This fifth of Exalted

Exalteds five

THE BOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. V THE ROLL OF GLORIOUS DIVINITY II

Books of Sorcery explores
the nature and powers of
the myriad of ghosts and
demons that have endangered
Creation since the Primordial
War. Eschewing the Cycle TM

of Reincarnation, ghosts are

an affront to the natural
order, bringing more power
to the Neverborn through
their very existence, and
even more so through the
ancestor cults, which promote
ghost worship. Demons,
meanwhile, are the spawn of
the imprisoned Yozis, called
forth from Malfeas to do the
will of powerful sorcerers
or escaped into the world
where they might cause
havoc and do the will of their
trapped progenitors. Will the
returned Lawgivers succeed
in curbing these spirits effect
on Creation, or are even the
Solars endangered by the
machinations of these beings
and their dire masters?

This book includes:

An examination of the art of
demon summoning
Stats for a myriad of demons
Complete rules for playing heroic
ghosts, including their unique
Charm sets, the Arcanoi

ISBN 978-1-58846-447-7 WW80304 $24.99 U.S.

52499
WHITE WOLF
WW80304

9 781588 464477 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

w w w .w hite-w olf.c om / exa lte d
 TM

BY ALAN ALEXANDER, CARL BOWEN, JOSEPH CARRIKER, JOHN CHAMBERS,

CONRAD HUBBARD, LYDIA LAURENSON AND STEPHEN LEA SHEPPARD

1
 CREDITS
Authors: Alan Alexander, Carl Bowen, Joseph Carriker, Errata creditsCOMING NEXT:
John Chambers, Conrad Hubbard, Lydia Laurenson and
Stephen Lea Sheppard Authors: John Chambers, Michael A.
Comic Scripter: Carl Bowen
Developers: John Chambers
Goodwin, John Mrke, Holden Shearer,
Editors: Carl Bowen and Josh Hein Charles H. Spaulding, and Robert Vance
Creative Director: Rich Thomas
Production Manager: matt milberger Editors: Eric Minton and Charles H.
Art Direction and Layout: Brian Glass Spaulding
Artists: Ross Campbell, Johnathan Floyd, Saana Lappalainen,
Aaron Nakahara, Pasi Pitkanen, -Rom-, UDON (with Leo
Lingas, Jorge Molina, Joe Ng, Mark Sinclair, Chris Stevens Errata comments for PDFs put together by
and Jim Zubkavich) and Melissa Uran John Franglen, AKA FearMeForIAmPink
Cover Art: Adam Warren (with colors by Lee Duhig)

AVAILABLE IN THIS SERIES:

THEBOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. I
WONDERS OF THE LOST AGE
THEBOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. II
THE WHITE AND BLACK TREATISES
THE COMPASS OF TERRESTRIAL DIRECTIONS,
THEBOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. III VOL. III THE EAST
OADENOLS CODEX The third of five Terrestrial Direction books is devoted to
fleshing out the bare bones of Creations East presented
THEBOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. IV in Exalted. Beyond the Scavenger Lands lies more than
THE ROLL OF GLORIOUS DIVINITY I: a rough frontier of rural backwaters and petty kingdoms.
GODS & ELEMENTALS The East is full of nations that rival its supposedly more
civilized neighbors in terms of size and sophistication,
from the warring states of Linowan and Halta to the
THEBOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. V floating land of Metagalapa and grim Sijan, ancient city
THE ROLL OF GLORIOUS DIVINITY II: of the honored dead. Still, the regions reputation as a
GHOSTS & DEMONS land of untamed wilds and rough barbarians is not with-
out merit, as the Eastern forests are home to a myriad of
human, once human and completely inhuman tribes.

2008 CCP hf. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the written permission of the
publisher is expressly forbidden, except for the purposes of reviews, and for blank character sheets,
which may be reproduced for personal use only. White Wolf and Exalted are registered trademarks
of CCP hf. All rights reserved. The Books of Sorcery, the Roll of Glorious Divinity I, the Roll of
Glorious Divinity II, Oadenols Codex, Wonders of the Lost Age, the White and Black Treatises,
Scroll of the Monk, the Imperfect Lotus, the Manual of Exalted Power the Lunars, the Manual of
Exalted Power the Dragon-Blooded, the Manual of Exalted Power the Sidereals, the Manual of Ex-
alted Power the Abyssals, the Compass of Celestial Directions, the Wyld, Yu-Shan, the Underworld,
the Age of Sorrows and the Second Age of Man are trademarks of CCP hf. All rights reserved. All
characters, names, places and text herein are copyrighted by CCP hf.
CCP North America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCP hf.
The mention of or reference to any company or product in these pages is not a challenge to
the trademark or copyright concerned.
This book uses the supernatural for settings, characters and themes. All mystical and su-
pernatural elements are fiction and intended for entertainment purposes only. This book contains
mature content. Reader discretion is advised.
Check out White Wolf online at http://www.white-wolf.com/
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

2
 TM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
CHAPTER ONE: THE DEMON HIERARCHY 7
CHAPTER TWO: DEMONOLOGY 19
CHAPTER THREE: THE ROLL OF DEMONS 41
CHAPTER FOUR: THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 91
CHAPTER FIVE: GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 110
CHAPTER SIX: ARCANOI 125

3
4
 INTRODUCTION

Everyone fears and courts his own demon.

Mason Cooley

The Roll of Glorious Divinity II is the last of Chapter Three: The Roll of Demons presents
Exalteds Books of Sorcery. It is a book about spirits, demons of all three circles, for players or Storytellers
but its not just a book about spirits. The demons of to use in their games. Presented are 16 First Circle
Malfeas and the ghosts of the Underworld interact demons, 8 demons of the Second Circle and five of the
with humanity often. This is also a book about those mighty Third Circle demons. The chapter also present
interactions. two spirit Charms unique to demons.
Chapter Four: The Unlives of Ghosts looks at
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK what it means to be a ghost in the Exalted milieu.
Chapter One: The Demon Hierarchy explores the Chapter Five: Ghost Character Creation presents
demons of Malfeas and their Yozi masters. The chapter all the rules necessary for creating heroic ghost char-
examines what it means to be a demon, how demons acters for Exalted.
view Creation, the history of the Demon Realm and Chapter Six: Arcanoi provides an exhaustive list
how demons interact with Creations mortals. of ghostly Charms, divided into categories of interest
Chapter Two: Demonology focuses on the act of known in the Underworld as Arcanoi.
demon summoning itself, as well as how this act colors
the reputation of Creations sorcerers.

INTRODUCTION 5
 LEXICON Malfeas: Both the name of the former leader of the
The following supplements the lexicon found in Ex- Primordials and the prison city his own body has been
alted and examines the differences between a few precise remade into to incarcerate his fellow Yozis.
terms used when discussing the demons and ghosts of memoriam: Sacrificial offerings made by the living
the setting. The lexicon also notes not just definitions, for the dead.
but how the people of Creation use these terms. Moliation: This Ability represents training in
Abscissic binding: When a summoner binds a Arcanoi that permit one ghost to alter the corpus of
demon for a year and a day (or binds an elemental to another.
herself for a month). Compare to task binding. necropolis: A city of the dead in the Underworld.
Arcanos: The term for a tree of ghostly Charms. necrosurgery: This is the art and science of prepar-
burnt offering: A sacrifice made to a ghost by his ing a corpse for use in necromantic rituals.
descendants in the form of an object burned in the Neverborn: The dead-but-dreaming ghosts of those
ancestors name in the living world that appears to Primordials slain by the Solar Exalted, who birthed the
him as a black jade token in the Underworld and may Underworld and Oblivion as they died.
be used by him to regain motes or Willpower. It is a Oblivion: An active force of entropy and annihila-
form of memoriam. tion that physically underlies the Underworld.
The Calendar of Setesh: An enormous artifact of Pandemonium: This is the term used by ghosts for
tremendous power built by the Dual Monarch Setesh Arcanoi-based effects that permit the dead to directly
to regulate the flow of time in the Underworld. affect the living world.
cult: A group dedicated to worship or veneration plasmic: Any creature of the Underworld that is
of a specific being or group of beings. The people of neither a ghost nor created by one. Many resemble
Creation dont use cult as a term of denigrationin animals of the living world, but some resemble no
the world of Exalted, cult is a value-neutral descrip- creature that ever lived in Creation.
tive term. po: The animalistic lower soul of a person, which
demonologist: An savant or sorcerer knowledgeable separates from the hun upon death. See hungry ghost.
in the ways of demons. soulforging: The process by which the souls of the
effigy: A particular type of grave goods, these are dead are melted down then shaped into useful items or
small representatives of animals and servants interred are alloyed to produce soulsteel.
with a body that become golem servitors in the Un- task binding: When a summoner binds a demon
derworld. to a task forever (or binds an elemental to a task for a
fetich: A demon of the Third Circle who acts as year and a day). Compare to Abscissic binding.
the defining soul of a Yozi. If a fetich soul is slain, the spirit: Term used by savants to mean elementals, de-
Yozi to whom it belongs finds himself remade. mons, ghosts and gods. Some few savants argue that the
fetter: A place or object that holds tremendous Fair Folk are spirits as well, but Yu-Shan disagrees.
emotional significance to a ghost and helps him resist Underworld: The land of the dead whose geography
the calls of both Lethe and Oblivion. mirrors that of living Creation.
grave goods: Objects buried with a person that Whispers: The dreaming thoughts of the Neverborn,
appear as part of his panoply in the Underworld. Grave which can be sensed and deciphered by some Abyssal
goods represent a form of memoriam. Exalts and, much more rarely, by certain ghosts.
hun: A persons higher soul, which separates from Whispers of Oblivion: Psychic whispers similar
the po upon death. to those produced by the Neverborn, but emitted by
hungry ghost: The po of a person that survives Oblivion. A ghost exposed to the Whispers of Oblivion
beyond death to become a mindless predator. typically falls into madness.
Lethe: The wiping clean of memories that occurs Yozi: One of the Primordials who surrendered at
when a persons hun is reincarnated. Those unwilling the close of the Primordial War and was forever bound
to relinquish their identities in such a manner linger in Malfeas and forced to swear and oath made on its
in the Underworld as ghosts. own names

6
CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 7
 CHAPTER ONE
THE DEMON HIERARCHY

Banished from Creation at the end of the Primor- certain world-defining principles known as shinma.
dial War, the defeated Yozis have spent the millennia Cecelyne, the Endless Desert, advised them on
since trapped in the prison of Malfeas, where theyve what space the project might create and inhabit.
spawned whole races of demonic progeny and plotted Autochthon, the Great Maker, devised life and art.
their eventual return to power. Few in Creation today Adrin, River of All Torments, breathed in move-
understand the nature of these mighty chthonic beings, ment and emotion. Oramus, the Dragon Beyond the
however, or that of the three circles of demons that World, decided what was outside and what was in.
share their exile. The Ebon Dragon, Shadow of All Things, declared
colors and influenced the invention of Fate. Isidoros,
THE YOZIS the Black Boar That Twists the Skies, asserted his
What manner of creatures builds a world? distaste for Fate but allowed it in exchange for other
In the depths of time, when only chaos would be considerations. The place-that-became-Creation itself
apparent to Creation-born eyes, the Primordials came was the domain of Cytherea, the Mother, and Gaia,
together. The Yozis now called Malfeas and Szoreny led the World. Many Primordials left their stamp on the
the effort, though they were radically different then. projectincluding some who never stayed to view the
Together with She Who Lives in Her Name, they con- fruits of their ideas but chose instead to return to the
cluded that the world ought to be and began selecting depths of the Wyld.

8
 One part of their new device was what gods name
the Games of Divinity. The Shadow dow of All Things,
who had suggested betrayal, likewise wise suggested that
the gods be incapable of it; still, hee acknowledged that
they might manage it anyway. Even en then, though one
or two Primordials idly speculatedd about the possible
applications of the concept, none suspected that they
might be betrayed for the Games.

THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY

ORY
The world before the overthrow ow of the Primor-
dials is barely conceivable. For onene thing, many
times what Creation encompasses es today was
destroyed by the defeated She Who Lives In
Her Nameand mere space was not the only
thing lost; souls, beliefs and concepts
epts burned too.
For another, the Neverborn took many things with
them into death. What few records remain from
before the Primordial War use languages,
formats and structures that are very
ry hard to
understand.
Those who lived through the he War
fit memory to their current paradigm.
aradigm.
Though their memoirs and reminiscences
niscences
have given historians some valuable uable in-
formation, they are also filled withth confusing
tangents, odd omissions and impossible
ssible turns
of phrase. As for the gods, Neverborn
born and
Yozis, each group teachesand d may
even remembera slightly different rent
version of events.
Humanity spent the time be- e-
fore the Primordial War ruled byy
the Dragon Kings, who in turn n
worshiped the Unconquered Sun n
and paid limited homage to the rest st
of the Incarnae. Largely ignored by
the Primordials, the Dragon Kings saw
the worlds makers as incomprehensible
ensible
forces of nature. They sent theirr sacrifices
to, and sought vision from, the infinitely more
accessible gods.
Seeking heroes to win them seats
eats at the Games of
Divinity, the Incarnae hid Exaltations
ons among humans
creatures just competent enough too learn the use of new
gifts but even further below the Primordials notice
than the Dragon Kings. The Kings accepted their gods
command to foster certain humans, s, though they didnt
understand the purpose until the Exalted came into
their power and attacked. For thee Dragon Kings, this

CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 9

 For the Primordials, the Exalted uprising was as
YES, BUT WHAT ARE THEY? shocking as it might be for a Dragon-Blooded household
The Yozis are inconceivable, unbelievable, to suffer a devastating attack from an ant colony in
immense. Their bodies are worlds and ideas; they the slaves quarters. Their response wracked Creation,
have multiple souls, and even their souls have and their battle-tactics changed it. Several expressed
multiple souls. But theyre not designed to be negative emotions to the Ebon Dragon, but he merely
confusing. Conceptualizing such vast, inhuman shook his whiskers and stretched his wings, bringing
beings presents unique problems. Setting aside 200 years of darkness.
in-character concerns, the Yozis need to be Once defeated and locked away, the Yozis took
grand and mysterious enough to live up to their stock. Loosely speaking, they were unhappy to be
premise: nigh-incomprehensible world-creating imprisoned, but they had learned much about their
monsters. On the other hand, Storytellers need opponents during the war. Theyd recently sent deer-
to be able to understand them well enough to footed Mara into the world on one important mission,
use them. and that-which-became-Szoreny had devised several
Thus, the Exalted design team patterned schemes for exploiting the Neverborns Great Curse.
Yozis after groups of people (the demons) The Yozis were, perhaps, irritated that they were now
working toward an agenda (the Yozis minds) unable to fully realize their original plans. Still, now that
in an environment (the Yozis bodies). No one theyd lost, they had time to consider their options.
on Earth is familiar with the behavior of nigh- Few Yozis consider their surrender to be anything
incomprehensible world-creating monsters, but more than a strategic withdrawal. They know escape
almost everyones familiar with the behavior of to be impossible, but possibility might matter little to
governments and corporations, how different those who devised it.
branches of an organization can pull in different A GENERAL HISTORY OF MALFEAS
directions while still mostly sharing the same Ever warping, refolding, crashing to pieces and
goals, and how an organizations identity can rebounding, the physical layout of the Demon City
change if the person in charge dies or retires. has changed uncountable times since it became what
THAT DIDNT ANSWER THE QUESTION it is. Its social structures are slightly less mutable,
Where the Yozis came from, what exactly and forces apply here that are unknown in Creation.
they arethese are questions best left to the In general, Cecelyne oversees the Third Circle and
Storyteller. All thats known is that they created below; demon priests have kept her laws in place for
the world and apparently warred with the chaos- 5,000 years. She has designated Third Circle demons
born Fair Folk. Perhaps they came from outside unquestionable: though they may disagree with each
chaos and tried to recreate their native world, other, none below them may argue with their will. De-
to the discomfort of the native raksha. Perhaps mons of the Second Circle and exceptional First Circle
Primordials and Fair Folk are the same race and creatures are considered citizens: they hold fiefdoms
Creation a disagreement between two factions. within Malfeas and rule them as they wish. All other
Perhaps Primordials are patterns and concepts creatures are serfs, and though they may seek to slave
similar to the shinma upon which they built the for one citizen over another or jockey to change tasks,
world, and only in their existence lies the reality they have no real power unless they earn citizen rank.
of those concepts. Yozis and the unquestionable might order citizens and
serfs to do anything, but in practice, they almost all
pursue projects unrelated to petty governance and toy
was a moment of worshipful awe: in amazement, they with their lessers but rarely.
bowed atop their pyramids and burned ten thousand Having put their lesser souls in order, the Yozis com-
bloody hearts for the glory of the Unconquered Sun. municated among themselves. They were all changed by
For the Incarnae, the moment was one they had spent defeat, and they had to meet and learn each other anew.
centuries shaping; the Sun paused at the horizon, the Those whose very names had changed included Malfeas
Moon waxed full, and other omens unfolded as the gods and Szoreny; Adrin-now-Adorjan; Sacheverell, whose
leaned forward to watch. first self had been the Lidless Eye That Sees, and whose

10
new eternal sleep was (they concluded) probably for the think of. Ligier fashioned a sword so ideal that seven
best. Some Yozis contacted their Neverborn cousins, Solars died attempting to win it; Jacint spent 3,000
but even those whose hearts had been destroyedwho years trying to bridge the Endless Desert. As for the
themselves had partly diedfelt unease speaking to Yozis, while almost all value escape, their vast minds
those mad, horrific things. Over the next millennia, have been additionally occupied with other puzzles
only the Ebon Dragon and the Dragon Beyond the and goals. Some of these are unknowable, some merely
World kept communicating with the Neverborn. Many impossible, and some go against each others interests.
things were accomplished by the alliance, but recently, Adorjans plans for silence, for instance, are opposed
relations have become strained. by at least two of her fellows.
The Yozis may have been pleased to see the Fair Now, however, the Ebon Dragon has made it clear
Ones bedeviling the Old Realm, but they did not yet that its time to focus. Negotiations with the Fair Folk
attempt to speak to their old enemies. The Exalted, have gone as expected. Discussions with the Neverborn
ruling the world, sometimes sent patronizing safaris are less certain, but the Yozis know they can rely on
into Malfeas. This the Yozis endured, suppressing their cousins for some time yet. The current shortage
their resentment that they might learn. Many demons of arrogant Celestial Exalted summoners has been
went into Creation then, and not solely by means of inconvenient, but it is accepted as the consequence
summoning. An accord known as the Treaty of Limbs of their enemies weakness and hasnt prevented the
protected demonic friends and consorts to the Exalted Yozis from gathering many more akuma servants in
of the Old Realmeven unbound ones. the Second Age. With luck, millennia of bondage are
A thousand years after the Primordial War, the drawing to an end.
first Exalted akuma was created. Invested with the
Yozis power, these warped creatures far surpass their SELECT YOZIS
peers in skill and magic, losing nothing but virtue and MALFEAS
freedom. Any edge might be exploited by the Yozis:
nave sympathy is as easy to twist as greed. They per- THE DEMON CITY
suaded Exalted who came to see their prison or used Malfeas, once king, hates Creation, and he hates
their subordinates to bend the ears of summoners. imprisonment. Most of all, though, he loathes his own
Also, the brass bars of Malfeas have never prevented form. When he first led the Primordials, he had no
dreams from slipping out, and many potential agents solid self; the Exalted inflicted that upon him when
were converted in their sleep. they defeated and remade him.
Certain plans were derailed by the Dragon-Blooded If self-destruction were open to Malfeas, he might
revolt. For instance, the majority of Exalted akuma then take that path. Its not, so he commits small suicides.
living were slain. Other projects were complicated when Parts of the Demon City crash furiously into others,
the Neverborn seized the moment to send the Great arches and causeways collapse with metallic moans, and
Contagion tearing through Creation. Fortunately, the ruins submerge themselves in murky Kimbery.
Yozis gained more resources in the world than theyd Though reshaped into a city against his will, Malfeas
had for an Age in the form of demons freed by their retained some control, and his environment seethes
summoners deaths. After successful breakthroughs by with spite. He must admit the magical materials, but
the Fair Folk, the Yozis sent emissaries to establish con- steelso useful in Creationwarps into its component
tact and begin bargaining. Other demons began to put ores upon entering his gates, clattering in pieces to the
down roots in Creation. A number of these agents were brazen streets. His greening copper releases invisible
killed or sent home by the Shogunate and subsequent toxins, and mortals who come to the Demon City
demon hunters, but more than a few remain. sicken and die in seven days.
In the Demon City, small empires rose and fell. Citi- Malfeas is also a brass-skinned man known for
zens warred and bargained with each other, expanding ecstasies and viciousness. He dances straight through
and losing fiefdoms by their own skill and the whims the centers of his streets and performs great, tragic
of their environment. The unquestionable influenced dramas in his largest square. Still, he always employs a
some conflicts and induced others but paid little atten- certain restraint, for he prefers not to feel the disdain
tion to the citizenry overall. They had other things to of noble Ligier.

CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 11

 CECELYNE She Who Lives In Her Name never sought to rule or
THE ENDLESS DESERT make laws in Malfeas. Currently, she is content to cede
Silver sands encircle Malfeas, and their outer edge is these things to Cecelyne. She knows that every hierar-
infinity. Going outward, the silver blackens and becomes chy ever designed bears her stamp and feels no need to
rainbowed with tarnish, and the sky fades from that drag the Demon City further under her sway. Creation,
of green-lit Malfeas to a starless black void. Malfeass however, is quite another matter. Given control, she
sister Cecelyne contains every desert: baked red earth, would make its order and regulation absolute and would
fine blowing dunes, even rare stretches of water devoid laugh to see gods and mortals realize that they already
of life. Her endlessness binds her fellow Yozis. Even if half know her name. As with Adorjan and her obsession
they broke through the brass bars of the Demon City, with silence, this goal means everything to the Principle
they would escape into nothing but Cecelyne. of Hierarchymore even than escape or vengeance.
Cecelyne delights in growth. At her edges, snakes ADORJAN
and small furred creatures burrow constantly, pulling
THE SILENT WIND
her sands forward so she expands forever. In the De-
Adrin, River of All Torments, was a terror to the
mon City, her priests bless new births and invest new
ancient armies of the Exalted. Razors and ice whipped
citizens, for these expand her authority. But in order
through her currents, slicing to pieces all who dared
for her subjects to grow, restrictions must exist, and
attack the Primordials. But one Solar slipped through
Cecelyne places these as well.
the horrors of Adrin and killed her heart, the demon
The creatures that inhabit the Endless Desert are
Lilike. As Lilike fell, the Solar harvested her final cry
part of her and cannot leave without bringing her with
to create the Demon-Wracking Shout, and as Lilike
them. When they come to her reaches, they create more
dissipated, so too did the River, evaporating into the
of Cecelyne from what they find. They cannot make her
dry cruel Silent Wind.
other than she is, and Cecelyne endlessly yearns to be
Thousands of the Demon Citys serfs are tasked with
more. Thus, in idle moments, she studies the elements
constantly shouting, singing and ringing bells, for only
that can change a space. She is particularly interested
noise discourages Adorjan. Still, she can ignore it if she
in Szorenys techniques and silvered her sands in the
wishes, overpowering it with the silence she brings. There
hopes of earning his attention.
are only three sounds she will not drown unless she must.
SHE WHO LIVES IN HER NAME The first is the Demon-Wracking Shout, used with great
THE PRINCIPLE OF HIERARCHY efficacy during the Primordial War and remembered by
Once, the world was greater. That was before those who observed that time. The second is the laughter
the defeat of She Who Lives In Her Name, whose of a child, trapped in a shell and combined with gold and
body comprises thousands of flames in crystal spheres. silver. The third is the songs of Adorjans First Circle
As she felt her prison close around her, she cracked descendantsthe demjen, katalinae, gyorgyike, jazon,
three against its weight and sent fire raging into the fulope and angyalka. Perhaps Adorjan enjoys hearing
world. When the embers had cooled, only Creation these things in the distance and prefers not to ruin them
was left. with her approach. More likely, she abhors them. She
When the Principle of Hierarchy moves, none wit- is known to hate sound and to seek nothing but eternal
ness the shift. She is always one central sphere-trapped quiet for the entire world.
fire, surrounded by a hundred, with those in turn orbited Adrin was capable of mercy, but Adorjan never
by 99,997 more. Relocating, she retains the same posi- chooses to spare those in her path. The most powerful
tion and is not seen in transit. Most often, shes found demons in Malfeas flee her approach, and those who
in the Silver Forest, where her flames burn white and survive her touch bear awful scars. Even as the Silent
hang like lamps among the branches. Wind savages its victims, though, Adorjan has been
An inaudible whisper echoes through the heart of known to take gentler forms, such as that of a delicate
She Who Lives in Her Name. It spreads through her young woman with white jade teeth. Long ago, this
lesser fires and can be heard, understood and repeated Yozi traveled to the dreams of a favored Exalt seven
only as she wills. Mortals and demons who comprehend times in seven days. Even as wind-Adorjan destroyed
her whispered name become subordinate to her and work the landscape of his dreams, girl-Adorjan lay with him
toward the regimented hierarchies she desires. and bore seven daughters.

12
 Three of Adorjans daughters joined their father in
Creation, and four remained in the Demon City. Kal-
manka, the Arrow Wind, carries arrowheads so sharp
they nick the brass streets. Vitaris, the Brilliant Wind,
blazes up to blind those who face her. Pellegrina, the
Grinding Wind, destroys nothing but stone, and for this
reason Malfeass monuments are all of metal. And after
the demons wars leave corpses thick upon the ground,
their leaders pray for Kamilla, the Wind of Promise. She
comes to carry the bodies away. Some serfs worship her
for this, but it is her nature, and she would do it even
if she werent called. In truth, Kamilla is mindless like
her sisters and doesnt even know about her cult, but
Adorjans four daughters held sapience before and could
be granted it again.
THE EBON DRAGON
THE SHADOW OF ALL THINGS
Solid things cast shadows; minds, hearts and souls
contain them. Night and anguish bring darkness. When
men and demons walk beyond the light, they find the
Ebon Dragon at its limits and their own.
Only the flight of the Ebon Dragon blots out the
Green Sun. Only his passage dims the fires of the Principle
of Hierarchy. In his blackness, inexperienced serfs fall
quiet. Hence, his wake often holds the Silent Wind.
The claws and whiskers of the Ebon Dragon creep
through the cracks in the Yozis prison. Even before the
gods revolt, he loved only doomed things and heard
secrets unknown to the Lidless Eye That Sees. Malfeas
may loathe captivity the most, but it is the nature of
the Shadow of All Things to twist against his bonds.
Knowing his persistence, and desiring escape above
all else, the other Yozis granted him a measure of the
fealty they once gave their king.
They dont swear the same to his new fiance. She
is not their queen. Still, they watch the upcoming gala
with great attention. The Ebon Dragon is putting some
effort into his preparations, even forging an honor guard
from Exaltations he received from the Jade Prison. The
event approaches quickly, and several other Yozis have
accepted parts to play.

THE YOZIS NATURE

Those who give demonkind a cursory study will
learn that those of the First Circle are a little like
Creations elementals: strange races with group ten-
dencies but some individuality for each member. On
most of the races, information is relatively plentiful.
Demons of the Second Circle are far more powerful,

CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 13

 like gods. (This comparison, howeverif made at Fifth: that a Second Circle demon will fulfill one
allis phrased in tortured language, for most scholars of seven functions for her patron Third Circle demon.
prefer not to offend any deities.) Some Second Circle She will be her patrons ability to reflect, communicate,
demons, such as Octavian, are famous, but on the whole, protect, understand, gratify, express or define. (Yet wheth-
knowledge is scarce and must be sought in large libraries erfor exampleBerengiere represents Ligiers ability
or occult institutions. Demons of the Third Circle are to indulge himself, indulge others or both is a matter of
the subject of some few legends, but hard facts about much debate. And there are a number of Second Circle
them are difficult to come by, and their nature is often demons that scholars fret and quarrel over, for they dont
misunderstood. Understandably, their human forms seem to fit one of the traditional seven categories.)
tend to be best known. It would not be surprising for Sixth: that First Circle demons matter not at all to
an educated dilettante to know a few tales of Ligier, grand questions about Yozi nature, for they are produced
but she might not understand exactly why hes called wholesale by the Second Circle. They are children,
the Green Sun. constructs or stranger offspring and not actually part
In most resources on the subject of Malfeas, the of their creators at all.
Yozis are mentioned not at all. Though aspects of them The seventh, and most important, premise of all
(for instance, the Demon City) might be noted, theyre accepted demonology is this: Killing a Second Circle
put in human terms: Malfeas is most often described as or Third Circle demon carries consequences for the
a city rather than a thinking being. A more thorough nature of its patron. The patron will be changed, and
book might also discuss Malfeas, Brass-Skinned Lord no observernot the murderer, nor even any Yozi
of the Demon City. Few tomes even begin to explain can entirely predict the form that change will take.
that Malfeas is the Demon Cityand that he is also Sometimes, this change seems small. (Prior to the
Malfeas the brass-skinned dancer, and Malfeas the Primordial War, the Ebon Dragon is thought to have
brass-walled mausoleum, and 10 other bodies besides, been the shadow of himself; when one soul was slain,
all at the same time. he merely became himself.) But if a dead Third Circle
Still, a days research in a well-stocked sorcerers demon was its Yozis fetich, that Yozi will lose its name
library will likely turn up The Scroll of Limbs, which and itself and become something new.
was so common in the First Age that hundreds of THE LOSS OF A SOUL
copies still exist. The Scrolls first edition was suppos- In Creation, only myths remain of the horror
edly compiled by Brigid, Mother of Sorcery. It listed perpetrated upon the Primordials, but every Malfean
every known Yozi, demon and First Circle race. After denizen knows the tale in detail.
Brigids death, subsequent sorcerers faithfully updated When the Primordials surrendered, wise gods
and reissued the Scroll almost every century, with the and Exalts conferred on how best to imprison them.
last version dated 70 years before the Solars fell. The It was determined that part of the solution was to
Scroll of Limbs reveals the many-souled nature of the remake the Primordials into more tractable forms.
Yozis and points the way to theories of assorted veracity With some, such as the Ebon Dragon, this required
concerning Yozi bodies and psychology. only minor pruningthe murder of a Third Circle
THEORIES OF ASSORTED VERACITY soul with only a slight effect upon its patron. Others,
Among learned demonologists, certain things are most famously that-which-became-Malfeas, had their
generally accepted. very fetiches executed.
First: that the Yozis have many souls, and that each This was a lessening of the Primordials, both real
soul is a Third Circle demon. and symbolic, catalyzing their transformation into the
Second: that each Third Circle demon can occupy Yozis. Third Circle demons are instantly recreated
multiple spaces at once. (If Ligier is summoned to fight after death, for theyre necessary to the existence of
in Creation, the Green Sun will yet shine above the their masters, but they are almost never greater for it.
Brass City.) They lose much of what they were, from memories to
Third: that each Yozi has one heart-soul, or fetich, capabilities, and what they gain cannot be chosen by
upon which much of its self-conception is based. their patrons, though it can be influenced.
Fourth: that Third Circle beings each have seven On the other hand, demons of the Second Circle
souls, each a Second Circle Demon in her own right. are more carefully rebuilt by their Third Circle pa-

14
trons, who can take more time with the task if they own, ascending to the Third Circle once it gains the
wishchoosing important traits to emphasize or seventh. Phernike does not, however, address the ques-
qualities to bestow. A Third Circle demon is much tion of why a Yozi might grow in this manner.
weakened by a missing Second Circle soul, however, A MINOR NOTE
so such demons rarely take long unless attempting to First Age manuals of demon summoning warn that
circumvent a binding. Yozis may possess their subordinates. A patron Yozi may
Demonologists working late in the Old Realm place its consciousness in one of its own Third Circle
observed that certain Yozis had more souls than they souls for one day in every year, in one of its subordinate
used to, but the scholars didnt get a chance to study Second Circle souls for one hour in every month and
this phenomenon in depth before the Age fell. A trea- in any First Circle demon for one minute in every day.
tise on the subject, penned by the eloquent Phernike, Only its consciousness transfersa Yozi cannot use
managed by sheer chance to survive the Shogunate. A its own powers through a lower-order beingand an
1,600-year-old copy graces the rare book collection of attempt to stay too long melts the vessel into a pool of
Nexuss Kshaha Library. Her most compelling theory vitriol, killing him.
suggests that, when a Yozi wishes to grow a new Third Few have seen evidence of this capability, but even
Circle soul, its fetich will develop an eighth Progeni- today, it is known to instructors at every major sorcer-
tive Second Circle soul. The Progenitive demon will ous academy, and a clever self-educated demonologist
then (she explains) either grow or be given souls of its could certainly deduce it. It isnt usually considered

AN IMMORTALS DEATH
Demons of the Second Circle and greater are as immortal as puissant gods: they cannot be killed forever
by mere swords, or even daiklaves. If torn apart by such a simple weapon, Octavian will reform in Malfeas after
a year and a day, retaining his powers, memories and self. There are ways to destroy such beings, however.
Charms such as Ghost-Eating Technique (see Exalted, p. 221) or Soul Mastery (see The Manual of Exalted
PowerThe Dragon-Blooded, p. 213) will dissipate their spirit victims substance permanently. Some demons
also have certain weaknesses: for instance, a Storyteller might decide that a weapon alloyed with Octavians
own black oil will inflict aggravated damage upon him and could destroy him. When the death of such a
creature is discussed, the term usually indicates destruction rather than temporary dissolution.
Third Circle demons are forces of nature, with several terrible and simultaneous bodies. Usually, they
are totally immune to death by physical assault; their weaknesses are few. Even temporary dissolution of
a Third Circle demon is rare. Ones death is monumental.
On the other hand, most demons of the First Circle have (long) natural life spans but can be destroyed
by anything that dissipates their substance. There are exceptions, though. If not murdered by a demon-
killing weapon, a First Circle demon with a devoted cult might return whole from death. Exalted savants of
the Old Realm even forged talismans (Artifact ) that grant minor demons and elementals the same
immunities as their betters. Sometimes, the Second Circle demon that spawned a particular serf can even
reconstruct or rebirth it, but even when this is possible, the vast majority of serfs arent worth the effort.
KILLING A WORLD-CREATING MONSTER
Several Primordials fell against the Solars and became Neverborn. Those who surrendered were spared
and imprisoned, either because the Exalted were persuaded against unnecessary bloodshed or because the
Primordials deaths carried consequences the Exalted had learned to fear. But if the Primordials could
survive even their fetiches destruction, how did those ancient heroes kill any of them?
The total destruction of a Primordials largest bodyfor instance, melting the brass city of Malfeas
into slagmight suffice to destroy it. Alternatively, all its Third Circle souls might need to die in one
25-hour period for one Yozi to become Neverborn. Or if the Yozis are more tightly bound to the ideas they
represent than their godly children, perhaps the death of an idea will kill onethe utter removal of order
from the universe might well prove the end of She Who Lives In Her Name, for instance.

CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 15

 important. Such possession is rare, which implies that and Cecelynes laws and investitures are proclaimed from
its uncomfortable for the Yozi involved. The Yozi cant its three main squares. Even with its constant enraged
access any of its own power during the possession, so a shiftings, its the easiest environment for most First and
subordinate thus possessed is not much more of a threat Second Circles to cope with; the already existing buildings
than it usually would be. And what difference does it are an added convenience. Furthermore, Malfeas accepts
make if a Yozi experiences something of Creation, so and even encourages battles within his environs, for he
long as it cant accomplish anything significant? The doesnt mind considerable damage to himself. Many Yozis
possibility of Yozi possession is mentioned as an after- allow no such thing.
thought to students, if its noted at all, and those who Malfeas is a sharp-edged, harshly shining place. The
worry about it tend to be most concerned about the brass of its construction is leavened only by black marble,
potential for Yozis to speak vile lies to impressionable basalt, black iron and jet. The Green Sun blazes near
young sorcerers. constantly. Gold and tin grow into vines and blooms with
But the Yozis have kept one vital secret: while a lower razored petals. Substances resembling water are excep-
demon is thus possessed, no binding may hold him. tionally scarce. The most common liquid is vitriol, an
acidic element unknown in Creation. Many of the citys
THE LAY OF MALFEAS rivers flow with obsidian dust, but some are composed
Every Yozi save Cecelyne (who forms the outside of vitriol. The few clouds in the sky are also vitriolic, as
border) is contained within the Demon City. Because is the rare fog that percolates among layers.
many of them are vast places in their own rights, certain There are hundreds of layers to the Demon City
Yozis form enormous sectors within Malfeas. Some tolerate some enormous, some only a few dozen feet square. The
a certain amount of colonization and contain one or two wider a layer, the more likely it is to be perforated with
citizens fiefdoms. However, the City itself is the most large holes, and the Green Sun shines into more buried
desirable real estate. The central marketplace is there,

16
places than a visitor might expect. Many darkened the equivalent of five for the Creation-born. Sexual
areas go unlit, though recent centuries have seen the relations are rarely affectionate. Cheating in games of
spread of enchanted tin orchids that glow wan and chance is expected, though the losers pick fights about
pale. Causeways, winding passages, metal vines strong it anyway. Violence is so common as to be ignored. The
enough to climb, and ladders built by serfs connect each calmest moments are those of Lypothymie, who is both
layer to the next. Construction is apparently random, a Third Circle demon and an emotion unique to the
though sometimes grouped in districts. Yet, Malfeas has Demon City. Lypothymie is something like nostalgia
a certain unnerving elegance. Classical pillared halls or despair, and she brings a hopeless swoon to those
may be found next to filigreed arches; elaborate pagodas; who feel her most intensely.
delicate, straight-walled tenements with rhombus-
shaped windows; or handsome, low-slung villas. THE DEMON CONDITION
Loud and varied noise pours throughout the Yozis Serfs are the labor of Malfeas, and they work as
prison, but it rarely grates upon the ear. In their bitter- their overseeing citizens decree.
ness, the Yozis have made many vile artworks, but none Second Circle demons have a variety of reasons
of them can bear ugly music. All Yozis with voices have for creating First Circle races, but many races arent
charming ones, and musically talented serfs are prized intended to serve their makers. Some First Circles,
above all others. This is not to say that no songs of such as the neomah courtesans, have innate profes-
heartbreak echo through the twisting streets, but even sions that the entire race follows and require no
Malfean music that wounds is beautiful. orders or guidance. Othersespecially unintelligent
The dominant culture of Malfeas is wild and bit- ones, such as firmindo nothing, haunting Malfeas
ter. Most demons indulge to excess in various fleshly as stray animals do mortal cities. Still others work
pleasures. Food is served in small, heavily flavored constantly for their masters, needing no food or
portions; a normal drink or dose of drugs would be sleep, finding no opportunities for rest or change

CHAPTER ONE THE DEMON HIERARCHY 17

 (and often desiring none). Intelligent serfs under most arent murdered without very good reason. First
lenient citizens find time to gamble, trade in small Circle creatures enjoy no such protection. Furthermore,
things, claim small homes in areas unwanted by their citizenship alone does not bestow upon a former serf the
betters, run small businesses or work freelance, and ability to return from dissolution. However, First Circle
do anything else a human might imagine (and some citizens also have no patrons to think ofunless, of
things they cant). course, they strike bargains on the path to citizenship.
THE TRIAL OF CITIZENSHIP STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND
The condition for citizenship is well known. If a Malfeas sees few visitors, but there are inhabitants
serf demonstrates significant growth and then requests who dont fit into the demon hierarchy. Even if he has
investiture from Cecelynes priests, it will be judged. lived there for millennia, the designation for an outsider is
Significant growth is deliberately vague and has been always stranger. Cecelyne will not attempt to enforce her
interpreted in many ways. The evaluation period is laws upon strangers, but neither will her priests protect
seven days. Serfs seeking citizenship who lack powerful them. Demon-Bloods are never considered strangers; each
mentors, and who exhibit skills that threaten a current gains the rank of her demonic parent upon birth.
citizens power, are likely to die during this time. Strangers have been known to earn citizenship, but
The priests of Cecelyne are supposedly incorrupt- claiming the rank is usually not in a strangers interest.
ible, and their judgment is never questioned. None have The Infernal Exalted and akuma who inhabit the city
ever offered sanctuary to threatened candidates during need no status but the mantle of their dire masters. Few
the evaluation period. In the end, applicants judged other Exalts live there, but those who do often choose
unworthy are sometimes released without consequence to trade on their stranger status, outside the law. The
and sometimes punished by Orabilis. Those declared Dragon-Blood Gemstone Ocean Hero is perhaps the
citizens gain the rights to own property and serfs and best-known example. His survival much depends on
may only be slain by those of equal or greater rank. the fact that he can view azure-edged documents and
In practice, First Circle demons who earn citizen- draw up illegal contracts without suffering Cecelynes
ship are still far less protected than their Second Circle punishments, and he has grown rich doing so. Yet, he
peers. The death of a Second Circle demon inconve- must hire rather than own his servants, and he rents
niences its Third Circle patron and annoys its Yozi, so his copper townhouse from Makarios.

CERTAIN DEMONIC DESIGNATIONS

The Old Realm dialect spoken in the Demon City contains many antique phrases long fallen from
fashion, or totally inapplicable, in Creation. In particular, there is specific language to indicate the re-
lationships of greater demons to lesser. With the First Circle, the phrase is directly translatable: a First
Circle race is born of a Second Circle demonfor instance, chrysogonae are born of Makarios. But First
Circle races are almost never called the children of their creators. Such familiarity is reserved for unique
births, such as Adorjans daughters.
Informally, greater demons may be referred to by their single names, but formally, they have titles
including their parentage. Thus, Gervesin is introduced to callers as Gervesin, the Dreaming Lord,
shimei sa Ligier, the Green Sun, shin giri Malfeas, the Demon City. This appellation might be shortened
to Gervesin sa Ligier sa Malfeas, for sa simply means belonging to, known to or made of. Shimei
is thought to represent Gervesins Messenger capacity; its used for other Second Circles filling similar
functions, such as Zsofika. Shin indicates a fetich. Giri is an unusual adjective, normally applied only to
Ligier in his relation to Malfeas. All Third Circle souls have a similar word, granted by their patron Yozis,
which Creations linguists are only sometimes able to translate with confidence.
One other word, jouten, might be particularly useful for a visitor to Malfeas. It designates an actual
Yozi body: Malfeas the dancer might be pointed out as jouten, as might Malfeas the Demon City. There
are a dozen more specific words apparently describing degrees or uses of different Yozi selvesbut their
connotations are so subtle that most demonologists cant use them without starting a raging debate.

18
CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 19
 CHAPTER
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTERTTWO
WO

CHARACTER
DEMONOLOGY
CREATION

Creation fears the sorcerer.

