Immunity To Cold

Minor, Supernatural

Normal cold does not harm you, nor does it make you feel uncomfortable. You don't need warm environments to remain healthy (see Aging in ArM5, page 170). Extreme, magically created cold, such as the effect of Wizard's Icy Grip (ArM5, page 142), still affects you normally.

Minor, Supernatural

Direct, bright sunlight causes you noticeable pain and exhausts you. Attuned to darkness, your eyes are very sensitive, and you suffer from a –2 penalty to all rolls involving sight in bright environments such as a cloudless day. Due to your malediction, you lose one Fatigue level per Diameter if outdoors at noon on a hot summer day, and lose levels more slowly in less-intense light and warmth from the sun.

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

Abilities: Artes Liberales 1 (ceremonial magic), Athletics 1 (tumbling), Awareness 2 (alertness), Brawl 2 (dodge), Chirurgy 1 (treat wounds), Concentration 1 (spell casting), Dead Language: Latin 4 (Hermetic usage), Finesse 1 (precision), Infernal Lore 2 (demons), Leadership 1 (intimidation), Living Language: West Slavonic 5 (curses), Magic Theory 3 (Perdo), Parma Magica 1 (Corpus), Penetration 2 (Perdo), Stealth 2 (rural areas)

Arts: Cr 0**, In** 2**, Mu** 4**, Pe** 12+3**, Re** 6**; An** 2**, Aq** 0**, Au** 0**, Co** 6**, He** 0**, Ig** 9**, Im** 3**, Me** 2**, Te** 2**, Vi** 2

Twilight Scars: none

Equipment: Dagger in forearm sheath, ob-

sidian pellet. Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Spells Known:

Lifting the Dangling Puppet (ReCo 15/+14)

Prying Eyes (InIm 5/+7)

Veil of Invisibility (PeIm 20/+19)

Wizard's Sidestep (ReIm 10/+11)

Gloom of Evening (PeIg 10/+26)

Well Without Light (PeIg 25/+26)

Wizard's Icy Grip (PeIg 30/+26) Calm the Motion of the Heart (PeMe 15/+19)

Stone to Dust (PeTe 20/+19)

Appearance: Tolides is of average size and build, with short, black hair and a pallid complexion. It is his pitch black eyes that make him distinctive, appearing to be deeply sunken, obsidian gems. People usually feel an urge to look away lest they are sucked into the bottomless void that seems to lurk behind these orbs. A long scar stretches across his throat, from one ear to the other. In the presence of other people, Tolides appears as if carved out of stone, resting still and without motion. His movements appear slow and deliberate, almost arthritic, only to strike out with catlike speed at the slightest sign of hostility. He tends to keep his hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his black robes where they rest in anticipation, a dagger prepared and ready. His posture and facial features appear elegant, but his diction and way of addressing people suggest that he has spent his whole life among the beasts of the wilderness rather than among civilized human beings. His low voice sounds raspy, and he speaks only when absolutely necessary.

Sigil: Black writhing vapor that unfolds around the caster, exaggerated by the magus' Warped Magic. Tolides' voting sigil is an obsidian wand; he keeps it with him to ensure that no one else can use it, but never uses it himself.

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

Age: 36 (36)

Hierarchy Score: 1 (Realms of Power: The Infer-

nal, page 94)

Confidence Score: 1 (3) Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Hermetic Magus; Affinity with Perdo, See in Darkness, Lesser Immunity: Cold, Life Boost, Lightning Reflexes, Minor Magical Focus: darkness, Puissant Art: Perdo*, Quiet Magic 2x, Rapid Convalescence, Skilled Parens; Dark Secret: Diabolism, Deficient Technique: Creo; Infamous Master, Nocturnal, Lesser Malediction (Susceptibility to Sunlight), Warped Magic (darkness unfolds).

* House Virtue

Personality Traits: Cunning +2, Sinister +2, Temperate +2, Depressed +1, Emotional –1

Reputations: none

Combat:

Dagger: Init +1, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +4

Fist: Init +1, Attack +3, Defense +3, 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), Dead (21+)

Abilities: Area Lore: Eastern Europe 1 (geography), Artes Liberales 1 (ceremonial magic), Athletics 2 (tumbling), Awareness 2 (alertness), Brawl 3 (dodge), Bargain 1 (Infernal powers), Chirurgy 2 (treat wounds), Code of Hermes 1 (Quaesitores and Hoplites), Concentration 2 (spell casting), Dead Language: Latin 4 (Hermetic usage), Finesse 1 (precision), Folk Ken 1 (peasants), Hunt 1 (covering tracks), Infernal Lore 3 (demons), Leadership 1 (intimidation), Living language: East Slavonic 2 (curses), Living Language: West Slavonic 5 (curses), Magic Lore 1 (creatures), Magic Theory 4 (Perdo), Medicine 1 (anatomy), Parma Magica 3 (Corpus), Penetration 3 (Perdo), Philosophiae 1 (ritual magic), Stealth 2 (rural areas), Survival 1 (wooded mountains)

