities: Area Lore 5 (food sources), Awareness 5 (threats to his charge), Brawl 4 (bite), Divine Lore 5 (saints), Hunt 8 (rabbits), Stealth 8 (hiding from humans), Survival 8 (hills)

Powers:

Perfect Defender, 1 point, Init +20, Animal: If Lupersus is acting as a defender to another character in combat, he can use this power to get a +10 bonus to Defense for the duration of the combat. For these purposes, the combat lasts until Lupersus is disengaged.

Equipment: None Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 4 pawns of Animal, in the whole body.

Appearance: A silver-gray wolf, with a noble bearing. No matter what terrain he runs through, Lupersus never gets dirty.

Lupersus has been sent by God to guard a holy hermit, provide him with food, and, occasionally, lead those in need of advice to the hermit who can provide it. He cannot speak, and has no wish to do so. While his main focus is on the hermit, Lupersus is generally compassionate, and helps those in trouble whom he finds within his range. Sometimes he leads them to safety, but most people do not trust a wolf. In those cases, he chases them to safety. Lupersus is not an angel, but rather a divine creature, and does not have the powers shared by all angels.

Nasir, the Delper

Divine Might: 25 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +2, Per +2, Pre +2, Com +2, Str 0, Sta +1, Dex +2, Qik +2

Size: 0 Age: n/a (33)

Confidence Score: 2 (10)

Virtues and Flaws: Ways of the (Local Environment); Animal Ken, Wilderness Sense

Personality Traits: Compassionate +3, Just +3,

Love of God +5

Reputations: None

Combat:

Fist: Init +2, Attack +8, Defense +8, Damage +0

Soak: +1

Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16–20)

Abilities: Animal Handling 8 (horses), Animal Ken 8 (horses), Athletics 8 (climbing), Awareness 8 (natural hazards), Brawl 5 (fist), Chirurgy 8 (bind wound), Dominion Lore 8 (angels), Swim 8 (rough water), Theology 8 (angelology), Wilderness Sense 8 (local environment)

Powers:

Calming Touch, 3 points, Init +0, Animal/Mentem: By touching the target, Nasir can calm their fears, making them feel reassured in the face of dangerous terrain.

Spirit Form, 0 points, Init +30, Vim: Nasir can become a creature of pure spirit as he wishes. This means that he is unable to affect things physically, or be affected physically.

Steadying Hand, 5 points, Init +30, Animal/Corpus: By touching the target, Nasir can assure that their footsteps are firm and that they can cross the most impassable of terrain. The target will not slip or fall as long as contact is maintained.

Subtle Form, 0 points, Init +0, Corpus: Nasir can change his appearance to look like any human being. His statistics do not change.

Equipment: Travelling clothes

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 4 pawns of Terram in feet.

Appearance: An unassuming man dressed in wellworn travelling clothes.

Nasir is a minor angel charged with the safety of pious travellers. He spends most of his time helping those in need, seeming to appear by mundane means from just out of sight, providing what aid he can, and then leaving again before he can be questioned too closely about his origins.

"As I was unable to walk, I climbed the mountain on horseback, while its slopes were all covered with pieces of stone and pebbles which slipped backwards under the feet of the horse every time its hoofs struck them [...] It slipped backward, with the pebbles and chips of stone sliding under it, and fell. So I dismounted, assisted the horse to its feet and stopped, unable to move. At that moment a man came down to me from the mountain and held me by the hand, my other hand holding the pack horse, until he got me to the summit. No, by Allah, I did not know who the man was and never saw him again. [...] He was none other than an angel whom Allah, moved by compassion toward me, sent to my aid."
—Usama ibn Munqidh (d. 1188), The Book of Learning by Example

Seferiel

Divine Might: 50 (Corpus)

Characteristics: Int +5, Per +5, Pre +5, Com +5, Str +5, Sta +5, Dex +5, Qik +5

Size: +1 Age: n/a (30)

Confidence Score: 3 (18) Virtues and Flaws: None

Personality Traits: Just +3, Love of God +5, Curious +2, Merciful +2, Curious +2, Merciful +2

Reputations: None

Combat:

Flaming Greatsword: Init +18, Attack +21, Defense +18, Damage +25 (Note that both the greatsword and the fire are natural, because God made them that way, and thus not magically resisted.)