All fear her for the power she wieldsher obsidian
THE DEMONOLOGIST
Aside from Emerald Countermagic, no spell is
butterflies that scythe through the soldiery, her flying
more widely known to the sorcerers of Creation than
guillotine that cuts down the officer, her corrupted
Demon of the First Circle. All sorcerers know why:
words that force silence. Her fatal touch poisons, and
amongst all the thousands of spells of the Terrestrial
with her coin she spies.
Circle of Emerald, Demon of the First Circle is un-
Those who know of the five stations say they fear
questionably both the most powerful and the most
her for her will. Through the fifth station, she dem-
flexible. Sorcerers who reach the lofty heights of the
onstrates a will to sacrifice all she values on the altar
Celestial Circle of Sapphire know the same applies
of her own power. None now master sorcery without
to Demon of the Second Circle, and during the High
embracing this lesson, and none have since before the
First Age, Demon of the Third Circles presence within
fall of the Old Realm.
the Solar Circle of Adamant forced the Exalted of
But what the people of Creation fear most is her
the Deliberative to bend entire cultural institutions
power and will to command the spirits of Malfeas. In
around discouraging its use.
the hearts and minds of Creations peoples, the sorcerer
One who summons demons is a demonologist but
and the demon are inseparable.
not all agree as to the words definition. Is a demonolo-

20
gist a sorcerer who lives for 300 years and only summons THE REALM
one demon her whole life, to answer a single question? During each classs third year, the Heptagrams
Obviously a sorcerer with a constant retinue of Malfean instructors teach their students the principles behind
emonologist, but what about a sorcerer
spirits is a demonologist, banishing demons or defeating them in com combat. Dur-
who only calls ls them to aid in feats of architecture and ing the fourth year, the instructors teach the pprinciples
never makes use of demonic of demon binding, iincluding
personal aides? s? the particulars of The Abscissic
Guide. Only during ttheir fifth
THE TERRESTRIAL
RESTRIAL and final year atten
attending the
EXALTED Heptagram are the D Dynastys
Most anyone
yone speaking young sorcerers-to-b
sorcerers-to-be taught
of a culture of sorcerers in the principles of demdemon sum-
Creation means ans the Realm. moning.
Of the many ny civilizations The Realm acc accepts that
in Creation, the Realm is sorcerers will commcommand de-
the mightiestt and the most mons, and much of Dynastic
wide-reaching. ng. Satrapies societys unease concern-
adopt Realm customs, from ste from
ing sorcerers stems
both Dynastic ic pressure and acceptance Dy-
this acceptancethe
a desire by thee highest social nast sees little di
distinction
itate Dynastic
classes to imitate between demo demonologist
ere the Scarlet
nobility. Where and sorcerer. As a result,
Dynasty holdss sway (or held the Blessed Isle is (as a
ecently), the
sway until recently), rule) the be best place
tude toward
Realms attitude in Creation to learn
sorcerers and demonolo- how to bind demons
alent. Even
gists is prevalent. safely and tthe worst
Terrestrial outcastes, place in Cre
Creation for
everywhere but in the a sorcerer to llive if she
ands, most
Scavenger Lands, craves accepta
acceptance and
often fashion on them- admiration.
ding to the
selves according To practice ddemonol-
ve heard of
stories theyve ogy legally, a Realm sorcerer
the Blessed Isle, where must maintain a de demonolo-
Blooded live as
the Dragon-Blooded gists license with th the White
ations
kings in Creations Registry, incurring a yearly
on.
greatest nation. cost of four minae ((Resourc-
Within es ). Qualify
Qualifying for a
the Scaven-- demonologists lic license en-
ger Lands, tails te
testing by a
however, Wh
White Reg-
Dragon-Blood- d- ist
istry agent,
ed attitudes usu
usually re-
toward sorcery ery and quir
quiring Lore
demonology are shaped , Occult
most stronglyngly by
, study
Lookshyand of the relevant
Lookshys de- laws and a back-
monologists are ground check
checkthose
ms.
not the Realms. with shady pasts aare often

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 21

 denied the license. Younger sorcerers may apply for upon each corpse for the sorcerer to find. A sorcerer
an apprentices license, which costs only one mina facing a murdered and paid-for demonic labor force
(Resources ) and requires no White Registry testing. has little legal recourse, so most seek to resolve any
However, the apprentices master (who must be fully problems before things reach this stage.
licensed) takes full responsibility for any damage the Of demographics, the over 10,000 Dynasts of the
apprentices demons cause. Realm have more or less 1,000 Terrestrial Exalted
Officially, a practicing demonologist may legally schooled in sorcery, of which around 400 identify
retain only three demon aides bound through the themselves as sorcerers, of which 200 or so are truly
Abscissic method. In practice, the limit is only rarely skilled. Half of the 400 dedicated sorcerers use personal
enforced, the fines for violation are minor, and almost demon aides on a regular basis and are known fully as
no sorcerer who genuinely desires more than three de- demonologists as well as sorcerers, and half the remainder
mons will let the law stand in her way. Though skilled dabble in demonology, summoning demons as needed,
demonologists are feared and disliked on a personal but dont necessarily consider themselves demonolo-
level, theyre often valuable enough to their families gists per se. Less than a quarter of the Scarlet Dynastys
that House heads exert significant pressure on anyone sorcerers abstain from demonology entirely, but they
who would bring them up on charges. Like violation suffer the social rejection regardless.
of the rules for keeping proper White Registry records, Of the 600 or so Dynasts schooled in sorcery
the three demon law is most often used as an excuse to who arent known as sorcerers (and most often dont
accuse suspected criminal demonologists upon whom consider themselves such), the majority know only
no other charge can be affixed. Emerald Countermagic and perhaps one or two other
Sorcerers may legally exceed three demon servants spells. Even amongst the 600, however, covert de-
when engaging in large-scale projects, but they must monology is rampant. At least a quarter (and by some
insure their slaves with the Scarlet Throne. This is estimates, more than a third) count Demon of the
expensivetypically a Resources purchase for First Circle amongst their meager spells known, and
nine months of massed demon labor involving a single many apprentice themselves quietly to known sorcer-
demonologist and up to two apprentices, or a Resources ers, trading lavish, secret favors for their teachers aid
purchase for a project of larger scale lasting the andmore importantlydiscretion. Almost no covert
same amount of time. demonologists formally admit their knowledge of the
Regardless of whether the demons are personal aids spell Demon of the First Circle to the White Registry.
or a massed labor force, the sorcerer is not held responsible This is something of an open secret amongst White
for minor mischief on the part of her slavesspecifically, Registry agents, who often keep contacts amongst the
any fine or financial burden imposed upon the sorcerer Realms covert demonologists in order to stay abreast
by a demons misbehavior is reduced by a cost of one obol of more important developments (with the threat of
(Resources ). If damages plus the cost of any investiga- public exposure serving as blackmail material), but most
tion are less than this obol exemption, the sorcerer other Dynasts would be shocked to learn how common
pays nothing, though she must pay any amount above demonology is amongst those thought schooled only
a single obol (expensive, if the demon is eating people in Emerald Countermagic.
of import). The demonologist is only at risk of losing
her license if her slaves begin killing Dragon-Bloods or
LOOKSHY
Lookshy tolerates demonologists far less than does
significant numbers of patricians, or destroying more
the Scarlet Dynasty.
property than she can afford to replace. Even then, it
Lookshy boasts two sorcerous orders. The older of
wont be a criminal matter unless shes found terminally
the two is the Order of the Chaplainry, whose members
negligent, if the destruction the demons are causing
are known as sohei, or sorcerer-exorcists. Lookshy has
turns out to be under her orders or if evidence arises
no access to the Five Glorious Dragon Paths of martial
that shes fallen under the sway of the Yozis.
arts, and sohei are allied closely with the leaders of the
Bound demons are considered the property of the
Seventh Legions Immaculate faith, serving a similar
sorcerer, each usually valued at one shekel (Resources
role as the Immaculate Orders monks. The Chaplainry
). If a demonic labor force causes too much trouble
disapproves of summoning for reasons both ideological
for Immaculate temples or Dynastic residences near the
and practical. Ideologically, the Mandate of Heaven
work site, it may end up mysteriously killed or blatantly
empowers the Exalted to call upon demon labor, but
executed, with the assailants tossing a demon shekel

22
demons belong in Malfeas, and only those Exalts of sorcerers are cleared for demonology, most of them
profound enlightenment can know when maintaining sohei, and Lookshy sees these sorcerer-exorcists in
the Celestial Orders proper alignment requires put- nearly the same unapproachable light the Realm sees
ting it temporarily out of balance. Practically, demons all its acknowledged sorcerersthough the unease is
improperly managed cause chaos, and sorcerers densely tinged more with awe than disdain, thanks to the soheis
populate the city and environs, so restricting access to association with Lookshys Immaculate faith.
demon summoning is for the Seventh Legions safety
and stability. Demons also keep poor secrets once their
OTHER DRAGON-BLOODED
Outside the influence of the Realm and beyond
periods of service are endedand Lookshys greatest
the walls of Lookshy, thousands of outcastes make their
military rival has always been the Realm, full of sorcer-
way throughout Creation. For them, sorcery is difficult
ers who can summon and interrogate whatever demon
to learnunlike the Celestial Exalted, Terrestrials
has just left Lookshys service.
have no memories of their past lives to guide them
Lookshys second sorcerous order, younger and
to knowledge, and without access to the Heptagram
now larger (but hewing to older traditions), grew out of
or Valkhawsen, the five trials are arduous. Still, the
the first, and out of political reforms that followed the
Dragon-Blooded benefit from the Salinan Working as
Gunzota Incident. The members of this second order are
much as any Exalts.
the Seventh Legions wai tan-junai and shugan-junai,
Even amongst the self-taught, demonology remains
or sorcerer-engineers and sorcerer-technicians, trained
the most common form of sorcery in Creationin
at the Lookshy Academy of Sorcery at Valkhawsen in
fact, self-taught sorcerers more often know Demon
sorcerous traditions common during the Shogunate
of the First Circle than Emerald Countermagic. The
(when sorcery was not seen as a mystical practice but
most eager tutor many would-be sorcerers can find is
rather a practical pursuit). The post-Gunzota General
a demon summoned through thaumaturgy, and such
Staff originally created the sorcerer-engineers as a source
demons adore snaring unsuspecting outcastes in their
of new magitech after internal audits revealed the former
plots. Self-taught demonologists, lacking access to The
General Staff had grown dangerously lax in insuring
Scroll of Limbs and The Abscissic Guide, tend to live out
against too rapid loss of artifact resources. Although
exactly the sort of stories more educated demonologists
Valkhawsen has become more independent over time
dismiss as mere superstition.
(when created, it fell under the soheis authority, and
remains there legally), its wai-tan junai and shugan- THE CELESTIAL EXALTED
junai still hew close to conventional Seventh Legion Where the Dragon-Blooded are many, weak and
doctrine with regards to demons as logistical assets (i.e., limited to Demon of the First Circle, the Celestials are
for use only when no alternative exists). strong, few and may command even the souls of the
Graduates of Valkhawsen have easy access to Em- Yozis. But not very often.
erald Circle Banishment but cannot learn Demon of
the First Circle without special clearance. Unlike in the THE LUNAR EXALTED
Realm, this clearance cannot be officially boughtand Lunar sorcerers use Demon of the First Circle as
buying it unofficially is difficult, as the new General often as Dragon-Blooded do, and for many of the same
Staff has been remarkably free of corruption. Only the reasonsconstruction, war, personal aides. The No
most trusted and respected of Lookshys sorcerers (i.e., Moons try to keep the Circle of Sapphire to themselves,
mostly the sorcerer-exorcists) learn Demon of the First but hardly anyone begrudges a young Full Moon or
Circle, and as Valkhawsens headmaster falls further out Half-Moon mastery of the Circle of Emerald. First Circle
of favor with the sohei, they increasingly veto requests demons pose less of a risk to Lunars than to Dragon-
by Valkhawsen students for the requisite clearance. Blooded, because Lunars are mightier than Terrestrials,
Unlike in the Realm, anyone in Lookshy who can so Lunar tutors of sorcery are even less hesitant to teach
cast even a single spell is widely considered a sorcerer, their pupils Demon of the First Circle than are the staff
but due to the rarity of demonology and a necessarily of the Heptagram. The Lunar propensity for taking on
pragmatic attitude toward the resources available to it, the role of gods in Creations various barbarian tribes
Lookshy society doesnt look askance at sorcerers the makes it less likely theyll be hated and feared by the
way the Realm does. Almost one in six of Lookshys mortals around them for calling up the servants of
Dragon-Blooded know the Terrestrial Circle Sorcery Hellmany a savage god demonstrates its power
Charm. However, in all of Lookshy, perhaps 100-150 precisely by binding demons to her will.

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 23

 Demons of the Second Circle are another mat- can create a manse without demonic eccentricity in its
ter. Theyre cunning. They can be hard to control. design, they can serve a master personally forever, and
Its because of Demon of the Second Circle that the they can be cowed using the same techniques that strike
No Moons try to keep Sapphire Circle Sorcery to fear in the hearts of living mortals. The Abyssals turn
themselvescalled up without proper preparation, the to demonology most often for those specialized tasks for
least souls of the Yozis can ravage a nation. which no ghost or spell of necromancy is optimized.
Those Lunar sorcerers who subscribe to the Demons, for the most part, relish any opportunity to
Mishikos philosophies sometimes look down on demon- place rogue Abyssals under their sway, so the Chosen of
ology, as Mishiko espouses freedom and demonology Death on the run from their masters often find demons
exploits slavery. But Lunars are survivors, and they make excellent servants at least up until they try to
havent survived this long by ignoring the resources enslave their masters.
within their grasp.
THE SOLAR EXALTED
THE SIDEREAL EXALTED The Solar Exalted are as yet too fractious to make any
Sidereals dont summon demons very often, for single statement about their approaches to demonology.
two reasons: First, demons arent allowed in Heaven, They come from all cultures and all walks of life. They
where Sidereals spend much of their time; and second, share only access to the Salinan Working and memories
what time Sidereals dont spend in Heaven, they often of a time when they strode Creation as the Princes of
spend addressing causal errors resulting from demonic the Earth. The demons, for the most part, are unsure
tampering in Creation. Few are eager to create more of what to make of these young upstarts. The Solars of
work for themselves, and only slightly more are eager to old were magnificent, and the spirits of Malfeas offered
create more work for their fellows. An obtrusive demon them grudging respect. The new Solars are not nearly
retinue can also make it difficult to maintain a false so powerful. Can they be made tools, or is the attempt
identity, of which most Sidereals keep several. to make them so unwise?
Only about 30 percent of Sidereal sorcerers make So far, the demons have taken a wait-and-see ap-
use of demonology regularly. The most common task proach to the reborn Lawgivers. A few try to enslave the
set before demons called up by the Seers is sentinel Solar Exalts to their own use, but their fellows advise
dutydemon slaves often guard sites important to the caution. The Solars grow in power fast, and todays
Five-Score Fellowship. First Circle demons are within slave might throw off her shackles and become a free
fate as long as theyre in Creation, and they can act as sorcerer tomorrow. Many demons continue with plots
sentinels eternally, so they avoid the major problems they ran before the Solars re-emerged, treating their
Sidereals have with demon summoning. bondage as an inconvenience to be weathered rather
Where Sidereal demonologists excel is in knowl- than an opportunity to be savored.
edge. They have essentially unfettered access to all of Where Solars excel in demonology is their ability to
Heavens lore regarding the denizens of Malfeas. While call forth Demons of the Third Circle. If any have done
this is ostensibly so they can fight demonic influence so since the Empresss disappearance, Creation at large
more effectively, it also means that, when a Sidereal is unaware, but its only a matter of time until a young
does summon an infernal slave, she often knows exactly Chosen of the Sun prodigy makes the attempt.
how best to make use of itor believes she does.
MORTAL DEMONOLOGISTS
THE ABYSSAL EXALTED Not all demonologists are Exalts. Mortals thau-
Where the Sidereals possess reams of printed maturges, too, call up demonic spirits to do their
records, the Abyssals possess mentors with first-hand biddingand the practice is not quite as dangerous as
experience in dealing with powerful demons. one might assume. Many Malfean spirits are happy to
But Abyssals tend to concentrate on learning nec- find allies in Creation, and if those allies are mortal,
romancy, and it takes the Onyx Circle of the Labyrinth so much the bettermortals are easier to enslave. See
to call up even a Demon of the First Circle. As much Exalted, page 138, and The Books of Sorcery, Vol.
as the Deathlords know of correct demon usage, they IIIOadenols Codex, page 135 for more information
often prefer their students learn the arts of death to on the thaumaturgical Art of Demon Summoning.
the arts of Hell. As excellent servants as demons make, What demons tolerate from mortal thaumaturges,
ghosts are better in the long run for most tasksthey theyre less forgiving of in mortal sorcerers. When one

24
of the rare mortal initiates of the Circle of Emerald
tries to cast Demon of the First Circle, she discovers SORCERY BY PROXY
something terrible. The spell can call the demon forth Demons who learn sorcery cannot use it
but offers no binding (as that is dependent on the pledge to summon or bind other demonsthose spells
of servitude made to the gods and Exalts alone at the draw from the lingering power of the binding
close of the Primordial War), and many demons take oaths the newly forged Yozis swore at the end
offense at a mortal attempting their enslavement. De- of the Primordial War, which twisted them into
mons willing to play nice with a properly deferential their current forms and placed their souls into a
thaumaturge arent so willing when theyre called out forever submissive position.
of Malfeas on pretense and bidden to serve one with As for demons and other types of sorcery,
no right to demand service. This isnt a secret. Mortal demon sorcerers are harder to summon than
sorcerers who attempt a casting of Demon of the First many demonologists would like. As a rule, Ter-
Circle are rare in the Age of Sorrows. restrial Circle sorcerers have no hope of binding
a demon sorcerer to slavery. Whether a demon
CHOOSING A DEMON TO SUMMON knows sorcery or not is one of the few things the
For any given task a sorcerer wishes to accomplish,
demon-summoning spells cant distinguish, so a
Malfeas holds a demon, or five, or a dozen. Erymanthoi
demonologist who wants a pet sorcerer needs to
arent the only demon brutes. A sorcerer who calls
know the demon individually firstand demons
forth a demon by the purpose she wishes it to serve is
of the First Circle with Terrestrial Circle Sorcery
as likely to receive a specimen shes never heard of as
number perhaps a dozen at a time, with a high rate
one with which shes familiar. As all demons are ec-
of turnover (Lucien makes examples of those he
centric, sorcerers from the time of Brigid onward have
finds) and much secrecy amongst the survivors.
kept careful records of which demon breeds make the
Demons of the Second Circle often learn the
best soldiers, the best builders and the best clerks. Un-
Circle of Emerald, but only the most powerful and
known, unpredictable demons are a danger, if not to
canny learn the Circle of Sapphire. In rare cases,
the sorcerer herself then to her agendas, her reputation
a sorcerer in need of a particular spell may call
or, at very least, her peace of mind.
up a Second Circle demon to cast it for her, but
OBSCURITY this is both risky and inconvenient, as demons of
The demons in Chapter Three each have an this Circle can be summoned only on the night of
Obscurity trait. Obscurity measures how common is the new moon or during Calibrationits often
knowledge of any given demon amongst the mortals quicker for the sorcerer to simply learn the spell
of Creation, and particularly amongst the societies herself. A few demonologists bind Second Circle
dedicated wholly or in part to demonologythe No demons expressly to act as pet sorcerers, but the
Moons of the Silver Pact, the Mnemon Darik Society, demons most skilled in the sorcerous arts are those
the sohei of Lookshy and the Marmorean sisterhood most willful and difficult to bind. Throughout
are just a sample of the dozens of groups dedicated to history, sorcerers have made a habit of calling up
demonology across Creation. The Obscurity trait is demon sorcerers as tutors, however.
two numbered thresholds separated by a slash. The Third Circle Demons are often expert sorcer-
first threshold measures how commonly known is the ers, but theyve not been seen in Creation since
demon or demon species name and a general idea of its the fall of the Old Realm.
nature. Creation is full of stories of the blood apes called
erymanthoi and the green sun named Ligier. Beyond
such simple facts, common knowledge of demons is represents, but a good guide would be to ask yourself
rife with misperception, exaggeration, speculation and this: Assuming this demon has been summoned repeat-
liesbut a summoner needs only a demons name (or edly by demonologists over the past several thousand
the name of its race) to call it forth. years, and assuming many of those demonologists kept
The second threshold marks how common is reasonably accurate records to pass to their students,
accurate information about the demon in question. what would a well-educated savant learn from reading
Storytellers, you have broad discretion when deciding scholarly compilations of those records? The second
how much information the second Obscurity threshold threshold doesnt measure total knowledgeif Octavian

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 25

 has a secret weakness, characters wont automatically
learn it merely by purchasing Occult 5 or Backing
(Sohei of Lookshy) 3.
Note that Obscurity is not absolute. As a measure of
cultural awareness, it shifts from culture to culture. The
eristrufae are mildly obscure throughout most of Creation,
but in the West, where sailors tell tales of the demon
fog, the eristrufae are more commonly known. Demons
totally unknown to Creation have no Obscurity trait.
Two ways exist to use Obscurity:
Automatic: Take a characters Occult score and
subtract two. The character automatically knows of
every demon with an Obscurity rating equal to or lower
than the resultthe name and a brief description, if
(Occult - 2) is equal to or greater than the first number,
and the full details if (Occult - 2) is equal to or greater
than the second number. For example, everyone with
Occult 3 knows not only of the blood apes, but as much
about them as there is to know, for blood apes are simple
creatures without a secret nature. Neomah are similarly
well known, but being more complex, only characters
with Occult 4 or more automatically know the full details
of the demon courtesans reproductive habits.
Should a demonologist possess the Backing
Background in an occult organization with a focus on
demonology, she automatically has access to records
of every demon with an Obscurity rating equal to or
lower than her rating in that Backgroundsorcerous
societies tend to use knowledge of the more exotic
forms of demon as enticement for sorcerers to involve
themselves more fully in societal affairs. Should she pos-
sess the Backing Background in an occult organization
dedicated to sorcery in general but not demonology in
specific, her Backing is treated as one lower than normal
for this purpose. The Lookshy Academy of Sorcery at
Valkhawsen is a sorcerous society, but not dedicated to
demonology or its practice, but Lookshys sohei dedicate
themselves to demonology first. Backing (Valkhawsen)
is worth one less dot than Backing (Sohei of Lookshy)
for purposes of Obscurity. Most Realm sorcerous societ-
ies dedicate themselves to demonology first, including
the Heptagram, due to demonologys common practice
amongst the Dynastic sorcerers.
Rolled: Should a character not qualify to automati-
cally know the name or the details of a given demon
or demon species, theres still a chance shes heard of
it in passing and might remember. Roll the characters
(Intelligence + Occult). If the roll garners successes
equal to the first number, she knows of the demon or
species in passing. If the roll garners successes equal to
the second number plus 1, she is well-educated in the

26
demons or demons habits and behavior. Should the
roll fail, the sorcerer has not encountered knowledge BALANCE
of the demon or demonic race in her life and travels This system doesnt attempt to balance de-
(or cannot recall encounters with it during lives past, monology by making the most useful demons the
in the case of Celestial Exalted), and must research most difficult to find. Up to a point, the more
before her player may roll again. useful a demon is, the more demonologists will
DEMON OBSCURITY write about it, and the more knowledge of it
Demon Obscurity will disseminate amongst Creations sorcerous
societies. The more powerful and dangerous a
Eristrufa 2/3 (1/3 in the West) demon is, the more infamous it becomes, and the
Erymanthus 1/1 more sorcerers speak of it amongst each other
Infernal Worm 2/2 when they discuss their craft. Most demons with
mid-to-high Obscurity ratings are unknown not
Kimberys Dawn 3/4 because they possess secret, world-shaking power
Neomah 1/2 and are meant to be kept out of the hands of
Octavian 2/3 players characters, but because demonologists
dont take an interest in them.
RISK ASSESSMENT Several obscure demons are powerful and
How dangerous is demonology really? secretworld-changing forces all on their own,
Short answer: Much less dangerous than most non- and weapons concealed by all with knowledge
sorcerers assume, but somewhat more dangerous than of them. Theyre the exceptions.
most demonologists like to admit. SIDEREALS
Demon summoning works. Most demonologists profit The Sidereal Exalted dont use this system.
by it. Everyone hears stories about the sorcerers who let Any Sidereal with any Backing in any Bureau of
their slaves get the better of them, and who get pulled Yu-Shan has full access to the names and details
off to the Demon Realm as a result of meddling in forces of all known species of demon of the First Circle,
they cant understand. These stories are popular because and most individual demons of the Second and
theyre memorable, and theyre memorable because the Third Circles. Sidereals are expected to fight the
events they concern are rare. Hopping puppeteers are forces of Malfeas on a regular basis, and Heaven
infamous for killing infants, so the most common story has learned not to send its agents in uninformed.
about the sorcerer-architect using hopping puppeteers to A Sidereal who engages in irresponsible demon-
build her mansion involves her discovering once the task ology (including leaking Heavens secrets in
is finished that she no longer has a family to inhabit it. a demon servants presence) will face censure
The story doesnt mention that sorcerers are fully aware should her superiors discover the practice.
of the hopping puppeteers attitude toward babies, that
sorcerers make a habit of keeping children away from
demonic construction sites and that the White Registry (if they have any). Theyre aware of how badly mis-
records no Dynastic sorcerer losing one of her own children understood they are, and they often make a common
to a hopping puppeteer in over two centuries. mistakethey assume the slanderous cautionary tales
Summoned demons tend not to be dangerous to the are all wrong. They think, Those sorts of things dont
sorcerers body. They are often not dangerous to the sor- really happen. Most of time, such things dont but
cerers allies. They are, however, demons. They remain all stories begin somewhere, exaggerated though they
true to their natures. Theyre dangerous to bystanders. may become. And many demonologists, invested as they
Even benevolent demons, such as Berengiere, carry are in believing their critics are wrong, turn a blind eye
a different set of priorities than human beings. If they when their critics turn out to be right.
behave in humane ways, they dont do so for human Summoned demons are dangerous to the sorcerers
reasons. Demons are broken, and summoned demons principles and resolve. The greatest danger of demonol-
doubly so. Broken minds are eccentric. ogy is how useful it is. Sorcerers face genuine temptation
Demonologists spend most of their lives facing the to delegate their daily routines to demon slavesmore
ignorant discrimination of their non-sorcerer peers intelligent than any mortal slave, more obedient, and

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 27

 supernaturally puissant besides. With enough demons, MECHANICS
any task becomes possible, and even the problem of As the Exalted rulebook details, the mechanic of
too many demons to manage is itself easily managed summoning spells divides into two stages.
by summoning more demons and delegating authority. First, the binding roll: A series of resisted rolls
The stories mortals tell of the sorcerer recreating the between the sorcerers and the demons (Essence +
hierarchy of Malfeas in Creation, with herself in the role Willpower), with victory going to the first to score
of a Yozi, are rooted in fact, and such a sorcerer, even if three more successes than the other. The sorcerers
she doesnt mean to be, is a menace to Creation. Even player can penalize demons player by spending motes
without the Great Curse, such a demonologist might be beyond the spells base cost. For Demon of the First
driven to excess or just neglect to reign in her demon Circle, every extra five motes the sorcerer spends inflicts
armyand she is not without the Great Curse. a -1 internal penalty to the demons roll; Demon of the
In such cases, martially inclined bystanders often Second Circle and Demon of the Third Circle increase
take preventative steps. the cost to 10 motes per -1 internal penalty.
Second, the banishing roll: Should the sorcerer
THE SPELL fail to bind the demon, her player may make a reflexive
Five days before the sorcerer begins the ritual, the
(Wits + Occult) roll at difficulty 3 for the character to
demons senses clear. It puts aside its tasks and, in a
banish the demon back to Malfeas, with failure loosing
near trance, sets out from Malfeas. It journeys through
an unbound demon on Creation.
the Endless Desert for five days, and on the fifth day,
In addition to penalizing the demons players
at midnight, the moment the sorcerers ritual reaches
roll, the sorcerers player possesses two ways to bolster
a crescendo, it pushes through the barrier separating
her own.
Creation from Hell.
Solars during the First Age spent a great deal of time RITUAL IMPLEMENTS: THE CAGE
studying this phenomenon, with teams of researchers sta- As the spell description notes, summoning a de-
tioned in Malfeas who would watch a demon scheduled mon requires ritual implements to perform properly,
to possibly be summoned (determined randomly) five days with a lack of such inflicting a -1 external penalty to
hence. They determined that the demon always leaves the sorcerers binding roll and a -2 external penalty to
for Cecelyne if the summoning occurs and never leaves the banishing roll. The sorcerer uses these materials
if it doesnt. The quantum motonic theories derived to form a literal or metaphysical cage, which the spell
from these experiments were the basis for much of the reproduces in the demons mind, entrapping its will.
more advanced late-Deliberative technology. Second Regardless of what form they take, by default these
Age savants can grasp only the basics of these theories, implements consist of a permanent structure, costing
and much of the advanced principles are now beyond Resources , and expendable components, costing
the likes of everyone save the eldest of Sidereals. Resources per demon summoned.
A sorcerer cannot summon a demon already in The player of a sorcerer who creates a more elaborate
Creation, even if that demon normally has no trouble cage (a one-time Resources purchase) gains +1 die
appearing in multiple locations simultaneously. Once to binding rolls. More rarified components (Resources
summoned, the sorcery intertwines the demons future per demon) also provide +1 die. These bonuses are
and the summoners; until the spells duration ends, cumulative.
none other can bind it. Because of this fact, demonology The Resources cost measures the rarity of the com-
interacts poorly with other forms of Heavenly binding ponents. The materials the demonologist uses to create
specifically the Eclipse oath. A demon ordered to swear the cage need not be literally purchased with currency,
an Eclipse oath will suffer the normal consequences and summoners in rural societies need not venture into
for breaking it, up to a point. The moment the demon Creations cities to acquire the necessary materials. See
suffers the first botch, its binding breaks, and it finds Folk Resources in The Books of Sorcery, Vol. III
itself free. Once the binding is broken, so is the oath. Oadenols Codex, p. 7, for further discussion.
Should the first botch delay until after the binding
BOUND BY OATH
naturally expires, or should the demon not break the
To further break down the demons resistance,
oath while bound, the oath likewise ends at the bind-
the sorcerer may, during the binding process, offer the
ings culmination. Sorcerers cannot layer obligations
demon a chance to swear an oath of further restriction.
on their servants easily.

28
 TASK BINDING
SURVIVING THE SUMMONING A demon bound to a task gains that task as a new
As a rule of thumb, when summoning a Motivation in addition to its existing Motivation. Though
demon with less than 10 dice in its (Willpower provided through magic, this new Motivation is in all
+ Essence) pool, a one-die edge translates into ways real and confers all the same benefits as a normal
a two-thirds chance of victory in the binding Motivation. If the new Motivation and the old Motivation
roll. Having two more dice than ones opponent conflict, the demons player may spend a Willpower point
gives a three-quarters chance of victory. Four for a chance to ignore the imposed Motivation for a day.
extra dice brings it up to nine chances in ten. Otherwise, the demons desire to fulfill the task to which
For more powerful demons, a two-, three-, or its bound takes precedent. The demons player may not
six-die edge gives similar results. spend a Willpower point to ignore the imposed Motivation
For true safety, a sorcerer should subtract unless the previous Motivation forces a conflict.
three dice from her binding pool and halve the If the sorcerer has a task in mind when she begins
resultthats how many dice she can afford to the summoning, the spell will call a demon with a
let the demons player roll. This edge gives the Motivation compatible to the task, unless she deliber-
sorcerer somewhere around a 99 percent chance ately works the magic otherwise (for example, binding
of victory in the summoning contest. an demon she knows by name to a task she knows it
opposes, as punishment or for amusement).

Should the demon accept, this binding oath provides

MASS SUMMONING
For players who wish their demonologists to embark
the sorcerers player with two automatic successes to
upon grand projects requiring dozens or hundreds of
one of her binding rolls. She may offer, and the demon
demon servants acting in concert, these rules provide
may accept, more than one oath.
a way to do so without making dozens or hundreds of
Typically, these oaths offer mutual benefit, specify-
individual binding rolls.
ing some freedom the sorcerer will allow the demon in
Every task a group of demons could perform has
exchange for some task the demon will perform above
a Scope, representing the number of demons required
and beyond that which the spell mandates. Oaths need
to perform it. When judging how many demons a task
not be mutually beneficial, howeverin swearing,
requires, assume each First Circle demon is worth three
the demon accepts the validity of the binding, which
skilled mortals or one heroic expert. Use this system
weakens its resistance even if the oath is purely for the
for tasks of Scope or greater. This is an abstraction,
sorcerers benefit. If the sorcerer wishes to trick the
representing many nights spent casting the spell Demon
demon into accepting an oath with no benefit to itself,
of the First Circle repeatedly, and binding each demon
the demons player uses the rules for reading motivation
in turn to whatever task the sorcerer has in mindand
(see Exalted, p. 131).
not to the sorcerers will. It also assumes all the demons
A demon that violates an oath made during the
are bound to the same goal, though the actual phrasing
binding process dies. If its a demon of the First Circle,
the sorcerer uses may vary from demon to demon. When
death is instant and permanent as the demon visibly
building an army with the purpose of sacking Gem, for
rots away to nothing. A demon of the Second Circle
instance, she may bind erymanthoi to commit violence
evaporates into dust and vaporits Third Circle demon
upon its structures and citizens, peronelle to enhance the
will eventually recreate it. A Third Circle demon rein-
erymanthoi in combat and sesseljae to give the blood apes
carnates into a new form instantly, its nature changed
support, but the end goal of all three groups of demons
enough that the old oath becomes invalid.
is to efficiently destroy the city. When working at this
A sorcerer who violates an oath suffers a dire fate.
scale, the actual makeup of the demon army is important
At some point in the future, all her bound demons will
only for when the sorcerers player wishes to enhance
go free. This happens once for every oath she breaks.
the groups progress through stunt description.
Rarely, a sorcerer evades a broken oaths consequences
Demons bound to a task will generally wish to carry
by dying before facing this calamity (it can be years
it out as quickly as possible and may be difficult to re-
or even centuries before the demons are freed) or by
strain from doing so. Once bound, they are loyal to the
dismissing all her demons and forswearing demonology
task and not to the demonologist. They will generally
thereafter, but no other method of escape exists.
follow their masters instructions on how best to carry

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 29

 out their purpose, or the instructions of a lieutenant Demons set toward a violent task incur constant
shes designated, but they will ignore pointless orders losses at a force size of (Project Scope - 2). The demons
(wait here for a few days, stop spinning towers of brass make no progress, and in throwing themselves into the
and fire, dont eat my cat, detour and destroy that fray, deplete their numbers as fast as the sorcerer can
town) and may attack the sorcerer if she attempts to call them up. A sorcerer faced with this problem has
hinder them, just as theyd attack any obstacle. two traditional solutions to choose from. The first solu-
A force of (Project Scope - 2) is totally ineffective tion is the simplest: Immediately after summoning the
at accomplishing its goal. The demons will attempt demons and binding them to their task, she imprisons
vainly to fulfill their purpose, gaining no progress until them, and keeps them imprisoned until they attain suf-
their numbers reach (Project Scope - 1). ficient numbers to have any hope of reaching their goal.
A force of (Project Scope - 1) is largely ineffective Unfortunately, the sorcerer who does this makes herself
typically, it makes progress, but at one-tenth the rate a valid target for her own demons wrath. The alterna-
it should. tive is to supplement the demonic forces with mortal or
A force of (Project Scope + 1) is only somewhat Exalted backup, until shes called forth enough demons
more effective than a force of (Project Scope). Any that she can withdraw her non-demon troops.
task has room for only so many demons at a time. Demons set toward a violent task and with numbers
Extra demons in this amount halve the time required of (Project Scope - 1) still suffer losses, but slowly, and
to finish the project or ensure increased quality in the the sorcerer can summon new demons fast enough to
final result. eventually reach (Project Scope). Once the force of
A force of (Project Scope + 2) cannot apply itself demons reaches (Project Scope), the losses it continues
effectively and provides no benefit over a force of to suffer have been accounted for in the initial plan-
(Project Scope + 1). ning period, and the demons will complete their task

30
with no further replacements needed assuming no To bind a demon, a sorcerer must first break its will.
unplanned-for complications arise. The Abscissic Guide describes the most overwhelmingly
common manners in which demon wills break when
ABSCISSIC BINDING subject to the pressure of binding sorcery. A sorcerer
Late in the time of the Old Realm, an anonymous familiar with the work can choose which points of
Silurian sorcerer authored and began quietly distribut- weakness to target.
ing The Abscissic Guide, which would turn out to be The Abscissic Guide spread through First Age sorcer-
the most influential work on the subject of demon ous societies as quickly as any innovation could have.
summoning written since The (first) Black Treatise. Sorcerers soon realized the unified theories presented
The work was short, simple and came in two parts. therein explained almost every behavior theyd ever seen
The first was, by the scholarship standards of the time, from demon servants bound directly to a sorcerers will.
unremarkable: a simple essay on demonology and Nearly all sorcerous traditions adopted it into the canon
thoughts on its further codification. The second was a of demonology scholarship, and some even set about
series of 43 illustrationsnine major and 34 minor adapting its principles to the purpose of elementalism.
conveying purely through art a comprehensive set of Availability and Cost: The nine major and one
theories behind the cracks in the demon mind and of the minor plates are common, available together
how a sorcerer might break the will of her intended as a single Resources purchase in the Realm
slave to her exact specifications. Created through the and the major cities of the Threshold. Twenty of the
sort of skill only within the realm of a Solar during minor plates are rare and available only to collectors
the High First Age, the illustrations instantly convey assuming a character can find someone willing to sell
their intended meaning, and a student of the Guide such a treasure, each usually costs Resources plus
need barely study. whatever favor the character must perform to persuade

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 31

 PROJECT SCOPE
The following time estimates assume the sorcerer fails reasonably often to bind the summoned demon but
succeedsexcept on the occasion of an incidentat banishing or efficiently killing the thing called forth.
Scope Summoning Time Servitor Compliment
N/A One demon
Six days Pack (3-5 demons)
30 days Mob (15-20 summoned workers, 1-5 summoned taskmasters)
180 days Horde (80-120 summoned workers of varying species or types,
20-25 summoned taskmasters, 1-5 summoned or assigned leaders
and savants)
1,800 days Army (1,000 demons or elementals and an appropriate
administrative hierarchy)
Do not individually resolve the binding roll for each demon. Instead, to represent the demons side
of the binding, roll 10 dice, and add the projects Scope as automatic successes. The demonologists
player rolls (Willpower + Essence) normally. She may spend Essence to reduce the demons dice pool,
but must pay the cost every night of summoning.
For every success the demons score in excess of the sorcerer, the project is marred by a single incidenta
scene or story wherein something goes horribly wrong as the result of a loosed demon. When appropriate,
and especially in games where martial conflict with demons is rare and the players enjoy a good fight,
such an incident is simply a demon who breaks free and attempts to kill the sorcerer. In games where
such a method of resolution would be boring, an incident could be anything from a demon escaping to
plague the local landscape, to a demon pretending to succumb to the binding and then sabotaging the
project from within, to a botched ritual and an inadvertently freed Second Circle demon.

the seller to spread the knowledge. Thirteen of the race possess identical traits, somewhere in Malfeas lies
minor plates are thought lost and would be Resources an exception, which the spell will naturally seek out
purchases were they reintroduced to Creation. should the sorcerer require it.)
In the Realm, the common tome is widely availableall When circumstances place the demon in condi-
the libraries of the Blessed Isle with books restricted to tions in which its Limit gain condition applies, roll the
Dynasts carry a copy of The Abscissic Guide, and any- relevant Virtue or other trait. The demon gains one
one eligible to read such books may do so. Storytellers point of Limit per success. Players of sorcerers seeking
should assume any character with enough dots of Occult to reduce a demons Limit describe methods by which
to qualify for the Terrestrial Circle Sorcery Charm is their characters do so. Usually, each stunt die garnered
familiar with this material, unless unfamiliarity with by the description reduces a demons Limit by one, to
the subject is a plot point. a maximum of one such stunt per scene of interaction
with the demon. Several plates have more specific
ABSCISSIC MECHANICS Limit reduction conditions. Throughout the following
A demon bound for a year and a day to a sorcerers
descriptions, low Limit refers to a Limit of 0 to 3, while
will gains a Limit track and conditions by which it gains
high Limit refers to a Limit of 7 to 9.
and loses Limit. Each major plate aligns itself with a
Each plate also has two Limit Breaks. The sorcerer
Virtueto summon a demon using one of the Abscissic
chooses which plate to use but has no power over which
plates, the demon must have that plates Virtue at 3 or
of the two Limit Breaks the demon manifests when it
more. Minor plates, much more specific and narrow in
reaches Limit 10. A demon experiencing Limit Break
their purpose, align themselves with other traits. (When
regains Willpower as if it were a Solar Exalt. In most
summoning First Circle demons, remember that every
cases, after a demons Limit Break concludes, its Limit
demon in Malfeas is an individual, even demons of
drops immediately back to zero. Storytellers are also
the First Circle. While the vast majority of a demonic
free to design new Limit Breaks for each plate, accord-

32
 A YEAR AND A DAY
Creations year is 420 days long. Calibra-
tion accounts for an additional five days, but
those five days fall outside of the year. A demon
bound through the Abscissic method serves the
sorcerer for 421 days, not 426.

ing to the following design precept: A plate that gains

Limit slowly, or ensures reliable service, will have more
dangerous Limit Breaks compared to a plate that faces
the sorcerer with unruly slaves, quick Limit gain or
difficult Limit management.
Sorcerers familiar with The Abscissic Guide know
how to phrase their arguments such that the demons
own strengths of character become weaknesses to
ensnare. Demons never spend Willpower or channel
Virtues to resist Abscissic binding performed by a sor-
cerer familiar with The Abscissic Guide.
THE COURTESAN (TEMPERANCE)
She sprawls in a pool of crimson silk and ichor. She is
in dishabille, and her diaphanous clothing scarcely conceals much suffering as it can without actually harming her.
her form. Her spines and tendrils are relaxed. She is sated. Alternately, it may decide on one inconvenience to
Blood trickles from the corner of her mouth. Behind her is the inflict upon her permanently, such as impotence with
symbol of the serpents, etched against the void in the colors all partners save for it, though it will attempt to keep
of cold starlight and the rough strokes of chalk. In the corner its involvement in this inconvenience a secret.
of the card, one can see a harp; it plays the note of E. Lash of Self-Hatred: The Courtesan accepts it has
The Courtesan seeks to achieve its goals and control no value. Descending into nihilistic despair, it becomes
its situation but places no value on its integrity. It willingly listless and devoid of all creative impulse. It cannot
degrades its body, mind and soul to pursue its aimsto spend Willpower, save when pursuing orders that might
perform its masters will and to ensure she needs its ser- inflict injury or death upon it. The Courtesan remains
vice. It gains Limit when presented with new evidence in this state for (Temperance) months.
that its helpless or unneeded. The sorcerer can reduce
the Courtesans Limit by involving it in decision-making THE ECSTATIC (COMPASSION)
processes, presenting it with gifts, offering it apparently He dances on a black-paneled and gold-seamed floor.
sincere flattery or otherwise proving it valuable. His eyes reflect green sunlight. Far behind him, one can see
At low Limit, the Courtesan lives to please its courtiers, a throne and a withered king slouched upon it.
master and retains confidence that she would be help- In a cavernous space beneath the floor, one can barely see
less without it. As its Limit increases, it begins to look starving, twisted beggars, twined together like larvae. His
for ways by which it may make itself irreplaceable. At foot has come down. The floor is cracking. His chest gapes
high Limit, the Courtesan becomes convinced its master open beneath his shirt, and he has no heart.
believes she needs it not, and it may undertake dramatic Through its bleeding heart does the sorcerer enslave
action to prove itself valuable, often in ways the sorcerer the demon Ecstatic. He plays upon the cruelty of Hell
hadnt planned for and that may conflict with whatever and hints that, in Creation, the demon may find a wor-
agendas the sorcerer hasnt shared with it. thy subject for its love. It gains Limit when it observes
others fulfilling or attempting to fulfill great passion
LIMIT BREAK
common, when traveling with the Exalted (but no more
Fury of the Scorned: The Courtesan seeks to force
than once per scene). The sorcerer can reduce its Limit
its master to know the helplessness and dependency it
by forcing it to spend time in isolation.
feels. For (Temperance) days, it seeks to cause her as

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 33

 To shut out the pain its heart inflicts upon it,
the Functionary obsesses totally over a single task,
established by the sorcerer at the moment of binding.
The sorcerer ensnares it by promising it focus and an
escape from the maddening environment of Hell. It
gains Limit when duties or circumstances interfere
with its obsession (but no more than once per scene).
The sorcerer can reduce its Limit by giving it time to
mix relaxation and the pursuit of its obsessionmore
or less a week suffices.
At low Limit, the Functionarys existence is defined
only by its purpose. Even as it performs other duties, the
focus of its obsession prevent its mind from wandering
away from the sorcerers commands. As its Limit increases,
its inability to fulfill its function distracts it from the
world, and it may suffer +1 difficulty to rolls unassociated
with its obsession or survival. At high Limit, difficulties
increase to +2, and it may plead incoherently with the
sorcerer to be allowed to focus on its function.
LIMIT BREAK
Absolute Obsession: The Functionarys obsession
consumes it totally. For (Compassion) days, it suffers +4
difficulty on all rolls not associated with its function,
At low Limit, the Ecstatic serves the sorcerer eagerly, regains no Willpower or motes, cannot communicate
confident it will find outlets for its passions. As its Limit intelligibly and suffers one health level of lethal damage
increases, it strives to find an answer to its desire, its Es- per day from self-neglect. If the sorcerer wishes it to still
sence fills the world around it with demonic resonance as abstain from its function, she must remind it hourly.
Creation strives to respond. Bystanders suffer ill luck. At
high Limit, this resonance amplifies to great heightsin
the demons presence, failures become botches.
LIMIT BREAK
Love: The world answers the love in the demons
soul. For (Compassion) days, the demon devotes itself
totally in its own alien way to the object of its affection.
Its behavior is limited only in that it may not harm
the sorcerer bodily, whether out of love for him or to
protect its love from him.
Shattered Heart: Venus and Saturn deny the de-
mon the love they promised it. Dejected, it suffers +1
difficulty on all rolls made for it and -1 to its DVs for
(Compassion) months.
THE FUNCTIONARY (COMPASSION)
She half-kneels, sitting on one knee and one foot. A
lesser demon, shapeless, sprawls before her. She is writing
on its back with a bone-handled brush: In the calligraphy
of the Old Realm, it reads THE PRESENT. Mirrors
surround them on every side, marked with numbers from 5
to 19. Her hair is bound back. She wears vermilion robes.
She is gagged, and her eyes have been put out.

34
 Compassionate Gift: The Functionarys obsession
shifts, and it conceives of a grand gift or service to provide
to its master, which none can dissuade it from pursuing.
The construction or pursuit of the Compassionate Gift
pushes all its other tasks to the side, and though the
demon means no harm, the sorcerer will find the gift
difficult to be rid of, and as much a curse as a blessing. It
pursues this task for (Compassion) months, presenting
the gift at the end of that period, whereupon its Limit
falls to zero and its original obsession returns.
THE HORROR (CONVICTION)
It rests, curled, within an unsavory nest. It licks one
insectile claw. It leans its weight on the soft, warm viscera
of its victims. Its eyes are black. Behind it, three men in
tragedian masks gesture. It does not see them. The night sky
above shows not stars, but great blotches of fire
Only demons with at least one of the following
three traitsIntelligence, Perception, Manipulation
at 1 can be bound with this plate. The Horror believes
its still trapped in Malfeas. The sorcerer tricks it into
thinking he is a Yozi, that the Unconquered Suns un-
natural yellow light is a dream-distorted view of Ligiers
comforting illumination, and it serves him loyally Madness of Creation: The Horror fully under-
and instinctually. It gains Limit when it encounters stands its predicament. Creation is a foul, corrupting
one of the three conditions most inimical to Malfeas: place, twisting its master away from his true Yozi-like
silence without death, power without ambition and majesty. Anything the sorcerer loves, that corrupt him
love without pain. The sorcerer can reduce its Limit away from darkness, must be destroyed. It pursues this
by assigning it time in a kennel or other environment hunt with uncharacteristic cunning, and the Limit
built to mimic Hell. During travel, a demonologist with Break lasts for either (Conviction) days, or until it
a bound Horror will often pay a mortal entourage to destroys something the sorcerer loves but failed to
surround and follow him, dancing, shouting, playing issue sufficiently clear orders to protect, whichever
cacophonous musical instruments and otherwise keep- lasts longer.
ing silence and calm at bay.
At low Limit, the Horror is content, and it interprets THE HUNTER (CONVICTION)
the world around it as a bizarre fiefdom of Malfeas. As He stands on a cliff, dressed in scarlet. There are
its Limit increases, it begins to see the ways in which three trees. He holds a long, thin blade in his left hand,
Creation is unlike Hell and grows fearful and disturbed. reversed. A small dog nips at his heels. The blade is through
At high Limit, its actions are erratic and destructive, its throat. A wind blows up from the cliff. A noose hangs
as its terror at its surroundings grows overpowering. It from one tree. A small jade harp, cracked, jangles on the
will not venture into sunlight, save to kill. ground behind him. He has no nose. He has no mouth. He
is looking out of the page.
LIMIT BREAK
He can see you.
Autistic Paralysis: For (Conviction) days, the
The Hunter is focused and desires an outlet for that
Horrors player must make for it a Conviction roll
focus beyond the endless imprisonment of Malfeas. The
whenever it encounters things unsuited to Malfeas,
sorcerer binds it through an offer of purpose. A demon
such as those expressions of innocence, beauty, virtue
summoned as a Hunter can function as literal hunter, a
and compassion found in Creation. On a success, the
builder, a research assistant or in any position where it
Horror curls into a ball, whining and twitching. Failure
must pursue an endless series of similar but unconnected
triggers a fight or flight reflex, during which time the
tasks. It gains Limit when it suffers enforced idleness
Horror will freely attack anyone not the sorcerer or
(no more than once per day). The sorcerer can reduce
regularly protected by the sorcerers orders.

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 35

 of a bloody axe. Her face is content. Her shoes have long
toes. Her hair is coarse, like spider legs, and in disarray.
Behind her rise ivory pillars. A blue banner displays a
stylized key ring with three keys. A dog chews at one of
the bodies feet.
The Killer lusts for demonic indulgencemurder,
sex without attachment (sometimes without consent),
gluttony. The sorcerer calls forth a demon with what-
ever desire he wishes and promises it regular satiation in
exchange for its freedom. The Killers Limit increases
when its denied its chosen indulgence (no more than
once per scene). The sorcerer can reduce its Limit by
feeding it what it desires.
At low Limit, the Killer is sated and on its best
behavior, seeing the sorcerer as the path to op-
portunities for satisfaction. As its Limit increases,
it becomes sullen and brooding. It expresses petty
revenge through minor acts of vandalism and rage,
and it follows orders carelessly. However, it does not
yet wish to see its master seriously harmed. At high
Limit, it begins to pursue its pleasures to the detri-
ment of its assignments.
LIMIT BREAK
its Limit by providing it exciting tasks and ensuring Sorcerer as Target: The sorcerers bindings fray to
these pursuits are successful. the point of snapping. For (Valor) actions, the Killer
At low Limit, the Hunters focus satisfies it. As makes the sorcerer the target of its indulgence, attack-
its Limit increases, it begins to embark upon small, ing him to kill or subdue.
self-directed hunts during moments of free timeif
the sorcerer reduces its free time, it merely takes this
as a challenge. At high Limit, these self-directed ac-
tions may become actively counterproductive to the
sorcerers agenda.
LIMIT BREAK
Fair Play: For (Conviction) months, the Hunter
applies itself only to truly challenging tasks. It
encourage the sorcerer to assign it projects to the
limits of its ability. If she does not comply, it begins
to handicap itself during lesser tasks to make the
challenge more interesting.
Madness of Shadows: For (Conviction) days,
the Hunter confuses targets or tasks, embarking on
projects essentially at random (though the Storyteller
should chose tasks that make play interesting). It still
cannot harm the sorcerer directly, but it may betray
her inadvertently.
THE KILLER (VALOR)
She sits, cross-legged and dainty, atop a pile of bodies.
The corpses face every direction. Each sprawls one arm
toward you. She wears green. She is suckling at the corner

36
 Unstoppable Indulgence: For (Valor) days, the LIMIT BREAK
Killer processes orders only to find what pleasure it Flare of Rebellion: The Slave gains a new self,
may take from them. It cannot understand (and im- defined by a burning hatred for the sorcerer who has
mediately forgets) any order it would not enjoy, and bound it, though the force of its binding allows it to
even the orders it does carry out, it performs as a side conceal this motivation. Some time during the next
effect of indulging itself. lunar month, it will spend up to (Temperance) ac-
tions attacking the sorcerer directly, or it can work
THE SLAVE (TEMPERANCE) to undermine her interest for as many minutes. Once
She shuffles across a great emptiness. She travels a bridge
it has carried out its revenge, the sorcery submerges
of human children, their legs and arms twisted together. She
its identity again.
wears armor of iron, and the footprints she leaves behind her
New Self: The bindings snap. The sorcerer must
are full of blood and white splinters. In the sky behind her,
immediately engage the Slave in a new contest of
a maggot-white dragon flies. Her face is a smooth round
wills (regardless of distance). If the sorcerer declines,
mask of skin into which a knife has carved the shapes of eyes,
the Slave wins by default and departs. Even if the
mouth and ears. In one hand, she holds a flute.
sorcerer triumphs, the demon acquires a new Ab-
The Slave is a mechanism in service to its master.
scissic profile (of the Storytellers choice, not the
It can think, solve problems, reason and comprehend
sorcerers) for the remaining duration of its binding.
all it could before its binding, but it lacks self-
The sorcerer gains no knowledge of which profile the
awareness. It gains Limit whenever its Virtues force
former Slave now follows.
it to feelwhenever its behavior is compelled by
success on a Virtue roll. The sorcerer has no means THE VIZIER (CONVICTION)
to reduce its Limit. He stands on a blood pentagram in layered purple
At low Limit, the Slaves psyche is a pure, clean robes. He holds a book in one hand and a back-curving
void. It cannot spend Willpower. As its Limit increases, knife, point down, in the other. Behind him, an endless
it grows troubled by premonitions of a future break in its hallway extends, littered with bones and lit by the crescent
oblivion, and it develops a sense of time. At high Limit, it moon. His eyes burn with ghastly fervor. His horns arch
gains rudimentary and suppressed emotions and can spend back. A severed hand twists near his feet, fingertips in a
Willpower in pursuit of the sorcerers commands. puddle of water.