Equipment: Dagger in forearm sheath, obsidian pellet, Poniard of Deliverance, Torus of Fire Protection, Source of Tranquility.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Arts: Cr 0**, In** 2**, Mu** 4**, Pe** 14+3**, Re** 9**; An** 2**, Aq** 0**, Au** 0**, Co** 11**, He** 2**, Ig** 11**, Im** 5**, Me** 2**, Te** 2**, Vi** 2

Twilight Scars: none

Equipment: Poniard of Deliverance, Torus of Fire Protection, Source of Tranquillity, Orb of Immanent Darkness talisman.

Spells Known:

Cripple the Howling Wolf (PeAn 25/+21) Evaluate the Facing Opponent (InCo 10/+15) Track By Scent (MuCo(An) 4/+8) Chastise the Unruly Antagonist (PeCo 10/+30) Inner Darkness Unleashed (PeCo 20/+30) Lifting the Dangling Puppet (ReCo 15/+22) Retreat into the Shell of Shadow (ReCo 15/+22) Pass the Unyielding Portal (MuHe 5/+8) Gloom of Evening (PeIg 10/+30) Banishment of Warmth (PeIg 15/+30) Extinguish the Abhorrent Flame (PeIg 15/+30) Cloak of Darkness (PeIg 20/+30) Well Without Light (PeIg 25/+30) Wizard's Icy Grip (PeIg 30/+30) Prying Eyes (InIm 5/+9) Chamber of Muffled Passing (PeIm 15/+24) Veil of Invisibility (PeIm 20/+24) Wizard's Sidestep (ReIm 10/+16) Calm the Motion of the Heart (PeMe 15/+21) Stone to Dust (PeTe 20/+21) Chastise the Unruly Fiend (PeVi 10/+21)

Appearance: Tolides is of average size and build, with short, black hair and a pallid complexion. It is his pitch black eyes that make him distinctive, appearing to be deeply sunken, obsidian gems. People usually feel an urge to look away lest they are sucked into the bottomless void that seems to lurk behind these orbs. A long scar stretches across his throat, from one ear to the other. In the presence of other people, Tolides appears as if carved out of stone, resting still and without motion. His movements appear slow and deliberate, almost arthritic, only to strike out with cat-like speed at the slightest sign of hostility. He tends to keep his hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his black robes where they rest in anticipation, a dagger prepared and ready. His posture and facial features appear elegant, but his diction and way of addressing people suggest that he has spent his whole life among the beasts of the wilderness rather than among civilized human beings. His low voice sounds raspy, and he speaks only when absolutely necessary.

Activities in the last 15 years: While trying to survive in the harsh environment of Eastern Europe, Tolides acquired many practical skills. He gained 180 experience points in Abilities, and 120 experience in Arts in total. In 20 seasons in the lab, he learned and developed new spells and items that helped him to further his various goals. Of the items he enchanted, two were given away in exchange for favors he received in return. One of the beneficiaries helped him with his longev-

ity ritual, an endeavor that took him one of his Lab seasons. He also enchanted and attuned his talisman.

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

Size: 0 Age: 51 (42) Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 5 (6) Hierarchy Score: 3 Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Hermetic Magus; Affinity with Perdo, See in Darkness, Lesser Immunity: Cold, Life Boost, Lightning Reflexes, Minor Magical Focus: darkness, Puissant Art: Perdo*, Quiet Magic 2x, Rapid Convalescence, Skilled Parens; Dark Secret: Diabolism, Deficient Technique: Creo; Infamous Master, Nocturnal, Lesser Malediction (Susceptibility to Sunlight), Warped Magic (darkness unfolds).

