Mystical Branding

Just like a tattoo on a Criamon magus, an animal's brand can also be enchanted as a magical device. After being branded, the animal will need to be kept in the magus' laboratory for a season or more, depending on what type of enchanted device the magus is creating. A brand has a material score of 2, multiplied by the size modifier. A regular brand, about the size of the magus' palm, has a multiplier of 2. Larger brands have a larger multiplier, but cause the animal increased discomfort. A brand that covers an animal's haunch has a multiplier of 3, and a brand that covers its entire back a multiplier of 4. The instilled effect will cause Warping on a mundane animal, since it is either a constant or powerful mystical effect (depending on the magnitude of the spell). Magical creatures are immune to such Warping. In fact, constantly being under the effect of an enchanted brand may help prevent Acclimation points (Realms of Power: Magic, page 52).

Animals may have multiple brands, limited only by the size of their hide.

The Brand of Ownership

CrIm 30

Pen: +30, unlimited uses

R: Touch, D: Dia, T: Ind

This brand creates an illusory image of the beast's owner, sitting atop or standing next to the creature. The illusion looks like the owner and announces his name repeatedly until the effect ends. It is activated whenever anyone touches the beast. The owner should be aware that

this brand is a blatant display of magical power, and might not work in areas where subtlety is preferred.

(Base 2 (create an image that affects two senses), +1 Touch, +1 Diameter, +1 for clear words; +10 frequency, +15 Penetration)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (60), 2 seasons (45), 3 seasons (40), 4 seasons (38)

The Brand of the Aroused Stallion

ReAn 35

Pen: +20, 1/day

R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind (up to Size +2)

This brand arouses the creature as a prelude to mating, usually used on the lead stud of the herd, or a male with highly desired physical characteristics. It works on the animal's emotions and is much more helpful for males than females, whose bodies might not be in season despite the sudden mental urge to procreate. The brand is triggered by a command word spoken by a trainer or groom. Once activated, the animal becomes increasingly aggressive and might prove dangerous to its handlers.

(Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 Size modifier; +10 Penetration)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (70), 2 seasons (53), 3 seasons (47), 4 seasons (44)

The Brand to Ward off Rustlers

CrMe 25

Pen: 0, unlimited uses

R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind

The brand protects a beast from a mundane thief. When a human hand touches the beast, the brand creates an overpowering fear of the beast in the person's mind, hopefully causing him to flee. The effect has no penetration, so that the maga can easily handle the animal herself when necessary.

(Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Sun; +10 frequency)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (50), 2 seasons (38), 3 seasons (34), 4 seasons (32)