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 37

 Only demons with Intelligence and Manipulation
at 2 or greater, in addition to the minimum Conviction
of 3, are vulnerable to this plate. The Vizier seeks to
corrupt the summoner into the service of its masters.
The sorcerer hints he may be vulnerable to such entice-
ment, feigns weakness in his will, demands the Vizier
advise him in secrets it knows and strings it along with
a series of near-victories for its seductive arguments.
The Vizier gains Limit whenever its words are ignored
or whenever it spends five days in circumstances that
prevent it offering advice. The sorcerer can reduce its
Limit by providing it minor victories in the battle for
his soul. Even should he succumb to Yozi servitude,
however, the Vizier still gains Limit, until the demon
itself, and no Yozi, owns him.
At low Limit, the Vizier is content in the knowl-
edge its victory is inevitable. As its Limit increases,
it begins to study its masters weaknesses that it may
assault them. It may manufacture circumstances
whereby the easiest escape is renouncing Heaven
and the Celestial Order. At high Limit, the Viziers
goal begins to visibly taint its behaviortasks the
sorcerer gives it may be performed sloppily or di-
rectly undermined. It may also begin corrupting the The Warden is possessive. Through the binding,
sorcerers companions. the sorcerer convinces the demon that she belongs to
it, and it serves it to best protect her, as it would any of
LIMIT BREAK its possessions. The Warden gains Limit whenever the
Body Hunger: For (Conviction) hours, the Vi- sorcerer or anything she assigns it to protect is threat-
zier abandons subtlety. The moment its attempts at ened (but no more than once per threat). The sorcerer
corruption cease to show continual progress, it enters can reduce its Limit by providing it days of apparent
a murderous rampage, hungry for flesh. For any time in safety, but more importantly, killing a legitimate threat
which its maiming and killing is impeded, the length to its charge reduces its Limit to zero, provided its not
of the Limit Break extends. in the midst of Limit Break. Due to the relative ease of
Cruel Measures: At the first opportunity its orders managing the Wardens Limit, this plate is a popular
allow, the Vizier arranges for the sorcerer to fall helpless selection for demon bodyguards, despite the risk inherent
before the forces of Malfeas. Once helpless, it tortures in convincing a bound demon it owns its master.
him to force compliance with its agenda. Should he At low Limit, the warden feels secure and obeys
escape, it will continue to serve him, but its behavior its commands without protest, as its charges interests
will be unreliable for (Conviction) months. are its own. As its Limit increases, it grows aware of
THE WARDEN (VALOR) Creations dangers. It monitors its charge carefully,
She crouches on a mans chest, long-limbed and lean. though it still retains discretion. At high Limit it
He lies on a cot, dressed in armor, his body stiff and his abandons discretion, and unless specific orders leash
expression terrified. One of her claws rests lightly against it, it spends its time chasing away all things it sees as
his breastplate. Behind him, a splash of acidic blood eats potential threats.
its way through the wall. In the center, a ragged hole LIMIT BREAK
opens to a moonlit field of grain. The moon is red, and Stone-Hearted Gargoyle Warden: For (Valor)
a mouse nibbles at fallen wheat. Before her stand three days, the Warden grows convinced its charge cannot
lovely women. In their hands, clutched where she cannot protect herself. It stops up its ears to prevent hearing
see them, one holds a knife and one holds a wedding ring. contrary orders, kidnaps her and imprisons her while
A flute plays the note F#. keeping all other individuals at bay.

38
 Terrible Guardian Vengeance: The Warden
ceases to understand discretion at all. Until it has WHY?
killed (Valor) apparent enemies, it attacks anyone Limit Break is a mechanic to quantify de-
who shows even the slightest disrespect or threat to monic reactions to players characters behavior.
its charge, even friends and lovers. It exists so players can make meaningful decisions
with regards to how far their characters can push
THE SUFFERER (RESISTANCE)
personal demon servants before they can expect
Gaunt, pale and dressed in a loincloth, he sits across
those servants to push back, and so Storytellers
the table from a wealthy merchant. The merchant has
have some guidance on how often and in what
pushed a cup toward him. It contains maggots and metal
manner demons are likely to react to a players
shards seething in a base of wine. He is smiling. The
characters behavior. Different peopleplayers
symbol of Venus is carved into his back. A dead child
and Storytellers bothunderstand psychological
sits on the merchants knee, its upper body leaning upon
limits in different ways and under different as-
the table. The sunlight is white. A mandolin is propped
sumptions, and the Limit Break system provides
against the table, a clip holding the strings in the position
a foundation so that everyone has common
of A# minor.
footing. Otherwise, players might have entirely
The Sufferer is the sole minor plate still in com-
different expectations about how demons react to
mon circulation amongst Creations occult circles. A
slavery than the Storyteller, which can result in
demon sufferer loathes in itself the weakness that its
the demonologist character (who is, ostensibly,
Yozi masters share, the same weakness that allowed
learned in the subject of demons and demon
them surrender. It has no pride to sustain it and no
behavior by virtue of possessing at least Occult
freedom. A sorcerer may only apply this template to
) knowing nothing about demon behavior
a demon with Resistance 3 or more. It gains Limit
in practice.
whenever it knows surcease from suffering or learns
Groups who decide to discard the Limit Break
to cope with the pain it feels. The sorcerer can reduce
system presented here may wish to put some effort
its Limit by torturing it into incoherence, though she
toward establishing agreement between players
must invent new methods to circumvent its ability
and Storyteller about just how demons are likely
to cope.
to respond to slavery.

At low Limit, the Sufferers self-hatred ensures

total servitude, but if not kept at a -2 health penalty,
it gains Limit daily. As its Limit increases, it suffers not
enough and begins to self-mortify. It must be kept at a
-1 health penalty or gain Limit daily. At high Limit,
it turns its suffering outward, and while the sorcerer
need not keep it wounded to ensure loyalty, it begins
to share its pain with those around it.
LIMIT BREAK
Suicidal Frenzy: The Sufferer attempts to kill
itself for (Resistance) minutes, seeking a method
with maximum collateral damage. If standing orders
keep it from this task, it delays until an opportunity
presents itself.
Transcendence of Pain: Through pain, the
Sufferer finds new purpose. It gains an instinctive
understanding of the sorcerers fate and discards its
old Motivation, acquiring a new Motivation directly
related to the sorcerers destiny. Usually this is malig-
nant, but some demons, glad of their new transcendent

CHAPTER TWO DEMONOLOGY 39

 understanding of Creation, adopt benevolent Motiva- ADDITIONAL PLATES
tions. The demon remains bound but no longer gains Rare and lost plates other than the Sufferer exist.
Limit, and once its binding snaps, it retains its new Players and Storytellers can work together to create
Motivation. Even should the demon die, this new new profiles if the above are insufficient. By default,
transcendent comprehension will shape the way its minor profiles are based on Abilities and require
Essence and identity reforms, and a new demon created their base trait at 3 or more, though some may base
from its reincarnation will return to affect (or plague) themselves on Attributes, Willpower, Essence or
the sorcerers life. even Backgrounds.

40
CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 41
 CHAPTER THREE
THE ROLL OF DEMONS

To the victor go the spoils, and the spoils of

the Primordial War were not solely the substance of
DEMONIC TRAITS
Demons are spirits, similar in ability and compo-
Creation. On any given evening, the prisoners of the
sition to gods but set apart by their intrinsic links to
Demon Realm might be summoned to serve out the
the imprisoned Primordials. There are other creatures
terms of their surrender by any sorcerer with the power
trapped within the Demon Realmunfortunate mor-
and will to do so.
tals, magitech automatons, favored behemoth petsbut
This chapter serves as a toolbox for Storytellers
they are not demons. Like other spirits, demons are
who desire dangerous opponents with which to chal-
beings of Essence held together by Willpower, but their
lenge the players characters and for players who hope
existences are defined by purposes and Motivations spun
to find supernatural servants to perform innumerable
from the whims of the Yozis rather than the design of
tasks at the behest of their Exalted characters. Wise
Creation. They are long-lived if not outright immortal
summoners study the lore of their intended targets;
beings with all of the power and glory of gods. They are
though they can be enslaved, demons are not mind-
also prisoners and slaves.
less tools. A restless puppeteer invariably wreaks
havoc upon the local landscape, while calling Zsofika TYPICAL TRAITS
without assigning her an immediate quarry typically Demons share the same traits as other spirits, as
proves fatal. described in Exalted, pages 291311. For additional

42
spirit rules, including an extensive catalog of spirit those that speak tongues other than their native one.
Charms, see The Books of Sorcery, Vol. IVRoll of Although there may be exceptions, demons of the Third
Glorious Divinity I. This chapter discusses the various Circle can usually communicate, regardless of linguistic
points where demons differ from other spirits. barriers, via Charms or other means.
LinguisticsNearly all of the sentient demons PanoplyThe personal artifacts carried by
speak Old Realm as their native tongue, and they do demons of the Second and Third Circle are usually
so with the Malfean dialect. The ability to read is not invested with their infernal Essence to a degree that
common among the lower orders of demons, but is nigh they are bound by the metaphysics of summoning.
universal among the highest. Usually, the demons traits When Alveua is summoned to Creation, her red-hot
reflect this: Demons with Lore 1 are typically able to hammer arrives with her, and no one else can attune
read, while those with no Lore Ability are illiterate. to it. If Alveua is banished or slain in Creation, the
The glass libraries of Orabilis are open to demons of artifact returns to the Yozi prison along with her.
power or scholarly purpose, but there are other troves Should an Exalt travel to Malfeas and steal the hammer
of secrets in the Demon City of Malfeas. Called to from an unbound Alveua, he may bring it to Creation
Creation to serve its sorcerers or studying Creation and attune to it. If she subsequently recovered her
from afar, demons sometimes learn mortal tongues and weapon, it would accompany her again. Artifacts a
lore. Demons of the Second Circle are unique, and their demon has gained from Creation rarely become true
entries in this chapter list the specific languages granted parts of demonic panoplies. The wonders of Makarios,
by their Linguistics Ability. Lesser demons are ppresented forged from the dreams of Creation, can be stolen by
as samples of their species. Sto- powerful Exalts unwilling to buy them. Although his
rytellers should choose staff of Malfean iron is tied to Octavians Essence,
appropriate languages for the magic acorn he bears is the product of an earthly

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 43

 boon, and it can be taken from him. (The Living UNBIDDEN SUMMONINGS AND IMPOSSIBLE ORDERS
Towers acorn does not automatically extend its boon Chapter Two discusses the methods that sorcerers
to others, but its loss deprives him of its powers until and thaumaturges apply to the act of calling demons
a new one is produced by the white oak growing in into Creation from the Yozi prison. The internment
his Malfean stronghold.) of the Yozis is flawed, however, because either the
ESSENCE, WILLPOWER AND HEALTH LEVELS gods did not want to press the war further despite the
With regards to Essence, Willpower and health fact that the terms of surrender were imperfect or the
levels, demons follow the general rules for all spirits metaphysics of summoning necessarily required such
(see Exalted, pp. 294295). Notes, updates, reminders flaws. The Yozis cannot leave the Demon City without
and exceptions follow. the express command of the Incarnae, yet they can
Essence and Essence PoolsFirst Circle demons visit the dreams of Creation. As discussed in Chapter
commonly have an Essence of 24, though extraordi- One, the Yozis may also possess lesser demons under
nary individuals occasionally overgrow their station certain circumstances. Additionally, countless cracks
and beings such as the Things That Dwell in Corners in the prison exist, through which demons less than
have only Essence 1. Second Circle demons typically the Yozis occasionally slip into Creation. All recorded
range from Essence 57, albeit a newly formed replace- varieties of demon have been known to find some means
ment for one that has been destroyed might possess of reaching the mortal world, typically in a manner
a lower rating and Stanewald boasts Essence 8 since unique to their type, without the call of a sorcery spell
completing the quest that gave the demon her new or thaumaturgic ritual. The opening of these cracks
title. Kimberys Dawn is a Second Circle demon with in the Yozi prison does not constitute a summoning.
Essence 4, though this may be tied to her role as a Demons often ignore or miss them because they are
Progenitive soul. The Demon Princes of the Third otherwise occupied.
Circle characteristically range from Essence 910, As with other beings, there are things that demons
although rare exceptions exist. Demons gain and simply cannot understand or do, or that are against
recover Essence as other spirits do. their intrinsic nature. For the creations or offspring of
WillpowerDemons use and gain Willpower in the prehistoric Yozis, these behaviors might be alien to
all of the ways that other spirits can. Using Willpower the mortal world that succeeded the Primordial War.
to issue a mandate of subordination to demons of lesser Chapter Two gives rules for demon summoning and
rank requires that the demons be connected somehow. Limit Break. The following section discusses the traits
A demon ruling a fiefdom may issue a command to of individual demons and sometimes mentions things
any demon of lesser rank within the bounds of his that defy them. Whenever a bound demon is given
fiefdom. Second Circle demons may issue commands orders that cause it to try to comprehend, overcome or
to demons belonging to species they have created or endure this alien stimulus, the Storyteller should roll
spawned. Third Circle demons may command their one to three dice with the demon in question gaining
own Second Circle souls and any associated lesser one point of Limit for every success those dice display.
demons. Of course, the laws of Cecelyne allow greater Minor issues result in a single die, while attempts to
demons to rule over their inferiors, even if they are force a demon to engage in behavior antithetical to
unrelated, but such authority is enforced by social its core being results in three dice. Sometimes the
structure rather than spiritual compulsion. Some demon in question cannot satisfy the demanddue to
aspects of the rules involving compulsions and Will- its inability to comprehend or to actually perform the
power are different for demons subject to the control actionbut issuing such a command forces the roll for
of a sorcerous binding. Whenever a bound demon Limit anyway. Forcing a hopping puppeteer to remain
is forced to perform sorcery, the demon in question still for a day might require one die, while issuing a futile
gains one point of Limit per point of Willpower it is request that Erembour dance in the sunlight probably
forced to spend. requires three dice.
Health LevelsDemons heal from non-fatal dam-
age at the same rate that Exalts do (see Exalted, pp.
DEMON CHARMS
As with other spirits, much of the power of demons
148149). As supernatural creatures, demons can soak
is contained within their Charms. Most Charms demons
lethal damage with their Stamina, and they are usually
know are similar to those of other spirits, which can be
not treated as extras.
found in The Books of Sorcery, Vol. IVThe Roll

44
of Glorious Divinity I. Some demons cannot employ Duration: One scene
the Materialize Charm, but all of those listed here can This Charm allows the spirit to communicate and
do so. Demons may also master supernatural martial understand basic concepts in the language that is being
arts and sorcery. spoken by a being with whom it is conversing. Activating
the Charm requires a successful (Intelligence + Com-
NEW CHARMS passion) roll, and success allows the spirit to converse
This section presents two new Charms, one of in the target language for the remainder of the scene.
which is unique to demons while the other is common If the spirit uses this Charm to engage in social combat
to spirits of all types. in a language it does not normally understand, both
UNIVERSAL CHARMS the spirit and anyone it attempts to persuade receive
Such Charms are not tied to a particular Virtue. a +3 to their MDV. If the spirit wishes to converse in
more than one language that it does not know, then
LEGALISMS OF THE CREATORS (SUMMONING RESISTANCE) it must employ the Charm multiple times and commit
Cost: ; Mins: Essence 8, Third Circle demon; Essence to each duration.
Type: Permanent
Keywords: Stackable
Duration: Permanent
THE CIRCLES OF DEMONS
Although the Exalted ultimately defeated the
When the Primordial War ended and the Yozis were Primordials, victory was far from assured against these
forced to swear oaths of servitude, only the contest of complex and potent beings. Each of the defeated or
will and Essence between the summoner and summoned slain Primordials possessed at least 12 different souls,
mattered. Yet the vanquished principals of that which each of which transcended mortal attachment to their
arose from the Wyld do not rest easy in their inescap- oft-times world-sized bodies. Every one of these Pri-
able prison, and they have tested their infernal cage mordial constituent souls comprised the Essence of a
for five millennia. Even as they discovered methods of divine being whose power was unmatched by any save
corrupting the immutable Essences of the Exalted, the the greatest of the gods. Yet the souls of the Yozis were
greatest of the Demon Princes learned to influence the bound within Malfeas as surely as the Yozis themselves.
rituals that demanded their decorous service. Whether The souls of the Yozis became the Demon Princes, and
by artificially inflating the force of its Essence rank or these mighty beings are those that the wisest savants
sharply focusing the defiance of its will, this Charm imagine when they speak of Third Circle demons.
grants one additional die to the (Essence + Willpower) The upper limits of the number of component
of a Third Circle demon for the purposes of all sum- souls a Yozi might possess are unclear. None of the
moning and binding contests. Multiple occurrences of imprisoned Primordials have less than a dozen, and the
the Charm are cumulative, granting additional dice, Yozi Adorjan, the Silent Wind, consists of 20 souls, of
but no known Demon Prince has mastered the Charm which Jacint is the 18th. Although She Who Lives in
more than five times. The Charm provides no bonus Her Name consists of more than 100,000 flames within
against banishment attempts. (It is unknown whether crystal spheres, her 30th sphere contains her fourth soul,
this is due to lack of Yozi concern about the matter or and she holds no more souls than is average for her
current lack of progress on their part.) Some Demon brethren. The 23rd soul of the King of the Primordials
Princes, such as Jacint and Lypothymie, have never was executed when he became Malfeas, and surviving
learned these techniques, while the Ebon Dragon has First Age records indicate that some savants found it
made sure that Erembour has mastered them. interesting that 23 was also the apparent number of
Example: With Essence 10, Willpower 10 and five imprisoned Yozis. Neither of the remaining Primordials
instances of this Charm, Ligier rolls 25 dice against a sor- seems to be as well endowed with souls as even the least
cerer attempting to summon or bind him. Against Adamant of the Yozis. It is possible that Gaia naturally had fewer,
Circle Banishment he rolls only 20 dice. as the youngest Primordial, and that one of the inciting
DIVINATIONS (COMPASSION CHARMS) factors of the mockery heaped upon Autochthon by his
Such Charms are tied to the Compassion Virtue. fellow Primordials might have been an abnormally low
number of constituent souls on his part. Of course, it
MIMIC OF TONGUES is also feasible that the two unvanquished Primordials
Cost: 3m; Mins: Essence 3; Type: Simple have merely managed to conceal the existence of their
Keywords: None other components.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 45

 Like their Yozi superiors, the demons of the Third to the Yozis enemies. Unlike greater demons, those
Circle possess multiple souls. Each of the Demon Princes of the First Circle are species rather than individuals,
has seven separate souls of its own, and these souls and plentiful more than they are powerful. Demons of
represent various facets of the Demon Princes person- the First Circle are the designs and desires of the Yozi
alities and abilities. The seven component souls of a mind and body given spiritual form. If the imprisoned
Demon Prince are respectively known as the Warden, Primordials have entertained an idea, then it has prob-
Indulgent, Defining, Messenger, Expressive, Reflective ably existed for at least a brief time in the Demon City.
and Wisdom souls, in recognition of their embodiment If that idea has been enduring and useful, then there
of the Third Circle demons abilities to protect, gratify, is surely a species of First Circle demon that somehow
define, communicate, express, reflect or understand its embodies or engenders it.
own essential nature. Each of these souls is a separate
being, and these souls are what savants imagine when THIRD CIRCLE DEMONS
they speak of Second Circle demons. At the center of the hierarchies of the Demon City
The exact nature of the Yozis is not completely are the unquestionable, the demons of the Third Circle.
understood by savants in the Second Age. Most oc- These mighty beings are the souls of the architects of
cult scholars are unaware that a Yozi (or any other Creation now bound within Malfeas. The exact number
Primordial) is an enigmatic supratheistic polytypic of Demon Princes is unknown, but each Yozi possesses
entity. It is difficult for the human mind to completely at least a dozen Third Circle souls. The power of the
imagine the existence of that which is both the sum Demon Princes rivals that of the most powerful gods
of many component souls, minds and bodies (some of and elementals. Yet, they are bound to the rituals of
which may be the size of oceans or worlds) and more summoning and enslavement formulated within the
than that sum. Creations demonologists dont have Demon of the Third Circle spell.
enough information about the various components of Demons of Third Circle are so powerful that the
the Yozis to perfectly catalog them, much less under- Charms and traits found in most of the printed materials
stand the interactions between them. The means by for Exalted thus far are insufficient to represent them.
which a Yozi creates its Third Circle souls and those Third Circle demons are generally treated as Creation-
souls create their Second Circle components was not shaping forces to be heroically banished or wisely
fully understood even in the First Age. One First Age avoided. Should a Storyteller wish to present demons
theory was that there is an eighth type of Second Circle of the Third Circle in situations outside of their focus,
demon called the Progenitive soul that somehow Demon Princes are nonetheless extraordinarily capable.
gathers or creates the other seven demons around itself Demons of the Third Circle have the talent to appear
and then transforms into a Third Circle demon. Kim- in more than one region of Malfeas simultaneously or
berys Dawn is the only known example of an extant even to occupy both Creation and Malfeas (albeit it
self-identified Progenitive demon, and one late First only a single locale in Creation). For virtually any ac-
Age text predicted that it would eventually result in a tion (or reaction), the player of a Demon Prince can
Third Circle demon tentatively called The Tide That roll at least 1825 dice with very little effort. This wide-
Knows No Life. Other First Age texts suggested that ranging manifestation of aptitude is simply natural to
the designation Progenitive in Malfean linguistics is their proto-divine compositionthe abilities in which
merely an honorary title in recognition of the demons they specialize are even more powerful in scope and
role as progenitor of the Lintha. effect. Yet, the Exalted did triumph over these entities,
In the millennia since they lost the Primordial and their antecedents, during the Primordial War. It is
War, the Yozis have reshaped the worlds-sized prison possible for Exalts to defeat Third Circle demons, but
in which they were cast. Their component souls have doing so should almost certainly involve epic efforts
spawned and created countless races to populate and with momentous consequence.
share that prison. The spiritual progeny of the souls of Demon Princes are presented in a format that
the Yozis are the demons of the First Circle. Their num- includes standard values for their Virtues, Willpower,
bers are vast, and their purposes vary according to their Essence and any Summoning Resistance they have. In
creators whims. Some of the First Circle demons are addition, a handful of special powers, which are both
prostitutes, while others are fierce warriors. Still others specific to the demon in question and exceedingly
are restless builders, living immune systems, exquisite potent are presented. These abilities are the trademark
musicians and dancers, or proselytizers of hopelessness powers that most summoners wish to access when they

46
attempt the Demon of the Third Circle spell, but they
are powers unique to the demon in question and cannot
typically be learned by Eclipse or Moonshadow Caste
Exalts. (Some effects, however, such as fallen Lilikes
Demon-Wracking Shout have been duplicated via
sorcery or other means.)
Every Third Circle demon is an aspect of one of the
Primordial architects of Creation. The Demon Prince
Orabilis is arguably the most direct representation of
Cecelynes role as the Lawgiver of the Demon City.
Erembour calls the creatures of shadow to follow in
the wake of the Ebon Dragon. Although these power-
ful beings are mighty souls of the Yozis, they are not
necessarily the most important. Some of the Yozis
have hidden their most precious souls, keeping them
concealed from the view of enemies who might exploit
them. This is because every one of the Yozis has a single
special Third Circle soul, called its fetich soul, which is
the heart of the imprisoned Primordial. Although the
permanent destruction of any of the Demon Princes
somehow changes its Yozi, the death of a Yozis fetich
soul destroys the Primordials nature, forcing it to
become something else. When the Solar Marus slew
the fetich of Adrin, the River of All Torments, she
became Adorjan, the Silent Wind. to Erembour and die, while others become shadowy
monsters no longer able to bear the light. Those who
EREMBOUR, answer the horn of That Which Calls to the Shadows
THAT WHICH CALLS TO THE SHADOWS lurk in the fringes of the Ebon Dragon or in dark places
DEMON OF THE THIRD CIRCLE, that the light of the green sun cannot pierce.
SEVENTH SOUL OF THE EBON DRAGON Erembour wears silken robes of silver and has flawless
In the First Age, the wisest cities constructed en- skin of deepest black. Her liquid eyes shimmer like the
chanted lighthouses, even if they lay far from the sea, moon, and strands of glowing white hair twinkle amid her
and armed these minarets with piercing klaxons. Sadly, raven tresses. She carries a long silver horn curved like
most of these structures have been destroyed by war or a mighty rams, and a naked rats tail sometimes peeks
neglect, and scarcely anyone remembers that their alarms from the back of her robes. Torches and other ephemeral
could drown out the horn of Erembour while their golden lights are instantly extinguished by her presence.
heliographic beams scoured the streets to halt her pas- Summoning: (Obscurity 2/5) Sorcerers typically call
sage. There are no such towers in the Demon City, for Erembour into Creation to draw upon her powers over
Adorjan and the Ebon Dragon alike will not abide them, the night. Sometimes their goals are more venereal,
and Malfeas prefers the brilliance of his own heart. however, as she is unquestionably one of the finest
There is no night in the Demon Realm, save the existing instructors in the arts of love. When Erembour
shadow cast by the passage of the Ebon Dragon before enters the mortal world, thunder cracks overhead. That
the Demon Citys green sun. When the Shadow of All Which Calls to the Shadows cannot physically escape
Things brings darkness upon a region of Malfeas, things Malfeas without being summoned, but the music of her
emerge that frighten even other demons. Though many horn sometimes drifts unbidden between the worlds
flee the streets, the lady Erembour passes in the wake of with terrible consequence.
the Ebon Dragon and plays a doleful song with her silver Motivation: To celebrate the darkness and oppose the
horn. Her performance fills the hearts of those who hear plans of Ligier and the Unconquered Sun. Erembour has
it with melancholy and an enduring appreciation of the Intimacies for the things of night, including lovers in the
darkness. Some who hear its sound revel in the passing dark, theft, murder, bats, owls, Dune People, creatures
of the Ebon Dragon, while others resist. Some are drawn who live in lightless caverns and nighttime battles.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 47

 Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 5, who launches an assault at night, a shadowy thief
Temperance 2, Valor 3 who murders a certain victim or a lover who woos the
Traits: As a Third Circle demon. object of his desire by the light of the moon. Strength
Sample Powers: of Night gives the target nine automatic successes
Army of DarknessBeckoning with her horn, Erembour (these do not count as Charm-based dice added)
calls forth nocturnal creatures to marshal for war. Every on every roll directly related to the task in question
beast within nine miles that can hear sounds and is as- for the duration of the nine minutes immediately fol-
sociated with night must come to her aid if it is able. lowing the moment the recipient begins to attempt
This applies to animals, whether they are wild (wolves, the agreed task. If dawn comes and the target has not
owls, crickets, etc.) or trained and normally loyal to completed the task, he suffers one level of unsoakable
another being. It also includes bestial victims of her aggravated damage for every hour he did not spend
Call of the Shadows power, the dark broods that lurk attempting to complete it. For the powers duration,
in caverns beneath Creation or the layers of Malfeas, as the target is treated as a creature of darkness (see
well as similar creatures. Sentient beings and familiars Exalted, p. 192).
are immune to the call, though they may answer any- Willpower: 9 Essence: 9
way. The creatures continue to arrive as they are able Summoning Resistance: 5
and serve until dawn, when they rapidly disperse. It is Other Notes: Erembour is forced into a dormant state
up to the Storyteller to determine what is available for inside a cocoon of darkness when touched by the light
the circumstance, using the traits of the most common of the Unconquered Sun.
creature and assigning appropriate Magnitude and other
bonuses for mass combat purposes.
JACINT, THE PRINCE UPON THE TOWER
Call of the ShadowsFew can resist the melancholy call DEMON OF THE THIRD CIRCLE,
of Erembours horn. Reaching about nine miles, the call EIGHTEENTH SOUL OF ADORJAN
targets everyone who hears it, potentially transforming Some ancient citizens of Malfeas say that Jacint is
them. Storytellers can approximate that four-fifths of the last vestige of the mercy of Adrin, as he is the least
extras (of any species) are affected. Some become beasts severe of her souls. For as long as the Demon City has
associated with the night, some retain their basic identity endured, Jacint has constructed an ever-growing array
and intellect yet can no longer bear the light, some be- of roads and bridges that brings its clamorous citizens
come monstrous creatures that abhor the sun, and some together. Yet these raucous thoroughfares are also the
suffer an irresistible obsession with the darkness and its hunting courses of the Silent Wind.
sinister pursuits. For heroic mortal or Exalted victims, There is a black stone tower in every layer of the
two checks must be passed, each with its own effect. Demon City, each topped with an immense brass statue
First, the victim must resist with a Mental Dodge DV 5 of a winged man with hands the size of a small house.
or higher, or she becomes unable to endure bright light. From one hand, rises a pillar of marble, atop which lies
Second, the victims player must succeed at a (Stamina a disk of glowing light, where stands Jacint, the Prince
+ Resistance) roll, difficulty 3, to avoid physically trans- Upon the Tower and 18th soul of lady Adorjan. From
forming into a beast associated with the night. A botch each of these perches, Jacint speaks, and with each word
on this roll results in some monstrous creature not found a road spins forth. The Princes paths might simply run
in nature. A Storyteller might allow a transformation to from one building to another, or they might stretch to
be reversed with Charms or other magic that can cure bridge the aerial gulfs between the layers of Malfeas.
Shaping effects, Crippling or mental defects, according Jacint cannot erect his causeways such that they touch
to the relevant changes. Erembour may activate this one another, though he may arch them over or under
power only under cover of night (though she typically each other, and other demons often build crossroads
uses it as the darkness begins to fail), and each target is or connectors.
immune to repeat attempts for a lunar month. Jacint appears as a tall man in robes of shimmering
Strength of NightOnce per night, Erembour may grant basalt fabric, with gracefully carved basalt wings that
massive good fortune to someone who agrees to carry spring from his back. His long legs sport backward-
out a specific task that night. The recipient of this bending knees, and his eyes sparkle blue and black.
power must agree to perform a certain undertaking Summoning: (Obscurity 2/5) Sorcerers typically call
and either shake hands with or kiss Erembour to seal upon Jacint for his ability to effortlessly build the military
the agreement. This blessing might benefit a general and economic arteries of empire. Since his defeat by the

48
Emissary of Nexus a few years ago, Jacint has been unable Tower of the PrinceWith the utterance of a few words
to appear in Creation and Malfeas simultaneously. Those and the expenditure of three temporary Willpower,
who summon and keep him from the Demon City for more Jacint may construct another instance of his signature
than a few days, and thus prevent him from creating its tower of residence. At any moment, there may be but
roads, earn the enmity of Jacint and every demon in his one instance of his tower in Creation, and one in each
hierarchy. Sometimes when the trackless desert swallows layer of Malfeas; if a second tower conflicts with this,
a flawless road, the causeway Jacint is currently building the first one collapses into dust. Each of these towers is
will pass so close to it that he can reach a traveler upon a level-three Infernal-aspected manse to which Jacint is
Creations lost road without being summoned. automatically attuned, though he may choose to share
Motivation: To be worshiped for building the roads this attunement. (Indeed, sorcerers typically command
that connect everything. Jacints Intimacies include him to do so and then demand use of the hearthstone.)
such things as roads and bridges, those who build roads, The nature of the manse depends upon the ground
the children of Adorjan, basalt, marble, brass statues upon which it is built. Whatever its nature, the manse
and his towers. is identical in appearance to his other towers, and is
Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 3, strongly fortified (with walls equivalent in strength to
Temperance 4, Valor 3 Jacints thick causeways).
Traits: As a Third Circle demon. Willpower: 9 Essence: 9
Sample Powers:
Articulation of the PathJacint creates roads merely by
speaking, without any material or labor requirements. nts.
In every place where he exists, whether singularly in
Creation, or multiple times throughout the layers of
Malfeas, he may separately create up to 100 miles of
roads per day, every day, without pause or rest. If his
work comprises a single thoroughfare, the pace of con- on-
struction is so fast that a mortal traveler might neverver
ong
overtake its end, though Jacint may split his time among
hat
multiple projects. Jacint can never create any road that
touches another of his roadways, yet he may carvee a
course through the heart of a mountain or lay it across oss
treacherous marshland. Difficult terrain reduces con- on-
struction by one quarter, while extreme terrain reduces ces
it by at least half. These roads consist of dark stone, ne,
reinforced when necessary with veins of brass or iron, on,
and they may run thick and heavy upon the groundd
or rise in thinner curving arches through the air to
cross canyons or even the sea.
Flight of Basalt WingsCalling forth a disk of glow-
ing light from his hands, Jacint scoops up a mass of
willing passengers (a single unit up to Magnitude 9 in
number) without disturbing its formation. The Prince nce
Upon the Tower can fly, with his passengers, at a rate ate
of 100 miles per hour, without tiring. Upon reaching ing
his destination, the disk vanishes and his passengers ers
are delivered. Alternatively, he could release them m at
some deadly height, but Jacint is generally loath to do
so except when greatly angered or at the commandd of
a sorcerer. The disk of light protects the passengers ers
from any type of wind or extreme weather, but not
from other threats.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 49

 ROADS OF JACINT
Road Type Soak (L/B) Health Levels (Damaged/Destroyed)
Causeway (Thick) 25/25 40/80
Causeway (Thin) 18/18 5/10

Summoning Resistance: None out the call of sorcery. Only a smith performing the
Other Notes: Jacint falls within the lower echelons of masterstrokes of a perfect work of brass, a mortal prince
Third Circle demon power, as relative as such a state- leading his army against Exalted foes, or a blindingly
ment may be, and Storytellers should not be afraid to beautiful queen seizing control of a court while unwed
portray him losing against others of his kind should can catch his attention thus. In such cases, the Green
circumstance demand it. Sun has little time before the onset of day or darkness
sends him back to Malfeas.
LIGIER, THE GREEN SUN Motivation: To bring his glories to the world, such
DEMON OF THE THIRD CIRCLE, FETICH SOUL OF MALFEAS that all of Creation and Malfeas alike must celebrate
When the Exalted armies of the gods defeated the magnificence of the Green Sun. Ligiers Intima-
the Primordials, they turned Malfeas inside out and cies are for things of his own creation, particularly the
cast his heart into his cavernous core. In the darkness Sword of the Yozis.
of the Demon Citys concentric black stone orbs, the
heart of Malfeas shone forth as Ligier, the Green Sun.
Inexplicably, his radiance lights every layer of the
demonic realm, glaring throughout the aerial regions
between them such that flying demons are sometimes
lost in the green-lit sky. Only the passing shadows of
the Ebon Dragon bring night to the hellish cityscapes
below, though periodic clouds of infernal weather dim
the mad emerald brilliance.
The Green Sun is the fetich soul of Malfeas, and if
Ligier is truly slain, the Yozi that is the foundation and
essence of the Demon City will become something else.
Ligier is the finest of all demonic smiths, and his works
are stupendous in scope. He melts streams of metal from
the ores of Creation or Malfeas and forges them into won-
ders rivaling the works of Autochthon and the Twilight
Solars of the First Age. In battle, he is more terrible to
behold than most beings can withstand. As the Prince
of Malfeas, Ligier seeks to bring a particular order to
Creation and the Demon Realm alike, spreading black
stone, brass and the celebration of the green sun.
Ligier rests literally at the center of the Demon
City of Malfeas, as the Green Sun in its sky. When he
desires a human form, Ligier simultaneously appears
as a handsome young nobleman with auburn hair. He
is sometimes dressed in flawless robes of emerald, and
other times bare chested with a long green kilt or a
blackened smiths apron of erymanthus hide.
Summoning: (Obscurity 1/5) As befits his station and
power, Ligier is one of the hardest demons to summon
and bind via sorcery. Yet, sometimes as it rises or sets,
the solar disc inexplicably flashes green and Ligier is
briefly drawn to the side of a remarkable mortal with-

50
Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 4, his Impossible Emerald Brilliance. His every flashing
Temperance 3, Valor 5 movement reflected by a host of blazing contrails and
Traits: As a Third Circle demon. flaming green afterimages, the swordplay of Ligier is
Sample Powers: breathtakingly beautiful and terrible to behold. This
Forge-Hand of the Green SunLigier may use any of Third Circle demon bears a noble regard for worthy
the Craft Abilities, although certain crafts demand foes, however, and will refuse to continue a fair contest
specific circumstances. Craft (Fate) requires his pres- his blade has lost, unless pressed.
ence in Creation and will likely be circumvented by Willpower: 10 Essence: 10
security measures within the Bureau of Destiny, while Summoning Resistance: 5
Craft (Glamour) must be performed in suitably Wyld- Other Notes: Calling Ligier to the mortal world does
oriented locations. The Green Sun is assumed to gain not darken the Demon City. Like all fetiches and most
23 successes on every Craft roll, and the Storyteller Third Circle demons, the Green Sun can exist in Cre-
should consider the uncanny heights of artifice this ation and Malfeas simultaneously.
allows. From exquisitely complex automatons to
massive magitech engines to monstrously powerful
artifacts, the works of Ligier are wondrous and terrible.
SWORD OF THE YOZIS
When fighting in a contest of arms with his
His smithcraft requires priceless sacrifices, however,
brass daiklave, Ligier wields the blade as a powerful
such as childrens blood, the essence of treachery,
solo unit, forcing his opponents to engage using
Exalted souls and the like. Without them, he cannot
the mass combat rules if they wish to fight him.
help but conceal deadly and subtle flaws within the
The blades traits are as follows:
craft, even if bound.
Join War: 20
Impossible Emerald BrillianceWhen Ligier steps upon
Sword of the Yozis: Speed 3, Accuracy 25, Dam-
the field of battle, he generally feels honor-bound to
age 25L (piercing), Parry DV 13, Rate unlimited;
reveal his unbearable radiance. Piercing shafts of light
provides Ligier with one reflexive perfect parry
spill forth, and their deadly green brilliance melts flesh
that refreshes each time he gets a new action
like hot wax. Everyone on the battlefield is automati-
Dodge DV: 15, Soak: 10A/25L/25B,
cally struck by an unblockable, undodgeable attack with
Hardness: 6A/16L/16B
raw damage of 10L that ignores armor (this kills human
Mass Combat: Magnitude 6, Drill 5,
extras instantly barring special protection). Survivors
Endurance 25, Might 8
must succeed at a (Wits + Resistance) roll, at a difficulty
Health Levels: If Ligier suffers 25 health levels
equal to their own Perception trait, or be temporarily
of damage while fighting with the Sword of the
blinded, as per Exalted p. 152. Every three hours, a
Yozisscarcely a scratch for the Green Sunhe
blinded character may make a (Stamina + Resistance)
gracefully retires from the contest with a flourish-
roll at standard difficulty to recover her sight. A botch
ing acknowledgement of recognition of his foes
indicates that the loss of sight is permanent until success-
worthiness against his favored creation. He will
fully treated by some method that can remove Crippling
not willingly rejoin combat against the same op-
damage. This power may be used only once per scene,
ponent for at least 25 hours unless that foe further
when Ligier first unleashes his inner glory.
challenges him, even resisting the bindings of
Sword of the YozisLegend claims that seven So-
sorcery. Should an enemy press the issue, Ligier
lars died trying to seize this blade from Ligier, and
will respond with unfettered force, and it is up to
he is proud of his creation. Indeed, it is said that
the Storyteller whether his foolhardy attackers are
he considers anything less than an entire circle of
doomed to tragic failure or are sufficiently epic to
experienced Solars or a small army of heavily armed
finally defeat the heart of Malfeas. His untapped
Dragon-Blooded less than a challenge for the sword.
All-Encompassing Divine Melee Subordination,
Whatever the truth, the Green Sun may call his in-
coupled with completely untouched Principle of
fernal brass daiklave, etched with vitriol, to his hand
Motion action pools, pales in comparison to the
at will (making disarm maneuvers useless as long as
infernal sorcery, realm-warping martial arts and
he is attuned to it), and declare a contest of arms
sky-rending power the Green Sun might bring to
against one or more worthy opponents. Typically,
bear when angered.
he will reserve such privilege for those who survive

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 51

 MUNAXES, THE RAVINE OF WHISPERS states, her presence continuously disruptive to both. Her
DEMON OF THE THIRD CIRCLE, form is that of a dark chasm about 100 feet in length
FOURTH SOUL OF SHE WHO LIVES IN HER NAME and 20 feet across, although she is typically surrounded
A black void darkens the flame within the 30th by frenzied stretches of turbulent shattered earth.
of the 100 spheres that circle the heart of She Who Summoning: (Obscurity 2/5) When Munaxes is sum-
Lives in Her Name, and that void is the Yozis fourth moned, the ground splits open in front of the sorcerer,
soul. Munaxes is the Ravine of Whispers, swallowing revealing a bottomless crevasse that violently spreads
the words of those who speak ill of their comrades and secondary cracks and ravines through the earth for a
kin, betray their rightful leaders or murmur of forbidden mile in every direction. The sorcerer must successfully
sins. She is literally an animate chasm of endless depth, survive the initial rending of the earth, as per Chasm
and she cracks open the earth and wreaks havoc upon of the Sundered Earth, before he can proceed with the
it when she journeys forth from her hearth fire. binding contest. Sometimes, without sorcery, when
Scholars of the First Age sometimes theorized that someone betrays the natural order of acquaintance,
the Ravine of Whispers represented the idea of a torturous authority or taboo, and speaks of it on the precipice of
prison for those who trespassed against the will of the a deep fissure, the Ravine of Whispers opens below. If
Primordials before there was a Yozi Hell. According to the speaker is unfortunate, the edge gives way and he
The Hierarchy of Names, a suppressed infernal cult text of falls into the endless depths of Munaxes. Typically,
the era, a sinner fell forever into the depths of Munaxes, Munaxes merely listens for the words of iniquity across
surrounded by the echoes of his own iniquity. The out- the spaces between worlds and gathers their echoes
lawed text claimed that She Who Lives in Her Name within her embrace.
was the foundation of all order and that those who defied Motivation: To swallow that which betrays hierarchy.
her principle deserved being cast into the Ravine. Munaxes has no known Intimacies beyond her hearth
In every place she is present, the void of Munaxes fire, crystal sphere and She Who Lives in Her Name.
simultaneously exists in material and dematerialized Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 3,
Temperance 2, Valor 5

52
Traits: As a Third Circle demon. continuously, regardless of distance or separation of
Sample Powers: realms, unless Munaxes revokes it. There is no limit
Chasm of the Sundered EarthWhen she appears, Mu- to the number of targets that she can simultaneously
naxes splits open the earth, her maw a 100-foot-long protect. The words she consumes become part of the
bottomless crevasse. Horrific murmuring spills forth Echoes of Iniquity.
from the Ravine of Whispers, the terrain for a mile in Willpower: 9 Essence: 9
every direction shatters into crumbling gorges and jagged Summoning Resistance: 3
spears of upturned stone, and earthquakes can be felt Other Notes: At her fastest rate, Munaxes moves 15
for miles beyond. Mundane structures in the one-mile miles per day, although she can maintain that pace
radius typically collapse, while magically reinforced perpetually without tiring and without regard for ter-
architecture suffers an automatic blow for 25L (pierc- rain. In standard combat time, this translates to one
ing) raw damage. The players of animate targets caught foot per tick. Whenever she moves, the Chasm of the
within the area must succeed at a reflexive (Dexterity Sundered Earth power automatically activates once
+ Athletics) roll, difficulty 2, for their characters, or every three long ticks.
they fall into a gorge or are thrown onto jagged rock,
suffering bashing damage as for a two-to-20-yard fall
ORABILIS, THE END OF ALL WISDOM
(roll two dice and add them). A botch means the dam- DEMON OF THE THIRD CIRCLE,
age is lethal. (See Exalted p. 126 for falling rules.) A SIXTH SOUL OF CECELYNE
victim close to the central chasm instead plunges into Cecelyne, the Endless Desert, encompasses the
Munaxes, falling forever, undying unless slain. At the boundaries of all things. In her sixth soul, Orabilis, the
Storytellers option, supernatural beings might escape, Yozi embodies the limits of wisdom. Clever Orabilis seeks
by catching the walls of the chasm and climbing back out the secret mutinies of the Demon City and ensures
up, or with the aid of magic. Munaxes may repeat this their failure. He establishes vast repositories of Malfean
effect every three long ticks, although she does so only lore, yet destroys those who learn forbidden things. His
when moving, when under orders or when provoked words rove as ever-vigilant spies, crystallize as scrolls of
by her Motivation. Excluding her initial appearance, learning and rain down as molten death.
Munaxes may also make a single directed attack with The eyes of Orabilisliving glass orbs of gray,
each use of this power, thrusting spikes of stone at an blue, green and yellowever traverse the Demon City,
individual or unit. (Stone Spikes: Accuracy 18, Dam- their collective gaze searching eternally for those that
age 18L, Rate 1.) break its laws. When his eyes pass, rational demons
Echoes of IniquityWhispers of iniquity echo per- proceed carefully and felons hide from view. Those
petually within the abyss of Munaxes, and she knows who offend the eyes of Orabilis are soon plucked out of
many sordid things. A sorcerer may demand that she demonic society and cast down or slain by the swords
reveal these secrets to him. Any information might be of Cecelyne.
shared, provided the Storyteller decides it lies within The words of Orabilis rain down onto the Demon
her purview. As a rule, her aid should give a minimum City as beads of liquid glass and coagulate into great
of three extra dice to one or more relevant rolls (these libraries with translucent shelves of crystalline scrolls.
dice do not count as Charm dice). In their gleaming halls, demons grow wise in the ways
Swallowing the Sinful WhispersMunaxes can devour of Creation and Malfeas. Yet they must never become
the words spoken against an individual. The protected too wise; certain knowledge is forbidden, and demons
target must initially be someone within one miles that learn such things are doomed. When Orabilis
range. Once she has activated this power, at a cost finds them, he says, These are things known only to
of a temporary Willpower, anyone who attempts to the Yozis, and lays his hand upon them. The touch
utter words that speak ill of the target finds those of Orabilis casts an offender into the void between the
words swallowed by the Ravine of Whispers before layers of Malfeas, where she burns like a fateful star,
anyone hears them. Anyone subjected to a verbal until eventually being extinguished by the winds of
social attack that maligns the reputation of the pro- Adorjan or the green corona of Ligier.
tected target gains a reflexive Mental Parry DV of 13 When he desires, the End of All Wisdom assumes
against that attack. If an attack somehow overcomes the form of a patrician of the Realm, dressed in Dynastic
this MDV, the words are heard as normal. Once this finery. With every gesture, desert sand drips from him,
power is enacted upon a specific target, it endures and his tongue is that of an adder.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 53