* House Virtue

Personality Traits: Cunning +2, Sinister +3, Temperate +2, Depressed +1, Emotional –1

Reputations: none

Combat:

Dagger: Init +1, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +4

Fist: Init +1, Attack +3, Defense +3, 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), Dead (21+)

Abilities: Area Lore: Eastern Europe 2 (geography), Artes Liberales 1 (ceremonial magic), Athletics 2 (tumbling), Awareness 2 (alertness), Brawl 3 (dodge), Bargain 2 (Infernal powers), Chirurgy 2 (treat wounds), Code of Hermes 1 (Quaesitores and Hoplites), Concentration 3 (spell casting), Dead Language: Latin 4 (Hermetic usage), Divine Lore 1 (Divine creatures), Finesse 1 (precision), Folk Ken 1 (peasants), Hunt 2 (covering tracks), Infernal Lore 3 (demons), Leadership 1 (intimidation), Living language: East Slavonic 2 (curses), Living Language: West Slavonic 5 (curses), Magic Lore 1 (creatures), Magic Theory 5 (Perdo), Medicine 1 (anatomy), Parma Magica 4 (Corpus), Penetration 4 (Perdo), Philosophiae 1 (ritual magic), Stealth 2 (rural areas), Survival 1 (wooded mountains), True Name of Balthazar 1 (Realms of Power: The Infernal, page 34)

Arts: Cr 0**, In** 2**, Mu** 4**, Pe** 17+3**, Re** 9**; An** 2**, Aq** 2**, Au** 3**, Co** 11**, He** 2**, Ig** 14**, Im** 5**, Me** 2**, Te** 8**, Vi** 5

Twilight Scars: The intensity of light in locations in which he stays for longer than two minutes appears as if slightly faded; the light returns to its full intensity once he has left.

Equipment: Dagger in forearm sheath, obsidian pellet, Poniard of Deliverance, Torus of Fire Protection, Source of Tranquillity, Orb of Immanent Darkness talisman.

Encumbrance: 0 (0) Spells Known:

Cripple the Howling Wolf (PeAn 25/+21) Evaluate the Facing Opponent (InCo 10/+15) Track By Scent (MuCo(An) 4/+8) Chastise the Unruly Antagonist (PeCo 10/+33)

Inner Darkness Unleashed (PeCo 20/+33): Mastery 1 (Magic Resistance)

Blind the Insurgent Pack (PeCo 25/+33) Lifting the Dangling Puppet (ReCo 15/+22) Retreat into the Shell of Shadow (ReCo 15/+22): Mastery 1 (Fast Casting)

The Protesting Adversary Held Still (ReCo 20/+22)

Pass the Unyielding Portal (MuHe 5/+8)

Gloom of Evening (PeIg 10/+36) Banishment of Warmth (PeIg 15/+36)

Extinguish the Abhorrent Flame (PeIg 15/+36)

Cloak of Darkness (PeIg 20/+36) Orb of Darkness (PeIg 20/+36)

Abyssal Touch (PeIg 25/+36)

Well Without Light (PeIg 25/+36)

Wizard's Icy Grip (PeIg 30/+36): Mastery 1 (Magic Resistance)

Prying Eyes (InIm 5/+9)

Chamber of Muffled Passing (PeIm 15/+27)

Veil of Invisibility (PeIm 20/+27)

Wizard's Sidestep (ReIm 10/+16)

Calm the Motion of the Heart (PeMe 15/+24): Mastery 1 (Still Casting)]

Stone to Dust (PeTe 20/+30): Mastery 1 (Multiple Casting)

End of the Mighty Castle (PeTe 25/+30)

Hands of the Grasping Earth (Re(Mu)Te 15/+14) Belittle the Ferocious Warlock (PeVi 20/+27)

Chastise the Unruly Fiend (PeVi 10/+27)

Circular Ward Against Demons (ReVi 20/+16)

Appearance: Tolides is of average size and build, with short, black hair and a pallid complexion. It is his pitch black eyes that make him distinctive, appearing to be deeply sunken, obsidian gems. People usually feel an urge to look away lest they are sucked into the bottomless void that seems to lurk behind these orbs. A long scar stretches across his throat, from one

ear to the other. In the presence of other people, Tolides appears as if carved out of stone, resting still and without motion. His movements appear slow and deliberate, almost arthritic, only to strike out with cat-like speed at the slightest sign

of hostility. He tends to keep his hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his black robes where they rest in anticipation, a dagger prepared and ready. His posture and facial features appear elegant, but his diction and way of addressing people suggest that he has spent his whole life among the beasts of the wilderness rather than among civilized human beings. His low voice sounds raspy, and he speaks only when absolutely necessary.

Activities in the last 15 years: Tolides gained Abilities worth 140 experience points, and Arts worth 160 experience. He spent 25 experience on mastering spells, and 5 experience on learning the True Name of a demon. He was approached by his familiar-to-be, and bonded it. His dealings with the Infernal were discovered, and he was Marched. Having successfully fled the assault of the Order, probably with Infernal assistance, he searched for and found a place with a stronger aura (level 4) that he made his new residence. He spent one season preparing his new laboratory. In total, he spent 16 seasons performing lab work. Due to his dealings with the Infernal, and spending a lot of time in and exposed to Infernal auras, Tolides gained a considerable amount of Warping.