Soak: +20

Fatigue levels: OK, 0/0/0/0/0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious

Wound Penalties: -1 (1-6), -3 (7-12), -5 (13-18), Incapacitated (19-24)

Abilities: Awareness 5 (casting magic), Charm 3 (magi), Divine Lore 10 (angels), Great Weapon 7 (greatsword), Leadership 7 (magi), Magic Theory 10 (theological implications), Order of Hermes Lore 10 (interactions with the Church), Theology 10 (angelology)

Powers:

Magic, 1 or more points, lnit +18, by effect: Seferiel can duplicate any effect of Hermetic magic, at a cost of 1 Might Point for every two magnitudes of the Hermetic effect. There is no limit, other than his remaining Might Pool, on the number of points he can spend on a single effect. This includes ritual effects, for which he needs neither vis nor long periods of time.

Spirit Form, 0 points, Init +30, Vim: Seferiel can become a creature of pure spirit as he wishes. This means that he is unable to affect things physically, or be affected physically.

Subtle Form, 0 points, Init +0, Corpus: Seferiel can change his appearance to look like any human being. His statistics do not change.

Equipment: Shining white robes, flaming greatsword Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Vis: 10 pawns of Ignem in the sword.

Appearance: A large man, with golden-tinged skin and burning-bright hair, dressed in a white robe that shines like the stars. He carries a burning greatsword.

Seferiel is an angel with special responsibility for Hermetic magi. Most of the time, he seeks to draw them closer to God, but sometimes he acts as the instrument of God's vengeance against those who are particularly wicked. His attitude depends slightly on whether magic is inherently sinful in your saga, his suggested courses of action depend on this more strongly. However, either way he likes Hermetic magi, in general, and finds them fascinating people. He often pretends to be a magus in order to get to know people better, and find out what they are really like.

Seferiel sometimes takes an interest in a particular magus, one whom he sees has great potential, and is a suitable antagonist for the Plagued by Angel Story Flaw. His divinely-appointed mission is, however, to the Order as a whole, and he travels across Europe to bring God's message to as many magi as possible.

Attribution

Content originally published in Ars Magica: Definitive Edition, ©2024, licensed by Trident, Inc. d/b/a Atlas Games®, under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license 4.0 ("CC-BY-SA 4.0)

Open License Markdown version by YR7 & OriginalMadman, https://github.com/OriginalMadman/Ars-Magica-Open-License

See Also

Creature Might

Creature Powers

Creature Format

Size Examples

Creating Creatures

Mundane Beasts

Beasts in Combat

Adder (Viperis)

Bear (Ursus)

Boar, Wild (Aper)

Bull (Taurus)

Cat (Felis)

Falcon (Falco)

Horse, Courser (Equus)

Horse, Destrier (Equus)

Hound (Canis)

Lion (Leo)

Stag (Cervus)

Wolf (Lupus)

Creating Mundane Beasts

1. Type and Size

2. Characteristics

Mental Characteristics of Creatures

Example Physical Characteristics of Creatures

Creatures of Non-Standard Size

3. Virtues and Flaws

Suitable Virtues and Flaws

4. Basic Abilities

5. Qualities

6. Combat Statistics

7. Putting It All Together

Natural Weapons Table

Aging

Statistics of Shapechangers

1. Characteristics

2. Cunning Vs. Intelligence

3. Size

4. Virtues & Flaws

5. General Abilities

6. Communicating

7. Wounds & Experience

Creatures of Magic

Baghl, an Earth Jinni

Jinn

Caladrius

Story Seed: The Imprisoned Caladrius

Essential Traits

Daimons

True Names and Synthemata

Aneirin the Bard

Chnoubis the Serpent

Dietrich Von Bern

Gudruty-kom the Giant

Hipta the Nurse

Donos

Portunes, Spirit of Safe Narbor

Pukis, Dragon of the Hearth

Elementals

Elementals and Might

Size, Might, and Characteristics of Elementals

Magic and Elementals

Elemental Combat

Elemental Powers

A Digression into Physics

Story Seeds:

The Forgotten Child

The Unforgiving Sea

Lunchtime in the Vis Stores

Earth Elementals

Earth Elemental Sample Powers

An Earth Elemental

Water Elementals

Water Clemental Sample Powers

A Water Elemental

Air Elementals

Air Elemental Sample Powers

An Air Elemental

Fire Elementals

Fire Elemental Sample Powers