 Summoning: (Obscurity 2/5) Sorcerers call upon Orabi- this power costs Orabilis one temporary Willpower. The
lis because he is the End of All Wisdom. Ancient texts rain of glass is an environmental effect with (Damage
warn that a sorcerer must not overreach and demand the 5L/action; Trauma 5).
mysteries of the world, for doing so frees Orabilis to cast Willpower: 10 Essence: 10
the sorcerer into the Malfean sky regardless of binding. Summoning Resistance: 2
Indeed, the Yozis did not cede all of their secrets to their Other Notes: If Orabilis is given authority to punish
captors, and whenever someone gains understanding of someone for learning forbidden knowledge, he must
certain forbidden things, Orabilis might come to them lay a hand on the guilty target. This touch is a Speed
without sorcery. Even other Third Circle demons take 6 unblockable attack with 20 successes (Step 3). If the
care when faced with Yozi enigmas. target fails to evade it, the two instantly enter a con-
Motivation: To make the children of the Yozis wiser, tested reflexive challenge of wills. The player of each
but never too wise. The Intimacies of Orabilis include contestant makes an unmodified (Willpower + Essence)
such things as deserts, libraries, spies, wisdom, sand, roll, until Orabilis or the target gains three more total
glass, the laws of Cecelyne and dying stars. successes than the other. If Orabilis wins this contest,
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction on 5, Temperance 3, the victim is cast into the Malfean sky as a failing
Valor 3 star; if the victim wins, she wrests
Traits: As a Third Circle demon.. control of the secret from Orabi-
Sample Powers: lis and forever denies
sture and a temporary
Eyes of OrabilisWith a word, a gesture him authority over
Willpower, Orabilis can create one ne of his roving eyes it. (Nonetheless, the
from a wisp of sand. Although thesee First Circle demons priests of Cecelyne
are weak in combat, they are fearedd and honored in the and other demons might
Demon City, for what they see, the End seek to silence her.)
of All Wisdom knows.
Library of GlassOrabilis speaks words SECOND CIRCLE
of wisdom, and they rain down upon DEMONS
lass.
a nearby site as beads of liquid glass. Each of the Third Circle
After five days, and the expenditure re of demons possesses
a temporary Willpower, the drops coalesce seven autono-
into a great glass library. The libraryrary is mous souls, each
a source of knowledge for whatever ver of which com-
subject the End of All Wisdom m prises a Second
desires. Each library acts as a tutoror Circle demon.
for 25 points of traits the Storytellerler Each of these
deems suitable. Each dot of Ability, ility, souls operates in-
point of a specialty or level of a spell dependently from
takes up one of those points. For example, its higher self, yet ul-
a library might act as a tutor for Occult 7 timately echoes one or
and Lore 6, contain 3 different Solar olar Circle more of the Yozis sub-
spells, and serve as a source for an Occult consciouses. By dint of
specialty (Demon Summoning +3). 3). their origins, demons
reating
Rain of Molten GlassInstead of creating of the Second Circle
a library of glass, Orabilis can rain molten automatically
glass down upon a target he can seee within gain the
npour
one miles distance, with the downpour posi-
ranging in size from 100 yards to 600 00
yards across. The molten deluge lasts sts
for up to one hour, and anyone or
anything in the area suffers its en- n-
vironmental effects. Each use of

54
 Name Str/Dex/Sta Per/Int/ Health Levels Attack (Spd/Acc Dodge DV/
Wits/Will /Dmg/Rate) Soak
Eyes of Orabilis 1/4/1 6/3/4/6 -0/-1/-4/Incap Ram (Punch): 5/5/1B/3 6/1B/1L
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 5 (Visual +3), Bureaucracy 1, Dodge 4, Integrity 5, Investigation 5
(Crimes Against Cecelynes Law +3), Larceny 1, Linguistics 1, Lore 1, Occult 1, Presence 1 (Authority
of Cecelyne +3), Resistance 1, Stealth 5 (Small Places +3), Survival 1 (The Demon City +3)
Spirit Charms: Amethyst Awareness, First (Ability) Excellency (Awareness, Dodge, Investigation), Hurry
Home (back to Orabilis), Landscape Travel (flight), Materialize (45 motes), Measure the Wind
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 60
Notes: The eyes of Orabilis fly about as fast as messenger birds (30 mph), and they ignore all penalties
from darkness, fog or other intangible visible obstructions. Orabilis instantly knows everything that his
eyes see. Although their Motivation is to serve Orabilis, and their Intimacies are the laws of Cecelyne,
the eyes act independently. If attacked, they typically flee (Move action, 15 yards per tick). An eye that
is forced to fight will ram opponents until it can escape.

tion of citizens in Malfeas, and First Circle demons nothing except himself, he is sure to become a crown or
are wise to heed or avoid them. Typically, an an- ornament of jewelry. In this manner, some vain mortals
tagonistic demon of the Second Circle is a serious seek immortality for themselves or their goals.
challenge for experienced Exalts and a deadly enemy Insects find a kindred soul in the Essence of Al-
for lesser beings. veua, and the Keeper forged the insects of Malfeas.
Those who harm Alveua risk the enmity of vengeful
ALVEUA, THE KEEPER OF THE FORGE OF NIGHT swarms. The Keeper of the Forge of Night also crafted
DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, THE EXPRESSIVE SOUL the needle-making firmin.
OF THAT WHICH CALLS TO THE SHADOWS Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) Sorcerers call Alveua to
Alveua appears as a thin, beautiful mortal girl, craft them wondrous things. She requires the Forge of
except her dress consists of shining black metal, two Night for her greatest works, but an anvil in Creation
small horns peek from the short red hair that graces is sufficient for lesser marvels. Sometimes, the sacrifice
her forehead, and she carries a massive red-hot ham- of the blood of an innocent opens a crack by which she
mer over one shoulder. Her philosophy is known to may enter the mortal world, and sometimes she answers
certain savants. If I had the shaping of all things, as I such sacrifices. Alveua will not craft by the light of sun
have for those I re-forge, then the Yozis would not be or moon, and if a sorcerer tries to force her to do so, her
imprisoned, the gods would not rebel against them, the player rolls a number of dice equal to her Conviction
mortals would not be so bold, and both harmony and with each success giving her one point of Limit.
happiness should fill the world. Sadly, as Erembour and Motivation: To forge the destiny of humans so that the
the Ebon Dragon are held, so held am I, and I can fix Yozis are free, mortals and the gods are loyal servants,
only certain aspects of Creation. and the world is filled with harmony. Her Intimacies
Alveua hears the sacrifice of innocent blood and may include such things as her forge, her anvil, her hammer,
answer a petitioner. She then carries the supplicant to the the Ebon Dragon, Erembour and insects.
Forge of Night and reshapes him upon her anvil, though Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 6, Stamina 5; Cha-
a sorcerer may demand otherwise. In her dark forge, lit risma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 4; Perception 4,
only by the dying stars of Malfeas, Alveua hammers a Intelligence 5, Wits 5
mortals flesh into a peerless object such as men make Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 5, Temperance 3,
of metal: perhaps a perfect blade, a fine breastplate or Valor 4
an iron gate. The victim does not survive, but his spirit Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 2, Craft (Fire) 6,
lingers in the shining black metal of her work and holds Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Investigation 1, Linguistics (Na-
the same Motivation and Intimacies he once held. The tive: Old Realm; Others: Flametongue, Insect Buzzing) 2,
magic of the Keepers craftsmanship gives shape and Lore 5, Martial Arts 2, Melee 5 (Hammer +3), Occult 3,
endurance to his loves and ambitions, but if he loved Presence 5, Resistance 5, Stealth 1

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 55

 Backgrounds: Artifact 3, Artifact 5, Backing 3, Cult 1, Charms:
Followers 3, Resources 5, Sanctum 2 CallInsects, sesseljae and firmin
CaptureCarry victim through a portal to her sanctum
or the nearest darkened forge
Chrysalis of PreservationMortals or objects on her
anvil
Creation of PerfectionForge mortals on
her anvil
Essence Plethora10 extra motes
Forge of NightAlveua can use her
forge to shape mortals into objects that
reflect and immortalize them. Use of
this power requires her to have access
to her anvil. A sorcerer who desires this
service must allow Alveua to return to
Malfeas, which means she will be gone
at least 10 days as she travels back and
forth across the desert Cecelyne. The
enchantment of such an object may
create perfect equipment, or may qualify
as an artifact. See Exalted (pp. 133134,
139, 365366) and The Books of Sorcery,
Vol. IIIOadenols Codex for rules for creating
perfect items or forging artifacts.
Hurry HomeTo her sanctum, the nearest dark forge
or the original point where she entered Creation
MaterializeCosts 80 motes
Meat of Broken FleshRecovers motes from hammering
mortal flesh, whether in combat or upon her anvil
Memory MirrorSenses the greatest goals of the mortal
being forged
Ox-Body Technique
ParalyzeShaping and Crippling effect, victims on
her anvil only
Plague of MenacesInsects harass those who harm
Alveua
PortalTo her sanctum or the nearest darkened
forge
Principle of MotionAlveua typically banks up to nine
stored actions
Touch of EternityImmortalize the spirit of a mortal
forged into an object
First (Ability) ExcellencyCraft, Melee, Resistance
Second (Ability) ExcellencyCraft, Melee, Resistance
Third (Ability) ExcellencyCraft, Melee, Resistance
Infinite (Ability) MasteryCraft
SorceryAlveua has mastered a handful of Terrestrial Circle
spells: Emerald Countermagic, Commanding the Beasts (she
calls insects only) and Ritual of Elemental Empowerment
(she uses the earth and fire versions only).

56
Join Battle: 7 to have their voices snatched forevermore. From these
Attacks: rare treasures, Berengiere creates wonders.
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 6B, Parry DV 5, Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) Summoners call upon
Rate 3 Berengiere for aid in creating things of cloth, for there
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 9B, Parry DV 3, are few better weavers. Berengiere has also been used
Rate 2 to silence an enemy or to act as a lover or a translator.
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 6B, Parry DV , Berengieres lust for passion-filled voices is such that
Rate 1, Tags P any voice lost in a moment of great passionwhether
Infernal Hammer (Ember of Perfection): Speed 5, Ac- someone screams himself mute in denial of the death
curacy 17, Damage 22L/5, Parry DV 14, Rate 2, Tags 2, of a loved one or professes undying love with an injury
O,P,R or illness of the throatwinds its way to Berengiere in
Soak: 18L/20B (Infused with enchanted metal, her boneyard. There, she snatches at the thread and
15L/15B, Hardness: 10L/10B) quickly follows it back up, into Creation. Old wives
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/- caution those with sore throats and laryngitis to remain
2/-4/Incap calm and not speak, though they themselves rarely
Dodge DV: 8 Willpower: 9 understand the reasons why.
Essence: 7 Essence Pool: 125 Motivation: To collect the voices of passion and weave
Other Notes: Alveua suffers a +1 difficulty when work- them into permanent forms. Berengieres Intimacies
ing with Creations magical materials (jade, starmetal, include Ligier, her duty to guard the boneyard (ex-
soulsteel, orichalcum and moonsilver) as her nature is pressed as a negative Intimacy), her creations and the
not aligned to them. last five individuals who voluntarily surrendered their
voices to her.
BERENGIERE, THE WEAVER OF VOICES Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 7, Stamina 5; Cha-
DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, risma 3, Manipulation 3, Appearance 4; Perception 7,
THE INDULGENT SOUL OF THE GREEN SUN Intelligence 5, Wits 5
When the first green rays of Ligier shined down on Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 3, Temperance 3,
a thing of beauty and that wicked luminary paused to Valor 4
admire the craftsmanship, there was born Berengiere. Abilities: Archery 2, Athletics 1, Awareness 4, Craft
The Weaver of Voices is beautiful in form, with luscious (Wood) 6, Dodge 2, Integrity 2, Linguistics (Native:
curves beneath crimson-veined clothing that murmurs Old Realm; Others: Flametongue, Forest-tongue, Guild
in a thousand quiet voices rather than rustling as cloth Cant, High Holy Speech, High Realm, Low Realm, Riv-
does. Her fingers are delicately shaped into rending erspeak, Seatongue, Skytongue, Tribal languages) 10,
points and dusted with aconite. Although a face seems Lore 3, Martial Arts 3 (Nails +1, Stealing Voices +2),
to hide, demure and tempting behind the veil she wears, Medicine 2, Melee 2, Occult 3, Performance 2, Presence 2
those who move it aside are instead assailed by a landslide (Seduction +2), Resistance 5 (Poison +3), Ride 2, Sail 1,
of brass dust and igneous rock, which pours forth until Socialize 2, Thrown 1
her veil is allowed to fall back into place. Backgrounds: Artifact 5, Backing 3, Cult 1, Followers 2,
Berengiere is bound to defend the boneyard Resources 5
where the remains of an unknown fetichslain most Charms:
artfullyare interred, but she is always anxious to flee Creation of PerfectionAllows the demon to weave
that duty. When she is not bound there, she indulges voices like cloth
in her preferred pastime, the creation of fabric woven DreamscapeThe beauty of Berengiere haunts her
from stolen voices. victims dreams until they willingly give her what she
The stronger the emotion that impels the voice, wants
the finer and stronger the cloth. Different emotions Essence BiteThose who touch her fingernails (or are
make for a variety of uses. Cloth-of-torture chafes ter- touched by them) suffer aconite poisoning (Damage 6L/
ribly but is excellent armor, while cloth-of-apathy is hour, Toxicity 3M, Tolerance /, Penalty 3)
light, diaphanous and tears easily. The strongest of her Harrow the MindBerengiere causes voices to emanate
weavings is cloth-of-true-love, and it is all but impen- from anywhere within her line of sight
etrable. Mortals whose voice she steals do eventually HoodwinkSudden burst of confusing murmurs
learn to speak again, but some have given their assent MaterializeCosts 80 motes

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 57

 Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 10, Damage 7B, Parry DV 4,
Rate 2
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 10, Damage 4B, Parry DV ,
Rate 1, Tags P
Scratch: Speed 5, Accuracy 13, Damage 4L*, Parry
DV 5, Rate 2
Voice Theft: Speed 5, Accuracy 11, Damage N/A**,
Parry DV , Rate 1
Words of Power: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 4B***,
Parry DV , Rate 1
Dragons Suspire: Speed 6, Accuracy 9, Damage 12L,
Rate 1, Range 10
* Aconite: Damage 6L/hour, Toxicity 3M, Tolerance
/, Penalty 3
** Berengiere steals the victims voice.
*** For every health level of damage inflicted, target
receives a 2 penalty to all Dodge and Integrity pools
or derived traits for 21 ticks.
Soak: 15L/17B (Cloth-of-true-love garb, 12L/12B, -2
mobility penalty, 1 fatigue value)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 8 (6 in armor-clothes) Willpower: 9
Essence: 7 Essence Pool: 115
Other Notes: By spending six motes and one Will-
power, Berengiere may perform her Voice Theft attack.
Victims of the attack become mute for a year and a
day, and the demon gains the materials to craft another
bolt of cloth. Those who consent lose their voices
Measure the WindThe timbre of a beings voice reveals forever, and from those she creates potent fabrics for
to Berengiere that beings power the making of artifact-level creations. Permanently
Memory MirrorBerengiere forever imprints the ex- robbing someone of his voice in this way costs 20
periences of those whose voices are freely given into motes and one Willpower.
what she creates Armor that Berengiere makes from voices is treated
ParalyzeUnnatural passion and aconite dust paralyze as perfect equipment designed to be unencumbering,
the victim (Poison, unnatural mental influence) with mobility penalty and fatigue value each better
Principle of MotionBerengiere regularly banks up to than normal by two. It has the added bonus that it
nine extra actions appears to be nothing more than fine clothing ([Per-
Words of PowerOpens her cloak to unleash a deafen- ception + Awareness], difficulty 3, to notice that the
ing susurrus of terrible voices from her cloth-of-voices, clothing is armor).
costing five motes per attack Touching cloth woven by the Weaver of Voices,
First (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Craft, Martial one may choose to hear the voice it contains. Those
Arts, Resistance pieces crafted from mere words contain only those
Second (Ability) Excellency Awareness, Craft, Martial words. Those woven from voices freely and forever
Arts, Resistance sacrificed to Berengiere, however, may converse with
Third (Ability) Excellency Awareness, Craft, Martial all the knowledge their owners possessed at the mo-
Arts, Resistance ment they were taken, as if one were talking to the
Infinite (Ability) MasteryAwareness, Craft owners themselves.
Join Battle: 9 The veil worn by the Weaver of Voices holds back a
Attacks: landslide, and if it is moved aside, that avalanche is
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 11, Damage 4B, Parry DV 6, freed, acting as a Dragons Suspire attack.
Rate 3

58
FLORIVET, THE WHIM-OF-THE-WIND Summoning: (Obscurity 2/4) Because of the adoration
DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, of the air elementals that follow Florivet, those in the
THE REFLECTIVE SOUL OF THE END OF ALL WISDOM know have been known to call up the Whim-of-the-
Once, Florivet was given the title Masterful Scholar Wind and offer him dalliance with a courtesan or a keg
by his master, Orabilis. Eventually, though, something of fine wine (or both) in the hold of a ship to guarantee
changed in the scholarly creature, and he fled the li- it fine winds for swift journeys. These sorts of compacts
braries of the End of All Wisdom for the adventures of please Florivet so much that he is often willing to ac-
Cecelynes open sands and the wind through his feathers cede to such requests even from mortal thaumaturges
and fur. Orabilis stayed his wrathful hand, punishing who know the means of beckoning him.
him with only a tiny curse: Forevermore, Florivet would Florivet has also been known to find his way to Creation
be called Whim-of-the-Wind, blown hither and yon when no winds blow through the desert sands of the
on a land ship made of his own bone and sand-hued South. On the first dark moon after more than a week
sails. (He replaced his bones with red glass blown from of such stillness, white owl feathers drop fitfully from
the sands of Ceclyne.) Florivet loves to skirt the edge the sky in a strange pattern. If another dark moon comes
of the terrible Hell-deserts, sometimes with Creations without those feathers being buried by wind-blown
hough he seld
strange blue sky tinting the horizon, though dom
o
seldom sands, the sand explodes outward in a typhoon-like
ventures farther.
Embracing his new identity as an adventurer,
Florivet truly came to embody everythingything that was
runkard and
worse about such gadabouts. He is a drunkard
womanizer, constantly seeking adventure nture over
the horizon. He takes rejection from beauties
with good temper (though he often mocks
them once hes had something to drink). nk)
k.
his
He has little tolerance for sobriety (his
own, primarily, though he hates to drink nk
alone). Occasionally, though, those se
who spurn his advances raise his ire, e,
and he mars their beauty forevermore,
scarring them horribly with bilious,
cutting cruelty.
The winds follow Florivet wher-
ever he goes, for a tiny adventurous
zephyr blows in his heart, and air
elementals cannot help but fall in
love with his handsome visage and
strong form. Who else has the strong
torso of a man, with majestic wings off
white feathers from his shoulders and a
strong-jawed lupine head with the wide, de,
shining eyes of an owl? Smitten elemen- men-
owing
tals always try to get his attention, blowing
winds at his back, but Florivet has no o eye for
such ephemeral beauty. He likes hiss women
with a bit more solidity. Nonetheless, ess, the
elementals adore him from afar, and when he
is angry, the winds are terrible gustingg things
that shriek and howl. When he is happy, py, they
ing sweet-
cannot help but be joyful as well, blowing
smelling winds.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 59

 explosive gust, and Florivet may take his adventures Join Battle: 7
into Creation. Attacks:
Motivation: To enjoy the excitement of the journey, Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 4B, Parry DV 5,
particularly when sailing into the unknown. His Inti- Rate 3
macies include his ship, the Foremost Gale, as well as Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 7B, Parry DV 3,
adventuring, wine and women. Rate 2
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 4; Cha- Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 4B, Parry DV ,
risma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 1; Perception 4, Rate 1, Tags P
Intelligence 3, Wits 4 Claw: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 6L, Parry DV 4,
Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 2, Temperance 1, Rate 2
Valor 3 Perfect Long Bow (Lovers Sigh): Speed 5, Accuracy 12,
Abilities: Archery 4, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Dodge 4, Damage 4L*, Range 200, Rate 4
Integrity 1, Investigation 1, Larceny 4, Linguistics (Na- * Uses target arrows. Halves soak of armor.
tive: Old Realm; Others: Flametongue, Low Realm, Soak: 20L/22B (Yozi-glass skeleton, 18L/18B)
Riverspeak, Seatongue, Skytongue) 5, Lore 4, Martial Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Arts 3, Melee 3, Occult 2, Presence 5, Resistance 2 (Re- Dodge DV: 8 Willpower: 9
sist Alcohol +3), Sail 6, Socialize 2, Stealth 3, Survival 1, Essence: 6 Essence Pool: 105
Thrown 4, War 1 (Shipboard Combat +2) Other Notes: Florivet possesses a marvelous 20-foot-
Backgrounds: Artifact 5, Backing 3, Cult 2, Followers 3, long land ship, the Foremost Gale, built of his own bone
Resources 3 and sinew. He cut the bones out piece by piece with
Charms: crimson-glass blades forged from the sands of Cecelyne,
Affinity (Element) ControlAir, Earth, Water; Florivet and he replaced the missing bones with struts made
may exert his will over six barrels of these elements from the same material, his sinews re-growing to anchor
Claws of the Angry DragonThe Whim-of-the-Wind them. Unlike with most such vessels (see The Books
can weaken his enemies of Sorcery, Vol. IIIOadenols Codex, p. 38, for
DreamscapeSeeking adventure, Florivet sometimes details), the Whim-of-the-Winds ship can travel on
sails the Foremost Gale through the dreams of mortals water as well as land.
HoodwinkWinds serve to distract and annoy the
demons enemies
GERVESIN, THE GRIEVING LORD
Landscape TravelThe wind beneath his wings bears DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE,
Florivet aloft THE MESSENGER SOUL OF THE GREEN SUN
MaterializeCosts 75 motes Weep for Gervesin, who knew love only once: in
Measure the WindThe winds whisper to Florivet of the moment when he slew the mortal Kinnojo of Chiar-
his enemies strength oscuro. In that tiny second between ripping through
Principle of MotionFlorivet possesses up to nine Kinnojos chest, and the flight of Kinnojos soul to Lethe,
banked actions Gervesin immersed himself in the strange experience of
ScourgeFlorivet conjures acid to ruin the targets Ap- falling in love and has known only despair ever since. In
pearance (almost always a woman whos scorned him) the rare instances when Gervesin appears in the form
Taste of MortalityFlorivet is skilled in countering the of an Eastern man with beautiful green eyes, the story
gods blessings of his love for Kinnojo appears tattooed across his back
TrackingTiny zephyrs waft the scent of prey to the and arms in Old Realm.
demon More typically, however, Gervesin takes the form
Weather ControlThe weather shifts to mirror the of a great and terrible lance of strange verdigris-covered
Whim-of-the-Winds mood brass, burning with viridian light. It was in this form
First (Ability) ExcellencyDodge, Lore, Sail that Gervesin sought the heart of Kinnojo and found
Second (Ability) ExcellencyArchery, Sail more than he reckoned. In this form, Gervesins blight-
Third (Ability) ExcellencySail, Thrown ful nature expresses itself best, particularly when he is
Infinite (Ability) MasterySail in Creation. He leaves a path of horror in his wake
Supernatural Martial ArtsFlorivet knows Seafaring as he flies through the air. The clouds above him are
Hero Style through the Form-type Charm marred with a thin line of red, while crops and flowers
petrify beneath him. Day-birds are infected with terrible

60
threads of brass that corrupt their bodies like a cancer. Hollow Out the SoulGervesin conditions his hosts
Mortal babes in the womb are twisted into monsters not to resist his influence
(or even decanthropes, who turn their mothers into HoodwinkGlittering green orbs distract and disori-
the first of their human bodies). Beneath the flight of ent victims
Gervesin, stones turn black and gold bursts into green Hurry HomeThe Grieving Lord flashes across Cre-
flame. When the fire has gone out, the gold has been ation or Malfeas as an arc of green light
turned entirely into verdigrised brass. MaterializeCosts 85 motes
As a spear, Gervesin prefers to travel Creation Meat of Broken FleshThe Grieving Lord gains Essence
wielded by a mortal. Those unfortunate enough to from those he wounds
pick up the uncanny green spear are wholly subsumed Ox-Body Technique
by Gervesins will. The spear compels its wielder PortalIn spear form, Gervesin may slice a hole in
to move from battle to battle, where the spear slays space, allowing his host to stride from one battlefield
gloriously but offers no protection to the mortal. Even- to another
tually, those so enslaved by Gervesin are bloodied, PossessionThe demon subsumes the mind of his wielder,
gangrenous things wishing for death. When hen they are animating the victim as he will even beyond death
rified to find
finally granted that request, they are horrified Principle of Mo-
wn corpses, as
that they are trapped still within their own tionGervesin
Gervesin continues his eternal march off destruction typically possesses
and corruption. 10 banked actions
Summoning: (Obscurity 3/5) Gervesin spends much
time in Creation. He is rarely summoned, however, save
by those Celestial Exalts who believe they ey can wield
the terrible green spear. More frequently, ly, Gervesin
escapes Malfeas when someone attempts to destroy or
otherwise treats the remains of Kinnojo withith disrespect
or contempt.
Motivation: To protect the health of Chiaroscuro,
hiaroscuro,
ome. His
the city that his fallen love once called home.
nnojo,
Intimacies are to Ligier, the memory of Kinnojo,
Chiaroscuro and battle.
Attributes: Strength 7, Dexterity 4, Staminana 4;
Charisma 5, Manipulation 4, Appearancee 4;
Perception 4, Intelligence 4, Wits 3
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 4, Temper-
ance 3, Valor 4
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Dodge 2, Integrity 5, Shapechange
Investigation 1, Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Oth- Gervesin may take
ers: Flametongue, Riverspeak, Seatongue) e) 3, Lore 2 the form of a man, a
Gervesin +3),
(Chiaroscuro +1), Martial Arts 1, Melee 5 (Gervesin terrible dire lance or a
Occult 2, Presence 1, Resistance 5, Stealth 1, Survival 1, green flash of light
Thrown 5 (Gervesin +3), War 4 Spirit-CuttingSupplemented spear
Backgrounds: Backing 3, Cult 1 attack affects the immaterial
Charms: Stoke the FlameThe touch of the Grieving
CommandeerGervesin the spear often en takes Lord incites victims to violence
control of those who touch him and, once ce he First (Ability) ExcellencyIntegrity, Melee, Re-
does, wont let go sistance, Thrown
Essence BiteThe touch of Gervesin as spear ear Second (Ability) ExcellencyMelee, Thrown
burns all but its wielder (up to 9L damage) e) Third (Ability) ExcellencyIntegrity, Melee, Resistance,
Essence Plethora10 extra motes Thrown
Fruit of Living EssenceThe demon feeds ds Divine (Ability) SubordinationMelee, Thrown
off his wielder Infinite (Ability) Mastery r Melee, Thrown
MasteryMelee,

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 61

 Join Battle: 5 driven to do so by primal urges they hate and try to
Attacks: keep hidden. Such hedonistic sects of shame form the
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 7B, Parry DV 4, majority of Gumelas cult in Creation.
Rate 3 Gumela seeks knowledge for the enjoyment of discov-
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 10B, Parry DV 2, ery, though he is easily distracted by pleasures. Though
Rate 2 he does not regard mortals as anything more than bits of
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 7B, Parry DV , the environment, Gumela is easily taken in by their pas-
Rate 1, Tags P sions. He loves the taste of wine, which tints his threads
Green Spear: Speed 5, Accuracy 14, Damage 15L/12L, a deep shimmering burgundy hue. When a woman gives
Parry DV 7, Rate 2 herself to him, his bodily threads expand to envelop her,
Thrown Green Spear: Speed 5, Accuracy 14, Damage and she is pulled into him. Those who drive him to deep
15L, Range 100, Rate 1 ecstasy may be released hours, weeks or months later, but
Soak: 17L/19B (Made of Malfean brass, 15L/15B) those who do not are never heard from again.
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/- The coming of the Jeweled Auditor is marked by an
2/-4/Incap increase in thread-like phenomena in the world. Long,
Dodge DV: 7 Willpower: 10 thin shadows stretch across bodies of water, glints of
Essence: 7 Essence Pool: 130 light stretch strangely across the facets of gemstones and
Other Notes: None a weary lassitude stretches across the region, as though
thick threads bound both bodies and thoughts. Where
GUMELA, THE JEWELED AUDITOR Gumela has passed, the world is left in threads as well.
DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, Stray threads from his garments are left hither and yon
THE WISDOM SOUL OF THE PRINCE UPON THE TOWER among trickles of blood or other liquid that do not drip
The form of the Wisdom soul of Jacint is intended normally, but instead stretch out into long thin fila-
as a mockery of the Loom of Fate. Where the Loom is ments. Dust gathers in fine spider-webbing lines. Twigs
an ordered, exquisitely designed weaving of threads, seemingly stretch out into fine root-like structures. Fur
Gumela is a terrible snarl, the desire of Jacint to see or hair is stretched to delicate proportions.
the Loom twisted and bound up inexorably given Summoning: (Obscurity 2/4) Gumela is a well-known
physicality. The Jeweled Auditor appears as a man horror to the lore of Creation. Sorcerers call on Gumela
clad in thousands upon thousands of gold and silver to unravel mysteries or to infuse their enemies with
threads, each of which ends in a sapphire or emerald humiliating wantonness. Everyone knows to be cau-
that threatens to touch the ground as he walks. Each tious when thread or yarn has become so snarled that
of these threads is knotted into the heart of Gumela, it cannot be untangled. Should such a mass of fiber be
a terrible snarl in the middle of his hollow chest, and doused by a drop of blood, a splash of semen and a bit
falls gently to form the skirt of loose threads that hides of spilled wine, the fibers will suddenly unfurl, infinitely
his strange foot-shaped tangles with a hundred six-inch unfolding to reveal the form of Gumela. Many cultures
thread toes, which grasp the ground like tentacles. have old laws against violence, alcohol and sex near spin-
Gumela regards mortals dispassionately, bearing ning wheels or looms for just such reasons, though not
them neither adoration nor malice. His breath is sweet, everyone remembers the reasons why. When Gumela
however, and drives mortal passions mad. Things that is free in Creation, he immediately goes searching for
are tangled swiftly come undone in those who breathe Mayoigo. Who or what this thing might be is unknown
in this intoxicating breath. The most confusing, twisted to any savant or scholar in Creation or Heaven.
passions leap to the tongues of those who would rather Motivation: To find the person, thing or quality of
they werent made public, secrets and hidden truths are being named Mayoigo. Gumelas Intimiacies include
unraveled and spoken aloud, and thoughts escape the Mayoigo (at a full rating of Conviction + Willpower),
twists of hesitation and embarrassment to be spoken Jacint and orgiastic behavior.
aloud without censor. Taboos are unbound from the Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 5, Stamina 5; Cha-
wrappings of propriety, and public sex and decadent risma 5, Manipulation 5, Appearance 4; Perception 4,
behaviors break out where Gumela breathes. Memories Intelligence 5, Wits 2
of these times linger in mortal thoughts, and those who Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 5, Temperance 2,
have experienced Gumelas fumes sometimes gather Valor 4
on the anniversaries of such events and recreate them,

62
 GGeasGumelas sweet words compel one to do his
bbidding
HHoodwinkThe glittering swing of the demons jeweled
tthreads can prove both distracting and confusing
MMaledictionAll-Encompassing; When his temper
rrises and his breath sours, those who raised Gumelas
ir
ire suffer
MMaterializeCosts 80 motes
OOx-Body Technique
PPrinciple of MotionGumela usually possesses 10 banked
aactions
SSpirit-CuttingSupplemented attack affects the im-
mmaterial
SStoke the FlameGumelas breath inspires hedonistic
lu
lust and abandon
TTouch of DivinityThe Jeweled Auditor gifts those
hhe favors
WWine of Infinite HeartbreakThe demons presence is
in
intoxicating and addictive
FFirst (Ability) ExcellencyInvestigation, Lore, Melee,
PPresence, Thrown
TThird (Ability) ExcellencyInvestigation, Lore
IInfinite (Ability) MasteryInvestigation, Lore
JJoin Battle: 5
AAttacks:
PPunch: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 3B, Parry DV 5,
RRate 3
KKick: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 6B, Parry DV 3,
RRate 2
CClinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 3B, Parry DV ,
RRate 1, Tags P
SSapphire Tiger Technique: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Dam-
Abilities: Athletics 3 (Balance +2), aage 15L/4, Parry DV 5, Rate 2
Awareness 33, Bureaucracy 11, Dodge 22, SShining Elephant Fist: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage
Integrity 2, Investigation 5 (Mayoigo +1), Linguistics 19B/4, Parry DV 6, Rate 2
(Native: Old Realm; Others: Flametongue, Guild Green-Tipped Death: Speed 4, Accuracy 13, Damage 7L,
Cant, High Realm, Riverspeak) 4, Lore 5, Martial Range 20, Rate 2, Tags P
Arts 3, Medicine 2, Melee 4, Occult 3, Presence 4, Soak: 15L/17B (Thread body, 12L/12B)
Resistance 2, Socialize 3, Stealth 2, Survival 1, Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-
Thrown 5 (Green-Tipped Death +2) 2/-2/-4/Incap
Backgrounds: Backing 3, Cult 1, Followers 5, Re- Dodge DV: 7 Willpower: 10
sources 5 Essence: 6 Essence Pool: 120
Charms: Other Notes: The Jeweled Auditor possesses three
BenefactionGumela aids others in satisfying their unique attack modes made possible by the magical be-
carnal desires jeweled thread that composes his body. Activating the
CaptureThe Jewled Auditors threads envelop and Sapphire Tiger Technique causes Gumela to extrude
swallow his lovers threads from the edges of his arms to form two large
Claws of the Angry DragonThe Jeweled Auditor spiked fans. When he attacks with one of these fans,
weakens the resolve of others half of its threads whip out to wrench defenses aside
Essence Plethora10 extra motes while the rest strike with his fist, augmenting the blow.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 63

 Those struck by this attack are left tangled in threads, way into Creation without the proper summons, those
which imposes a one-die penalty to all actions. Effects who would betray their masters, lazy and rebellious
of such strikes penalties are cumulative, and they persist servants and slaves: all these are Luciens quarry. Lu-
until the threads are removed. Removing the threads cien reserves a special hatred for the Dragon-Blooded,
requires a (Strength + Athletics) total of 8 to snap the for never did Sacheverell come so close to waking as
threads as a feat of strength or a successful (Dexterity during the Usupration.
+ Athletics) roll to disentangle. The total for the feat Uncanny Lucien is a shapeshifter without equal,
of strength and the difficulty both increase by one for save perhaps Luna herself, and he wears a thousand
each additional penalty past the first. faces in the accomplishment of his goals. When the
Gumelas second unique hand-to-hand attack is the time comes for murder, though, he wears his own form
Shining Elephant Fist. Preparing for it, the Jeweled with its ghostly white skin, and takes up his ivory knives.
Auditors glittering threads wrap tightly around the When this happens, animals howl, shadows twist in the
demons arm and extend forward to form a massive moonlight, winds blow hot then cold, and dice always
bludgeon, which flashes brightly when it strikes. The turn up ones.
player of a character hit by this attack must make a suc- Summoning: (Obscurity 1/3) Many places in Creation
cessful reflexive (Stamina + Resistance) roll, difficulty 2, tell of the Revolt-Crushing Archon, or the Traitor-
or the flash blinds the character for three actions. (See Seeking Huntsman, or the Murderer of Dynasts. All
page 152 of Exalted for details on fighting blind.) of these are stories of Lucien and are marked with the
For the demons final attack, Gumela releases a whiplike distinctive signs of his coming. Lucien never escapes
thread tipped in an emerald called the Green-Tipped Malfeas, assuming he is even capable of doing so, for
Death. It darts from the Jeweled Auditors hand to strike such a treacherous act of impropriety would surely surge
and is then drawn back by the thread. Upon impact, Sacheverell to wakefulness.
it blossoms into an eight-pointed star within its target Motivation: To prevent lessers from defying or rebel-
before closing and whirring back to the demon. The ling against their betters. His Intimacies are to his lord,
demon sometimes uses this attack to perform the move- Orabilis, to those of his spawn who know their place,
ment functions of a gauntlet of distant claws. (See page to loyalty, to language and to vengeance.
37 of The Books of Sorcery, Vol. IIIOadenols Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2; Cha-
Codex for more details.) risma 4, Manipulation 7, Appearance 4; Perception 5,
Intelligence 5, Wits 4
LUCIEN, THE GUARDIAN OF SLEEP Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 4, Temperance 4,
DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, Valor 4
THE EXPRESSIVE SOUL OF THE END OF ALL WISDOM Abilities: Archery 2, Athletics 3, Awareness 3,
In service to the End of All Wisdom, Lucien works Bureaucracy 2, Dodge 6, Integrity 5, Investigation 4,
to keep the Demon Prince Sacheverell in slumber. Larceny 6, Linguistics (See Other Notes) 5,
Sacheverell, who is also called the Abhorrent Prophet Lore 2, Martial Arts 2, Melee 4 (Ivory Knives +2),
Unimagined, dreams only of the present while he slum- Occult 5, Performance 5, Presence 6, Resistance 2,
bers. In waking, however, nothing of the future remains Socialize 5, Stealth 6, Survival 5, Thrown 3 (Ivory
hidden from him, and the doings of Heaven, Hell and Knives +3), War 2 (Duplicates +3)
Creation alike become locked into the patterns his vi- Backgrounds: Artifact 4, Backing 3, Cult 3, Followers 5,
sions foresee. When lessers rise up and defy their betters, Resources 3
Sacheverell stirs fitfully, and both gods and Yozis agree Charms:
to one thing: Sacheverell must never awaken. DreamscapeDreams of Luciens pursuit haunt the
Thus does Luciengaunt and ghostlike, with tiny hunted even before he appears
toothed maws where a sandstorm of Cecelyne blew holes Essence Plethora10 extra motes
through himundertake his sacred task. Lucien hunts Form Reduction TechniqueAll-Encompassing
down those who would disturb their betters through Harrow the MindThose hunted by the Guardian of
revolution, protest, heresy, begging and assassination. Sleep recognize the omens that herald his coming and
Those who pray to Adorjan at the Malfean temples what it means for them
of the Silent Wind vanish by his hand, for that Yozi Host of SpiritsWhen necessary to punish transgressors,
does not tolerate the loud begging of fools echoing in Lucien is legion
the pure silence of her winds. Demons who worm their

64
MaterializeCosts sts 80 motes Essence: 6 Essence Pool: 120 1
dThe Guardian of Sleep
Measure the WindThe Other Notes: Lucien may co communicate with any
sizes up those it pursues beinganimal, man, spiri spirit, et ceterathrough
Lucien can
Memory MirrorLucien his Mimic of Tongues C Charm. This power is
copy minds as well as forms unique to Lucien. It w works in conjunction
uesLucien
Mimic of TonguesLucien with the Charm, but bu is not part of it.
anguage
can speak any language The Guardian of Sleep possesses two
Mirror of the Infinite
nite Wardrobe ivory knives, w with which he hunts
All-Encompassing ing and kills his v victims. Their dam-
Ox-Body Technique que age is made to affect a victims
tion
Principle of Motion life force directly, bypassing
Lucien possessess up phys
any physical armor. Victims
to 10 banked ac- may soasoak with their innate
tions lethal ssoak only (though
Shapechange they may enhance it through
All-Encompass- Charms). Lucien L can also use
ing the knives to attack a targets
Spirit-Cutting reputatio This is a physical
reputation.
Supplemented attackttack affects attack b by Lucien that serves
the immaterial destr the Intimacies of
to destroy
TrackingTheree is no escape others toward the target.
from the Guardian ian of Sleep le of damage dealt
Each level
The accu-
Words of PowerThe counts as a scene spent
ctims crimes
sation of his victims destro
destroying said Intimacies.
hits them like a physical blow Actu physical damage is
Actual
First (Ability) Excellency fore
foregone.
Dodge, Investigation, If aanyone else would
ee, Stealth,
Linguistics, Melee, wie
wield Luciens knives,
Survival, Thrown wn he
her player must roll dice
Second (Ability) y) Ex- eequal to her Essence
cellencyIntegrity,grity, w
with every attack.
istics,
Larceny, Linguistics, FFailure means the
mance, Presence, So-
Occult, Performance, kknife turns on her.
cialize Knowing this, Lucien some-
Divine (Ability) SubordinationLinguistics times conced
concedes for others to wield
Join Battle: 7 the artifacts witho
without being compelled
Attacks: to do so.
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 3B, Parry DV 5,
Rate 3
MAKARIOS, THE SIGILS DREAMER
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 6B, Parry DV 3, DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, THE WARDEN
Rate 2 SOUL OF THAT WHICH CALLS TO THE SHADOWS
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 7, Damage 3B, Parry DV , Oh, Makarios, the demon merchant that brings to
Rate 1, Tags P man what he has only ever dreamed. From his citadel
Ivory Knife: Speed 4, Accuracy 13, Damage 7L, Parry DV 6, of chrysoprase and alabaster, where he is surrounded
Rate 3 by white and apple-green, the Equitable Trader (as he
Thrown Ivory Knife: Speed 4, Accuracy 12, Damage 7L, is called in old texts) haunts the dreams of those with
Range 20, Rate 2 whom he would trade, offering them a seat of ivory
Soak: 13L/14B (Perforated body, 12L/12B) and gold. In dreams that smell of incense, he comes
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/- to bargain, with copper wire hair and eyes that split
2/-4/Incap light like a prism.
Dodge DV: 9 Willpower: 10

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 65

 The goods he brings are wonders unseen in Creation: far more frequently than perhaps any other of his ilk.
gemstones made of tears and poisons made of hate, spices Because Makarioss insight into the market, the value
from beyond Creation and garments made of the wind, of goods and the nature of trading partners, he is often
wolves of copper and toads of malachite and all manner summoned by sorcerers seeking his assistance as advi-
of strangeness besides. As for what Makarios wants sor or emissary. In these functions, he fulfills his duties
well, that is simple. For trinkets and trifles, he desires with joy. Malfeas might vomit the Equitable Trader into
trade concessions, or perhaps some mortal artifact. Creation when someone who has given their dreams
His finest goods demand but one price: that a certain willingly to Makarios takes action to go back on his
number of mortals be marked with his sigil. pledge. The next time such a traitor lies down to dream,
Those marked with the sigil of Makarios dream only his dreams coalesce into the form of Makarios, who
for the Equitable Trader. This mark eventually fades, demands to know why he has been betrayed. Makarios
but those who die so marked do not become ghosts or then has until the next new moon to pursue whatever
descend into Lethe. Instead, their Essence becomes agendas he pleases in Creation before his dream-stuff
tieed into the eternal act of dream-
tied body is re
rendered inert, and he returns to Malfeas.
ingg, trapped in moldering graves
ing, Motivatio To buy and sell the stuff of mortal dreams.
Motivation:
dreeaming forever for Makarios.
dreaming Makarios Intimacies include Erembour, trade routes,
Makarioss
Buut the Equitable Trader is no
But Guild rainbows, dreams and the chrysogonae.
the Guild,
waastrel; he has a use for these
wastrel; Attribute Strength 3, Dexterity 6, Stamina 3; Cha-
Attributes:
preecious dreams. Each of them
precious risma 6, MManipulation 6, Appearance 4; Perception 6,
hee crafts into the impossible Intelligen 6, Wits 6
Intelligence
goods that he sells, pluck-
goods C
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 3, Temperance 3,
ingg out a single image Valor 2
froom a dream and then
from Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 6,
concentrating the total-
concentrating (Gla
Craft (Glamour) 5, Dodge 1, Integrity 5, Investigation 2,
ityy of the dream into Larceny 6, Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Oth-
that concept, un-
that F
ers: Flametongue, Guild Cant, High Realm,
til it has weight Low Realm, Riverspeak, Seatongue) 6,
an
nd truth in
and Lor 5, Martial Arts 1, Occult 3, Perfor-
Lore
Maalfeas and
Malfeas m
mance 3, Presence 3, Resistance 1, Ride 3,
Crreation.
Creation. S 3, Socialize 3, Stealth 1, Survival 1
Sail
S u m - Backgrounds: Artifact 5, Back-
moning: ing 3, Contacts 5, Cult 2,
(O
Obscurity
(Obscurity Gossamer 5
1/33) Of all
1/3) Charms:
th
he Sec-
the Calculated Order of Immediate ActionThe Sigils
onnd Circle
ond Dreamer solidifies the ephemera of dreams into real
demons, Makarios is
demons, s
physical substance
perhaps the most
perhaps Creation of PerfectionMakarios works the stuff of
weell known, deal-
well in fabulous wonders
dreams into
ingg with mortals Dreamsca
DreamscapeMarkarious enters mortal dreams to
trade (or to gather raw materials from those who bear
his mark)
P
Essence Plethora10 extra motes
L
Fruit of Living EssenceMarkarious sups on mortal
dreams
th MindMarkarios twists his victims thoughts
Harrow the
wak nightmare
into a waking
Hoodwink
HoodwinkHypnogogic flashes of daydream distract
disori
and disorient
HomeMarkarios vanishes into the dreams of those
Hurry Hom
bearing hi
his mark or where he was first summoned

66
MaterializeCosts 75 motes that allows Makarios to gather the ephemera of dreams
Measure the WindThe Sigils Dreamer sizes up po- and nightmares around his hand before he strikes with
tential customers it. The attack can render a target unconscious or deal
Ox-Body Technique significant damage to her body, but much of said dam-
Paper Tiger ArrangementThe Sigils Dreamer unleashes age is psychosomatic and is incapable of killing the
the stuff of dreams into the waking world target. The Sigils Dreamer reflexively forms a similar
TrackingMarkarios knows the location of those who Prismatic Cloud Armor about himself before a weapon
bear his mark can strike him.
First (Ability) ExcellencyBureaucracy, Craft, Larceny,
Lore
ZSOFIKA, THE KITE FLUTE
Second (Ability) Excellency Awareness, Craft, Integ- DEMON OF THE SECOND CIRCLE, THE MESSENGER SOUL OF
rity, Presence THE PRINCE UPON THE TOWER
Third (Ability) ExcellencyCraft, Occult, Ride, Sail Summoned over the dying embers of a fire, Zsofika
Infinite (Ability) MasteryCraft appears to take up her arms and begin a celebratory
Waking Circle OneiromancyFive spells available hunt that dates back to the First Age. To the steady
Dreaming Circle OneiromancyFive spells available beat of far-off drums beating in time to the demons
Desire Circle OneiromancyTwo spells available heart, insects circle and shadows throb. The mad and
Join Battle: 9 the soulless moan and stomp their feet in time. Horses
Attacks: rear and seek to flee. With her come the Things That
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 3B, Parry DV Dwell in Corners, who have no power in Creation but
5, Rate 3 swim at the periphery of ones vision.
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 6B, Parry DV 3, Ebon skinned and garbed in silver, Zsofika grasps her
Rate 2 twin blades with fingers that each bear an extra joint.
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 7, Damage 3B, Parry DV , Her red hair has bells braided in it that ring with every
Rate 1, Tags P beat of her heart. Several of her braided locks shes cut
Prismatic Cloud Touch: Speed 5, Accuracy 10, and wrapped about her forearms as bracers. She turns
Damage 17B, Parry DV 5, Rate 3 within the fire for 70 beats, her steel-hard skin smoking
Soak: 15L/16B (Prismatic Cloud Armor, 13L/13B) and her soft eyes ablaze. During this time, the Kite Flute
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/ chooses her victim, whether its a target chosen by her
Incap summoner or one picked by her whim. Thereafter, she
Dodge DV: 7 Willpower: 9 steps from the fire to begin her inexorable hunt. Storms
Essence: 6 Essence Pool: 115 and omens follow with her.
Other Notes: Those marked by the Sigils Dreamer Zsofika grows closer to her prey with every drumbeat.
dream only when the demon uses his Dreamscape Charm Every 10th beat, the demon rings her swords against
on them. Exalts can endure a dreamless existence, one another. Every 100th beat, a standard-bearer rises
though it is far from pleasant. A roll of (Intelligence from the earth to march behind her, bearing a hollow
+ Integrity) must be made every month spent without tube atop a standard. These so-called kite flutes catch
dreaming for a mortal so afflicted, however. After the wind and keen a mournful cry that strikes terror
the first failure, the mortal suffers from occasional into the hearts of those who hear it.
hallucinationswaking dreams. A second failure her- When she has at last caught her victim, Zsofika
alds madness. After a third such failed roll, even the slays and devours him, bones and all. The celebratory
removal of the Mark of Makarios cannot return the hunt ended, the drums die and her standard-bearers
poor soul to lucidity. dissolve back into the earth. The demon is then free to
Makarios can enter dreams from Malfeas. He does not obey any other orders her summoner has or her own
need to be in Creation to trade with its denizens or to desires if brought to Creation through other means.
claim his due in dreams from those marked by him. Also, Those desires typically involve trading her services to
Makarios cannot be compelled to give away a possession others in exchange for the chance to implant a child
for less than its true value, even by sorcerers who summon within them. Lucky or powerful bargainers suffer only
him (though a sorcerer or anyone else with the puissance an unshakable melancholy bringing the children to
to do so may take items from him through force). term. Others find themselves slowly wasting away as
The demons Prismatic Cloud Touch is a unique power theyre devoured from within.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 67