Order: Tempters (Maligenii) Infernal Might: 10 (Vim)

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

Size: –5

Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: Keen Vision, Sharp Ears; Greedy, Nocturnal

Personality Traits: Cruel +2, Brave –2, Enduring –1, Insidious +3, Sneaking +3

Hierarchy: 0

Combat:

Bite: Init +5, Attack +3, Defense +14, Damage –12

Soak: 0

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

Wound Penalties: –1 (1), –3 (2), –5 (3), Incapacitated (4)

Abilities: Athletics 1 (contortions), Awareness 5 (keeping watch), Bargain 1 (bonds), Guile 2 (other demons), Hunt 3 (covering tracks), Stealth (shadowing) 5

Powers:

Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus (Realms of Power: The Infernal, page 31)

Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim: Hopelessness (Realms of Power: The Infernal, page 31)

Petrification, 1 point, Init –10, Corpus. The imp transforms its body into solid material, and slightly increases its weight. If lifted and touched in that form, it behaves and feels like a small figurine made of stone. While petrified, the gargoyle-like imp is unable to move, but can end its stasis at any time, or become incorporeal by dropping its Coagulation. It can slowly move its eyes to survey its surroundings, and anyone deliberately watching it doing so will notice it, if he succeeds at a Perception + Awareness roll against an Ease Factor of 6.

See in Darkness, 0 points, Init n/a. Like Tolides, the imp is able to see in complete darkness. Unlike him, it is not affected by sunlight unless at noontime (see Weakness).

Source of Tranquility, 3 points, Init 0, Ignem. The imp can evoke an effect that is similar to the one provided by Tolides' enchanted item of the same name, but with Duration Diameter only.

Weakness: The imp is unable to use any of its powers during noontime; that is, the Diameter around midday. When exposed to direct sunlight during that time, it automatically assumes the form described in Petrification, and can not change back until dusk.

Vis: 2 pawns of Vim, in its wings

Appearance: The imp appears as a vaguely humanoid creature of about the size of a small kitten. Two leathery wings spring from its back that enable it to fly and hover about. The fiend's naked skin is a dirty, reddish gray, and feels cool to the touch. Its limbs end in wicked claws that are too small to effectively harm a human, but that greedily grab for small donations it is offered. Proffered food is quickly devoured with its wide, fanged maw. Like a cat, the gaze of its dark eyes constantly darts around, detecting the slightest movement.

One day, Tolides is approached by an imp — a lesser demon — that offers to watch his back while he pursues his studies, asking little in return. This incident, though not particularly improbable for someone who occasionally deals with the Infernal, is unlikely to be completely coincidental. The Infernal Realm is not renowned for its benevolence or generosity. Being able to survey and, if necessary, to manipulate a precious pawn first hand is too valuable a chance for the Infernal powers to let slip, especially if it helps to strengthen the mutual bond.

Tolides binds the imp that, like him, is primarily a creature of darkness, by calling upon his Perdo Ignem Lab Total. He establishes a Gold and Silver Cord of score 1 each, and a Bronze Cord of score 3.

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

Size: 0

Age: 54 (43) Decrepitude: 0

Warping Score: 5 (12) Hierarchy Score: 4 Confidence Score: 1 (3)

Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Hermetic Magus; Affinity with Perdo, See in Darkness, Lesser Immunity: Cold, Life Boost, Lightning Reflexes, Minor Magical Focus: darkness, Puissant Art: Perdo*, Quiet Magic 2x, Rapid Convalescence, Skilled Parens; Dark Secret: Diabolism, Deficient Technique: Creo; Infamous Master, Nocturnal, Lesser Malediction (Susceptibility to Sunlight), Warped Magic (darkness unfolds).