 In Malfeas, Zsofikas celebratory hunt never nothing in Malfeas, since it exists outside Fate, the
ends. She crisscrosses the Demon Citys many lay- weather continues to mark her passage, though with
ers, hunting petty demon after petty demon. Here, phenomena alien to Creationblood rain, basalt
she summons no standard bearers, nor does she need hail, brazen snow and stranger things still.
any. The Demon Citys walls drum in time with her Summoning: (Obscurity 2/2) Zsofika is almost exclu-
heart as she passes them, the streets reverberate sively summoned to hunt down and kill enemies of
with the sound of marching feet, and gusting winds her summoning sorcerers. Even if she were brought
bear her kite flutes aloft. Though her omens mean to Creation for another reason, the demon would
still hunt down and kill k someone, so its always bet-
ter for a sorcer
sorcerer to have a target in mind so
it doesnt en end up being a person he cares
for. That said, Zsofika is also useful for
her orac
oracular ability. Rarely, the wind
will whwhistle through the lava spines of
So
the South at just the right frequency
m
to match Zsofikas own kite flutes,
and the demon will be summoned
into the world free from sorcerous
bin
binding.
Mo
Motivation: To hunt, kill and de-
vou
vour her prey. Zsofikas Intimacies
inc
include Jacint, the hunt, storms,
fire
fire, music and her many progeny.
Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 5,
Att
Stam
Stamina6;Charisma1,Manipulation5,
Appea
Appearance 4; Perception 7, Intel-
ligence 6, Wits 5
Virtue Compassion 2, Conviction 2,
Virtues:
Temp
Temperance 3, Valor 4
Abil
Abilities: Athletics 4, Aware-
ness 5, Dodge 3, Integrity 6,
Invest
Investigation 5, Linguistics (Native:
Old R Realm; Others: Flametongue,
R
High Realm) 2, Lore 3, Martial Arts 6,
Mele 6, Occult 2, Performance 6
Melee
(Kite Flutes +3), Presence 5, Resis-
tanc 6, Sail 3 (Dunerunners +3),
tance
Soci
Socialize 1, Survival 5
Back
Backgrounds: Artifact 2, Backing 3,
Foll
Cult 4, Followers 5+, Resources 3
Charms:
Bi
Essence BiteWhile on a hunt, Zsofikas
steel-
steel-hard skin smolders with heat (up
to 8L Elemental damage)
Essenc Plethora10 extra motes
Essence
Foretell the FutureLooking into the
omens her presence incites in Cre-
ation, Zsofika learns much of what is
to come
SpiritsZsofika leaves a part of herself
Host of Spirits
in those who bargain for her services

68
MaterializeCosts 75 motes another perfect effect. (This power is separate from her
Measure the WindZsofika can size up her victim and less-powerful Tracking Charm.)
those who would defend him Zsofika stole knowledge of the Dragon Fan Dance from
Natural PrognosticationOmens follow the Kite Flute Gumela during the First Age, though the Jeweled Audi-
Ox-Body Technique tor himself no longer makes use of the technique. As she
Principle of MotionZsofika typically banks nine stored begins the dance, great fans open beneath Zsofikas arms.
actions Darkness writhes up over her in the form of a great serpent.
Spirit-CuttingSupplemented attack affects the im- She rises with the serpent, then plummets down to strike
material at her target with blades like fangs. The player of anyone
TrackingThe Kite Flute is a huntress without peer hit by this attack must succeed at a (Valor + Essence)
Weather ControlZsofikas presence incites storms roll for his character. Otherwise the victim spends the
Words of PowerTruths spoken by Zsofika hit like next three actions in a trembling panic, only able to take
physical blows action to dodge or parry attacks made against him.
First (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Martial Arts, The standard-bearers of the Kite Flute are extras with
Melee, Presence, Resistance, Survival five bashing and no lethal soak. The only actions they
Third (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Martial Arts, take are to follow Zsofika and to hold the kite flute
Melee, Presence, Resistance, Survival standards aloft. The sound of a single kite flute can be
Infinite (Ability) MasteryMartial Arts, Melee, Sur- heard over a mile distant. Every power of 10 beyond
vival doubles the range.
Join Battle: 10
Attacks: FIRST CIRCLE DEMONS
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 12, Damage 6B, Parry DV 7, The traits here represent those of various demon
Rate 3 breeds from Malfeas. Unlike the entries for the Second
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 11, Damage 9B, Parry DV 5, and Third Circle demons, the traits of these beings
Rate 2 represent typical members of a group rather than one
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 11, Damage 6B, Parry DV , unique being. As an example, the Linguistics Ability is
Rate 1, Tags P left with the individual languages undefined, because
Dragon Fan Dance: Speed 15, Accuracy 15, Damage 18L, one agata might learn entirely different tongues (other
Parry DV 7, Rate 1 than its native Old Realm) than another agata. Even
Nails: Speed 6, Accuracy 11, Damage 6L, Parry DV 5, the numerical traits, however, are simply the average
Rate 2 for each species. One agata is not exactly like another,
Sword (x2): Speed 4, Accuracy 2, Damage 13L/2, Parry and powerful individuals may even rise to the rank of
DV 5, Rate 3 citizen in the Demon City.
Soak: 15L/18B (Steel-hard skin, 12L/12B) Most First Circle demons are descended from pro-
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/- totypes created by individual Second Circle demons.
4/Incap Therefore, entire species are the progeny of the sevenfold
Dodge DV: 8 (7 without bracers) Willpower: 9 souls of the Demon Princes. They might gestate in their
Essence: 6 Essence Pool: 115 progenitors, be laid in eggs, bud from their parents or be
Other Notes: Over the course of Zsofikas celebratory crafted from Second Circle blood or flesh or even inert
hunt, until her quarry is slain, all who hear the keen- materials such as stone, wood or acid. Exceptions do ex-
ing of her kite flutes suffer unreasoning terror. Roll the ist, however, such as the Eyes of Orabilis and the Things
demons (Manipulation + Performance [Kite Flute +3]); That Dwell in Corners, respectively deriving from a Third
those who hear the music defend with their Dodge Circle demon and the Yozis own Essence. Rare occult
MDVs. This is a form of unnatural mental influence. texts even suggest that one Twilight Caste Solar somehow
Beings with Essence higher than Zsofikas are immune created a breed of demonic servants in Malfeas.
to this effect. AGATAE, THE BEAUTEOUS WASPS
As an innate power, Zsiofika always moves one yard
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE,
per tick faster than the target of her initial hunt, no
matter the mode of travel. A related power allows the PROGENY OF THE WHIM-OF-THE-WIND
demon to always know the direction of her target. This In his millennia of voyages, Florivet has seen many
is a perfect effect that can be defended against only by beautiful things, and there is subtle memory of them

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 69

 contained within the shape of his favored progeny. The Occult 1, Presence 1 (Inhumanly Beautiful +1), Resis-
brilliance of springs first sunrise shines in their wings, a tance 3, Survival 3
thousand colors glitter in their translucent forms, their Backgrounds: Backing 1
sting curves like a swordsmiths finest blade, and their Charms:
heads are crowned with the gold of a monarchs dreams. Essence Plethora10 extra motes
Transfiguring light hangs about them like an anima of Hurry Home
glory. Stories and songs strive to convey the beauty of Landscape TravelAn agata uses this Charm to carry
the agatae, but all fall short of the mark. Those who up to two armored men while it flies; it can fly unen-
would bring harm to an agata, without desperate cause, cumbered without the Charm
find that their hearts are not in it. MaterializeCosts 45 motes
Each beauteous wasp stands as high as a Marukan PortalAn agata in flight can open a portal from its
horse on six legs of shimmering crystal, and its powerful current location to another aerial location that it can
wings can bear it aloft while carrying two armored men. see up to 30 miles away
The agatae speak in voices that ring of brass bells and Principle of MotionAn agata often has less than six
crystal, yet their thoughts are more cunning and wise extra actions banked due to its outbursts
than most humans thoughts. Their senses are refined, First (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Resistance and
and their minds are filled with strange philosophies Survival
that do not translate easily into any tongue. Irresistible Second (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Resistance and
emotions often consume them, from manic ecstatic Survival
happiness to unbridled fury, though such outbursts seem Third (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Resistance and
natural and reasonable to the minds of the agatae. The Survival
wasps are jealous of their riders attentions, sometimes Join Battle: 3
leading to bitter attacks on other mounts (including Attacks:
other agatae). Loss of a rider provokes sadness and Claw: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 6L, Parry DV 3,
mourning in the agatae, but their analysis of the order Rate 2
of things suggests they will bear others. Sting: Speed 4, Accuracy 7, Damage 9L, Parry DV 3,
Rare agatae are larger than others of their kind, Rate 3
and savants hold that Florivet treats these as the brood Soak: 5L/9B (Thin carapace, 2L/4B)
mothers of the line. Long ago, the Whim-of-the-Wind Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
traded one of them to Octavian for aid in the construc- Dodge DV: 4 (5 if airborne) Willpower: 6
tion of his land ship. Damaskenos faithfully serves the Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 70
Living Tower to this day. Other Notes: Unless the agata is attacking her or
Summoning: (Obscurity 1/2) Sorcerers call agatae to one of her Intimacies, an enemy must fail (or spend
serve as steeds. Sometimes, without sorcery, a demon a temporary Willpower to ignore) a Compassion roll
wasp is briefly drawn to Creation when a sight of beauty in order to cause the agata to come to physical harm.
changes someone, as when a cave-born child glimpses An agata can use its sting attack only while airborne.
its first sunrise or a Southern dervish first sees snow Its sustained flight speed is approximately 30 miles per
fall. Such appearances are typically as fleeting as the hour, or about 15 yards per tick.
moment that calls them. The loss of its rider garners
an agata a point of Limit.
AMPHELISIAE, THE TEAKETTLE COURTIERS
Motivation: To act as riding beasts. DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE,
Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5; Cha- PROGENY OF THE JEWELED AUDITOR
risma 3, Manipulation 1, Appearance 6; Perception 3, One of many demon races spawned by Gumela,
Intelligence 5, Wits 2 the amphelisiae resemble six-legged lizards stretching
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 2, Temperance 1, about seven feet from tail to snout. Most amphelisia
Valor 3 are bluish-green, but other colorations are not uncom-
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 1, mon. The most notable characteristic of an amphelisia
Dodge 1 (Airborne +2), Integrity 1 is the sound it makes, a soft murmuring whisper that
(Resisting External Temptation +1), Investigation 1, sounds like dry leaves crackling underfoot. This sound
Linguistics 2, Lore 1, Martial Arts 1 (Sting +2), is audible even when the amphelisia is immaterial,
although it recedes to the very edge of the listeners

70
consciousness. This murmuring is essential to the de- Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Dodge 4, Integrity 1,
mons nature. If it is somehow silenced, an amphelisia Investigation 1, Lore 1, Martial Arts 3, Presence 1,
instantly dissolves into a dank, fetid wind. Amphelisiae Resistance 1 (Poison +3), Stealth 1, Survival 3
treat commandments to be completely silent as unac- Backgrounds: Backing 1
ceptable orders. Charms:
If provoked (or at its masters command), the amph- Affinity (Element) ControlWater; the amphelisia
elisia sprouts a menacing orange fan from behind its may use only the Elemental Corruption and Elemental
head. The demons murmurs become an urgent whisper Hazard functions of this Charm
like the sound of fire consuming dry brush. In response Essence BiteThe venomous creatures that coat
to this sound, poisonous things of all kindssnakes, an angry amphelisia deal Poison damage to all that
spiders, scorpions and otherscrawl from nearby touch them (Damage 6L, Toxicity 3, Tolerance /,
shadows and dark places, having been summoned into Penalty -5)
existence by the truths the amphelisia utters. Unless Essence Plethora10 extra motes
the demon is quickly slain, these creatures will swarm HoodwinkThe susurrous murmurs of the amphelisia
over it, becoming one with the demons form. In this often serve to unbalance the minds of those who hear
state, the amphelisia is an amorphous black creature them
with tentacles formed of vermin bound together into a Landscape TravelThe amphelisia is capable of short
colony, and its murmurs rise to a shrill whistle. While bursts of great speed on land, doubling its movement
in this state, the amphelisia is a font of poison, which MaterializeCosts 50 motes
it can spit at enemies in endless quantities. In the Mimic of TonguesThe teakettle courtier uses this
alternative, the demon can choose to simply drool the Charm to uncover new secrets
poison for over an hour, generating enough toxin to Plague of MenacesVenomous vermin assault those
taint an entire citys water or food supply or to supply marked by the amphelisia
an armory full of poisoned blades. Principle of MotionA teakettle courtier typically pos-
Oddly, given is deadly nature, amphelisiae are sesses five banked actions
considered one of the more playful and generally loyal ShapechangeThe amphelisia merges its body with
demons of the First Circle. They are endlessly fasci- venomous creatures to become a black amorphous
nated by reflective surfaces, especially water and soap monster with long tentacles
bubbles, and become quite loyal indeed to summoners Sheathing the Material FormThe amphelisia is coated
who share secrets with them. Amphelisiae are excit- in a roiling layer of poisonous vermin that shields it
able, however, and when agitated, not even sorcerous from harm (up to +4L/8B soak)
bindings can guarantee the safety of the summoner Stoke the FlameThe teakettle courtiers angry whistle
against the creatures toxins. In particular, the sound induces fear in those who hear it
of laughter enrages amphelisae, and wise summoners Touch of SaturnThe amphelisia can spit a highly toxic
are advised to keep a grim demeanor while retaining venom (Poison effect)
the service of one. First (Ability) ExcellencyMartial Arts
Summoning: (Obscurity 1/2) Sorcerers primarily sum- Second (Ability) ExcellencyResistance
mon the teakettle courtiers to poison water supplies Third (Ability) ExcellencyIntegrity
or to produce large quantities of toxin. Sometimes, an Join Battle: 6
amphelisia is called to Creation without sorcery when Attacks:
betrayal of a secret leads to a persons death by poison. Bite: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 3L, Parry DV ,
The sound of laughter infuriates amphelisiae such that Rate 1
ones player must roll one die for Limit whenever it Tentacle: Speed 6, Accuracy 7, Damage 5L + poison*,
hears the sound (maximum once a scene). Parry DV 5, Rate 1
Motivation: To murmur its secrets to itself in peace. Poison Spit: Speed 6, Accuracy 9, Damage poison*,
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha- Range 5, Rate 1
risma 3, Manipulation 1, Appearance 2; Perception 3, * (Damage 6L, Toxicity 3, Tolerance /, Penalty -5)
Intelligence 1, Wits 4 Soak: 2L/3B (When girded with Sheathing the Mate-
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 4, Temperance 2, rial Form, it is typically 6L/11B)
Valor 3 Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 71

 Dodge DV: 6 Willpower: 7 their carefully constructed emotional walls. The music
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 75 of the harpists touches the spirits of gods and demons
Other Notes: The demons Appearance trait drops to 0 as surely as it does the souls of men.
when its swarming with venomous vermin. The venom The angyalkae appear as beautiful men or women,
of an amphelisia when so swarmed is rated Damage save that their hands each bear a dozen long, thin
6L, Toxicity 3, Tolerance /, Penalty -5. Anyone fingers, and each finger has seven joints. An angyalka
coming in contact with the enswarmed demon or its cannot stop playing her music or she will soon die, so
spittle suffers the damage. her hands are in constant motion, pulling music from
the air. If an angyalka is forced to fight, she does so
ANGYALKAE, THE HARPISTS using her prehensile hair. The harpists speak when
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, they wish but do not cease playing to do so. They hear
PROGENY OF THE KITE FLUTE many things in the murmur of their audiences and
With its two-dozen fingers meticulously moving know many tongues.
through the air, an angyalka draws music from the Summoning: (Obscurity 1/3) Sorcerers summon
flow of Time as if it were an exquisite harp. Those angyalkae to know themselves, to entertain audiences
who hear the sound feel the moments of their lives and to disarm social enemies. Sometimes, the proper
pass over them as they listen. The melodies of the flow of time is disrupted in Creation, and a distressed
angyalkae do not reveal the future or speak of the past, angyalka might be called forth by the discord without
as they are the resonance of the present. Those who being summoned or bound. An angyalka commanded
listen hear the moments of their soul and know what to stop playing by its summoner will continue to play,
they have lost. Listeners who are happy with their but gains a point of Limit for her defiance (maximum
inner being find the song of the angyalkae beautiful. one per scene).
Those who are discontented with themselves find the Motivation: To perform the moments of existence as
music painful, whether it confirms their secret fears, music.
rekindles unsettled heartache or tears at the cracks in

72
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 5; Cha- Stoke the FlameAn emotional sense of the passing
risma 5, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3; Perception 5, moments floods the audience
Intelligence 2, Wits 2 Subtle WhisperAudiences often dont recognize the
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 5, Temperance 4, musics true effects
Valor 2 Words of PowerAn angyalkas music can cause physi-
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3, Dodge 4, Integrity 1, cal pain when necessary
Linguistics 5, Lore 4, Occult 4, Performance 5 (Harp +3), First (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Dodge, Perfor-
Presence 5, Resistance 2 (Playing Forever +3), mance, Presence
Socialize 1 Second (Ability) ExcellencyPerformance
Backgrounds: Allies 1, Backing 1, Resources 1 Third (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Performance,
Charms: Presence
Creation of PerfectionThe angyalka plays the flow of Join Battle: 5
Time as a harp Attacks:
Divine PrerogativeAny effort to force an angyalka to Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 5B, Parry DV 2,
stop playing is an unacceptable order Rate 2
HoodwinkThere are a thousand tricks in the music Clinch (with hair): Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 2B,
of the angyalkae, most drawn from the soul of the Parry DV , Rate 1, Tags P
listener Hair Whip: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 3L, Parry
MaterializeCosts 55 motes DV 5, Rate 2, Tags D,R
Natural PrognosticationThe angyalka senses the touch Soak: 3L/5B
of Destiny upon the flow of Time Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/
Paper Tiger ArrangementManifestations of light, sound Incap
and smell often accompany the angyalkas playing Dodge DV: 6 Willpower: 9
Spice of Custodial DelectationAn attentive audience Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 65
gives the angyalka Essence

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 73

 Other Notes: Even without using its Charms, an Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 2, Craft (Wood) 2
angyalkas music typically evokes some response in its (Weaving Webs +2), Dodge 3, Integrity 1, Investigation 1,
listeners. The effects of this are best resolved by roleplay, Larceny 3, Martial Arts 4, Presence 1, Resistance 2,
or avoided with a successful Temperance roll. Stealth 5, Survival 1
Backgrounds: Backing 1
ANUHLES, THE DEMON SPIDERS Charms:
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, Bread of Weak SpiritThe demon spider may feed on
PROGENY OF VARIOUS SECOND CIRCLE DEMONS spirits as a well as material beings
Atypically among the denizens of Malfeas, the Calculated Order of Immediate ActionThe golden-
anuhles are not so much a demon species as a demon weaver anuhle constructs a tangled web of many layers
archetype. Several Second Circle demons have birthed in which to trap prey (the web has 10L/20B soak and
distinct races of spider-like children, all of whom are takes 20 health levels to damage and 40 to destroy)
collectively referred to as anuhles or simply as demon CaptureThe demon spider whisks prey into the
spiders. Demonologists view the various sub-species of depths of its web
anuhle as being members of different breeds, in much Chrysalis of PreservationThe golden-weaver wraps its
the same way as savants categorize a multitude of dog victims for later consumption
or cat breeds. Intrusion-Sensing MethodThe anuhle senses intruders
Regardless of parentage, all anuhles are essentially in its web
oversized spiders ranging in size from that of a small Landscape TravelThe demon spider may travel ef-
dog to that of a warhorse. All anuhles can spin silken fortlessly across floors, ceiling and its web, as a mortal
webbing with the strength of steel, and most are ven- spider does
omous, although the type and toxicity of the venom MaterializeCosts 35 motes
various with the breed. Individual anuhle poisons may Meat of Broken FleshThe anuhle feeds on its victims
cause hallucinations, fever, paralysis or death, and some Essence as well as their blood
have stranger effects. The poison of the dog-spider for Ox-Body Technique (x2)
instance, leaves its victim highly suggestible, while Principle of MotionThe spider typically has five
that of the scarlet anuhle dissolves the victims organs, banked actions
muscles and even bone, leaving behind naught but an Touch of SaturnThe bite of the demon spider delivers
empty skin suit. a potent venom (Poison effect)
Anuhles are born hunters and killers and often First (Ability) ExcellencyStealth
delight being summoned to Creation, for there are few Second (Ability) ExcellencyDodge
interesting people to hunt in Malfeas. The demon spiders Third (Ability) ExcellencyMartial Arts
are typically quite loyal to their summoners as long as Join Battle: 5
they are permitted to kill with some regularity. Attacks:
The traits here represent an average golden-weav- Bite: Speed 5, Accuracy 10, Damage 3L (+ poison if
er anuhle, but different species vary significantly. using Touch of Saturn*), Parry DV , Rate 1
Summoning: (Obscurity 2/4) Sorcerers often summon Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 9, Damage 3B, Parry DV ,
anuhles to kidnap or kill their enemies. Occasionally, Rate 1
when a shrine, temple or other holy place is abandoned * (Damage 3L, Toxicity 3, Tolerance /, Penalty -4)
or neglected, the common orb-weaving spiders that Soak: 7L/8B (Tough carapace, 5L/5B)
settle there will be driven to construct intricate web Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/
mandalas that serve to summon the anuhles. The barking Incap
of dogs causes the demon spiders intense pain, and an Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 5
anuhles player must roll one die for Limit whenever it Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 45
hears the sound (maximum once a scene). Other Notes: Different species of demon spider vary
Motivation: To hunt and feed. greatly in power and in the Charms they possess. In
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 5, Stamina 3; Cha- particular, the various breeds venom and hunting
risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 1; Perception 5, strategy differ, and knowledgeable sorcerers often
Intelligence 3, Wits 3 summon demon spiders appropriate to the tasks
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 5, Temperance 2, they have in mind. (For example, golden-weavers
Valor 3

74
are good kidnapers and guardians, scarlets are good his elder brother, with the demon going on to advise
assassins, star-spinners make capable implements of the new Autocrat until Thorns seizure by the Mask of
torture, and dog-spiders are formidable practitioners Winters, who banished the chrysogona. Records state
of coercion.) that hundreds of chrysogonae escaped to Creation to
witness the Usurpation.) The sight of a newborn grieves
CHRYSOGONAE, THE CRYING WOMEN a chrysogona, forcing its player to roll a die with each
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, success inflicting one point of Limit.
PROGENY OF THE SIGILS DREAMER Motivation: To feast on the fire of ambition.
Small, delicate and alien, the chrysogonae are one Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
of the many demon races that show little resemblance risma 4, Manipulation 7, Appearance 1; Perception 5,
to any recognizable archetype of Creation-born life. Intelligence 4, Wits 3
Each chrysogona appears to be a gnarled homunculus of Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 4, Temperance 4,
dried or petrified wood between one and two yards long Valor 1
to which is attached a tragedy mask. Extending from Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 5,
the wooden trunk are, on average, 10 stick-like fingers, Dodge 2, Integrity 1, Investigation 2, Linguistics (Native:
though the true number fluctuates as the creature moves. Old Realm; Others: three additional languagesvaries
A crying woman does not walk on her fingers, for to by demon) 3, Lore 2, Martial Arts 1, Occult 1, Pres-
do so is painful. Instead, she constantly generates new ence 3, Resistance 3, Socialize 5 (Courtly Intrigue +1),
fingers as she moves, while causing old fingers to catch Stealth 4, Survival 1
fire and burn to ash from the ground up to her body. Backgrounds: Allies 2, Backing 1, Influence 4, Re-
In this way, the crying woman does not walk so much sources 4
as float, her body suspended on a disturbing parody of Charms:
Creations cycle of death and renewal. BenefactionThe chrysogona gives the target one bonus
Chrysogonae feed on ambition and will tolerate die to an action taken to achieve his ambition
no other meat or drink. They enjoy their time spent Essence BiteIf she wishes it, the touch of a crying
in Creation, but are loyal to their summoners only in womans finger ignites fires (lethal damage, typically
so far as no more capable ruler presents himself. A cry- five dice, Elemental keyword)
ing womans Charms and skills allow her to excel at Essence Plethora10 extra motes
intrigue, and she will regularly foment dissension and Eye of InspirationPresence, Socialize; usually granted
backstabbing throughout a court for no purpose except to a courts ruler (until the demon tires of him)
to inflame the ambitions of the courtiers. For all their Harrow the MindThe chrysogona twists its victims
machinations, though, crying women are not heartless. beliefs to fuel their ambitions
They feel sadness at the thought of beauty destroyed HoodwinkThe demon possesses the power to cloud
or true love betrayed, and that sadness causes them to victims minds
weep piteously, the source of the chrysogonas common Landscape TravelThe chrysogona may simultaneously
name. Rare among First Circle demons, the chrysogona extend and ignite its fingers, allowing the demon to
often leaves a bit of herself behind after banishment spiral straight upward at its normal movement rate
or even death. Those who are drawn into the crying (no lateral movement is possible, though the demon
womans web of intrigue often unwittingly give her a may hover)
piece of their souls, to be replaced by a tiny splinter of MaterializeCosts 45 motes
demon-wood from her heart. Those who have served the Measure the WindChrysogonae size up their opponents
chrysogonae, wittingly or not, often dream of smooth before engaging them
wooden fingers crawling over their skin at night and Regalia of AuthorityThe chrysogonas standing in her
hear the sound of the demons tears in the rain. court is unchallenged
Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) Reckless sorcerers often Spice of Custodial DelectationAs long as the court she
summon chrysogonae to act as advisors. Wiser ones advises teems with ambition, the crying woman may
send the demons to advise their enemies. The usurping feed on it
of a rightful rule by an ambitious subordinate can oc- Stoke the FlameThe crying woman toys with emotions
casionally draw a crying woman from Malfeas to feast. to drive the intrigues she so enjoys
(This occurred in recent memory when the second Subtle WhisperDespite evidence to the contrary, the
son of the Autocrat of Thorns seized the throne from chrysogona seems quite trustworthy

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 75

 First (Ability) ExcellencyPresence, Socialize disturb dogs for that reason. Yet decanthropes are rare in
Join Battle: 6 Creation, so despite these clues, successfully spotting the
Attacks: signs of a host requires five successes on a (Perception +
Bite: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 1L + poison*, Parry Occult) roll (which may be resisted by the hosts [Wits
DV , Rate 1 + Stealth], in appropriate circumstances).
Poke: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 1B, Parry DV 3, At any given time, the body snatchers true demonic
Rate 3 form rests within that of one of its hosts, controlling his
* (Damage 9L/action, Toxicity 3, Tolerance /, form directly. While the demon remains within one of its
Penalty -4) 10 forms, the other nine are listless, easily confused and
Soak: 3L/4B (Wooden body, 2L/2B) somewhat stupid. They respond to the commands of the
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap ruling demonic mind but have neither Motivation nor
Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 7 Intimacies of their own. Unoccupied hosts are capable of
Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 65 fighting but often lose track of their opponents if the en-
Other Notes: The poison damage of a chrysogonas bite emy retreats out of sight for more than a few seconds.
represents it transforming its victim into wood. This is A decanthrope summoned to Creation is presumed
a magical effect, and if the demon is killed or driven off, to have 10 bodies already. If a decanthrope loses a
the transformation ceases (but does not reverse). Such host (through violence or other means), it can ac-
damage is Crippling. Those incapacitated by such dam- quire another by seducing a mortal and then hanging
age are completely transformed into wood. Mortals so him from a tree for three days. Most decanthropes are
transformed shrivel to become chrysogonae themselves obsessed with getting the best hosts they can, and if
over the course of nine ticks. Exalted remain inanimate one encounters a superior host, it will usually seek to
statues until healed through supernatural means capable replace one of its current hosts as soon as possible. The
of dealing with Crippling wounds. decanthrope can never have more than 10 hosts at a
time, and abandoned hosts die almost instantly once
DECANTHROPES, THE BODY SNATCHERS the connection with a new host is made.
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, Decanthropes in Creation love to perform in front
PROGENY OF THE GRIEVING LORD of mortals, but their performances are strange and
The true form of this disgusting demon is a strip unsettling, though usually for reasons the audience
of warty green flesh with serrated edges, stretching cannot articulate. The decanthropes love ballads
about three to four feet long but usually no more than instill bitterness and jealousy. Its most cheerful tunes
about six inches in diameter. Many demonologists provoke anger and dissension. Even juggling acts invoke
describe the decanthrope in its true form as resembling existential despair.
a ghastly green tongue separated from some hideous A decanthrope can project itself from host to host
monsters mouth. This true form is rarely apparent, at will. When it does so, it detaches from the hosts
however, for a decanthrope typically acts through central nervous system and passes harmless out of the
other forms. Each decanthrope can simultaneously hosts body either via a finger or the hosts mouth. It
control up to 10 human bodies, and the demon uses then travels in a straight line to the next host at an
these host forms to infiltrate human settlements and incredible speed, inflicting damage on anything be-
work its dark desires. tween it and the next host. The decanthrope can use
While under the demons control, each mortal host this projection power as an attack by arranging for the
gives every appearance of individuality. Most decan- target to be between the current and intended host.
thrope hosts appear to share a connection. Performing Particularly aggressive decanthropes target enemies
groups are common, as are small groups of refugees. It in crowded areas, arranging multiple hosts so that the
is not uncommon, however, for individual hosts, each demon can project quickly from one to another.
with his own ability and cover story, to enter a settlement Summoning: (Obscurity 2/2) Decanthropes are often
separately and pretend not to know one another. For those summoned to act as spies or even mundane servants
with the wit to see it, a decanthrope host is recognizable (the summoner getting a 10 for one deal). A decan-
by the fact that her eyes do not reflect light. Each host thrope can occasionally be summoned to Creation
is also recognizable by her cold, pale skin and her long without sorcery when a person manages to survive
hair, which typically hangs down to the hosts waist. hanging from a tree for three full days. In this case,
Decanthrope hosts also have no scent and occasionally the demon comes through without its host bodies to

76
possess the victim and must accrue what other hosts Second (Ability) ExcellencyThrown
it can through his own devices. If one decanthrope is Third (Ability) ExcellencyThrown
forced by a sorcerer to work with another such demon, Join Battle: 5
it is overcome with an irrational fear that the other Attacks:
will steal its bodies (though, in truth, that is impos- Bite: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 1L, Parry DV ,
sible). The fear preys on the demons mind to such Rate 1
a degree that its player must roll one die for Limit Project Self: Speed 4, Accuracy 10, Damage 13L, Range 50,
once each day the two body snatchers are forced to Rate 1
work together. Soak: 4L/7B (Rubbery flesh, 2L/4B)
Motivation: To gather the best 10 host bodies it can. Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/
Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha- Incap
risma 1, Manipulation 3, Appearance 0; Perception 3, Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 9
Intelligence 2, Wits 3 Essence: 4 Essence Pool: 85
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 4, Temperance 3, Other Notes: A decanthropes bite attack is only
Valor 2 valid outside a host, while its ability to project
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Craft (Varies) 2, itself is used to travel from host to host. Killing a
Dodge 2, Integrity 1, Investigation 1, Larceny 2, Lin- host body within which the demon resides deals the
guistics (Native: Old Realm; Others: three additional decanthrope an unsoakable level of lethal damage
languages) 3, Martial Arts 1, Medicine 1, Melee 1, thanks to shock. A body snatcher usually has 10
Performance 4, Presence 3, Resistance 1, Socialize 2, bodies, and when directly controlling one of them,
Stealth 2, Survival 2, Thrown 3 (Project Self +3), it uses that bodys physical traits. On their own,
War 1 the host bodies of a decanthrope typically have the
Backgrounds: Backing 1, Followers 2 following traits.
Charms: DECANTHROPE HOST
CallAllows the decanthrope to summon and com- Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
mand its host bodies risma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 13; Perception 1,
Harrow the MindThe body snatcher uses this power Intelligence 1, Wits 3
to corrupt and seduce victims Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 1, Temperance 3,
Landscape TravelThe demon launches itself from host Valor 3
to host with blinding speed Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 1, Craft (Varies) or
MaterializeCosts 65 motes Performance 2, Dodge 2, Integrity 1, Investigation 1,
Measure the WindUsed to detect hated Exalts Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Others: 3 additional
Memory MirrorThe decathrope can dredge up in- languages) 3, Martial Arts 1, Melee 1, Presence 1,
formation from the mind of a host body it currently Resistance 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1
inhabits to help maintain its ruse Backgrounds: Resources 1
Mind-Knife SacramentThe body snatcher uses this Charms:
Charm to create a new host body, a process taking MaterializeCosts 20 motes
three days Join Battle: 4
Principle of MotionThe demon typically has nine Attacks:
banked actions, though only the demon may make use Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 4B, Parry DV 4,
of these, not its hosts Rate 3
Stoke the FlameThe performances of a decanthrope Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 7B, Parry DV 2,
troupe inspire dark emotion Rate 2
Touch of EternityThe demon reinforces the body it Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 4B, Parry DV ,
currently inhabits Rate 1, Tags P
Touch of GraceThe demon may repair the body it Knife: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 6L, Parry DV 3,
currently inhabits Rate 3
TrackingThe decanthrope can always find its host Soak: 3L/5B (Numb flesh, 1L/1B)
bodies Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-2/-2/-4/Incap
First (Ability) ExcellencyPerformance, Presence Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 2

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 77

 Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 30 on the night of the new moon. Each day that a firmin
Other Notes: The bodies of the decanthrope can is prevented from building its nest, its player rolls one
Materialize, using their own Essence pools, but they die for Limit.
typically have no other Charms. Individual host bodies Motivation: To construct and improve its nest of
not hosting the decanthrope are usually extras. They needles.
do not suffer from wound penalties. Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 2; Perception 2,
FIRMIN, THE NEEDLEMAKERS Intelligence 1, Wits 3
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 4, Temperance 1,
PROGENY OF THE KEEPER OF THE FORGE OF NIGHT Valor 4
Although firmin appear relatively human from Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 1, Craft (Wood) 3
the front, their backs bristle with sharp spines. Some (Using Needle Ichor +3, Making Nests +3), Dodge 2,
First Age savants wrote that Alveua forged the first Integrity 1, Investigation 1, Martial Arts 2, Melee 3
needlemakers from dull mortals with small dreams. (Needle Swords +2), Presence 1, Resistance 1, Socialize 1
The demons share some of their makers craftsmanship (Firmin +1), Stealth 3, Survival 3, Thrown 1 (Needles +2),
but have more in common with simple beasts. Organs War 1 (Firmin +1)
underneath their fingernails produce a thick, black Backgrounds: Allies 2, Backing 1
mucus that quickly hardens into shiny black needles. Charms:
These needles are harmless to the needlemakers, and CallCommunicates with other firmin
they build great nests of them. The firmin are social Create NeedlesFor a single mote of Essence, with a suc-
creatures, gathering in groups when they can to combine cessful Craft roll, a firmin can extrude a needle weapon of
into one large nest rather than scattered smaller ones. standard quality as a miscellaneous action. This power can-
Once a firmin has constructed a nest, he decorates it not be learned; it is the result of a special firmin organ.
with small animals skewered on its needles. Ultimately, Intrusion-Sensing MethodDetects intrusions into the
this proves unsatisfying, and the pierced bodies of nearby firmins nest
humans or other breeds of demons are incorporated. Landscape HideA firmin can hide within its nest
Despite their hominid appearance, firmin are of Landscape TravelThe needles of a firmin cannot harm
bestial intellect. They build their nests and hunt, but it or impede its progress
their use of Old Realm approximates that of an ordi- MaterializeCosts 50 motes
nary parrot. Among themselves, firmin use a limited ParalyzeAs a Hold effect, a firmin may partially entrap
vocabulary to express simple ideas, such as danger or a clinched victim with its needle ichor, reducing her
food, though they understand each other well. Their non-reflexive dice pools by two
comprehension is adequate for a sorcerer to get across Plague of MenacesThe firmin marks the target as an
simple concepts such as kill that person, sit or put enemy of all firmin from its nest
needle here, but nothing more. Sense DomainA firmin can sense the interior of its
The glistening black needles of the firmin are nest
extremely strong and more difficult to melt than iron. TrackingFirmin are expert at tracking enemies they
The needlemakers often make simple swords and mark
knives of their ichor, but sorcerers can command them First (Ability) ExcellencyCraft, Melee, Stealth, Sur-
to create better equipment. The initial fluid state of vival
the material means it can be extruded into molds and Third (Ability) ExcellencyCraft
shaped into tools, armor and weapons. Unfortunately Join Battle: 4
for the firmin, and those who would use their needles, Attacks:
the rays of the Green Sun and the Unconquered Sun Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 3B, Parry DV 4,
alike have a penchant for glinting off firmin needles Rate 3
and betraying their presence. Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 6B, Parry DV 2,
Summoning: (Obscurity 2/2) Sorcerers summon the Rate 2
needlemakers primarily to create large quantities of tools Clinch (spines): Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 3L,
and weapons quickly. Sometimes, a firmin is called to Parry DV , Rate 1, Tags P
Creation without sorcery when a mortal community Needle Sword: Speed 4, Accuracy 10, Damage 5L,
impales one of its own and leaves his body skewered Parry DV 5, Rate 2

78
Thrown Needle: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 4L, Even those who perceive the gilmynes true ap-
Range 10, Rate 3 pearance cannot deny her grace, however. The gilmyne
Soak: 3L/3B (Needle-strengthened bones, 2L/1B) were born to dance, with each sinuous and seductive
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap movement of their choreography reflected in the
Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 8 lapping flames that form their bodies. The gilmyne
Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 60 consider one of their number to be unlearned and
Other Notes: Firmin make unexceptional weapons for feeble if she knows fewer than 5,000 dances, and most
themselves. If directed by an intelligent influence, firmin of any experience know far more. Save for the prodigies
can produce exceptional (but not perfect) equipment at of this breed, however, only two of the gilmynes in-
the same rate that mortals might produce normal weap- numerable dances have magical properties: the Dance
ons. Whenever a firmin (or someone using equipment of Existence and the Dance of Extinguishment. The
made from firmin ichor) is trying to be stealthy and the former brings the pain of living to the dead, and the
light of Ligier or the Unconquered Sun is present, each latter brings death to the living.
die on the Stealth roll that results in a one reduces her Summoning: (Obscurity 2/2) Gilmyne are often sum-
successes by two. moned to entertain or to sway emotions through their
dances. A gilmyne is occasionally drawn from Malfeas
GILMYNE, THE DANCERS AT THE SAIGOTH GATES without sorcery when someone tries to force open
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, the legendary Saigoth Gates. However, no one has
PROGENY OF THE GUARDIAN OF SLEEP attempted such a feat since the fall of Clepsys during
The gilmyne are dancers and performers of the the Usurpation. If a gilmyne is forced to abstain from
Demon Realm. Their own mythology states that the dancing for more than a day, its player rolls one die
gilmyne were always talented dancers, but they did not with a success inflicting one point of Limit.
transcend the limitations of that art form until one of Motivation: To dance in celebration of the Saigoth
their number danced before the Saigoth Gates and was Gates.
blessed with knowledge of the Dance of Existence and Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2;
the Dance of Extinguishment. Exactly what the Saig- Charisma 7, Manipulation 2, Appearance 5; Perception
oth Gates were (or if they even existed) is unknown 4, Intelligence 2, Wits 4
in the Age of Sorrows. Savants among the Sidereals Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 5, Temperance 3,
tell of a continent called Saigoth lost to the Wyld Valor 5
during the Great Contagion, but the gilmyne claim Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 2, Dodge 4, Integrity 2,
to have danced at the Saigoth Gates long before the Investigation 1, Lore 1 (The Saigoth Gates +3), Martial
first Solars were born. They also claim that the Saigoth Arts 1 (Performing Kata +3), Occult 1, Performance 3
Gates separate the universe from that which is not (Dance +3), Presence 3, Resistance 4, Socialize 1,
the universe. It is not a portal to the Wyld or even to Stealth 4, Survival 1
Oblivion, but to someplace beyond those places. What Backgrounds: Backing 1
this someplace beyond could possibly be is unknown Charms:
even to the gilmyne themselves. For the most part, Essence BiteThe gilmyne burns what it touches (4L
those who summon the gilmyne have little interest in damage, typically)
the esoteric and philosophical aspects of their belief Essence Plethora (x2)20 extra motes
structure. The gilmyne are summoned to dance, and Harrow the MindThe dances of the gilmyne effect
they do so with abandon. the perceptions of those who view them
Strictly speaking, a gilmyne resembles nothing so HoodwinkA gilmynes dance often leaves its wit-
much as a column of silver fire, but such is the demons nesses enrapt
chimerical nature that an observer typically sees her as MaterializeCosts 50 motes
one of his own kinda human will see her as another Mirror of the Infinite WardrobeThe dancer appears as
human, an elemental as another elemental, et cetera. what each viewer expects to see
Only an attentive observer will notice that not only Principle of MotionThe demon typically has seven
does the gilmyne lack human features, she has no banked actions
facial features or even limbs. She is simply a column Stoke the FlameThe gilmynes two efficacious dances
of fire, but only the strongest-willed mortals can make each provoke an emotional response
themselves see her as such.

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 79

 Words of PowerThis represents the gilmyne Dance of + Conviction) can pierce the gilmynes disguise just by
Existence, which damages the dead, and the gilmyne spending one Willpower. If the illusion is pointed out
Dance of Extinguishment, which damages the living to another, that person may spend a Willpower to see
(both dealing 5L base damage, plus a -1 internal penalty the thing for what it is. Otherwise, the demons Mirror
for each level of damage inflicted for six ticks) of the Infinite Wardrobe requires either a Willpower
First (Ability) ExcellencyDodge, Martial Arts, Per- point or successes on a (Perception + Occult) roll
formance equal to the spirits Conviction (5) to overcome its
Second (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Performance, unnatural mental influence.
Presence
Third (Ability) ExcellencyPerformance, Resistance,
LUMINATA, THE DEER THAT HUNT MEN
Stealth DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE,
Join Battle: 6 PROGENY OF THE LIVING TOWER
Attacks: From a distance, a luminata appears to be a white
Touch: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 8L, Parry DV stag of surpassing grace and beauty, and mortal hunt-
4, Rate 3 ers who glimpse one cannot help but seek to run it to
Soak: 4L/8B (Fiery form, 3L/6B) ground. Pity those who would hunt the luminata, for
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap the hunter soon becomes the prey. Luminata delight in
Dodge DV: 6 Willpower: 7 the hunt above everything else, and they obsess over the
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 85 possibility of entering Creation to seek out the delicious
Other Notes: A gilmynes two efficacious dances taste of man-flesh. They constantly search the boundar-
each affect only one member of the demons audience. ies of Malfeas for a weak place where they can squeeze
Hence, the dancers Stoke the Flame and Words of through, despite the oaths of their Yozi forebears.
Power Charms affect only a single individual, to either As much as a luminata might resemble a deer or stag
invigorate or damage the target as appropriate. Beings from a distance, no one who sees one up close could ever
with a Dodge MDV greater than the demons (Essence be confused. The demon actually consists of nothing but

80
writhing white tendrils perpetually knotting together those they find to travel to Creation in search of prey.
and sliding over one another, marked only by two brown A luminata wounded by weapons of rowan, ash or oak
eyes, cold and baleful. When the luminata finds its prey, in a scene accrues a point of Limit.
it leads the would-be hunter on a chase, drawing him Motivation: To hunt humans.
across dangerous terrain, through swamps and near the Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4;
edges of jagged cliffs. When the hunter is exhausted or Charisma 0, Manipulation 3, Appearance 0 (5 from a
wounded, the luminata strikes, using Charms to confuse distance); Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
or harry the hunter until it chooses to end the hunt Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 5, Temperance 2,
and advance on its prey. The tendrils that make up the Valor 4
demons body explode outward in a mass of angry white Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 4, Dodge 5, Integrity 1,
tentacles to pummel and tear at its victim. Investigation 1 (Recognizing Cracks in Malfeas +3), Mar-
Oak, ash and rowan trees are the bane of the lu- tial Arts 4, Presence 1 (Intimidation +2), Resistance 3,
minata. A single leaf or twig taken from one of these Stealth 5, Survival 5
trees burns the demons skin like fire. In many mortal Backgrounds: Backing 1
cultures, superstition demands that one who hunts Charms:
alone carry a sprig of one of these trees as a talisman. Essence Plethora10 extra motes
Those mortals who confront a luminata without such Harrow the MindThe luminata play with their preys
aids are likely doomed. perception
Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) Sorcerers typically sum- HoodwinkThe deer that hunt men make their prey
mon luminata to hunt and kill their enemies, or to doubt what they see
hound and harass enemies to soften them up for the Landscape HideWithin the forest
sorcerer herself to finish off (a tactic popular with the Landscape TravelDoubles rate of movement in forests
Wyld Hunt). Unlike many demons, who slip through MaterializeCosts 40 motes
the cracks of their prison by happenstance, the luminata Principle of MotionThe luminata typically has five
scour Malfeas constantly for weak points, exploiting banked actions

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 81

 Stoke the FlameThe demon rattles its prey through Puppeteers love of human babies is perilous, as
the hunt they have no comprehension of how to care for them.
Subtle WhisperAt a distance, a luminata seems a stag Given the chance, they wrap an infant in a swaddle of
worthy of pursuit idle legs and turn those branches over to the hapless
TrackingOnce the prey is chosen, there is little childs use. The thin slime that covers a puppeteer clings
chance of escape tenaciously to their limbs, and traces of it are rarely
First (Ability) ExcellencyInvestigation, Stealth, left behind. Vile in taste, this exoplasm is narcotic and
Survival highly addictive, although few mortals are unfortunate
Second (Ability) ExcellencyStealth, Survival and wealthy enough to discover this. Such addiction is
Third (Ability) ExcellencyResistance dangerous, typically leading to fatal attempts to swallow
Join Battle: 8 an inactive puppeteer.
Attacks: Heptagram sorcerers call these demons marottes,
Tentacle Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 4L, based on records from the Dragon-Blooded sorcerers of
Parry DV , Rate 1 the Shogunate. Citizens of the Demon City simply call
Tentacle Whip: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 5L, them hopping puppeteers. Anyone who has watched
Parry DV 4, Rate 2 them at work, comically chaotic in movement yet
Soak: 4L/8B (Whipcord flesh, 2L/4B) easily dangling dozens of construction pieces, can
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap readily see why.
Dodge DV: 6 Willpower: 5 Summoning: (Obscurity 1/2) Puppeteers hate to be
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 65 summoned, and if one breaks free, it will happily kick
Other Notes: A luminatas Landscape Hide and Land- its summoner to death before rearranging the local
scape Travel Charms fail it in woods predominantly landscape according to its demonic vision. Sometimes,
made of oak, ash and or rowan. Weapons made of those when a concretion of hair develops into a bezoar, a
woods deal aggravated damage to the demon, which puppeteer is drawn into Creation without sorcery and
it cannot soak. consumes it. A puppeteer cannot abide long periods of
idleness even when bound. For every full day it is not
MAROTTES, THE HOPPING PUPPETEERS allowed to craft, its player rolls one die with a success
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, inflicting one point of Limit.
PROGENY OF THE JEWELED AUDITOR Motivation: To reshape everything to fit its ideas of
Descended from bilious threads of Gumelas Yozi aesthetics.
substance, an inactive hopping puppeteer resembles Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
a knotted ball of phlegm-soaked cord woven from risma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 0; Perception 3,
coarse hair. These creatures rarely remain still for Intelligence 1, Wits 3
long, however, as they are consumed with an instinc- Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 3, Temperance 2,
tual desire to alter their surroundings. Typically, they Valor 4
unravel into dozens of gangly legs reaching up to 50 Abilities: Athletics 3 (Feats of Strength +10), Aware-
or 100 yards in length, extending from a coin-sized ness 2, Craft (Earth) 5 (Architecture +2, Earthworks +2,
central gnarl. These thin legs stretch or draw tight Masonry +2), Craft (Wood) 5 (Architecture +2,
individually, resulting in the demons eponymous gait. Carpentry +2, Landscaping +2), Dodge 3, Integrity 1,
Nonetheless, the creatures are expert at manipulating Martial Arts 1, Resistance 4, Stealth 1 (Hiding in Small
their environment, pulling and lifting objects with Places +3), Survival 1, Thrown 3
elaborate block and tackle techniques, and displaying Backgrounds: Backing 1
an idiot-savant mastery of architecture, landscaping, Charms:
masonry and woodwork. Essence Plethora10 extra motes

Name Damage Toxicity Tolerance Penalty Resources

Puppeteer Exoplasm 1B/hour 3M / -1 (when available)
Special: If the drug has any effect on the target, she must succeed at a (Willpower + Integrity) roll or im-
mediately take another dose.

82
Form Reduction TechniqueFist-sized quiescent mass The metody are the misshapen elementals of the
Host of SpiritsWeaker limbs cannot actually detach, Demon City. They vary greatly in appearance, ranging
but may act to perform independent actions or to host from vaguely anthropomorphic blobs to ponderous six-
stolen babies legged beasts, with assorted shades of yellowed flesh and
Landscape TravelLong strides across land double tawny hides. When given reason, they might refine their
speed forms, appearing as exquisitely hideous horned homun-
MaterializeCosts 55 motes culi, melded animals or shapely humans. They are both
Measure the Wind vicious and calm, confident in the slow dissolution of
Ox-Body Technique (x3) their enemies. Few barriers can withstand their relentless
Wine of Infinite HeartbreakA puppeteer subcon- attentions. Yet, as the metody dissolves a foe, it often
sciously uses this Charm on anyone who partakes of takes on some of that enemys nature for a time.
its exoplasm, but the drug is the social attack with the The pathway of the metody is worn by hissing acidic
shortfall of any resistance failure acting as the thresh- footprints and the scent of brimstone. Where they can
old of the attack. Given the drugs relationship to the find it, these demons display an innate control of the
victim, enslavement typically means the victim tries Malfean element. In Creation, the absence of vitriol as
to swallow the supply. a true element means their Essence passively opposes
First (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Craft, Dodge that of the world.
Third (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics, Craft, Resistance Summoning: (Obscurity 1/2) Sorcerers who call the
Infinite (Ability) MasteryCraft metody are typically curious experimenters or those
Join Battle: 5 who desire to remove some particularly enduring
Attacks: obstacle. Sometimes, a metody is called to Creation
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 6B, Parry DV 2, without sorcery when strong acid and rare yellow jade
Rate 2 are brought together. If a metody is confronted with a
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 3B (piercing), thing it cannot dissolve, its player must roll one die,
Parry DV , Rate 1 with a success inflicting one point of Limit.
(Note: With no arms, the puppeteer may not conduct Motivation: To dissolve all things.
Punch attacks, but it can parry lethal attacks with its Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5; Cha-
Kick. The characteristics of thrown weapons vary ac- risma 1, Manipulation 2, Appearance 1; Perception 2,
cording to whatever random object a puppeteer hurls Intelligence 4, Wits 2
at an opponent.) Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 2, Temperance 4,
Soak: 3L/5B (Slimy shell, 1L/1B) Valor 3
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/- Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 1, Dodge 1, Integrity 3,
2/-2/-4/Incap Investigation 1, Larceny 1, Lore 1, Martial Arts 2,
Dodge DV: 6 Willpower: 7 Melee 1, Occult 2, Presence 1, Resistance 3, Stealth 1,
Essence: 4 Essence Pool: 85 Survival 1
Other Notes: While most First Circle demons are Backgrounds: Backing 1
treated as five mortal laborers for the purposes of Charms:
construction projects, a single puppeteer counts as a Bane WeaponThe vitriol of the metody burns through
workforce of 10. objects not made of the magical materials, ignoring
their soak and hardness
METODY, THE MALFEAN ELEMENTALS Blessed (Element) BodyVitriol heals and rejuvenates
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, the metody rather than harming it
PROGENY OF THE GRIEVING LORD Elemental DomainThe metody dissolves into shape-
Before he was the Yozi Malfeas, the King of the less acidic foam that eats its way slowly through most
Primordials proposed a sixth element called Theion To, obstacles and damages most objects it touches. The
or vitriol. Passive and consumptive, vitriol was to be demon moves at one yard per five ticks, or slower when
a transcendent acid, but Gaia rejected its inclusion in eating through strong substances. This power costs six
Creation. In the Demon Realm, vitriol is the only true motes and one temporary Willpower, and it lasts as long
element, for all other native things come from the twisted as the metody concentrates and commits the Essence.
flesh of the Primordials. If Malfeas could not have his wish The demon is immune to any source of damage that
in Creation, it has come to be in the Demon City. would not harm acidic foam, but it may not perform any

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 83

 other action (besides slowly consuming things) while the known as passion morays, nearly transparent gelatinous
power lasts. If a victim is somehow trapped within the eels that glide through the air seeking out emotional
slow-moving vitriol, she takes environmental damage memories for their sustenance. A passion moray is nearly
as per an acid bath (see Exalted, p. 131). invisible on direct observation (requires a successful
(Element) Dragons EmbraceThe metody infuses the difficulty 5 [Perception + Awareness] roll to spot one),
target with the Essence of vitriol. Beneficiaries of but its nervous system is visible in reflective surfaces
this Charm display strong personality traits similar to as a network of throbbing red veins. Noresores cannot
those of the metody. pass through metal, not even while dematerialized, and
Elemental ExpressionMetody can affect naturally tin, in particular, is a deadly poison to them.
occurring vitriol Passion morays feed upon passionate memories, but
Essence BiteThe touch of the metody dissolves its enemies they can be compelled through sorcerous bindings to
(lethal damage, typically three dice, Elemental keyword) regurgitate memories and give them to their summoner.
MaterializeCosts 50 motes. Every full day of the If a passion moray consumes the memories of every
Charms duration, the metody must spend another sexual encounter from a victim, she becomes a virgin
five motes to remain materialized (one for each of once more, both physically and spiritually. Many Yozi
Creations elements). cults prefer to sacrifice virgins to their masters and keep
Measure the Wind passion morays to ensure the purity of their offerings.
Mirror of the Infinite WardrobeWith effort, the metody The passage of a passion moray through Creation
can accentuate its Shapechange with an illusion drains its surroundings of color. Where it sleeps on the
ShapechangeThe elemental form of the metody is amor- ground, a white figure-eight is left behind. When it lands
phous, though its color and substance do not change on a roof, a white smear remains. When it passes too
Spirit-CuttingSupplemented attack affects the im- near an animal, the animals eyes become transparent,
material blinding the poor creature and making its eye sockets
First (Ability) ExcellencyIntegrity, Martial Arts, visible. Those who have been attacked by a noresore
Resistance find for weeks afterward that their blood no longer runs
Third (Ability) ExcellencyIntegrity, Resistance red but is clear as water.
Join Battle: 3 Summoning: (Obscurity 3/3) Summoners often use
Attacks: noresores for purposes of gathering material for black-
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 2L*, Parry DV 4, mail (and/or fodder for their own sexual deviancy).
Rate 3 Occasionally, a noresore is drawn from Malfeas into
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 5L*, Parry DV 2, Creation by the purity of a beings passion, whether that
Rate 2 passion is true love or abject hatred. A passion moray
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 2L*, Parry DV , gains a point of Limit when it is made to regurgitate a
Rate 1, Tags P memory of passions it has yet to digest.
* Vitriol: Unless the target is especially resistant to Motivation: To feed on passion.
acid, the target suffers lethal damage; otherwise the Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
damage is bashing. risma 1, Manipulation 5, Appearance 0; Perception 4,
Soak: 9L/11B (Elemental nature, 6L/6B) Intelligence 1, Wits 2
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 4, Temperance 3,
Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 7 Valor 2
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 65 Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Dodge 1, Integrity 1,
Other Notes: In Creation, where their element is not Investigation 1, Martial Arts 2, Presence 1, Resistance 1,
natural, all metody Charm use requires a surcharge of Socialize 1, Stealth 5, Survival 1
one extra mote of Essence in a manner similar to a Backgrounds: Backing 1
Dragon-Blood using non-Aspect Charms. Charms:
Essence Plethora10 extra motes
NORESORES, THE PASSION MORAYS Harrow the MindThe demon may regurgitate one
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, victims passionate memory into another, making it
PROGENY OF THE WEAVER OF VOICES seem the memory belongs to the recipient
The scrolls of the Heptagram identify these strange Landscape TravelThe passion moray swims through
creatures as noresores, but they are more commonly the air at three yards per tick (though it may dash

84
nine yards per tick if it takes no other action) of turning the summoner to the Yozi cause. Sensible
MaterializeCosts 40 motes creatures, perroneles pursue such strategies only while
Memory MirrorThe noresore sifts through its targets they are likely to succeed.
mind to uncover memories of intense passion When a perronele first tears free from Luciens
Mind-Knife SacramentThe demon feeds on passionate stomach, the Guardian of Sleep whispers to it. He
memories, erasing them from the targets mind says, I have seen you in the dreams of Sacheverell,
Worldly IllusionThe demon may regurgitate a memory who knows of things to come. Though usually loyal
of passion so it may be experienced by others to their summoners, perroneles thus fear ill omens and
Second (Ability) ExcellencyStealth recoil when confronted with them.
Join Battle: 4 Summoning: (Obscurity 3/3) Perroneles are usually
Attacks: summoned to act as unobtrusive armor, though their
Bite: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 2L, Parry DV , language mastery makes them excellent translators as
Rate 1 well. Living armors are sometimes worn by others of
Soak: 1L/2B Luciens progeny or servants when they enter Creation,
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap allowing these demons to escape from Malfeas as well.
Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 5 When a perronelle is faced with an ill omen, its player
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 65 must roll one die for Limit.
Other Notes: Even when dematerialized, passion Motivation: To serve Lucien above all else.
morays cannot pass through metal (and it may be used Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
to wound or capture them). Whats more, the metal risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 0; Perception 3,
tin is poisonous to noresores (Damage 3L, Toxicity 3, Intelligence 2, Wits 2
Tolerance /, Penalty -4) Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 4, Temperance 2,
Valor 5
PERRONELES, THE LIVING ARMORS Abilities: Athletics 1 (Clinging to Host +1), Awareness 2
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, (Incoming Physical Attacks +1), Dodge 2, Integrity 1
PROGENY OF THE GUARDIAN OF SLEEP (Loyalty to Lucien +3), Linguistics (Native: Old Realm;
One of the more useful First Circle demons (for Others: five additional languages) 5, Martial Arts 1,
those who dont mind being particularly close to their Occult 1, Resistance 1 (Withstanding Blows +3), Ride 1
summoned slaves), perroneles initially manifest as (Host +1), Stealth 2
puddles of gray or off-white ooze capable of sliding across Backgrounds: Backing 1
any surface under its own power. A perronele has no Charms:
eyes, ears or mouths naturally, but it can generate such Essence Plethora (x2)20 extra motes
organs anywhere along its body at will. MaterializeCosts 45 motes
A perroneles true utility comes when its summoner Measure the WindThe demon can gauge the danger
allows the demon to slither across his body. Once others pose to its host
the perronele thoroughly coats its wearer, it forms a ShapechangeAllows the perronele to cover its host
strong but nearly invisible armor, which can be worn and form mouths and sensory organs as needed
underneath conventional armor or clothing. In order to Sheathing the Material FormMay add up to 5L/10B
provide soak to its wearer, the perronele must be aware soak, with Hardness: 5L/5B
of the attack, or at least of the likelihood of an attack. Spice of Custodial DelectationThe living armor gains
Therefore, surprise attacks can bypass the soak granted a mote of Essence at the end of any scene it has kept
by wearing a perronele, and if the attacker is invisible its target safe from actual physical harm
or otherwise capable of persistently reestablishing sur- Wine of Infinite HeartbreakThe relationship between
prise, the perroneles player must make a (Perception the demon and its host is a symbiotic one
+ Awareness) roll to spot each attack. The flesh of First (Ability) ExcellencyLinguistics
the perronele blends imperfectly with that of a mortal, Second (Ability) ExcellencyResistance
causing the wearer to appear pale or sickly. Recognizing Third (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Linguistics
a perronele worn as armor requires a successful (Percep- Join Battle: 4 (5)
tion + Awareness or Lore) roll at difficulty 3. Attacks:
Some perroneles make use of their close proximity Bite: Speed 6, Accuracy 4, Damage 2L, Parry DV ,
to their masters to whisper corrupting words in hopes Rate 1

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 85

 Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 4, Damage 2B, Parry DV , stomachs, as the demons may rest there indefinitely.
Rate 1, Tags P This has the added benefit that the demon will suffer
Tentacle Slam: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 2B, Parry the effects of any ingested alcohol or poison in place of
DV 3, Rate 3 the sorcerer. Interestingly, sesseljae are allergic to pure
Soak: 1L/2B to 6L/12B (5L/10B and Hardness: 5L/5B substances: tears, seawater, silver, gold, salt and virgins
from Charm) blood. Such things can seal them from a location or
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap even cause them harm.
Dodge DV: 4 (usually does not dodge) Willpower: 7 Summoning: (Obscurity 1/2) Sorcerers summon stom-
Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 75 ach bottle bugs for their ability to heal people and to
Other Notes: A perronele suffers from a two-die internal protect them from poison. Sometimes, without sorcery,
Awareness penalty when it has no visible sensory organs stomach bottle bugs are called to Creation when a region
manifested. It can manifest such organs anywhere on its is overcome with toxic substances. Forcing a sesselja to
surface, but doing so makes spotting the demon much resist devouring a toxin requires its player to roll one
easier (two extra dice to [Perception + Awareness] die, with a success inflicting one point of Limit.
checks made to do so). Motivation: To devour tainted and corrupted
The being wearing a peronelle enjoys the demons soak substances.
atop his own. There is no mobility penalty from wearing Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 3, Stamina 1; Cha-
the demon. Attacks that get through the peronelles risma 2, Manipulation 1, Appearance 0; Perception 2,
armor inflict damage on the demon (as well as its host Intelligence 2, Wits 2
if it gets through that beings soak as well). Virtues: Compassion 4, Conviction 3, Temperance 2,
Valor 2
SESSELJAE, THE STOMACH BOTTLE BUGS Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 1, Dodge 2, Integrity 3,
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, Investigation 1, Larceny 1, Martial Arts 1, Medicine 5
PROGENY OF THE KEEPER OF THE FORGE OF NIGHT (Internal Surgery +3), Occult 1, Performance 1, Pres-
Stomach bottle bugs resemble fist-sized beetles with ence 1, Resistance 5, Ride 1, Stealth 4, Survival 1
10 legs similar to those of a grasshopper. They possess Backgrounds: Backing 1
a dangerous appetite for tainted and putrid substances Charms:
and spend their most of their lives scouring the bod- BenefactionThe sesselja gives the target one bonus die
ies of the Yozis of those things that might eventually to rolls to resist poison, resist disease or stop bleeding
build up enough to cause harm to their masters. The Creation of PerfectionThe sesselja can perform
stomach bottle bugs sometimes discover veins of cor- medicine even if it is inside a target, typically via
ruption that sicken the Yozis, and thousands perish Landscape Travel
only to have their tainted corpses devoured by their Landscape TravelA sesselja travels through flesh and
kin. New sesseljae are born from the poisoned waste bone as easily as if it were air or water. The demon
until it is entirely consumed. Stomach bottle bugs not may rest in a typical stomach without continuing use
busy with such work haunt the taverns of the Demon of the Charm.
City and plead for entry in childlike voices. They some- MaterializeCosts 55 motes
times manage to swarm the establishments, drinking Spice of Custodial DelectationAllowing a sesselja to
the alcohol from every bottle and from within other consume poison gives it one mote of Essence, although
demons. Many demons hate sesseljae for this and often it must resist the poison as normal
kill them on sight. Touch of EternityThe sesselja can allow a mortal target
Sesseljae make excellent surgeons, although ma- to resist poison and disease, and rapidly stop bleeding,
nipulating flesh and bone is more like play to them, as an Exalt does
and they happily sing with their rear four legs while Touch of GraceThe sesselja heals a living or demonic
they draw a body together as though it were soft clay. target
The sesseljae can pass through the flesh of humans, First (Ability) ExcellencyDodge, Integrity, Medicine,
animals and demons as easily as air and swim through Resistance, Stealth
it like water. This swimming sometimes stirs ripples in Second (Ability) ExcellencyMedicine, Resistance
the bodies they inhabit, and a moving bug occasionally Third (Ability) ExcellencyMedicine, Resistance
stumbles and awkwardly reveals a leg or mandible from Infinite (Ability) ExcellencyResistance
within its host. Sorcerers typically carry sesseljae in their Join Battle: 3

86
Attacks: Although they are still First Circle demons, the
Scurry Into Someone: Speed 5, Accuracy 4, Damage , teodozjia hold a slightly higher status than most demons
Parry DV , Rate 1 of that category. They were created to spread the glory of
Leg Slash: Speed 5, Accuracy 4, Damage 1L, Parry DV 2, the Yozis across Creation, to turn humanity away from
Rate 2 the lies and deceptions of the traitor gods, and to pave
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 4, Damage 1B, Parry DV , the way for the return of the once and future masters of
Rate 1, Tags P Creation. Their very existence in Creation is an affront
Soak: 0L/1B to the Incarnae and the other gods, and the demons pres-
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap ence taints or destroys holy symbols. While the teodozjia
Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 7 despise all priests of the traitor gods, they share a special
Essence: 4 Essence Pool: 75 enmity with the priests of the Unconquered Sun. When
Other Notes: Entering the body of someone who does a teodozjia and a Zenith Solar confront one another, it is
not want a sesselja inside her requires an attack roll, rare for both to survive the encounter. Lunar savants say
although success causes no damage. Characters can that the teodozjia had a similar relationship with the lost
take a miscellaneous action to expel a stomach bottle Waxing Moon Caste. It is unknown whether the teodozjia
bug without a roll, but suffer one automatic level of are intrinsically hostile toward the Midnight Caste Abys-
bashing damage if the demon resists. The tiny bits of sals, as they have yet to encounter each other.
bone it carries away in the process are useful in making Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) These demons are often
potent talismans against disease. summoned to access the knowledge available from their
hive mind. In addition, teodozjia are one of the most
TEODOZJIA, THE LIONS SENT INTO THE WORLD powerful demons of the First Circle and are sometimes
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, summoned for their battle prowess. The lions sent into
PROGENY OF THE KITE FLUTE the world are popular with akuma and Infernal sorcerers
This is the scripture of the teodozjia. because the demons very presence is an affront to the
People, and even the Exalted, die. Mountains crumble. gods. Rarely, a teodozjia will be drawn to Creation to
Even worlds do not live forever. Knowing these things, witness the renunciation of a devout holy mans vows
and wishing to guide the mortals afflicted with their terrible or some great blasphemy. The very presence of a Zenith
condition, the Yozis had the teodozjia created, to carry their Caste Solar causes a teodozjia to gain a point of Limit
message into the world. (maximum one Limit a scene).
The teodozjia transcend mortality. They have no Motivation: To destroy the faith of human beings,
existence independent from their scripture. They share one causing them to waste away and perish.
mind and one memory. If killed, they arise again from their Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 3, Stamina 6; Cha-
mother, Zsofika. If held captive for more than a year and risma 4, Manipulation 4, Appearance 3; Perception 3,
a day, they dissipate into mist. Intelligence 4, Wits 3
The lions sent into the world know no death. They know no Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 5, Temperance 2,
pain, for they have only one care: the scripture of the teodozjia. Valor 5
They know no sorrow, for this scripture never dies. Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3, Dodge 3, Integrity 3,
So must humans be: They must abandon their petty Investigation 2, Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Oth-
cares for mortal things and, thus, become immortal. They ers: five additional languages) 5, Lore 2, Martial Arts 5,
must forget the things of the world and the fire in their hearts Occult 5, Performance 1, Presence 1, Resistance 6,
and join the teodozjia in celebration of eternity. Socialize 2, Stealth 3, Survival 1
So ends the scripture of the teodozjia. Backgrounds: Backing 1
The teodozjia are the missionaries of the Yozi faith Charms:
and perhaps the most dangerous of all First Circle demons, Bane WeaponAttacks inflict extra damage on sacred
for in a sense, a teodozjia is almost impossible to truly slay. objects
Taking the form of great jade lions (who look suspiciously CallMay communicate with other teodozjia through
similar to celestial lions save for the material that forms their shared mind
their bodies), all teodojzia share a hive mind. What one Essence Plethora10 extra motes
experiences is known to all, and if one is permanently MaterializeCosts 65 motes
slain, Zsofika simply creates a replacement that is born Measure the WindA lion sent into the world can
possessing all of its kinfolks collective memories. smell weakness

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 87

 Principle of MotionThe teodozjia typically has nine Essence: 4 Essence Pool: 95
banked actions Other Notes: In addition to the myriad Charms at their
Spirit-CuttingSupplemented attacks affect the im- disposal, teodozjia have access to a few unique abili-
material ties tied to their group mind and their unholy nature.
Weather ControlLimited to gathering dark clouds to Each teodozjia has limited access to the larger mind
blot out the suns and moons light (costs no motes) shared by the whole demon race. With a successful
Words of PowerThe demons blasphemous words difficulty 4 (Intelligence + Lore) roll by the demons
cause physical harm player, the lion sent into the world may briefly access
Second (Ability) ExcellencyDodge, Linguistics, Martial the teodozjia shared mind to learn any information
Arts, Occult, Resistance relevant to a situation at hand that is known by any
Third (Ability) ExcellencyAwareness, Integrity, Lore, other teodozjia. The demons also defile holy objects
Stealth through their presence. Whenever a teodozjia comes
Join Battle: 6 near a religious relic, reflexively roll the demons
Attacks: (Essence + Conviction). The difficulty ranges from
Bite: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 12L, Parry DV , 3 (for objects without supernatural protection) to 10
Rate 1 (for objects blessed by the Unconquered Sun himself).
Claw: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 9L, Parry DV 5, A successful roll means the objects destruction. This
Rate 3 effect costs three motes (though it will continue to
Soak: 13L/15B (Jade flesh, 10L/9B; Hardness: 8L/8B) happen even if all of the demons motes are expended)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/ and is not optional. It happens without a conscious
Incap decision on the demons part (even occurring if its
Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 9 not materialized). As a result of their unholy nature,

88
a form of feedback occurs when one of the teodozjia screams in pain twice a day. In Creation, this scream comes
comes into the presence of a Zenith Caste Solar. Make at dawn and dusk. In Malfeas, where the light of Ligier is
a reflexive resisted (Essence + Conviction) roll for unrelenting, the collective screams of the tomescu mark
the demon lion, while the Golden Bulls player rolls a transition from day to night that would otherwise be
his characters ([Essence + Conviction] x 2). Any undetectable. Supposedly, one tomescu in 10,000 does not
successes one garners above the other translates as feel the compulsion to scream in agony over its fate. Of
unsoakable levels of lethal damage. This effect also these, 99 out of 100 have been rendered feeble-minded by
costs the teodozjia three motes (again continuing to some means or else have accepted doom with equanimity.
occur even if all the demons motes are depleted) and, One out of 100 does not scream because it foresees the
like the previous effect, is not optional. The teodozjias glorious destiny that awaits it. Other demons fear these
form arcs black lightning while the Zeniths caste sanguine tomescu above all other First Circle demons.
mark burns as if he had expended four to seven motes The form of a tomescu cannot be discerned, for
of Peripheral Essence. This effect occurs every three each is perpetually surrounded by a thick fog from
ticks as long as the two antithetical beings continue which many-jointed limbs shielded with a green
to confront one another. insectoid carapace emerge, each usually ending in a
weapon of some sort bonded to the tomescu at the last
TOMESCU, THE CLAMOROUS CLOUD ARSENALS jointswords, axes, sledges. A few limbs have bows
DEMONS OF THE FIRST CIRCLE, attached, while other adjacent limbs end in hand-like
PROGENY OF THE LIVING TOWER extremities capable of notching an arrow. Ancient
It is said that at the moment of its birth, a tomescu texts depict the tomescus true form as resembling a
knows the moment of its death. The image of its own cross between a crab and a praying mantis, with dozens
mortality burned into its consciousness, each tomescu of clawed limbs jutting improbably from all over the

CHAPTER THREE THE ROLL OF DEMONS 89

 demons body. The tomescu have no love of violence, Spirit-CuttingSupplemented attacks affect the im-
living as they do with an innate understanding of their material
own mortality, but they are quite skilled at it. Each First (Ability) ExcellencyArchery, Martial Arts,
member of their race is born with its weapons at the Melee, War
ready and a preternatural skill at using them. Second (Ability) ExcellencyAthletics
The tomescu are beloved by infernalists and akuma, Third (Ability) Excellency Archery, Awareness, Dodge,
for the will of the Yozis is imprinted on the soul of ev- Martial Arts, Melee, War
ery cloud arsenal. When called to Creation, tomescu Join Battle: 7
often break from their assigned tasks to perform some Attacks:
strange, seemingly innocuous action such as rearrang- Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 3B, Parry DV 5,
ing a road sign, sabotaging a peddlers wagon wheel Rate 3
or saving the life of a penniless street urchin. Such Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 8, Damage 6B, Parry DV 3,
actions seem random and often out of character for Rate 2
a demon. Only years later does the tomescus minor Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 3B, Parry DV ,
alteration of destiny take hold in a way that advances Rate 1, Tags P
the Yozis will. The altered road sign leads a traveler Axe Limb: Speed 4, Accuracy 10, Damage 8L, Parry
to find a Yozi cult. The peddlers out-of-control wagon DV 4, Rate 2
kills a mortal who would otherwise have grown up to Sledge Limb: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 15B/4,
be a demon-hunter. The penniless street urchin grows Parry DV 3, Rate 1
up to become a deadly Guild assassin and later, an Spear Limb: Speed 5, Accuracy 10, Damage 7L/10L,
Infernal Exalt. Parry DV 6, Rate 2
Summoning: (Obscurity 2/3) Despite their ambivalence Straight Sword Limb: Speed 4, Accuracy 11, Damage
toward battle, tomescu are often summoned by sorcer- 6L, Parry DV 5, Rate 2
ers for that very purpose. Occasionally, a tomescu is Self Bow Limb: Speed 6, Accuracy 8, Damage 5L*,
summoned into Creation when destiny is thwarted. Range 150, Rate 2
Unfortunately for the clamorous cloud arsenals, Sidereal * Uses broadhead arrows.
Exalted are often drawn to investigate such phenomena Soak: 8L/11B (Carapace, 6L/8B)
as well, often making such a demons escape short lived. Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Tomescu commanded by their summoners not to cry Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 7
out at dawn and/or dusk will still do so, but the demons Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 65
will gain a point of Limit. Other Notes: Born and bred to effectively fight as in-
Motivation: To live for the moment. dividuals against multiple opponents, tomescu receive
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha- a free counterattack or parry (demons choice) at their
risma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 0; Perception 2, full dice pool for every attack made against them. A
Intelligence 2, Wits 4 clamorous cloud arsenal often reserves the use of its
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 3, Temperance 3, sledge limb to times when it feels a battle is turning
Valor 5 against it, using the weapon to gain room to maneuver
Abilities: Archery 4, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Dodge 3, or retreat if its deployment doesnt immediately change
Integrity 2, Investigation 1, Lore 2, Martial Arts 4, the tide of conflict to its favor. Although the demons
Melee 5, Occult 2, Presence 1, Resistance 2, Survival 1, usually employ broadhead arrows, that is because those
War 2 (Solo Versus Mass Combat Unit +3) are the arrows most commonly available. Unlike with
Backgrounds: Backing 1 its other innate weaponry, a tomescu only possesses
Charms: arrows it gains in a mundane fashion, typically the
Essence Plethora10 extra motes broadhead variety. If provided with different sorts of
Foretell the FutureBy listening to the air of Malfeas, ammunition, the demon may employ it to equal effect.
a tomescu gleans what the Yozis want to come to pass In addition to the limbs detailed here, tomescu feature
and how it might best aid their plans extremities resembling hook swords and seven-section
MaterializeCosts 45 motes staves that they deploy almost exclusively to parry
Natural PrognosticationA tomescu can see others with (even if those arent the limbs with which they
destinies as well as its own are currently attacking).

90
CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 91
 CHAPTER FOUR
THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS

The dogma of the Immaculate Order states that The precise manner in which the Underworld
existence is a never-ending cycle of reincarnation, one came into existence is not definitively understood.
in which death is followed by divine assessment of the Savants who study the place generally believe that,
character of ones soul and then rebirth into a new life when the Neverborn were slain, their souls were too
commensurate with the degree of enlightenment at- great to be assimilated into the spiritual mechanisms
tained in the former life. Once upon a time, that dogma that oversaw the reincarnation cycle of lesser beings.
was even true. When the Primordials ruled Creation, Instead, the Neverborn souls came to rest near the
there were no such things as ghosts or the Underworld. Mouth of Oblivion, and the spiritual gravity of their
When mortals died, their souls were instantly scrubbed massive Essence-forms created a weak buffer between
clean of any of the spiritual detritus of their former Creation and Lethe. Mortal souls could still enter
lives and then later reincarnated into new bodies via Lethe and seek reincarnationas the vast majority of
automated Heavenly processes that modern ghosts refer newly dead mortals have done throughout Creations
to as Lethe. The very idea of a deceased persons soul historybut for the first time in human existence,
lingering on post mortem was unthinkable. If nothing the newly dead had a choice: to voluntarily enter
else, where would such a wandering spirit have to go? Lethe and be reincarnated or to cling to their former
Nowhere... at least until the Solars slew the Neverborn, identities as ghosts.
and in the process, created a new realm for such unhappy For most mortals, this choice was an easy one. For
souls to make a place for themselves. the vast majority of Creations mortals, life is a long

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journey filled with suffering and woe, and most mortals
enter Lethe without hesitation, ready to try again in
the next life. However, as agnostics have always noted,
there is no real proof in the modern era that the qual-
ity of ones former life has any positive effect on the
circumstances of her rebirth. Indeed, given the current
state of Creation and Heaven, it seems unlikely that
this is the case. The vast numbers of dead who enter
Lethe without any discernible manifestation as ghosts
are, according to such cynics, merely weak-willed sheep
who lack the emotional strength to even contemplate
a choice between Lethe and the Underworld.
In any case, as the Underworlds population grew,
new ghosts brought with them the memories of their
lives in Creation, and those memories helped shape
the Underworld into the dark reflection of the living
world that it is today. Those early ghosts quickly learned
that they could draw Essence from the adoration of
their living descendants. Initially, the Solar Delibera-
tive disapproved of the existence of ghosts and sought
through various means to encourage mortals to choose
Lethe when their time came. As a practical matter,
however, the Deliberative could do little to curtail the
emergence of new ghosts in the Underworld. Moreover,
as the Solars became aware of the nature of Oblivion
and of the spectres who served it, they began to see
the value in a ghostly population whose citizens still
cared for their mortal descendants enough to stand
against Oblivion in defense of Creation. And so, the
Exalted created burial rites, many of which are still in
use today, that served to both prevent the lower souls
of the dead from arising as dangerous hungry ghosts
and also to empower those dead who could become
Underworld allies.

THE SECOND LIFE

Those dead who do find themselves in the Un-
derworld are almost invariably disoriented by the
experience. At the moment of death, the connection
between body and soul snaps, and the soul is set adrift.
Confused and bewildered, the newly dead immedi-
ately feel the subtle pull of Lethe. Most souls enter
it almost instantly and are carried away to their next
lives. Relatively few resist, fighting off both Lethes
insistent tugging and their own malaise. Of course,
relatively few in the context of the untold trillions
of mortals who have died since the Primordial War
still represents a lot of ghosts. Those ghosts who are
strong enough and determined enough to resist Lethe
may do so for hours, days or centuries, depending on
the ghost in question. Underworld savants claim that

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 93

 ghosts dating back to the Primordial War itself may still least at first, but is instead a representation of what
abide, although such luminaries are reclusive indeed if clothing the ghost wore in life that served to define his
they still exist. Regardless of how long a ghost endures status and station. This attire is also a part of a ghosts
in the Underworld, however, she will always feel the corpus, and while the ghost may choose to change his
relentless pull of Lethe as it seeks to draw her back into appearance, those garments in which he entered the
the wheel of life. Underworld are never far away.
Exactly what gives a particular ghost the strength Generally, a newly arisen ghost will wear either the
of will to resist Lethe varies from person to person. The clothes in which he was buried, the clothes in which he
nature of the ghosts death is clearly one factora plu- died or the clothes that best fit his station in life. For
rality of ghosts, if not an outright majority, consists of ghosts of the poor, who represent most of Creations
those who died violently. The most common reason for mortals, the same simple robes might serve as all three.
actively resisting Lethe is the need to resolve unfinished A ghosts clothing is one of the chief indicators of his
business among the living, and few things motivate a status in the Underworld. A beggar who dies penniless
ghost to cling to her former life like avenging her own in a Chiaroscuro alley will most likely wear the same
murder. Other ghosts remain behind out of concern for dingy, threadbare rags for the rest of his existence,
living beings who were foremost in the ghosts thoughts while a dead princess who is buried in her finest gown
at the time of death. For example, a mother who died will enter the Underworld in attire that speaks of her
giving birth to her child might linger as a ghost to watch higher station. In many ways, the Underworld is even
over her newborn son throughout his life. more stratified than Creation. After all, those who
truly want a better life for themselves always have the
THE UNDEAD CONDITION option of Lethe.
To be a ghost is to be a memory given form, a reflec- While most ghosts wear only the clothing that forms
tion of who and what the ghost was in his former life. a part of the ghosts corpuses, other forms of clothing
The vast majority of ghosts appear exactly as they did do exist in the Underworld. Many cultures in Creation
either at death or moments before it. Most ghosts bear sacrifice clothing (or at least valuable fabrics) in rituals
markings of some kind identifying the cause of death: meant to commemorate the dead, and such apparel
bruises about the throat for a strangling victim, a per- crosses over into the Underworld as grave goods (see
sistent cough for a tuberculosis sufferer, perpetually wet pp. 105-106). Also, the Underworld itself has a limited
skin for a drowning victim. While ghosts usually appear capacity to produce new clothing. For example, the
much as they did in life (save for any death markings), Kingdom of Dead Gradafes in the Northeast obliquely
this appearance is a lie. The body of a ghost is not formed ruled by the Lover Clad in the Raiment of Tears is well
of flesh, blood and bone. Instead, a ghost has a corpus, known for the production of wool sheared from great
a matrix of Essence attuned to the Oblivion-tainted herds of plasmic goats and alpaca. That said, in many
nature of the Underworld. areas of the Underworld, most prominently Stygia it-
Despite the presence of death markings, a ghost self, the sale of clothing is heavily regulated, and new
usually does not bear the physical injuries associated clothing not a part of the ghosts corpus is a luxury that
with her cause of death, or at least not to the point of only the wealthiest and most influential dead can af-
debilitating her in any way. A ghost who died of old ford. For the most part, Underworld governments are
age may still appear stooped and wrinkled, but she conservative and frown on social mobility, and so long
will move with the same alacrity and purpose of the as a peasant farmer is forced to wear a peasants robes,
ghost of a much younger person. There are occasional there is little chance for him to improve his station at
exceptions to the rule, however, especially in the case the expense of one of his betters.
of mortwights, ghosts whose deaths were so wretched The corpus is not immutable, but it is definitely
that the poor souls immediately became spectres upon difficult to change. A ghosts corpus can be damaged,
entering the Underworld. Many mortwights have grossly but such damage functions more like damage inflicted
deformed bodies, pitiful reflections of the ghosts self- on an inanimate object than a living being. A ghost can
loathing and bitterness. be cut, but she will not normally bleed. A ghost can be
For the most part, a ghosts clothing is not actually bludgeoned, but he will not bruise. Damage inflicted on
real in the sense that similar objects in Creation are. a ghost will never heal naturally. Ghosts exist as patterns
Rather, such garments represent the memory of cloth- of Essence, and once damaged, a ghosts corpus can only
ing. A ghosts attire is not something he chooses, at be restored through the process known as Slumber (see

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p. 96). The one exception, albeit a common one, to chthonic ephemera that makes up the Underworld, as
this immutability arises from the Shifting Ghost-Clay opposed to the matrices of will and function that form
Path Arcanos, which can be used to transform the the bodies of Creation-bound and Heavenly spirits.
corpus of a disfigured ghost into the picture of health Ghosts possess Essence pools and can use them to fuel
or to change a spectre that still appears normal into Arcanoi, which are the specialized Charms available to
a creature of horror. the dead. A ghosts Essence pool is equal to the ghosts
[Essence x 10] plus his [Willpower x 3] plus [(the sum
of his Virtues) x 2]. A ghost regains Essence at a rate
HUN VS. PO of 2 motes per hour spent resting normally or 3 motes
Savants generally agree that the mortal soul
per hour spent in extreme relaxation, meditation or
contains two components: the hun, or higher soul,
Slumber. Ghosts also regain Essence through worship,
which is the seat of reason, memory and positive
whether from living descendants or from other ghosts.
emotions, and the po, or lower soul, which is the
Ghosts can also steal Essence directly from other ghosts
seat of negative emotions such as anger, hatred
through certain Arcanoi or by preying upon mortals
or pride. At the moment of death, the two facets
foolish enough to enter a shadowland and fall into
detach from one another. The hun either enters
the ghosts power. Finally, a ghost may regain Essence
Lethe or becomes a ghost in the Underworld. The
through her Fetters.
po remains trapped in its own corpse in Creation,
When a ghost suffers damage to his corpus suffi-
dormant unless someone is so foolish as to defile
cient to reduce him below the Incapacitated level, the
its mortal remains or invade its burial space. In
ghosts player must roll Willpower, adding one bonus
such cases, the po can defend itself aggressively
die for every two dots of Fetters the ghost still retains.
by animating the corpse to attack such interlop-
The ghost must get at least three successes or succumb
ers. These risen dead are not truly hungry ghosts
to Lethe. If the roll is a botch, the ghost succumbs to
but have essentially the same traits. About one
Oblivion instead. If the roll is successful, the ghost
percent of normal mortals leave behind po souls
merely discorporates and then reforms sometime later
capable of rising in this fashion. The odds are
(usually one day per point of permanent Essence) at
one in ten for a slain heroic mortal, while the
the location in the Underworld that corresponds to his
po souls of dead Exalted will almost invariably
nearest Fetter in Creation. When a ghost disperses and
manifest to defend their corpses. Such lower souls
reforms, he loses one point of permanent Willpower.
are typically much more powerful than normal
His player can buy the lost dot back as normal, but if a
hungry ghosts due to the Essence on which the
ghost loses his last permanent Willpower, he is lost to
soul has battened itself during life.
Lethe just as if his player had failed the roll. Certain
A po may also become a true hungry ghost
Exalted Charms are also capable of completely destroy-
in certain circumstances. Hungry ghosts most
ing a ghost, eliminating any possibility of reformation.
commonly arise when the decedent was not
Generally, such Charms send the ghost directly into
accorded proper burial rites for whatever rea-
Lethe, except for Abyssal Charms, which usually send
son or if the burial site is violated despite the
them into Oblivion.
pos best efforts to prevent it. However, hungry
All ghosts are considered Essence users and can at-
ghosts may also arise spontaneously as a result
tune to manses and artifacts as easily as any other Essence
of extremely inauspicious astrological events or
user. Ghosts can attune to items made of jade or soulsteel
even from the manifestation of a new shadowland
at the items normal attunement cost. The attunement
that happens to encompass the burial site. The
cost is doubled for orichalcum, moonsilver or starmetal
traits for hungry ghosts are described more fully
artifacts that were forged in Creation. Any activation
in Exalted, pages 317-318.
costs for such artifacts is likewise doubled. Ghosts never
gain any magical material bonus associated with any
attuned artifact, not even soulsteel ones. These rules
ESSENCE apply even to the ghosts of deceased Exalted. However,
Although ghosts are not quite the same thing as gods a ghost can attune to an artifact made of orichalcum,
or elementals, their forms are, like those other beings, moonsilver or starmetal at the items normal attunement
matrices of Essence. A ghost is simply a conglomeration cost if the item was originally forged in the Underworld
of Essence formed of memory and congealed from the and was especially designed for a ghost to use.

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 95

 PASSIONS to its rating, she can only regain Willpower through
The organizing force that congeals Underworld channeling a Passion once per scene.
Essence into the form of a ghost is represented by that FETTERS
ghosts Passions. Each Passion a ghost has represents some A Fetter is a person, place or object that physically
piece of unfinished business that ties the ghost either represents the ghosts connection to the realm of the
to the Underworld or to Creation. The higher a ghosts living. Fetters actually exist in Creation but are rep-
rating within a particular Passion, the stronger the ghosts resented in the Underworld by small, portable objects
commitment to the object of that Passion. A ghosts called representations. For example, a ghosts gravesite
Passions are tied to his Virtues. Mechanically, for each is almost always one of a ghosts Fetters and might be
dot in Virtues that the ghost has at the time of death, represented in the Underworld by a small plaque or
he gains one point in a Passion logically associated with some similar bauble. Other Fetters might include nearly
that Virtue. The player of the ghost can divide the dots anything that a particular ghost finds important from
associated with a Virtue up among multiple Passions or his former life: a weapon, an unfinished work of art,
put them all into one extremely important Passion. a beloved childhood toy or simply a still-living loved
For example, a ghost with Compassion has one. Fetters, as their name implies, are the chains that
three dots to allocate among Passions which pertain bind a ghost to the Underworld, allowing her to resist
to people, places or things about which the ghost cares the insistent pull of Lethe. When all of a ghosts Fetters
due to his sense of Compassion. Examples might in- no longer exist, the only things that can stop her from
clude living family members, loved ones the ghost was entering Lethe are incredible reserves of Willpower ...
forced to leave behind or even new friends acquired in or being soulforged.
the Underworld post mortem. That ghost could have As with Passions, each of a ghosts Fetters has a
three 1-dot Passions, one 1-dot Passion and one 2-dot rating. The player of a ghost allocates points among
Passion, or a single 3-dot Passion. The same rules apply a certain number of objects or places in Creation im-
to the ghosts other three Virtues. portant to the ghost. The ghost gets a greater tangible
The chief value of a Passion is that it is what the benefit from Fetters with higher ratings, but on the
ghost activates in lieu of activating a Virtue. A mortal downside, that means allocating more dots into fewer
with Compassion can spend one point of Willpower Fetters, thereby making the destruction of any one
to channel his Compassion up to three times per story, Fetter more disastrous.
adding three dice to a dice roll on each activation. Fetters provide two principle benefits. First, Fet-
Ghosts are, in comparison to the living, emotionally ters permit a ghost to enter Slumber in order to heal
stunted beings. Even though a particular ghost might from injuries. Normally, ghosts do not require sleep,
have a Compassion of , he cannot use that Virtue although many of them choose to indulge out of habit.
to express his feelings as a mortal with Compassion By meditating either near or within a Fetter or simply
might. Instead, whenever the ghost has an opportunity in the presence of its representation, a ghost can enter
to act compassionately with regard to a Passion associ- a trance-like state that lasts for exactly eight hours
ated with that Virtue, he can spend a Willpower point according to the Calendar of Setesh. When the ghost
and gain additional dice equal to the Passion rating. awakens, his player rolls (Stamina + the rating of the
If, for example, a ghost does not have a Passion for a Fetter) and heals one level of damage per success. More
particular mortal, he might choose to act to save that serious damage is healed first, aggravated before lethal
person, but he would not be able to channel his Passion and lethal before bashing. As noted previously, ghosts do
to gain extra dice. not regain Willpower after sleeping as mortals do. When
Passions are also important for regaining spent a ghost Slumbers within a Fetter or its representation,
Willpower. Since ghosts cannot channel their Virtues he physically merges with it. Doing so with a representa-
as mortals do, they cannot regain Willpower from tion is therefore potentially dangerous if the ghost has
rolling Conviction every morning. Instead, whenever no one to watch over itif another ghost comes along
a ghost channels a Passion and succeeds on the roll and steals or damages the representation, the ghost can
being enhanced, she can roll a number of dice equal do nothing until his Slumber ends naturally.
to that Passions rating. Each success causes the ghost Fetters also serve as Essence batteries for their
to regain one spent Willpower point. Although a ghost owners. Once per day, a ghost can draw out of a rep-
can channel a Passion a number of times per story equal resentation a number of motes of Essence equal to the

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Fetters rating. If the ghost has the capacity to enter total destruction of both the actual Fetter and its repre-
Creation and actually visit his Fetter, he can withdraw sentation can reduce a Fetter rating to zero. A destroyed
a number of motes equal to twice the Fetters rating. A representation will reform at the Fetter on the next an-
ghost cannot tap the same Fetter rating through both niversary of the ghosts death, unless the actual Fetter has
the representation and the actual Fetter in the same day. also been destroyed, in which case the representation is
The motes available from a Fetter refresh themselves lost forever. Of course, even if a representation reforms,
every day at the moment of the ghosts death. Only the the ghost must still be able to recover it from the actual
ghost for whom the object is a Fetter can tap Essence Fetter, a difficult prospect if the Fetter is somewhere in
from either the real world object or its representation. Creation far from any shadowlands. A reformed repre-
Neither a ghost thief in the Underworld who steals sentation is invisible, intangible and cannot be perceived
another ghosts representations nor an Essence user in or affected by anything or anyone other than its owner
Creation who discovers the existence of a Fetter can except through appropriate Charms.
draw out the Essence inherent in the Fetter. However, It is possible, through roleplay, to strengthen an
an Underworld enemy can steal a ghosts representa- existing Fetter rating or to transfer it to another person,
tions for the purpose of blackmailing the ghost into place or thing. For example, if one of a ghosts Fetters
servitude, while anyone who can access the actual Fetter is his still-living daughter, eventually the ghost may
can desecrate it and ruin it as a Fetter. Agents of the risk losing the Fetter as she ages and dies. He can avoid
Deathlords have been known to do both to influential this problem by shifting his emotional connection to
ghosts who balk at their masters wishes. the Fetter from his daughter to her own children, for
The rating of a Fetter is not immutable. The physi- example. A ghost can also strengthen a Fetters rating
cal Fetter can be damaged or destroyed in Creation, and through the expenditure of experience points after role-
doing so can reduce the Fetters rating, even to zero. playing regular interaction with the Fetter. Finally, the
Simply looting a ghosts tomb or grave can reduce its Tangled Web Arcanos can affect a ghosts relationships
Fetter rating by 1 to 3 dots. Generally though, only the with his Fetters, including their ratings.