* House Virtue

Personality Traits: Cunning +2, Sinister +3, Temperate +2, Depressed +1, Emotional –1 Reputations: none

Combat:

Dagger: Init +1, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +4

Fist: Init +1, Attack +3, Defense +3, 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), Dead (21+)

Abilities: Area Lore: Eastern Europe 2 (geography), Artes Liberales 1 (ceremonial magic), Athletics 2 (tumbling), Awareness 2 (alertness), Brawl 3 (dodge), Bargain 2 (Infernal powers), Chirurgy 2 (treat wounds), Code of Hermes 1 (Quaesitores and Hoplites), Concentration 3 (spell casting), Dead Language: Latin 4 (Hermetic usage), Divine Lore 1 (Divine creatures), Finesse 1 (precision), Folk Ken 1 (peasants), Hunt 2 (covering tracks), Infernal Lore 3 (demons), Leadership 1 (intimidation), Living language: East Slavonic 2 (curses), Living Language: West Slavonic 5 (curses), Magic Lore 1 (creatures), Magic Theory 5 (Perdo), Medicine 1 (anatomy), Parma Magica 4 (Corpus), Penetration 4 (Perdo), Philosophiae 1 (ritual magic), Stealth 2 (rural areas), Survival 1 (wooded mountains), True Name of Balthazar 1, True Name of Ilkazar 1

Arts: Cr 0**, In** 2**, Mu** 4**, Pe** 17+3**, Re** 10**; An** 2**, Aq** 2**, Au** 3**, Co** 11**, He** 2**, Ig** 14**, Im** 5**, Me** 2**, Te** 8**, Vi** 5

Twilight Scars: The intensity of light in locations in which he stays for longer than two minutes appears as if slightly faded; the light returns to its full intensity once he has left. In Tolides's presence, small flames flicker slightly as if caressed by a chilling breeze, threatening to go out.

Equipment: Dagger in forearm sheath, obsidian pellet, Poniard of Deliverance, Torus of Fire Protection, Source of Tranquillity, Orb of Immanent Darkness talisman.

Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Spells Known:

Cripple the Howling Wolf (PeAn 25/+21) Evaluate the Facing Opponent (InCo 10/+15)

Track By Scent (MuCo(An) 5/+8)

Chastise the Unruly Antagonist (PeCo 10/+33) Inner Darkness Unleashed (PeCo 20/+33): Mas-

tery 1 (Magic Resistance)

Blind the Insurgent Pack (PeCo 25/+33) Lifting the Dangling Puppet (ReCo 15/+23)

Retreat into the Shell of Shadow (ReCo 15/+23):

Mastery 1 (Fast Casting)

The Protesting Adversary Held Still (ReCo 20/+23)

Pass the Unyielding Portal (MuHe 5/+8) Gloom of Evening (PeIg 10/+36)

Banishment of Warmth (PeIg 15/+36)

Extinguish the Abhorrent Flame (PeIg 15/+36)

Cloak of Darkness (PeIg 20/+36)

Orb of Darkness (PeIg 20/+36)

Abyssal Touch (PeIg 25/+36)

Well Without Light (PeIg 25/+36)

Wizard's Icy Grip (PeIg 30/+36): Mastery 1

(Magic Resistance)

Domain of Darkness (PeIg 45/+36)

Prying Eyes (InIm 5/+9)

Chamber of Muffled Passing (PeIm 15/+27)

Veil of Invisibility (PeIm 20/+27)

Wizard's Sidestep (ReIm 10/+17)

Calm the Motion of the Heart (PeMe 15/+24): Mastery 1 (Still Casting)

Stone to Dust (PeTe 20/+30): Mastery 1 (Multiple Casting)

End of the Mighty Castle (PeTe 25/+30)

Hands of the Grasping Earth (Re(Mu)Te 15/+15)

Chastise the Unruly Fiend (PeVi 10/+27) Belittle the Ferocious Warlock (PeVi 20/+27): Mas-

tery 2 (Fast Casting, Magic Resistance)

Circular Ward Against Demons (ReVi 20/+17)

Appearance: Tolides is of average size and build, with short, black hair and a pallid complexion. It is his pitch black eyes that make him distinctive, appearing to be deeply sunken, obsidian gems. People usually feel an urge to look away lest they are sucked into the bottomless void that seems to lurk behind these orbs. A long scar stretches across his throat, from one ear to the other. In the presence of other people, Tolides appears as if carved out of stone, resting still and without motion. His movements appear slow and deliberate, almost arthritic, only to strike out with catlike speed at the slightest sign of hostility. He tends to keep his hands hidden in the wide sleeves of his black robes where they rest in anticipation, a dagger prepared and ready. His posture and facial features appear elegant, but his diction and way of addressing people suggest that he has spent his whole life among the beasts of the wilderness rather than among civilized human beings. His low voice sounds raspy, and he speaks only when absolutely necessary.

Activities in the last 3 years: Tolides spent three seasons developing his greatest achievement, the spell Domain of Darkness. Spending almost an entire three years in his lab, he learned another True Name of a demon, and fine-tuned his battery of spells to stand prepared against the continuous threat of being discovered and slain by the Hoplites of the Order.