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 97

 DAILY UNLIFE ing love, and they are loath to give up those comforts
The vast majority of the dead lead lives of quiet even in death.
futility. Such ghosts spurn Lethe because of their in- Consequently, the majority of ghosts continue
ability to let go of their past lives, but many ghosts in the same sorts of trade patterns they followed in
find themselves wondering just what part of those lives life. Generally, those who farmed in life continue on
is worth hanging on to. Is it not enough to spend 60 as farmers. Those who worked as craftsmen, barkeeps
years as a rice farmer toiling in the fields of an unap- and tailors in Creation soon find places to ply those
preciative Dragon-Blooded patron? Does such a farmer same trades in the Underworld. True, nearly everything
really need to spend an eternity in the rice fields of the indigenous to the Underworldthe farmers rice, the
afterlife, continuing the same drudgery while hoping grapes that become the barkeeps wine, the silkworm
that something better comes along? cocoons that become the tailors silkisnt real in the
For the great majority of ghosts, the answers to sense that analogous objects in Creation are. They are
these questions are both apparently Yes. As creatures actually the plasmic residue of rice paddies, vineyards
of memory, most ghosts feel compelled to continue the and even mulberry silkworms. Plasmic life forms such as
same rote tasks that filled their living days. Ghostly these function much like their real world equivalents,
farmers still arise with the sun and tend to their farms, however, and those who know the secrets of farming or
growing food that no one actually needs to eat. Ghostly wine-making or silk production can function in death
beggars still sit in street corners, begging for change, as well as they could in life.
even though they no longer have any material needs Much of the Underworld functions on a barter
and no longer suffer from any of the afflictions that had economy. In areas with more sophisticated economies,
left them destitute in life. the local governments generally produce some type of
Not all ghosts fall into the trap of repetition, official currency, usually backed by Essence. Ghosts
howeverheroic ghosts can free themselves from the with mortal worshipers receive Essence in the form of
trap of living memories and forge new destinies for easily tradable Essence tokens (see Burnt Offerings
themselves in the Underworld. Heroic ghosts are more on p. 108), and most Underworld governments levy
common in the Underworld than heroic mortals are in taxes on Essence rather than on actual income. Such
Creation. This is apparently because of self-selection. governments employ tax collectors who have mastered
A heroic mortal is more likely to cling to his existence various Arcanoi that permit the tax collector to strip
than a less ambitious mortal and is therefore more Essence from would-be tax evaders and to store it in
likely to resist Lethe. Once active in the Underworld, inanimate containers for easy transport.
heroic ghosts are also more likely to act in their own PROFESSIONS OF THE DEAD
rational self-interest rather than blindly following old Essence may be the currency that keeps the Un-
patterns of activity. Thus, they are less likely to simply derworld sky turning, but relatively few ghosts are so
meander around ghost villages waiting for the armies of worshiped and adored that they reap enough Essence
the Deathlords or of the Underworlds various warlords to satisfy all their needs without giving anything in
or bandit-kings to come around to sack the place. Too return. The vast majority of ghosts have at least some-
many common ghosts are content to simply do what thing resembling everyday jobs. For most ghosts, ones
ghosts in authority tell them to do. Such ghosts too often occupation was determined long before ones death, as
find themselves facing the baleful flames of a soulforge the stagnant nature of Stygian society tends to pigeon-
wondering where they went wrong. Heroic ghosts fight hole ghosts into the same societal roles they played in
for their afterlives, and while they are still a distinct life. Heroic ghosts may defy such expectations and find
minority, such exemplary souls are far more common what work they can. Some such ghosts even become
in the Underworld than one might expect. fantastically successful through their own ingenuity and
GHOSTLY ECONOMICS drive, but even they must struggle against the bigotries
Ghosts do not require food or drink. They cannot of an entrenched, millennia-old society that views
suffer the effects of exposure in either raging blizzards them as nouveau riche at best and as arrogant threats
or the hottest deserts. Those freedoms do not prevent to the social order at worst. Common occupations that
ghosts from desiring food and drink and garments that might be available to a heroic ghost (other than the
are pleasing to the skin. Creatures of habit, all ghosts Underworlds two most common occupationsslave
remember eating and drinking and sleeping and mak- or peasant farmer) include the following:

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 Artisan: Ghosts appreciate artistry in death just as tax obligations. Other, more ruthless bankers work as
much as they did in life. A ghost may not need to eat, loan sharks, providing Essence to ghosts without ances-
but she still appreciates a delicious, five-course meal. tor cults or powerful Fetters in exchange for services.
A ghost may not need to drink, but she can still admire Bankers across Stygia have illegally conspired to keep
the bouquet of a fine wine pressed from carefully grown the most powerful Essence-manipulating Charms within
plasmic grapes. Wealthy ghosts collect art, adorn them- the exclusive control an informal banking guild, and the
selves with fine jewelry and expensive silks and raise leaders of this guild have thoroughly co-opted most of
towering monuments to satisfy their own egos. Artisans the leadership of the Dual Monarchys clerics.
provide both the ingenuity and the labor that makes Beast Tamer: A beast tamer is a ghost who is espe-
all those things possible, whether as cooks, vintners, cially skilled at the Savage Ghost Tamer Arts Arcanos
jewelers, tailors or architects. (see pp. 138-141), which allows the ghost to influence,
Astrologer: Some dead savants study the strange control and even permanently subjugate hungry ghosts.
constellations that light the Underworlds night skies, Most wealthy or powerful ghosts keep one or more beast
and while the science of Underworld astrology is not as tamers on staff as a sort of master of the hounds, while
well developed as that practiced by living astrologers, it necropoli of any size employ beast tamers to round up
does have its uses. Underworld astrologers can fashion any hungry ghosts terrorizing the area and, if possible,
Labyrinth maps for would-be explorers. They can also turn them to more beneficial uses. Armies regularly use
cast horoscopes that can predict the future of the dead, tamed hungry ghosts as shock troops and rely on beast
allowing a ghost to determine the most auspicious time tamers to make sure the hungry ghosts attack enemies
to perform some action. Underworld astrology is highly instead of friendly troops. Despite their obvious utility,
illegal in Stygia, presumably because the Deathlords fear professional beast tamers are often distrusted because
that hell-diver astrologers may give insights into their of the widespread belief that the Savage Ghost Tamer
plans to Sidereal spies. Although the risk is high, the Arts were first invented by spectres. This belief may be
maps and horoscopes of skilled Underground astrologers truecertainly the forces of the Labyrinth are swollen
keep their services in great demand. The mechanical with vast numbers of hungry ghosts. Beast tamers often
rules for Underworld astrology are the same as those work along with masquers who moliate tamed hungry
outlined on page 138 of Exalted except that an Un- ghosts into deadlier forms. For example, the barghest
derworld astrologer can only divine the future of other hounds used by the Deathlord Walker in Darkness
ghosts. Rules for creating Labyrinthine maps may be during his frequent hunting excursions were fashioned
found on pages 115-116 of The Compass of Celestial from the hungry ghosts of his former victims.
Directions, Vol. IVThe Underworld. Criminal: Crime is just as lucrative in the Un-
Banker: Banker within the context of Underworld derworld as it is in Creation. Even the simplest grave
society refers to a ghost who specializes in Arcanoi that good item can be worth a kings ransom to a clever
allow for the direct manipulation and storage of Essence. pickpocket, and the houses of the wealthy dead are
No matter how many Fetters a ghost has or how much no more impervious to cat burglars than those of the
worship he receives from cultists, he is still limited in wealthy living. With the right Arcanoi, a criminal
how much Essence he can hold within his corpus at any ghost can steal another ghosts Essence just as easily
given time. With the Essence-Measuring Thief Arts as he might her purse. Less skilled criminals serve as
Arcanos (see pp. 133-136), it is possible to safely remove hired muscle for banker loan sharks or monitors who
Essence from a willing ghost and store it in some kind run protection rackets.
of vessel, thereby freeing up space within the ghosts Haunters: A haunter is a ghost who is especially
corpus so that he can store Essence received from other skilled at the Terror-Spreading Art Arcanos (see pp.
sources. A rarer Arcanos known as Tenacious Merchants 156-160), as well as the Craft (Pandemonium) Ability.
Way (see pp. 153-155) allows a banker to manipulate As its name implies, the Terror-Spreading Art allows
Essence more directly, as well as to manipulate other its user to invoke horror and fear among the living. At
Underworld currencies. Officially, most bankers are its lower levels, haunters use the Arcanos to frighten
employed by the Dual Monarchy or the various other or punish those among the living who have wronged
Underworld governments to serve as tax collectors. them. At its higher levels, the Arcanos allows the
Many bankers, however, choose to work off the books, haunter unparalleled access to Creation, even to the
using their Arcanoi to help other ghosts to evade their point of affecting people and objects in the lands of

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 99

 the living without actually manifesting (and risking Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible is known to retain
counterattack). Ancestor cults frequently employ the the services of an expert masquer who punishes ghosts
services of haunters as the stick in their relations with who have wronged him by permanently stealing away
mortal worshipers (with the more beneficial Arcanoi their eyes, ears and mouths, condemning them to an
serving as the carrot). The various Underworld eternity spent blind, deaf, dumb and helplessly lost in
militaries often use haunters to horrify and demoralize the Bishops vast Hidden Tabernacle. Private masquers
their enemies. For instance, the Mask of Winters used maintain boutiques in major necropoli, where they can
spectre haunters as the vanguard of his offensive force permanently alter the corpus of a customer into a visage
in the sack of Thorns. of indescribable beauty... for the right price.
Hell Diver: The term hell diver refers to a ghost Miner: The largest soulsteel mining operation in
who trades in forbidden knowledge of the Labyrinth. the Underworld is in the heart of Stygia, where slaves
Some hell divers offer themselves out as guides through the under the command of the Dual Monarchy descend
Labyrinth who can lead travelers to obscure Labyrinthine into the Mouth of Oblivion to mine the Labyrinth for
kingdoms or simply help them to travel quickly through soulsteel ore. Other, smaller mining companies do exist,
the Underworld via a Labyrinthine shortcut. Others travel however, as the Labyrinth is apparently coextensive
the Labyrinth on their own to spy on the spectres in their with the Underworld and can seemingly be accessed via
hidden lairs and provide intelligence to their ghostly any sufficiently deep cave network. Although mining
employers. Some parts of the Underworld that are near the Labyrinth is an incredibly dangerous occupation,
Labyrinth access points hire out teams of hell divers to it is also fantastically lucrative, especially for ghostly
clean out areas of spectres and hungry ghosts. prospectors who find veins of ore relatively near the
Marshal: The term marshal is the generic Un- surface that can be mined without immediate fear of
derworld term for a ghost who has been appointed as a spectral incursion.
magistrate, sheriff, peace officer or to some comparable Monitor: A monitor is a ghost who is exception-
law-enforcement position. Almost all appointed marshals ally skilled at the Tangled Web Arts Arcanos (see pp.
study the Chains of the Ancient Monarchs Arcanos (see 150-153), which allows one ghost to perceive the Fet-
pp. 131-133), which allows a ghost to act on behalf of ters of another ghost and even sever the connection
an Underworld sovereign. While not essential, most between another ghost and her Fetters. Doing the latter
marshals also have at least some skill at the Shadow is highly illegal in Stygia, but the Deathlords regularly
Constraint Craft Arcanos, which allows the ghost to employ monitors to tamper with the Fetters of ghosts
regulate and even manipulate the taboos and legal who displease them. Since most applications of the
strictures at play in the Underworld. The Keepers of the Tangled Web Arts cannot be detected by anyone who
Mandate appointed directly by the bureaucracy of the does not also know the Charms of this somewhat rare
Dual Monarchy are typically masters of this Arcanos, as Arcanos, monitors also make very effective assassins who
are the Dark Judges who serve the Silver Prince. However, can consign a target to Lethe with a well-timed touch.
other marshals, especially those who serve as criminal In territories outside the control of either Stygia or the
investigators, prefer the Scholarly Ways Arcanos, a more Deathlords, small guilds of monitors often run protection
obscure technique that allows a ghost to discern truth rackets, taking huge tithes in Essence in exchange for
from falsehoods and to compel the obedience of those not stripping their victims of all their Fetters.
in her way. Although the term marshal usually refers Puppeteer: A puppeteer is a ghost who is especially
to an appointed law-enforcement agent, some ghosts in skilled at the Stringless Puppeteer Art Arcanos (see pp.
larger necropoli actually make a living as private marshals 146-150). This Arcanos allows a ghost to possess the
who act as professional bodyguards or who investigate body of a living mortal and thereby influence Creation
crimes on behalf of the highest bidder. directly. The most skilled puppeteers in the Underworld
Masquer: A masquer is a ghost who is especially form a criminal guild that is active throughout the
skilled at the Shifting Ghost-Clay Path Arcanos (see Threshold. The Esteemed Fellowship of Master Pup-
pp. 141-146) and the Craft (Moliation) Ability. The peteers has an informal relationship with the Guild in
Shifting Ghost-Clay Path allows a ghost to alter her which puppeteers possess or otherwise influence mortals
own corpus or that of another. Various Underworld in areas near shadowlands in exchange for the Guilds
governments employ Masquers as spies, assassins or help in advancing the interests of local ancestor cults.
simply artisans of the soul. The Deathlord known as the Most of the Deathlords also use puppeteers as spies.

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After all, how can you detect a spy who hides deep in to be skilled not only in Craft (Soulforging) but also
the recesses of your own mind? Lore and Occult. Master soulsteel smiths also receive
Soldier: Warfare is as common in the Underworld training in the Noble Craftsman Ways Arcanos (see pp.
as it is among the living. There is always a need for more 136-138), which allows a ghost to manipulate soulsteel
bodies on the field of battle, and for a skilled soldier, more easily and even to reshape non-soulsteel artifacts
the Underworlds various armies provide for more so- and grave goods. The most skilled soulsmiths are also
cial mobility than most other professions. True, there savants and artificers who combine soulforging with
is something of a glass ceiling in the Stygian Army, as Craft (Jadecrafting) to forge sophisticated artifacts.
the highest-ranking positions are generally reserved for
ghosts who were generals in life, and those who died
NECROPOLI
Most ghosts tend to remain near the areas cor-
before reaching such status are rarely promoted into
responding to their burial sites. Since most burial sites
Stygias command structure. Outside of the hidebound
are part of larger cemeteries, the ghosts bound to these
Stygian military, however, most political leaders are
cemeteries by Fetters often develop communal relations
more pragmatic and care less about how many medals
and, eventually, communities. Many large cities in
a general had when he died and more about whether he
Creation have correspondingly large cemeteries, and
can win. The Deathlords, in particular, actively recruit
the ghosts bound to those places form ghost villages or
ghost soldiers whose heroism in battle was squandered
even ghost cities known as necropoli. A necropolis is
by the incompetence of their generals.
in many ways just like a living town but for the obvious
Soulsmith: Much of the Underworlds economy
difference that all of its citizens are dead.
rests on the production of soulsteel, one of the magical
Each necropolis has its own unique character. In
materials, which can only be produced by combining
general, though, necropoli that exist within the domain
shavings from the walls of the Mouth of Oblivion
of a Deathlord find their citizens bent to the will of that
with the melted corpus of a ghost. Forging soulsteel
ancient being. The Grand Necropolis of Stygia is full
is difficult for even the best smiths. Soulforging is, at
of apostate and frequently embittered Immaculate wor-
its base, a thaumaturgic ritual that requires the smith
shipers who dont understand where they went wrong.

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 101

 Necropoli at the outer fringes of the Underworld are living beings, and even if one enters the Underworld to
rarer, as the denizens of those territories are more likely examine its heavens, the movements of the stars in this
to be of barbarian stock. In the Underworld, the prac- place are too erratic and inauspicious for conventional
tical realities of most barbarian cultures ensures that astrology to comprehend. Only ghosts can perceive the
ghost barbarians are nomadicthe Fetters of barbarian night sky in the Underworld clearly enough to cast
ghosts are more likely to travel with the ghosts living astrological horoscopes reliably.
nomadic descendants. Such ghosts value mobility Further complicating matters is the fact that astrology
more highly than the advantages of a steady job in a in the Underworld is highly regulated due to its inherent
stationary necropolis. danger. Underworld savants can use astrology to identify
shortcuts across the Underworld landscapes... shortcuts
THE CALENDAR OF SETESH that can shave months off journeys by crossing into the
Originally, time did not pass in the Underworld.
Labyrinth. Fearful of unrestricted travel through that dark
The Underworld analog to the Unconquered Sun
place stirring up the spectres in their nests, the rulers of
hung low in the sky just above the horizon and con-
Stygia have all but banned the private study of astrology.
tinued to do so for untold centuries, bathing the skies
If the Calendar of Setesh has any true influence over
over the Underworld with a dim reddish glow. Early
the destinies of ghosts, only the Deathlords know of it.
in the First Age, Setesh, one of the Dual Monarchs,
fashioned a great device called the Calendar of Setesh SHADOWLANDS
that he hung in the sky above the Mouth of the Void Essential for the development of ancestor cults,
in Stygia. Then, Setesh and the other Monarchs bade shadowlands are areas where the Underworld and
the people of the Underworld to pray to them. As the Creation physically overlap. By day, a shadowland is
people began to do so, the Calendar of Setesh began considered to be a part of Creation, and a ghost who
to slowly move, and in sympathy, the Underworld sun walks into the area of a shadowland from the Under-
began to move across the sky over the course of the world and then exits again will find herself in Creation.
Underworlds first day. Ghosts are always solid in the Underworld and generally
A massive, Essence-powered artifact, the Calendar immaterial in Creation (absent the use of Arcanoi). In a
regulates the movement of the heavenly bodies in shadowland, the situation is more complicatedghosts
the Underworlds skies. When the Calendar does not are immaterial in daylight but solid at night or when
function, the passage of those bodies ceases. When the completely cut off from sunlight.
nephwracks invaded Stygia, and the Dual Monarchs As a result, ghosts and mortals often use shad-
were forced to flee their capitol, the Calendar ceased owlands as meeting grounds, especially in the case of
to function for the duration of their exile, leaving the revered ancestors worshiped by mortal descendants. In
sun fixed in place in its noon position. When they the lands of the Tear Eater Tribes, mortal barbarians
returned, and Setesh reactivated the device, the sun regularly enter shadowlands and even travel through
began to move again. the Underworld in the service of the lich-kings who
The Calendar does more than regulate the suns rule their society. Mortal villages near the great shad-
passage, however. At night, ghostly analogs of the moon owland of Maramas Fell must constantly be on guard
and the Five Maidens also creep across the sky, while for ghost raiders riding out of the shadowland by night
strange Underworld constellations turn in the heavens to prey upon their towns. On the other hand, nearly the
just as they do in Creation. Those few Sidereals who have entire mortal population of the Skullstone Archipelago
had the opportunity to inspect the Calendar of Setesh lives within the web of interconnected shadowlands
are certain it does not duplicate any of the properties that cover those islands, where they work, rest and
of the Loom of Fate, yet somehow, it does shape or at play alongside the ghosts of their ancestors, who work
least record the destiny of the Underworlds denizens all day in light-proof offices before leaving at night to
in some fashion. Underworld astrologers are at least as rejoin their families.
proficient at predicting the future of ghosts as mortal In addition to affecting a ghosts solidity, both
savants are with the destinies of the living. With suf- Creation and even day-lit shadowlands can adversely
ficient information, it might even be possible to gain affect his ability to regain Essence. During Calibration, a
insights into the activities of the Deathlords. Doing ghost in Creation (as opposed to a shadowland) regains
so would require the assistance of a ghostly astrologer, Essence at half his normal rate, and during the rest of
however. For all their sagacity, the Sidereals are still the year, he cannot regain Essence in Creation at all.

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 STATES OF BEING
Whether in Creation, a shadowland or the Underworld, the living are always solid. Ghosts, on the
other hand, may be solid or immaterial, as follows:
If you are a ghost you are normally:
in Creation immaterial*
in a shadowland while in daylight immaterial*
in a shadowland at night or out of sunlight solid
in the Underworld solid
* During Calibration, the cost to materialize is reduced by half.

In a shadowland, ghosts regain Essence at only half the to cross the sky every day and allows the progression
normal rate during the day and at their normal rate of the seasons and the functioning of the destiny of the
at night or during Calibration. Ghosts always regain dead. Some of the better known and more universal of
Essence at their normal rate while in the Underworld. the Stygian Rites are as follows:
The living are similarly affected, regaining Essence at The Calibration Rite: Since the Dual Monarchs
half their normal rate while in a shadowland or while made their peace with the spectral invaders who had
in the Underworld during Calibration. Living mortals previously conquered Stygia, the Calibration Rite has
regain Essence at their full rate if in a shadowland been sacrosanct. All but the maddest spectres see the
during Calibration but do not regain Essence in the utility in the daily, monthly and yearly cycles maintained
Underworld at all except during Calibration. by the Calendar of Setesh, and the maddest spectres
Ghosts cannot reproduce among themselves, but are mercifully contained in the Labyrinths bowels. By
ghosts with Essence or higher can breed with living command of the Dual Monarchs (and reinforced by
mortals if the two copulate within a shadowland. The the will of the Deathlords and presumably their mas-
result of a ghost-mortal union is called a Ghost-Blood, ters), no bloodshed is permitted during the five days of
and such beings often develop a powerful rapport with Calibrationno warfare, no street crime, no violence
the ways of the dead. Some can learn Arcanoi and of any kind. It is said that deep in the bowels of the
even necromancy (which is beyond the capacity of Labyrinth, the screams and cries of the Infinite Prison
ghosts to practice). The Deathlords strive to recruit cease for five days, though none have ever been near
Ghost-Blooded mortals into their forces, but many enough to listen and return to tell the tale. Nor is work
Ghost-Bloods fear the enigmatic Deathlords and prefer of any other kind permitted during this festival. In fact,
to seek their own destinies, whether in the Underworld the spectres famously invite the Stygian dead into the
or in Creation. In either realm, Ghost-Bloods often Labyrinth under flag of truce, promising to reveal the
function as agents of their dead parents, serving as wonders of their sunken society without fear of harm.
priests to ancestor cults or as willing servants capable Few ghosts would dare enter the Labyrinth no matter
of operating freely by day. what promises a spectre makes, but every year, a few
ghosts, drunk on rice wine or blood, wander into the
TRADITIONS OF THE DEAD Labyrinth. Surprisingly, most even return unharmed,
For all that its many peoples do to strive against if not necessarily unchanged.
Lethe and Oblivion, the Underworld remains a stag- On the last night of Calibration, at the stroke of
nant place. Every society in the Underworld clings to midnight, every source of fire in the Underworld and
endless cycles of activity, some of which have been in the Labyrinth is magically extinguished. The last hours
place since the death of the Neverborn. Nowhere is of the old year are spent in contemplative darkness.
this compulsion to repetition more obvious than in the As the first dawn of the new year rises in the East, it
Underworlds many rituals and traditions. The oldest is accompanied by a tiny flame that burns in the right
and most important rituals in the Underworld are the hand of every prince, potentate and ruler in the Un-
Stygian Rites, the system of ceremonies and rituals put derworld. From these flames, candles and torches are
in place to support the Cult of the Dual Monarchy, lit, and the light of the new year slowly spreads across
whose beneficence causes the Underworlds dim sun the Underworld.

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 103

 Sowing the Seed: Farmers throughout the Under- on to the next wealthy home. More dangerously, the
world celebrate a variation of this ritual at the start of tradition applies to ghosts such as the Disciples of the
every planting season. The head of each household Abyss who are not spectres but who nevertheless wor-
sacrifices an animal, usually a plasmic heifer, in the ship the Neverborn and Oblivion. Hosts confronted
name of the regional ruler or some other figure of im- by such ghosts seeking shelter must balance the curse
portance, and the animals blood is spread across the associated with spurning a guest with the risk of allow-
planting fields to ensure a plentiful harvest. ing such a tainted ghost into ones home, where the
Harvest Rituals: An important part of the Cult Disciple may seek to seduce the host and her household
of the Dual Monarch (and one which has been sup- into blasphemous beliefs or, worse, betray the home
planted by the various Deathlord cults in many parts outright to invading spectres.
of the Underworld), this ritual accompanies the end of
each harvest season. Usually, a portion of each harvest GIFTS FROM THE LIVING
is ceremonially left in the field as an offering to the The true source of power for most ghosts (and for
land itself, accompanied by a food offering to the local almost all of the Underworlds most powerful ghosts)
political leaders. lies in the nature of ancestor worship. The Essence-
The Tradition of Hospitality: The tradition of generating capacity of worship was built into the very
hospitality in the Underworld is so ingrained in the dead fabric of Creation by the Primordials, who essentially
that some cynics wonder if it is magically enforced. The created the human race as a species of self-replicating Es-
connections between the Dual Monarchy and the Solar sence batteries who would fuel Creations functionality
Deliberative throughout the First Age are well known, through their veneration of higher beings. It is unlikely
and some conspiracy theorists suggest that the ancient that the Primordials ever contemplated the possibility
Solars wove a powerful set of social taboos into the very that dead mortals might endure as spirit-like creatures,
fabric of the Underworld as a means of influencing the let alone that such creatures could take advantage of
behavior of a vast territory only nominally under their the Essence-generating effects of prayer, but then, the
control. Such paranoia is fully justified, as the Solar Primordials failed to predict a great many things where
Deliberative did exactly that. the human race was concerned.
The tradition of hospitality dictates that no free
ghost anywhere in the Underworld may turn away an MEMORIAM
unarmed stranger seeking shelter. For up to three days, Much like the little gods of Creation and Yu-Shan,
the host must treat her guest courteously and keep him the spirits of the dead draw power from mortal wor-
well fed. The guest must behave honorably and with shipers, and many powerful ghosts draw strength from
equal courtesy and is obligated to help defend his hosts the ancestor cults they patronize. Ghosts have several
home. At sunset on the third day, the hosts obligation important advantages over the gods, however. First,
ends, and she is free to show her guest the door, vio- unlike gods, ghosts can actively worship one another.
lently if necessary. If the guest has offended or angered Nearly every ghost in the Underworld prays daily to the
his host, she is free to attack or otherwise seek revenge. Dual Monarchy that rules Stygia (if only at the pleasure
The obligation of hospitality ends automatically if the of the Deathlords). This worship is more than mere
guest harms any of the hosts family or household staff or religious fervor, and while ghosts do venerate the Dual
seriously insults the host in some way. If a ghost violates Monarchs for their important role in the history of the
the tradition of hospitality, even toward a ghost she Underworld, this worship provides tangible benefits for
considers an enemy who seeks shelter, she suffers a -5 the worshipers as wellthe massive stores of Essence
penalty on all Social rolls against other ghosts for the provided by the Cult of Dual Monarchy power the great
next year and a day or until she has won the spurned Calendar of Setesh, without which the Underworlds sun
guests forgiveness freely given. would remain frozen in the sky and the seasons would
The tradition of hospitality does not apply to remain fixed. The benefits accrued through having living
slaves, to sacrificial dead or to spectres. It does apply and dead worshipers are described respectively by the
to all free ghosts regardless of status, and a significant Ancestor Cult and Underworld Cult Backgrounds (see
percentage of the dead have learned to take advantage pp. 118-119 and 121-122). Extremely powerful ghosts
of this tradition by wandering the Underworld, mooch- may also have the Cult Background (see Exalted, pp.
ing off wealthier ghosts for three days before moving 111-112), but few outside the Deathlords reach such a
high level of influence over mortals in Creation.

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 Even more important to the dead, the prayers and
rituals performed by the living in the service of ghosts
can provide tangible benefits. Every sacrifice made in a
ghosts memory manifests in the Underworld as a physi-
cal gift that the ghost can use as she wishes. Clothing
ceremonially burned on an honored ancestors birthday
rematerializes in the Underworld, where the ancestors
ghost can wear it or trade it for other goods. Animals
sacrificed during the burial rituals of a dead barbarian
chieftain become part of his herd in the afterlife. Incense
burned in Creation crosses over to please the senses of
the ancestor in whose memory it was sacrificed.
Ghosts refer to such benefits accruing from the
devotion of living descendants as memoriam, and
for many ghosts, memoriam forms the only currency
worth having. Even if living mortals are so poor that
they cannot offer their ancestors more than prayers, a
few scraps of bread and a single burning candle, those
offerings still translate into gifts of Essence, edible
food and a light source to illuminate the Underworlds
dark places. Its not much, but its better than beggars
who die alone in alleyways and are simply tossed into
unmarked paupers graves. Ghosts worshiped by larger
mortal cults gain even more benefits in the form of
extra Willpower and Essence recovery.
GRAVE GOODS
Grave goods are the first and usually most important
form of memoriam a ghost receives. When a ghost mani-
fests in the Underworld for any length of timeeven if
she enters Lethe just hours laterany goods sacrificed
in her memory as part of her burial rites also manifest as
grave goods. To the benefit of ghosts, this manifestation is
idealized rather than literal. Items of paper or cheap wood
translate into gifts of exceptional quality. Objects covered
in gold paint become real gold. Even sacrifices of food have
value. A jug of wine buried with a dead body provides
the ghost with a magical jug that never runs dry, while
a simple basket of bread might become an Underworld
artifact that is perpetually full of nourishing loaves.
All grave goods have unusual properties. Such goods
are almost always of exceptional quality, and all such
goods are generally self-repairing so long as they retain
their connection to the ghost in whose honor they were
sacrificed. In a sense, grave goods form a part of a ghosts
corpus, and so long as the ghost endures and retains
possession of his panoply, those goods will recover from
any damage just as easily as the ghost himself can. Grave
goods can also be given away or sold, and provided that
such a gift was made willingly, grave goods continue
to grant their magical benefits to the new owner. As a

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 105

 result, even the humblest offering can transform into a be given away or sold, but if stolen, it will ignore any
significant artifact in the Underworld, and such goods instructions from the thief who stole it. Consequently,
can be quite expensive. However, like so much of the the black market value of a golem is lower than one
Underworld, grave goods are tied to the realm of the dead might expect. A golem will obey a new owner to whom
and disintegrate instantly and permanently if exposed it was sold or freely given. Effigies are highly durable
to the light of Creations sun. Grave goods can endure and unswervingly loyal to their masters. Generally,
sunlight while in the safety of a shadowland, however, the intelligence, durability and usefulness of a golem is
or even in Creation during Calibration. directly proportional to both the quality of the materials
In addition to being gifted, bartered or sold, grave from which the original effigy was created and also the
goods can also be stolen. Stolen goods usually retain craftsmanship with which it was made. In some rare
their innate magical powers with two exceptions. First, cases, the devotion of the craftsman to the ancestor for
grave goods are only self-repairing while in the posses- whom the effigy was made plays a rolea horse carved
sion of their true owner, whether the ghost to whom from cheap wood with all the loving care that a six-
they were sacrificed or some other ghost to whom the year-old child can muster might well produce a golem
goods were freely given. If a thief shatters his ill-gotten steed even more impressive than a similar horse made
sword, it will not regenerate for him. Second, grave from superior materials by a diffident master craftsman
goods that come in the form of ever-replenishing food who cared nothing at all for the one being buried.
or drink cease to provide those benefits outside the
possession of their true owners. If a thief steals a basket
SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS
Living animals sacrificed in memoriam to one
of bread from another ghost, she can eat all the bread
of the dead also become part of the ghosts panoply,
as she wishes, but once it is gone, the basket will not
manifesting in the Underworld as plasmic analogs
refill unless it is returned to its rightful owner.
to the animals slain. The word plasmic is the term
A Fetter representation may also be part of a ghosts
used by denizens of the Underworld to describe the
grave goods. For example, when a soldiers favorite blade
memories of living nonsentient creatures, as opposed
is buried with him, the same sword may appear in the
to ghost, which refers to sentient beings, and grave
Underworld as part of the ghosts panoply carrying the
goods, which describes memoriam objects that were
benefits of both grave goods and a Fetter representation.
never alive at all.
The original sword remains in the ghosts grave as an
A sacrificial animal becomes a permanent part of its
actual Fetter.
owners panoply. Its loyalty is preternatural and absolute.
EFFIGIES If the ghosts favorite hound is slain, it will reform at its
Effigies represent a particular subset of grave goods. masters side the next day. It will never serve another
Generally offered by descendants and worshipers too poor master, even if its owner actively wishes to sell it. It is
to sacrifice real food (or too squeamish to sacrifice real possible to steal a sacrificial animal away from a ghost
people), effigies are small representations of people or and imprison it, but it will fight viciously to escape and
animals typically buried with the dead or else offered to return to its master, if necessary by killing itself so that
them as part of a burial rite. In the Underworld, such effi- it can reform at its masters side. In short, a sacrificial
gies manifest as golems in either humanoid or animal form. animal can never be turned to the service of another
Thus, a small wooden horse carved by a boy to sacrifice to through anything less than powerful necromancy.
his dead father might manifest in the Underworld as a great As with grave goods, sacrificial animals are far
ebony stallion to serve as the ghosts loyal steed, while a superior in death to whatever they were in life. A
queen buried with a dozen jade cartouches depicting her broken-down nag sacrificed in honor of a fallen sol-
ladies-in-waiting might awaken in the Underworld sur- dier might well become a magnificent war horse in
rounded by 12 human-sized automata of pure jade. the Underworld. Sacrificial animals brought into the
Typically, effigy servants and animals are intelligent Underworld gain the following benefits:
but lacking in both imagination and initiative. A golem +1 dot to every Physical Attribute
will obey any instructions from its ghost master to the +2 Willpower and Valor
letter, but it will function poorly without oversight an additional -0, -1 and -2 health level
and direction. A golem will also tend to lapse into -1 to the animals Control Rating with regard
quiescence if separated from its master for too long. to its owner and its owners servants (and a +2 to its
As with any other form of grave goods, a golem can Control Rating with regard to anyone else)

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 All sacrificial animals are marked somehow with orphaned children too young to fend for themselves
the symbol of their masters. A bull slain in memoriam during the burial rites for their parents.
of a bride of Ahlat might bear her name as a brand, In such cases, those slain as part of funereal rites
while a Northern barbarians hunting falcon might often find themselves in the Underworld bound to
bear a small collar with his mark on it. Whatever this act as servants to those in whose memory they were
marks form, it invariably glows with an eerie blue light sacrificed. Nor does such slavery arise solely from
to identify the animals master. sacrificial rites. The victims of the Varajtul cannibals
Sacrificial animals do not require food or sleep. They often fall helplessly into the Underworld to await the
will neither age nor succumb to sickness or injury. If de- coming of their devourers in whose service they are
stroyed, the animal will always reform at its masters side now bound. Men and women alike slain by serial kill-
within a day. If the master enters either Lethe or Oblivion, ers knowledgeable of certain proscribed necromantic
his sacrificial animals cease to exist instantly. Sacrificial rituals soon learn to their horror that death is not the
animals cannot breed, and while healthy and clever, end of their suffering when they become bound into
they generally have neither human-level intelligence slavery to their own killers.
nor magical powers. The exception comes in the form of When one mortal is ritually slain for the glory of
ghost familiarsa ghost who possesses the Familiar Back- another, she is considered a sacrificial slave. Upon
ground possesses a ghost animal that may possess superior emerging in the Underworld, she has the same choice as
intellect or unique powers. At least one Deathlord has every other new ghostaccept Lethe or remain behind
been experimenting with breeding ghost Familiars with in the Underworld. Those who choose the latter course
living animals to produce Ghost-Blooded animals, but it are bound into the service of those for whom they died,
is unknown whether this unholy union has borne fruit. and these sacrificial slaves can never again seek Lethe
(Sijan Morticians Order succeeded in doing so decades while that master endures in the Underworld. If the
ago.) Purchasing a familiar as a ghost familiar adds +2 to slaves master himself succumbs to Lethe (or Oblivion),
the Familiar Background cost of the creature. the slave must roll her Willpower against a difficulty of
Sacrificial animals will follow their masters into 3 to resist following in his footsteps. A sacrificial slave
the living world through a shadowland, and in fact, will who endures past her masters dissolution becomes a
generally refuse to remain behind unless bound in some free ghost, although she will still carry the marks of her
way by their masters. They dislike entering Creation, servitude, which will usually prevent others from giving
however, and a sacrificial animal in the land of the living her the respect that a free ghost deserves.
increases its Control Rating by +1 due to skittishness. All sacrificial slaves are marked in some way with
Ghost familiars do not suffer this increase, however. If the symbol of their masters. A favored concubine car-
a sacrificial animal is slain or destroyed in Creation, it ries her lovers symbol on her kimono. A serial killers
will reform as normal, but only if the ghost returns to victim has his name carved into her forehead or on the
the Underworld before the next sunset. Otherwise, the chains around her neck. A mothers young son has her
animal is permanently destroyed. Other than through mark embroidered on the back of his shirt. Whatever
necromancy, this is the only manner in which a sac- the markings form, it is instantly recognizable to any
rificial animal can be permanently destroyed while its ghost in the Underworld as a slave marking.
master endures. As with all grave goods, sacrificial slaves are of ex-
ceptional quality. Each slave gains a point of permanent
SACRIFICIAL SLAVES Essence upon dying, as well as one extra dot in each of
While deliberate human sacrifice is relatively rare
its primary, secondary and tertiary Attribute categories.
in Creation (at least in areas where the Immaculate
A sacrificial slave also acts as a Fetter to his master, with
Order holds sway), needless death accompanies burial
the rating determined according to the relationship that
rites far more often. In many cultures, the spouses or
existed between the two at the time of death. An elderly
concubines of influential personages are expected to hurl
unloved widow hurled onto a bonfire as an afterthought
themselves onto funeral pyres to join their lovers in the
at her husbands funeral might have a Fetter rating of
afterlife. In the more fundamentalist of such societies,
, while a queens most faithful retainer and bodyguard
expectation becomes requirement, and former lovers are
might have a rating of . The slaves master can
forcibly thrown kicking and screaming onto the funeral
drain Essence directly from the slaves Essence pool with
pyres. In many savage lands, barbarian tribes without
a thought. The maximum amount that can be drained is
the resources to feed extra mouths often regretfully slay
equal to the Fetter rating if the slave is out of the masters

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 107

 sight or twice that if the slave is within sight. The
master can Slumber within a slave as if she were a
Fetter representation and treats her burial site as if
it were his own for Slumber purposes. A sacrificial
slave does not count as a Fetter for purposes of deter-
mining how many bonus dice to add to the masters
Willpower roll to resist Lethe. The slave does count,
however, as a Fetter for purposes of magical effects
(such as sorcery, necromancy or Arcanoi) that can
affect a ghost through his Fetters.
Generally, a sacrificial slave is not automatically
bound to obey his masters every command, but the
masters player does gain a bonus on all Social rolls
against the slave equal to the Fetter rating. The
master also has the power to steal away the slaves
Essence from anywhere in the Underworld or even
while one of the two is in Creation and the other in
the Underworld. While the master-slave relationship
endures, the two can always find one another at any
distance. A slave who runs away from his master still
retains all of the markings of his station, and most
ghosts will look down upon him as lost property.
Some ghosts may even seek to capture him in hopes
of claiming a reward from his master. Some obscure
burial techniques make the bond between master
and slave even stronger. For example, the strange
practices of the Varajtul cannibals ensure that a
mortal ritually cannibalized by one of the Varajtul
is magically compelled to obey not only his devourer
should she become a ghost, but any Varajtul ghost
he encounters in the Underworld.
A master always retains the option of freeing a
slave. If she does so, all of the slaves markings fade
away instantly, and he becomes a free ghost. In fact,
freed slaves almost always become heroic ghosts due
to improvements made to their Attributes and Es-
sence due to the circumstances of their deaths. Some
rumors claim that the Deathlords have the means to
sever a master-servant relationship even against the
masters will, and they use this power to lure power-
ful slave ghosts to their banners. Even freed ghosts
retain the markings of their former status and will
often be looked down upon as escaped property by
other free ghosts. Throughout the Underworld, there
is a burgeoning black market demand for clothing
that can hide a former slaves markings.
BURNT OFFERINGS
Burnt offerings are sacrifices made to the dead by
their living descendants. Whether part of a formal
ancestor cult or merely an effort to pay homage to a

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fallen loved one, these offerings have tremendous value one singular advantageghosts enjoy it. For a ghost,
to their ghostly recipients. The impact of a burnt offering the blood of an animal or human being offered in her
varies according to what is actually burnt, but generally, honor not only confers an Essence benefit, it produces
there is a direct correlation between the value of the a narcotic effect. Blood offerings are almost always a
item sacrificed and the benefit (usually in the form of part of thaumaturgic summoning rituals, and they can
Essence or Willpower) that accrues to the ghost. The enhance the effectiveness of necromantic spells designed
vast majority of worshipers in Creation lack the wealth to summon or command ghosts. Mechanically, for
to offer truly valuable things to an ancestor. Instead, every level of lethal damage inflicted on the sacrifice,
such worshipers carefully construct replicas of more the ghost gains a mote of Essence, but his MDV versus
valuable goods out of wood or paper and sacrifice them attempts to control him through the ritual is reduced
instead. This is surprisingly effective, as the sincerity by 1. If the sacrifice was of a human being, double the
and belief of the worshiper is much more important to number of motes the ghost receives and increase the
the ritual than the actual value of the sacrifice. MDV penalty to -2. If the sacrifice was of one of the
Regardless of what sort of sacrifice the mortal makes, ghosts descendants, triple the number of motes and
the benefit to the ghost is the same. No matter what increase the MDV penalty to -4. The number of health
was burned in Creation, it appears in the Underworld levels that can be converted into Essence is equal to six
as a small black jade token with the ghosts name on it for heroic mortals and two for extras. There is no limit
that manifests near where it was sacrificed in Creation. on how many health levels an Exalt can sacrifice.
With but a touch, the ghost who receives the token can While necromancy spells can be enhanced by blood
release the Essence or Willpower bound within it. Only offerings, thaumaturgic rituals designed to affect the dead
the original recipient of a token can tap it for Willpower. almost always require such offerings. It is commonly
Any other ghost who possesses a token can tap it for Es- known across Creation that spilling fresh blood across
sence, but doing so is inefficient for anyone other than a newly dug grave helps ensure that the dead endures
the true owner and causes the token to lose two motes of as a ghost. Another commonly known ritual allows an
Essence per mote taken by the possessor. Nevertheless, exorcist to bind a ghost permanently and helplessly
tokens are easily tradable and valuable to anyone who into his own corpse by wrapping him in a blood-soaked
possesses one. Consequently, these tokens form the chief shroud. When the city of Chiaroscuro sought to seal
currency in much of the Underworld, and both the Dual its dead away behind barriers of salt, they first slashed
Monarchy and several of the Deathlords collect tokens bloody wounds into the bodies of condemned prisoners
as taxes from the ghosts under their jurisdiction. and then chased them into the citys small shadowland.
Drawn like flies to the copious sweet blood, the ghosts
BLOOD OFFERINGS swarmed over the doomed prisoners, giving the city
Not all human sacrifices result in sacrificial slaves,
guard time to lay the salt barriers that keep the dead
and indeed, not all such sacrifices call for the death of
in place to the present day.
the sacrifice. Blood sacrifices are the easiest forms of
The rules governing the summoning and exorcism
sacrifice, and while the reward from a blood offering is
of ghosts are outlined in Exalted, pages 315-316.
less impressive than most other sacrifices, it does have

TOKEN VALUES
Resources Cost of Sacrifice* Benefit Imparted
X 1 mote
3 motes
5 motes
10 motes/1 Willpower**
20 motes/2 Willpower**
30 motes/3 Willpower**
* If the sacrifice is merely a replica of a more valuable item, determine the Resources cost of the item
being imitated and reduce it by **. If the replica is exceptionally well made, reduce the value by only *.
** Each Willpower point tapped drains 10 motes of Essence from the token.

CHAPTER FOUR THE UNLIVES OF GHOSTS 109

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 CHAPTER FIVE
GHOST CHARACTER
CREATION AND TRAITS

While heroic ghosts are more common in the STEP ONE: CHARACTER CONCEPT
Underworld than in Creation, they still represent a The first step for creating a heroic ghost is the
fraction of all ghosts. Such characters are giants among same as that for creating an Exalt or a heroic mortal:
the sad, hollow spirits who make up the bulk of the finding a character concept. The character should feel
dead, and their power and passions allow them to like a real, three-dimensional person with an interest-
forge their own destinies post mortem. But for all their ing backstory and compelling goals. A heroic ghost
ingenuity and force of will, even the most puissant of should have an appropriate Motivation, usually one
heroic ghosts is no match for the Deathlords and their closely tied to his Passions. Such a Motivation might
Abyssal servants. be: avenge my murder, see to it that my children live
The steps below outline the rules for creating a happy lives, complete and publish my unfinished play.
heroic ghost who is already one of the Underworlds Ghost characters regain Willpower from achieving goals
dead when the series begins. Such a heroic ghost may appropriate to their Motivations. However, if a ghost is
have been a heroic mortal in life or may have been an so successful in pursuing her Motivation that she fulfills
extra who, after her tragic demise, found a new purpose it completely, her player must roll Willpower (plus one
and a second chance for greatness in death. Rules for die for each Fetter point the character has) and get
converting a heroic mortal character who dies into a at least three successes to avoid the character falling
heroic ghost are outlined on page 113. to Lethe. If the roll succeeds, the ghost can alter her

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 111

 Motivation to allow her to continue her ghostly exis- STEP FIVE: FINISHING TOUCHES
tence. For example, a ghost with the Motivation avenge A ghosts Willpower is equal to the sum of his two
my murder who succeeds in killing her murderer might highest Virtues. A heroic ghost begins with Essence 2, while
change her Motivation to punish all murderers. a common ghost begins with Essence 1. Ghosts do not
Common ghosts rarely have the capacity to switch have Personal and Peripheral Essence pools. Instead, they
to new Motivations after fully resolving their old ones. have a single pool, which is calculated as follows: (Essence
Such ghosts who resolve the principle dilemma of their x 10) + (Willpower x 3) + (sum of all Virtues x 2).
afterlives almost invariably enter Lethe. For each dot that a ghost has in each of his Virtues,
he gains one point in a Passion logically related to that
STEP TWO: CHOOSING ATTRIBUTES Virtue. The Passion dots associated with a specific Virtue
Prioritize Attributes as normal. Divide six dots
can be divided up among multiple Passions, or they can
among the three primary Attributes, five dots among
all be spent on one very important Passion. All ghosts
the three secondary Attributes and four dots among
begin with five dots worth of Fetters, although this may
the three tertiary Attributes.
be reduced in the case of ghosts who possess the Age
Common ghosts have only four dots to divide among
Background. No single Fetter can have a rating higher
their three primary Attributes and only three each to divide
than 3 without spending bonus points, and the total of
among each of the secondary and tertiary categories.
a ghosts Fetter dots cannot exceed his (Willpower +
STEP THREE: CHOOSING ABILITIES Essence). This cap may be further reduced if the ghost
Heroic ghosts have 25 dots to distribute among has any dots in the Age Background.
their Abilities. No Ability rating can exceed 3 without All ghosts have seven corpus levels that function
spending bonus points. A heroic ghost can choose one exactly the same as health levels. Some Arcanoi can
Ability as a Favored Ability. No other Ability can ever grant additional corpus levels.
be rated higher than the ghosts Favored Ability. A Heroic ghosts have 21 bonus points to spend, while
heroic ghost can purchase specialties as normal. common ghosts have only 15. These points can be spent
Common ghosts begin with only 16 dots to distribute to raise traits or to purchase new Arcanoi Charms.
among Abilities. Common ghosts never have Favored
Abilities and rarely have more than a single specialty.
THE SPARK OF DEATH
The finishing touches of a heroic ghost character
STEP FOUR: ADVANTAGES are not unlike those of an Exalt. Generally, the life
Both heroic and common ghosts select Virtues as of either character might be the same right up until a
mortals and Exalts do: divide five dots among the four seminal life-changing event, which for Exalts is rep-
Virtues. No Virtue rating can exceed 4 without spending resented by Exaltation and for ghosts by, well, death.
bonus points. Ghosts do not suffer from any form of the The fundamental questions up until that point are the
Great Curse, not even if the ghost was an Exalt in life. same: What does your character look like? What sort of
Heroic ghosts have eight dots to distribute among personality does she have? What quirks or superstitions
Backgrounds, while common ghosts have only five. guide her? Who does she care about (whether friend or
Ghosts who previously lived in areas where the Im- foe)? What was her childhood like? What motivates
maculate Philosophy held sway are limited in some of her to do the things she does?
the Backgrounds available to them. Such ghosts cannot Death adds a new dimension to a character, how-
possess ratings in the Ancestor Cult or Grave Goods ever, and raises equally important questions that define
Backgrounds above 1. Regardless, no Background can the heroic ghost:
be raised above 3 without spending bonus points. Death: How long ago did you die (most likely
Heroic ghosts select six Arcanoi Charms from among within the last few decades but possibly centuries or
the Charms in Chapter Six. Common ghosts begin with even millennia ago)? What were the circumstances
only two Arcanoi Charms. Ghosts may not learn the surrounding your death? Before that point, what were
Charms of Exalts or spirits. Ghosts do not retain any of the your attitudes toward death, and how have they changed
Charms they knew in life, although the Deathlords seem to post mortem? What sorts of death markings do you carry?
flout this rule and some savants suspect that the Neverborn Are you angry over your death, or have you accepted the
might be able to permit the ghosts of Essence-wielders to reality of death with some equanimity? What memories
once again deploy any Charms they knew in life. of your life are most important to you?

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 The Underworld: Where in the Underworld The Living: Do you still have living descendants
do you make your homea Stygian district, a bustling or even immediate family members? What is your view
Threshold necropolis, the lonely wastes inhabited only by toward them? Fondness? Pity? Contempt? Is there any-
outlying barbarian tribes or someplace else? Are you from one among the living that you actually love?
a culture that venerates ghosts as ancestor spirits, or are Fetter and Passions: You know what your Fet-
you a former Immaculate worshiper wondering where you ters and Passions are, but why are they so important
went wrong? What are your views on the Dual Monarchy, that they keep you from Lethe? Do you cling to this
the Deathlords and/or whatever system of government existence because you fear judgment for your past life?
rules your little corner of the Underworld? Do your Fetters represent sources of guilt for things
The Dead: Who are your friends, allies and you did wrong in life, or are they things you care about
enemies among the dead who surround you? How do so much that you sacrifice your own reincarnation to
you feel about the ghostly condition? Do you prefer the watch over them in Creation?
dead to the living?

CONVERTING EXALTED AND HEROIC MORTALS TO HEROIC GHOSTS

Creation is a dangerous and violent place for Exalts and heroic mortals alike, and death is an inevitable part
of existence for such larger-than-life characters. With Storyteller discretion, a character who is slain in the course
of a story may become a ghost in the Underworld. Converting a living character to a ghost works as follows:
The characters Motivation changes to something appropriate to a heroic ghost.
Attributes, Abilities and Virtues remain the same as they were at the time of death.
All Backgrounds possessed at the time of death are lost. The ghost may gain appropriate dots in
Ancestor Cult, Familiar, Grave Goods or Resources depending on what sort of burial he receives and how
his friends and family respond to his death over time. At the Storytellers discretion, the player may be
allowed to simply convert lost Backgrounds into additional Experience at a rate of one-to-one.
The ghosts Essence is reduced by one dot to a minimum of Essence 2.
A new ghost loses any Charms he possessed in life. The one exception is Ox-Body Technique, which
translates into additional corpus levels post mortem (as if the ghost possessed the Arcanos equivalent to
that Charm). A new ghost does not begin with Arcanoi but can purchase them with experience points.
The ghost gains five points in Fetters and Passions according to his Virtues.
The ghosts new Essence pool is recalculated to take his new status into account.

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 113

 CHARACTER CREATION SUMMARY
STEP ONE: CHARACTER CONCEPT BACKGROUNDS
Choose concept and Motivation. AgeHow long you have walked among the
dead and what secrets you have learned from
STEP TWO: SELECT ATTRIBUTES your journey.
Note that all Attributes start with one dot before
AlliesAides and friends who help in tasks.
you add any.
Ancestor CultMortal worshipers who provide
Prioritize the three categories: Physical, Social,
you with burnt offerings.
Mental (6/4/3)
ArtifactThe wonders of the dead.
Assign dots to Physical Traits: Strength, Dexter-
BackingStanding and rank in an Underworld
ity, Stamina
organization of power and influence.
Assign dots to Social Traits: Charisma, Manipula-
ContactsInformation sources and friends in
tion, Appearance
high places.
Assign dots to Mental Traits: Perception, Intel-
FamiliarAn exceptionally potent sacrificial
ligence, Wits
animal.
STEP THREE: SELECT ABILITIES FollowersGhosts who look to you for leader-
Select Favored Ability ship.
Choose Abilities: (25none may be raised above Grave GoodsThe value of your burial panoply.
3 without spending bonus points) InfluenceYour pull in the Underworld.
MentorA teacher and instructor.
STEP FOUR: SELECT ADVANTAGES ResourcesMaterial goods and money.
Choose Arcanoi Charms (6), Backgrounds
Underworld CultThe veneration and worship
(8none may be higher than 3 without spending
of other ghosts.
bonus points, and ghosts from Immaculate regions
cannot buy Ancestor Cult or Grave Goods above )
and Virtues (5none may be higher than 3 without BONUS POINT COSTS
spending bonus points) Trait Cost
STEP FIVE: FINISHING TOUCHES Attribute 4
Record Essence (2), Willpower (add the total of Ability 2 (1 for a Favored Ability)
the two highest Virtuesmay not start higher than 8 Background 1 (2 if the Background is
unless at least two Virtues are 4 or higher), Essence Pool being raised above 3)
([Essence x 10] + [Willpower x 3] + [the sum of Virtues Specialty 1 (2 per 1 if in a Favored
x 2]) and corpus levels (7, plus any gained through Ability)
Arcanoi). Choose Fetters (5) and Passions (total dots Virtue 5
equal to Virtue ratings). A ghost can never have more Willpower 3
than (Willpower + Essence) dots in Fetters. Essence 12
Arcanos Charm 6
BONUS POINTS Fetter 3
Bonus points (21) may be spent at any time during
character creation.

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GHOST TRAITS CRAFT (MOLIATION)
Trait Description: This Ability represents training
For the most part, creating a ghost character is
in Arcanoi that permit one ghost to alter the corpus
exactly like creating an Exalted or mortal character.
of another. Although superficially indistinguishable
However, ghosts do have access to some special pow-
from mortal flesh, a corpus is actually a matrix of pure
ers unique to the dead, as well as specialized Abilities
Essence shaped by the memories of the ghost herself.
and Backgrounds relevant to a character who resides
Moliation refers to the process whereby a masquer
in the Underworld.
interferes with that matrix, allowing him to alter the
NEW CRAFTS ghosts appearance, turning her into a figure of beauty or
While most Abilities work the same for ghosts of nightmare. Charms that carry the Moliation keyword
as they do for mortals, the dead have access to five require the ghost to use the Craft (Moliation) Ability
specialized Craft Abilities. Two of them, Craft (Ja- for optimal effect.
decrafting) and Craft (Necrosurgery), are rare among The Craft (Moliation) Ability, in and of itself,
the living. Two others, Craft (Moliation) and Craft does not enable one ghost to reshape anothers corpus.
(Pandemonium), are unknown among the living, It simply represents the technical knowledge of how to
as they are useful only in the application of certain do so. Actually reshaping corpus requires appropriate
ghostly Arcanoi. Finally, Craft (Soulforging), while Arcanoi, most commonly those Arcanoi collectively
technically within the capabilities of mortals, is virtu- referred to as the Shifting Ghost-Clay Path. A character
ally unknown among the living save those who serve knowledgeable about Moliation who does not possess
the Deathlords. such Charms cannot alter another ghosts form but can
detect the use of Moliation in another and can advise
CRAFT (JADECRAFTING) another ghost who does possess such Charms in how
Trait Description: This Ability permits a ghost best to deploy them. Mechanically, the player of a ghost
to shape jade in the Underworld. Jade is slightly more who is being advised in his use of Moliation Charms
common in the Underworld than it is in Creation, by someone with a higher Craft (Moliation) rating
since so many grave goods manifest as jade when in- gains a +1 die bonus to his roll. On the other hand,
corporated into a ghosts panoply. Additionally, jade is the player of a ghost who attempts to use a Moliation
found naturally in the Underworld, although it must be Charm without possessing any dots in Craft (Molia-
mined from the Labyrinth along with unalloyed soul- tion) is limited to dice equal to the ghosts Attribute
steel. Ghosts who have studied the art of jadecrafting in making the Moliation roll.
can repair or even reshape jade artifacts and can craft Specialties: Armor, Disguises, Masks, Monstrous
artifacts from jade ore. Jade is too fragile to be manipu- Forms, Weaponry
lated through soulforging but too hard to be moliated. Trait Effects: Someone with Craft (Moliation)
Consequently, only the specialized techniques of the 1 can detect the use of Moliation in others, add or
jadecrafter are useful in reshaping it. The province of remove a feature crudely, or create a lifelike mask.
savants as well as smiths, a jadecrafters rating in Craft Someone with Craft (Moliation) 3 can create a mask
(Jadecrafting) can never exceed either his Occult or that inspires fear, create useful weaponry or craft a ghost
his Lore Ability ratings. into a new shape. Someone with Craft (Moliation) 5
Specialties: Grave Goods, Jewelry, Magical Artifacts, can reshape a ghost into an armored killing machine
Ornamental Weaponry or create masks so lifelike that none may recognize the
Trait Effects: Someone with Craft (Jadecrafting) 1 ghosts true identity.
can take a grave good and render it useful in the Under-
world, carve raw jade into a useful shape or evaluate the CRAFT (NECROSURGERY)
worth of a jade item. Someone with Craft (Jadecrafting) Trait Description: Necrosurgery is the art and
3 can create useful jade implements, devices and chains, science of preparing a corpse for use in necromantic
or incorporate jade into a simple Underworld artifact. rituals. Ghosts themselves, somewhat ironically, cannot
Someone with Craft (Jadecrafting) 5 can create jade use necromancy (although Deathlords and nephwracks
jewelry good enough to please a Deathlord, infuse a jade can, one of many ways in which they violate the natural
item with Essence or incorporate jade into complex order). However, a ghost trained in necrosurgery can
Underworld artifacts. perform all of the preparation work that comes before the
actual casting of a necromancy spell, and many beings

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 115

 capable of performing necromancy employ necrosurgeon chanically, the player of a ghost who is being advised
ghosts as helpers. For example, the Skullstone govern- in his use of Pandemonium Charms by someone with
ment employs thousands of state necromancers in its a higher Craft (Pandemonium) rating gains a +1 die
College of Necrosurgerythe demand there for zombie bonus to his roll. On the other hand, the player of a
slaves is so great that living necromancers would never ghost who attempts to use a Pandemonium Charm
be able to keep up if they did all the work themselves. without possessing any dots in Craft (Pandemonium) is
Necrosurgery is also the Ability used to repair and limited to dice equal to the ghosts Attribute in making
maintain existing necromantic artifacts. the Pandemonium roll.
Specialties: Combat Necrosurgery, Quick Repairs, Specialties: Ichors, Insects, Scuttling Things, Shape-
Skeletons, Spine Chains, Zombies less Horrors, Striking Physical Objects
Trait Effects: Someone with Craft (Necrosurgery) Trait Effects: Someone with Craft (Pandemonium)
1 can identify a necromantic creation, prepare an 1 can detect anothers use of Pandemonium, create
animal or human corpse for reanimation into a com- a simple illusion or affect the living world in minor
mon zombie or skeleton slave, make minor repairs to a ways. Someone with Craft (Pandemonium) 3 can cre-
damaged undead, or perform all the prep work for any ate a complex illusion involving more than one sense,
Shadowlands Circle reanimation spell. Someone with manifest a horror of some sort or engage in strenuous
Craft (Necrosurgery) 3 can prepare a human corpse for poltergeist activity. Someone with Craft (Pandemo-
reanimation into a sophisticated zombie (such as one nium) 5 can birth a flood of devouring locusts or reach
with limited self-awareness or one preprogrammed for into the Mouth of Oblivion.
some kind of specialized work), embalm a human corpse
so that the resulting zombie might pass for human at a
CRAFT (SOULFORGING)
Trait Description: Soulforging is the process by
distance, prepare the corpse of a life form larger than
which the souls of the dead are melted down and then
a human or perform all the prep work for any Laby-
shaped into useful items or are used to produce soulsteel.
rinth Circle reanimation spell. Someone with Craft
First, the corpus of a ghost is carefully heated with
(Necrosurgery) 5 can prepare a human corpse so well
soulfire crystals so that it can be reduced to a viscous
that the resulting zombie might pass for human unless
state without damaging its integrity. Once liquified, the
closely examined, prepare multiple corpses designed to
corpus can be smelted with other materials and then
be raised together as part of the same undead creature
worked into any shape appropriate to conventional
(such as a spine chain) or perform all the prep work
metalworking. Soulforged items normally have the con-
for any Void Circle reanimation spell.
sistency of mortal steel. However, if the liquified corpus
CRAFT (PANDEMONIUM) is smelted with molten ore taken from the Labyrinth,
Trait Description: Pandemonium is the term the result is soulsteel, one of the magical materials
used by ghosts for Arcanoi-based effects that permit the and the only one that screams when struck with the
dead to directly effect Creation itself. Most commonly, smiths hammer.
Pandemonium allows a haunter to create horrors, illu- Proper soulforging is a highly specialized art that
sions and nightmares, although some Pandemonium requires rarified equipment, access to Labyrinthine
Charms allow the ghost to physically affect Creation materials and a willingness on the part of the soulsmith
through telekinetic effects. Charms that carry the Pan- to condemn another ghost to eternal torment. Under-
demonium keyword require the ghost to use the Craft standably, soulforging is a heavily regulated art. The
(Pandemonium) Ability for optimal effect. Dual Monarchy has no interest in seeing its citizens
The Craft (Pandemonium) Ability, in and of itself, snatched off the streets to provide raw materials for
does not allow the haunter to create Pandemonium unlicensed soulsmiths, and even the Deathlords do
effects. Instead, it merely represents the knowledge of not tolerate soulsmiths in their territories who work for
how to do so. Actually creating such nightmares requires anyone other than the Deathlords themselves. Full usage
appropriate Arcanoi, most commonly those Arcanoi of Craft (Soulforging) requires a hammer and anvil of
collectively referred to as the Terror-Spreading Art. soulsteel or jade (each Artifact ), an Essence forge
A character knowledgeable about Pandemonium who (Artifact , plus Resources to keep the forge hot
does not possess such Charms cannot affect Creation with Essence) and a steady supply of souls.
in such a way, but can advise another ghost who does Specialties: Armor, Art, Construction Work, Soul-
possess such Charms in how best to deploy them. Me- steel, Weapons

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 Trait Effects: Someone with Craft (Soulforging) trade dots in Passions and Fetters for extra bonus points
1 can identify and appraise the workmanship of a soul- that can be used to purchase other traits. However, age
forged object, properly melt a soul, make a basic sword doesnt just reduce the integrity of a ghosts connection
or simple item, or create sturdy construction materials. to Creation, it reduces his capacity to strengthen that
Someone with Craft (Soulforging) 3 can create a unique connection. Typically, a ghost may never have more
weapon, build a device with multiple moving parts from than (Willpower + Essence) dots in Fetters. Each dot
soulforged elements, create a flexible chain or create of Age reduces that cap even further. Thus, although
a soulforged item that can use Essence. Someone with the player can purchase new Fetter dots with the ac-
Craft (Soulforging) 5 can create a functioning automa- quired bonus points to replace those traded away, an
ton, make an artifact weapon, do soulforged filigree aged ghost is still limited in just how many new dots
work, or create and work with soulsteel. he can get.
Because Age has the potential to be game unbalanc-
GHOST BACKGROUNDS ing (especially in games where only one or just a few
Some Backgrounds are not available to the dead, players play ancient ghosts), no character may possess
while others function differently for the dead than the Age Background without Storyteller approval.
they do for the living. The following Backgrounds Trait Effects:
function for the dead essentially the same way they X Like the vast majority of the Underworlds
do for mortals: Allies, Backing, Followers, Influence, citizens, your character is a fairly young ghost
Mentor and Resources. who died less than 50 years ago. Her Fetter
Allies are typically the characters ghost peers, dots are capped at (Willpower + Essence).
but they may be mortal shaman or thaumaturges with She begins with the normal five free dots
whom the ghost has a mutually beneficial relation- in Fetters, and her Passions are equal to the
ship. Backing most commonly comes from the support total of her Virtue dots.
of some Underworld ruler, but it might come from a
Your character died within the last 250 years.
powerful ancestor cult or from a ruler in Creation al-
Gain +5 bonus points. She begins with only
lied with the Deathlords. Followers are usually other
four free dots in Fetters, and she cannot have
less powerful ghosts but may represent particularly
more dots in Fetters than (Willpower + Es-
obedient cultists. Mentors are most often older, more
sence - 1). Her starting Passions are equal to
experienced ghosts, but it is not uncommon for spirits
(sum of all Virtues - 1).
(especially minor death gods), Exalts, Deathlords and
Your character died within the last 500 years.
even more unusual beings to mentor ghosts. Resources
Gain +10 bonus points. She begins with only
in this context represent the currency and trade goods
four free dots in Fetters, and she cannot have
of the Underworld, while Influence represents authority
more dots in Fetters than (Willpower + Es-
within a political, military or economic entity within
sence - 2). Her starting Passions are equal to
the Underworld.
(sum of all Virtues - 2).
New and altered Backgrounds are described below:
Your character died within the last 750 years
AGE and is probably one of the Contagion dead.
The vast majority of ghosts resolve their Passions Gain +15 bonus points plus one free dot in
and Fetters (either willingly or unwillingly) and move Influence (Underworld). She begins with
on to Lethe or to Oblivion fairly quickly. Some ghosts only three free dots in Fetters, and she cannot
do so within a few hours after dying. Most often, a ghost have more dots in Fetters than (Willpower +
will move on after a few years or even decades. A few Essence - 3). Her starting Passions are equal
luminaries, however, are much older, having resisted to (sum of all Virtues - 3).
the insistent pull of Lethe and the twisted temptations Your character is respected and feared by those
of Oblivion for centuries or longer. Few ghosts can do who know of her. She died sometime since
so unscathed, however. Very old ghosts find their Pas- the Usurpation and is most likely one of the
sions dimmed and their Fetters lost to the relentless Shogunate dead. Gain +20 bonus points plus
march of history. two free dots in Influence (Underworld). She
Mechanically, this exchange is represented by the begins with only three free dots in Fetters, and
Age Background, which permits a ghost to essentially she cannot have more dots in Fetters than

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 117

 (Willpower + Essence - 4). Her starting Pas- the altar in question is in a public place, tax assessors
sions are equal to (sum of all Virtues - 4). working for the local Underworld potentate will almost
Your character is one of the oldest surviv- certainly be on hand to take the rulers portion.
ing ghosts in the Underworld. Even the At the Storytellers discretion, once per story, a
Deathlords are wary of her reputation and player may roll his characters Ancestor Cult Back-
puissance. She died during the High First Age ground. If the roll succeeds, the player may increase
and clearly remembers the Solar Lawgivers his characters Followers or Resources rating by one
of old (although for good or ill depends on for a single action. This represents the ghost calling
her own history). Gain +25 bonus points plus upon his living followers to aid him in whatever goal
three free dots in Influence (Underworld). he pursues.
She begins with only two free dots in Fetters, Trait Effects:
and she cannot have more dots in Fetters than X No one ever makes offerings in your name.
(Willpower + Essence - 5). Her starting Pas- You are effectively forgotten by the living
sions are equal to (sum of all Virtues - 5). world.
ANCESTOR CULT Your characters spouse or perhaps a few
A significant number of mortals regularly pay hom- children remember him regularly. His cult
age to you by burning effigies and valuables in your offers him Resources in burnt offerings
memory. At lower levels, this may represent family every few days and the occasional Resources
members who mourn your passing. At higher levels, it offering. A ghost whose cult resides on the
may represent entire nations who regularly commemo- Blessed Isle or anywhere else with a strong
rate your great deeds. An active ancestor cult provides Immaculate presence cannot maintain an
you with both Resources and Essence in the form of ancestor cult above this level without it suffer-
burnt offerings as outlined on pages 108-109. Essence ands of the
ing persecution at the hands
gained through an ancestor cult does not directly enter Dragon-Blooded religion. n.
the ghosts Essence pool (except at the dot Your character is held
level). Instead, burnt offerings translate into Essence up as an honored an-
tokens that materialize in the Underworld, where they cestor by an entire
can be recovered by the ghost to whom the offering was family line or by a small extended fam-
made. How wever, the flip side of having wo
However, worshipers is ily. His cult prays to him regularly, offering
geenerally expect their prayers to be answered.
that they generally a Resources burnt offering every day,
Ancestor cultists expect gguidance or Resources offerings at least once a
aid from revered ancestor
ancestors, if not ac- w
week and a Resources offering on
tual help against intru ions
intrusions major holidays. At least once a year,
from local gods oor his cult sacrifices an effigy of some
the Immaculate
Immaculat typ in his honor.
type
Order. A ve very large family or even a small tribe
venerates your character as a revered ances-
In or- tor, regularly telling tales of exploits from
der to reap his living days. Alternatively, perhaps he
the benefits
b of was the founder of a small town or a hero
burnt offerings, to a small nation. He receives Resources
a gho
ghost must be burnt offerings every day and a Resources
able to reach the offering several times a year on holidays and
Underw
Underworld ana- anniversaries important to his life. Much is
log of the altar where done in your characters memory, and children
the offering
offerings are made, are sometimes named after him. Once a year,
since Essence ttokens and his cult may send him a new grave good with
other blessing
othe blessings manifest a mortal Resources cost no higher than .
there
ere aft
after being sac- This new grave good is ritually burned just
rificed in C
Creation. If like any other burnt offering, but the item

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 itself is directly translated
lated into a physical
object in the Underworld orld instead of merely
being converted into an Esse ence token.
Essence
Your character is one of the founders of a
mighty clan or tribe, or perhaps the founder
of a small nation or a major city. The h re is a
he
There
im, and his cultt has
public altar set up for him,
xhorts worshipers
a full-time priest who exhorts
eives Resources
to venerate him. He receives
burnt offerings every ery day and
Resources offerings ngs on ma-
jor holidays (or simplyy when
or).
worshipers seek his favor).
Once per season, he mayy
receive a new w
ggrave good with
th
a Resourcesces
gher
cost no higher
than , or once ce per
year, he mmay receive a new grave
good with a Resourcess cost no higher than
. The strength of his cults veneration
ARTIFACT
Ghosts purchase artifacts under the rules
fortifies his willeveryy day at the exact
outlined on page 111 of Exalted. The dead receive
moment he died, he regains one spent
no magical materials bonus when using items made of
temporary Willpower point.
the magical materials, and they pay double the attune-
Your character was the founder of a great ment and activation costs for orichalcum, moonsilver
nation or a hero of millions. Children are and starmetal artifacts. Artifacts in the possession of
regularly named after him, and his temples ghost characters will most likely be the creation of
have entire staffs of full-time priests devoted soulforging, jadecrafting or necromancy, although some
to his worship. He receives burnt offerings characters may have simple Creation-made artifacts
worth Resources every day and Re- such as daiklaves or magical armor. A ghost can never
sources offerings on major holidays. have an artifact rated higher than without special
Every few weeks, a particularly devoted Storyteller approval.
worshiper will make a Resources of-
fering in hopes of gaining your characters CULT
favor. He may receive a new grave good with Theoretically, it is possible for a ghost to have
a Resources cost no higher than once a cult powerful enough to confer the benefits of the
per month, or he may receive a new grave Cult Background as outlined on page 112 of Exalted.
good with a Resources cost no higher than In fact, this is partially figured into the Ancestor Cult
once per season, or he may receive Backgroundghosts with Ancestor Cult auto-
a new grave good with a Resources cost of matically gain the mechanical benefits of Cult , and
once per year. He regains one spent ghosts with Ancestor Cult gain the mechani-
temporary Willpower point every day at the cal benefits of Cult . Thus far, only the Deathlords
moment of his death. Also, he recovers an are known to have gained the benefits of higher cult
additional two motes of Essence per hour, ratings. Characters who acquire such extremely potent
which is added directly to his Essence pool cults retain the benefits of Ancestor Cult as they apply
instead of manifesting in the form of tokens. to burnt offerings but gain the Essence and Willpower
At this level of cult, he is on the verge of benefits of Cult + as appropriate.
godhood. Be advised that actual gods are For example, a ghost character with Ancestor Cult
probably taking notice. who manages to take his cult to the next level

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 119

 (veneration over an entire region) still gets the burnt familiar does not provide the benefits that a sacrificial
offerings that he had been receiving, but instead of animal would, but it does have the typical powers of
regaining an additional two motes of Essence per hour, a ghost animal.
he regains an extra three motes per hour. He can also
now regain a spent temporary Willpower point once
GRAVE GOODS
The term grave goods most commonly represents
ever 24 hours as a reflexive action in addition to the
the panoply of personal effects and treasures buried with
point regained automatically at the moment of death.
the ghosts body that accompany her into the Underworld,
If the ghosts cult grows even largereven to the point
although ghost characters with sufficiently high levels of
of becoming a Creation-wide phenomenonhe can
Ancestor Cult sometimes receive valuable sacrifices in the
receive the benefits of Cult and Cult .
form of new grave goods on special holidays. Although
As a practical matter, the Realm, if not the forces of
valuable, grave goods are not Resources because they do
Heaven itself, will attempt to destroy any cults that
not replenish themselves except while in the possession
become so widespread. Also, in order to maintain Cult
of the ghost with whom they were buried. A sold or
or higher, the ghost must effectively live as a god,
stolen grave good is potentially a useful item, but it will
residing not in the Underworld but in Creation in a
eventually wear out or, in the case of an animal, return
very strong Fetter, a manse or a demesnes. As a result,
to its true master. A ghost with a high enough Resources
no ghost character may ever take Cult or higher
rating may purchase the grave goods of others, but the
without express Storyteller permission.
life span of such goods diminishes rapidly once they are
FAMILIAR removed from their former owner.
Ghosts may not have living familiars. If a living Trait Effects:
persons familiar is sacrificed during her burial rites, X Your character has no grave goods. Was he
it is possible that the familiar may cross over as part a pauper or a devotee of the Immaculate
of her panoply. At character creation, purchasing an Philosophy? Or was he simply tossed naked
animal as a ghost familiar adds +2 to the cost of this into an unmarked grave by the bandits who
Background. This is because in addition to serving as took everything he had?
a familiar, the familiar provides the benefits associated Your character has basic grave goodsone
with a sacrificial animal, such as improved Attributes decent suit of clothing, a simple weapon and
and loyallty (see Sacrificial
loyalty Sacrificial Animals
Animals on page 106). perhaps some tasty food.
At the Storytellers discretion, a ghost Your character has more elaborate grave
may be able to develop a post-mortem goodsa suit of armor, several suits of clothing,
bond with a plasmic life form such that jewelry and miscellaneous personal goods such
the creature serrves ass a famil
serves liar. Do-
familiar. as books, toys, games or multiple weapons.
ing so adds +1 to the normal cost of
Your character was a wealthy mortal who
having a familiar. Such a plasmic
cared enough about the afterlife to pay for an
expensive Sijanese funeral. Or perhaps he was
a barbarian from the icewalkers, the Tear Eat-
ers or some other tribe with strong ancestor
cults whose family wanted him looked after in
the next life. He has many suits of good cloth-
ing, a dozen exceptional weapons, a larder
full of fine food and a chest full of Essence
tokens (the equivalent of 100 Essence/10
Willpower in burnt offerings). He has seven
animals/servants, divided up among sacrificial
animals, effigies and sacrificial slaves.
Your characters funeral was a ceremony
out of legend. His tomb is so grand that a
copy of it probably came with him into the
Underworld to serve as his residence. He has

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 all the weapons, clothing, armor and food he one in which both the worshipers and the ones being
could ever want. If his was a nautical culture, worshiped are all ghosts. The most famous Underworld
he has a sailing vessel of some kind. He has cult is undoubtedly the Cult of the Dual Monarchy, which
a score of sacrificial animals, up to 100 effi- is worshiped by almost the entirety of the Underworld.
gies and a dozen or so sacrificial slaves taken The Dual Monarchys cult is so strong and far-reaching
from the wives, concubines, servants and that it literally powers the sun across the Underworld
bodyguards who died to commemorate his sky. Less dramatically, most ghosts of any political power
funeral. He has 150 Essence/15 Willpower or influence demand worship from their inferiors. Ghost
in burnt offerings. peasants venerate ghost kings, mortwights worship
Your characters funeral was a national event nephwracks, citizens of Stygia worship the rulers of their
in a country that went spendthrift in his honor. respective districts, and so forth. Also, two Underworld
The Morticians of Sijan still talk about the effort cities, Stygia and Sijan, receive such adulation that many
that went into the spectacle. He is fabulously ghosts gain the lesser benefits of this Background just
wealthy in terms of personal possessions. He by residing there. Unlike the higher levels of Ancestor
drifts along the rivers of the Underworld on Cult, an Underworld cult provides no Willpower benefit,
his personal yacht with its crew of effigy sail- but it does provide huge reserves of Essence to those at
ors. His tomb is a mansion, complete with a the top of a cults pyramid.
stable of horses (both sacrificial and effigy). He Trait Effects:
has entire herds of sheep or cattle, complete X No one in the Underworld worships you.
with dozens of effigy shepherds. He has 1,000 Your characters peers and household offer her
warrior effigies, and his ghostly entourage of small prayers. Regain one additional Essence
sacrificial slaves numbers 30 or more. He has per hour. Long-term residents of Sijan often
250 Essence/25 Willpower in burnt offerings. gain this level of Underworld Cult through
MANSE AND UNDERWORLD MANSE the citys ambient reverence.
In theory, a ghost can attune to a manse just like A hundred or so ghosts call your character their
any other Essence wielder. In practice, there just arent patron and bow down in her honor. Regain
many available for them to attune to. Every known two additional Essence pper hour. Long-term
g
Underworld manse is under the direct control of a
Deathlord. In fact, the vast majority of Underworld
manses were built by Deathlords using unholy necro-
mantic techniques to overcome the fact that there are

few natural demesnes in the Underworld.

Consequently, if a ghost character has posses-
sion of a manse, it is as a plot device rather than as a
Background trait, since the ghost holds possession only
through the sufferance of a far more powerful being.
In the unlikely event that a ghost found himself in
a manse within Creation, he could theoretically use
that manse as a sanctum in much the same manner as
a spirit if he had appropriate Arcanoi to allow himself
to materialize in Creation.
UNDERWORLD CULT
While ghosts commonly receive worship from
mortals via ancestor cults, some ghosts actually receive
worship from their own peers. An Underworld cult is

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 121

 residents of Stygia often gain this level of Un- clearer and more extensive information. The effective
derworld Cult through ambient reverence. number of successes may not exceed the characters Whis-
Several hundred ghosts view your character pers rating (excess successes are wasted). Failure results
as a spirit lord. This is the appropriate level of in distorted or false information that leads the character
Underworld Cult for the average nephwrack astray. Storytellers should strongly consider making the
temple head, the founder of a clan among the rolls in secret so players cant ever completely trust the
dead or the ruler of a dead city-state. Regain results. Queries outside the purview of Whispers result in
three additional Essence per hour from the automatic failure. Open-ended questions such as, What
prayers of your characters underlings. is my purpose? are a perfectly reasonable way to trigger a
Your character has several thousand ghostly Storyteller-directed vision. Inquiries into the future can
worshipers. Perhaps she is the leader of a large reveal only what the Neverborn want or plot to happen,
kingdom of the dead or head of a great and not what will definitely come to pass. Glimpses of these
mighty family. Or perhaps she was one of the plots can provide valuable insight to anyone attempting
heroes of old, drawing Essence from the am- to further or thwart these ambitions, though.
bient reverence that the ancient legends still A characters presence at significant events
carry. Regain four additional Essence per hour that further the agenda of the Neverborn may trigger
from the prayers of your characters cult. a reflexive activation of Whispers to understand the
Your characters cult is comparable in size to event, but these undirected visions are Storyteller-
that of a Deathlord, a Stygian district ruler controlled plot devices and do not cost Willpower. For
or the lords of one of the great empires of the example, the first meaningful interaction between two
dead. Regain five additional Essence per hour characters with Whispers often causes them to experi-
from the tens of thousands who worship your ence visions of each other as their shared connection
characters name. to the hive-mind nightmares of the Labyrinth triggers
momentary psychic feedback.
WHISPERS A character can use Whispers as a guide to where
The Whispers Background is customarily available the Neverborn believe her actions could further their
only to Abyssal Exalted and to spectres. At the Story- goals. She attunes herself to the murmurs of the Nev-
tellers discretion, it may be available to heroic ghost erborn and lets them lead her where they will. Usually,
characters who actively worship the Neverborn or who these inducements lead those who listen to places and
have suffered some horrific brush with them from an times where a single death could devastate a community
earlier incursion into the Labyrinth. The cost for purchas- or thwart important plans for Creations health and
ing this Background is higher for heroic ghosts than it defense. Alternatively, they might lead to a village ripe
is for Abyssal Exaltedsuch characters must spend two for recruitment into an ancestor cult or as other possible
Background points per dot for the first three dots of this minions. Long-lost and well-guarded artifacts are another
Background and three Background points for the fourth option. (Really, this use of Whispers is an invitation to
and fifth dot. The experience point cost for increasing the the Storyteller to provide a short side adventure.)
ghosts Whispers rating is doubled. Furthermore, a ghost Trait Effects:
character cannot improve his Whispers rating without X Your character has yet to feel the direct touch
pursuing some sort of vision quest within the Labyrinth of the Neverborn.
as a way of communicating with his dark lords. Your character hears the faint murmur of
The Whispers Background is detailed more fully dead gods from time to time. These murmurs
in The Manual of Exalted PowerThe Abyssals, provide fragmentary clues heavily cloaked in
pages 100-101. A brief description of its mechanical metaphor and symbolism, all true but rarely
benefits follows: understood except in hindsight.
Once per scene, the ghost can spend one Will-
Your character feels the rustle of eldritch hor-
power point and substitute his Whispers rating for an
rors skittering through her brain. Her visions
Ability rating.
can abstractly explore any topic through figura-
Once per scene, the ghost can spend one Willpower
tive depictions but only provide clear images
point to glean clues and other information from the dreams
drawn from the characters own memory and
of the Neverborn. To do so, the ghosts player must succeed
experiences. These wandering glimpses of the
at a (Perception + Whispers) roll. More successes yield

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 past provide supernatural insight and hunches,
effectively allowing the player to get clues
from the Storyteller on how to put known
information together to address the question
at hand without receiving a straight answer.
Your character has attained communion with
her terrible masters. The characters visions
are incomplete, but often fill in critical details
the character might have missed. These vi-
sions arent enough to answer the question
outright, but they certainly provide a good
foundation to begin an investigation or find a
new lead in the absence of other evidence.
Your character drowns in the omnipresent
nightmares of the Neverborn. Her visions
are mostly complete and either use literal
depictions or obvious symbols. This level of
contact can answer many questions outright,
but it does not provide supplementary informa-
tion to expand the inquiry beyond the actual
wording of the question, nor do these glimpses
explore other points of view or any indirect
connections. Storytellers should feel free to
present incomplete truths to misdirect players
who come to rely on Whispers as a crutch to
avoid or bypass plot rather than expand their
involvement and awareness of the story.
Your character has transcended sanity and
all vestiges of humanity in obeisance to
Oblivion. Visions are agonizingly clear,
revealing subtle contextual details and
tangentially related facts the character
might never have thought to consider, plus
unambiguous awareness of the Neverborns
wishes related to the topic.

INNATE GHOST POWERS AND LIMITATIONS

In addition to their ghostly Arcanoi, all of the dead
have innate powers and limitations as an inherent part
of the ghostly condition. The following powers and
limitations are common to all ghosts
ACUTE SENSES
The dead have remarkable acuity in all their senses,
especially where sickness, disease and other deathly
conditions are concerned. Any ghost gains an automatic
success on all Perception-based rolls and two automatic
successes on any Medicine-related rolls to spot or diagnose
an illness in a mortal. The downside of this attunement
to death is that ghosts see decay in every living thing in
Creation. To a ghosts senses, every freshly bloomed rose

CHAPTER FIVE GHOST CHARACTER CREATION AND TRAITS 123

 carries on its petals the stink of its own eventual rotting,
and every newborn babes cries carries the death rattle WHISPERS OF OBLIVION
of an elderly mans last gasps. Even in the lands of the The Neverborn are not the only whisperers in
living, the dead cannot escape death, and most ghosts the Underworld. Incomprehensible murmurs rise
find Creation to be a profoundly dreary place. from the Abyss and echo within the darkest recesses
of the Labyrinth. They also penetrate Creation at
IMMATERIAL STATE a few supremely cursed and evil locations.
The default state for a ghost in Creation (or in a
These Whispers of Oblivion consume the
shadowland during the day) is to be intangible and
sanity of ghosts, requiring a roll of (Integrity +
invisible. A ghost in Creation can pass through any non-
Willpower) at difficulty 5 to avoid infection. Players
magical barrier with ease, and she cannot be harmed or
of infected ghosts repeat this roll for each day of
even perceived save through magical attacks or senses.
the ghosts existence thereafter. Failure compels a
Ghosts have limited control over this intangibility
ghost to commit atrocities against existence unless
mainly to the extent of ensuring that they do not fall
the ghost spends one Willpower point to stave off
through floors or sink to the bottom of a body of water
the unnatural mental influence. Ghosts who give
unless a ghost actually wishes to do either. Similarly,
in to their monstrous urges regain one Willpower
a ghost can sit on a chair in Creation without falling
point from the experience (though they cannot
through, but the weight of her touch is insufficient to
raise their Willpower points above their normal
even disturb any dust on it, let alone cause the chair to
maximum). Once a ghost submits to Oblivions
creak or its cushions to depress. If a mortal subsequently
voice a total number of days equal to her Willpower
sits in the chair while the ghost rests on it (or indeed if
rating, she becomes a spectre and can nevermore
any large object passes through an unprepared ghost),
resist the monstrous impulses that guide her damned
the effect is unnerving to the ghost but otherwise inflicts
existence. The new spectres Motivation shifts to
no physical effect on either.
something suitably unpleasant, even as Oblivion
By default, a ghost will stand atop the surface of
consumes all Intimacies based on love, friendship
a body of water, which she must ride as if she were a
or other positive emotions.
mortal on particularly unsteady terrain (-1 to -5 internal
Common ghosts infected with the Whispers
penalty on all Dexterity-related rolls while standing
of Oblivion are damned. Eventually, they will give
on or moving across the surface of a body of water,
in to the monstrous gibbering that claws at their
depending on how rough the seas are). By spending a
minds and souls. Heroic ghosts have a chance at
single mote, a ghost can reduce her density and sink
salvation. Instead of spending one Willpower to
instantly to the bottom of whatever body of water she
stave off the effects of this infection, a heroic ghost
stands upon, whereupon she can walk around the bot-
has the option of spending three to purge herself
tom with no difficulty. By spending a second mote,
of Oblivions taint. When she has spent a total of
the ghost can terminate this reduced density, instantly
30 Willpower in this manner (and spending only
popping to the waters surface.
one Willpower at a time does not count toward this
Similarly, a ghost is, by default, solid with regard
total), she shakes off the Whispers of Oblivion for
to whatever solid surface he stands upon. By spending
good... or until she is next directly exposed to the
Essence, a ghost can allow himself to fall through a
Abyss and becomes infected once more.
floor to any open areas below. The cost for this aspect
of ghostly intangibility is one mote per every 10 feet of
solid matter to traverse vertically. Thus, one mote is it horizontallyonly vertical movement requires Es-
sufficient to fall through a second-story floor into the sence. Also, a ghost never takes damage from falling
first-floor room below, while three motes is required from any height while in Creation.
to fall through the earth that separates an open field While in the Underworld, while in a shadowland
from a subterranean cavern 15 feet below. The same by daylight or while materialized (such as through the
Essence expenditure allows a ghost to float back to Weighted With the Anchor of Flesh Charm or similar
whatever location above he has just left, but only from magic), the rules stated above do not apply. The solidi-
the spot where he landed after falling through the fied ghost cannot pass through any solid object. She
intervening matter. A ghost never has to spend Essence may be attacked normally while materialized, and she
to traverse solid matter so long as he can move through takes falling damage as normal.

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CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 125
 CHAPTER SIX
ARCANOI

Patient, studious ghosts can learn Charms unique to ing a new Arcanos Charm requires a number of days of
their spectral state and Underworld surroundings. Such training equal to the Charms minimum Virtue plus its
Charms are either individual tricks common across the minimum Essence. Creating a new ghostly Charm takes
lands of the dead or theyre building blocks in longer four times as long as learning an established one.
cascades that are taught only in certain places or to It is important to note that ghostly Charms can
certain strata of Underworld society. A longer cascade never be part of a Combo. Ghosts themselves cannot
is known as an Arcanos, and each Arcanos has a name ever use more than one in a given action, and non-
that signifies what its Charms make possible. ghost characters who learn ghost Charms (such as
At character creation, a ghost receives six Charms, Moonshadow Abyssals) cannot include said Charms
which can come from the common list or from any in Combos with their own natural Charms. Also, the
Arcanos the player and Storyteller deem appropriate. Obvious keyword applies only when both the ghost and
Thereafter, the character can learn any common ghostly the supernatural effects of the Charm hes using are si-
Charm independently. Doing so requires a number of multaneously detectable with mundane senses. Finally,
days of training equal to the Charms minimum Virtue ghosts do not have access to Excellencies. Excellencies
rating. For Charms from the Arcanoi, however, a ghost are the purview of the Exalted and the gods, whereas
must have a tutor who can teach them to him. Learn- ghosts are lesser creatures even than mortals.

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COMMON GHOSTLY CHARMS Ghosts who are incorporeal can move through solid
These Charms are available to any ghost with the objects with ease. Ghosts with this Charm, however, can
will and patience to learn them. Theyre among the physically become one with solid objects in the land of
first that all lone scholars develop independently. In the living and hide within them. As the ghost lays his
Underworld regions where knowledge of the Arcanoi is hand on the object, the player rolls (Manipulation +
stamped out by authoritarian bullies or is simply lost in Craft). The Craft Ability he rolls depends on the type
tumultuous political upheaval, these arts are the ones of object. He can hide inside only discrete, mundane
most quickly rediscovered in the aftermath or taught by objects that are not constructed of (and do not incor-
insurgents from beyond the fringes. Most are singular porate) any of the magical materials. Also, the object
tricks, but a handful either build on one another or link must be at least as large as a comb, and no larger than
into short cascades. a yeddims howdah. Once he is safely absorbed into the
object, he remains there for a number of hours equal
ASSASSINS SUBTLE ESCAPE to the activation roll successes.
Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2; While hes within the object, the character can-
Type: Simple (Speed 3, DV -1) not be detected by any mundane means, nor can he
y
Keywords: None be harmed. He
Hess vaguely aware of what goes on around
Duration: One the item, but specific information is beyond his reach.
hour per suc- (He could detect people moving around in the room
cess where
h hes
h hiding,
hd andd he
h couldld infer
f from
f their
h move-
Prerequisite ments that they were looking for him, but he wouldnt
Charms: be able to tell who they were unless they spoke and
None he recognized their voices.) If the item within which
hes hiding is damaged, he suffers no damage himself.
If damage resulting from fire, pulverization or magic
affects the item, though,

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 127

 the character becomes aware of it as a faint sense of allow the player an extra attempt if he should fail the
alarm. Should any of those three sources destroy the first activation roll for Assassins Subtle Escape.)
ghosts hiding place, the ghost is sent to Lethe. If the magical object is rated Artifact or higher,
A ghost using this Charm ends it prematurely if he the ghost cannot inhabit it unless it is made of jade or
exits the item in which hes hiding before the duration soulsteel. If the object is rated Artifact or higher,
lapses. If he wants to hide in that item again (or move the ghost cannot hide within it at all. If the object is
to a better one), he must activate the Charm again. currently attuned to someone, the ghost cannot hide
within it at all, regardless of its Artifact rating.
MOTIVATED SHELL
Cost: 8m, 1wp; Mins: Valor 3, Essence 2; ANGRY TRICKSTER GHOST METHOD
Type: Simple Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 3;
Keywords: None Type: Simple (Speed 5, DV -2)
Duration: Six ticks per success Keywords: Obvious
Prerequisite Charms: Assassins Subtle Escape Duration: Varies
A ghost can use this Charms prerequisite to hide Prerequisite Charms: Assassins Subtle Escape
within an object in the living world, but while shes in Venting her rage on the world around her, the
there, shes effectively trapped. Even if the object can ghost causes loose objects to rise into the air and swirl at
move, she cant move it. With this Charm, however, dangerous speeds in a five-yard radius. A single success
she can manipulate the object from within. First, she on a (Conviction + Melee) roll activates this Charm
must let herself be absorbed into the object using As- and sustains the whirlwind until the characters next
sassins Subtle Escape. Activating this Charm requires action. Additional successes can either increase the
a second (Manipulation + Craft) roll along with the radius of the effect by five yards or increase the dura-
new activation cost. For each success on the roll, she tion of the effect by five ticks. Once the ghost has set
can control the objects actions for six ticks. the storm in motion and set its size and duration, she
While shes in control, the ghost can make the may act normally on subsequent actions.
object do anything it normally could do or be made The number of successes on the activation roll also
to do by hand. If someone else fights her for control count as a number of attack successes against which
of the objectif, for instance, the ghost hides within anyone caught in the whirlwind must defend himself
a wheelbarrow and tries to snatch it away from the every five ticks that the whirlwind remains in effect.
filthy peasant whos pushing it out toward the cow Anyone who cant successfully defend himself suffers
fieldspit the other persons (Strength + Athletics) in four dice of damage. (The predominant type of debris
a contested roll against the ghosts players activation determines the type of damage.)
roll. Whoevers roll has more successes decides what The Obvious keyword applies only when the ghost
the object does. is corporeal and visible when she activates this Charm.
The whirlwind itself is still very much in evidence if an
RIDE THE MYSTIC VESSEL immaterial ghost activates the Charm, but if the ghost
Cost: 3m; Mins: Valor 3, Essence 2;
is not detectable by mundane senses, the source of the
Type: Simple (Speed 6, DV -1)
flying detritus is not self-evident.
Keywords: None
Duration: One action per success DARK STEED MASTERY
Prerequisite Charms: Assassins Subtle Escape Cost: 1m per die; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1;
This Charm grants the character the ability to use Type: Supplemental
Assassins Subtle Escape to hide within objects made Keywords: None
of the magical materials. To use it, his player rolls the Duration: Instant
characters Valor. The new capability remains in effect Prerequisite Charms: None
for a number of subsequent actions equal to successes The ghostly steeds of the Underworld do not handle
on the roll. In one of those subsequent actions, the like living mounts do. They dont spook as easily at
character may then activate Assassins Subtle Escape roadside distractions or balk at daunting obstacles. Rid-
to attempt to inhabit an item made of one of the five ing such steeds, therefore, takes special training and a
magical materials. The ghost then remains within the little getting used to. This Charma favorite of ghostly
magical object as per a normal use of Assassins Subtle cavalrymen, messengers and explorersaugments the
Escape. (The extended duration of this Charm exists to special knack it takes to master an Underworld steed.

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A rider can add one die to his Ride dice pools per mote are. The Charm functions just as well in Creation or
of Essence he spends, up to a maximum equal to his a shadowland as it does in the Underworld. In any
Essence rating. location, it functions only at night. The player rolls
This Charm works only on ghostly mounts and (Perception + Conviction) to activate the power,
only in either the Underworld or a shadowland. It has which remains active for a number of nights equal to
no effect whatsoever on living mounts. It has no effect successes on the roll.
on mounts in Creation unless the rider uses the Evoke
the Ancient Clay Charm called Manifest the Dark
OX-BODY TECHNIQUE
Cost: ; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1;
Steed to make his ghostly mount appear in Creation.
Type: Permanent
At the Storytellers discretion, this Charm can be
Keywords: Stackable
used as normal when a ghost rides a mount animated
Duration: Permanent
by necromancy (provided controlling the construct
Prerequisite Charms: None
requires a Ride roll).
A ghost can have this Charm a number of times
FORMER LIFE DESTRUCTION TECHNIQUE equal to her Conviction rating. Each time she purchases
Cost: ; Mins: Temperance 4, Essence 4; it, she gains two additional -2 health levels.
Type: Permanent
Keywords: None
POLE THE BLACK DEPTHS
Cost: 1m per die; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1; Type:
Duration: Permanent
Supplemental
Prerequisite Charms: None
Keywords: None
Unlike the other common Arcanoi Charms, this
Duration: Instant
one isnt a classic that reiterates spontaneously time
Prerequisite Charms: None
and again. Its a relatively recent trick introduced to
Using this Charm allows a ghost to better perform
dead society by the Deathlords. The tricks widespread
tasks that call for a Sail roll, whether hes working the
popularity among students of the Arcanoi is what makes
tiller of a Stygian canal barge or hes the captain of
it common.
black-sailed trawler dredging the depths of the Sea of
Once she learns this Charm, a ghost strips away her
Shadows. This Charm gives him a one-die bonus per
name and replaces it with a new title or pseudonym.
mote of Essence spent to supplement a Sail roll, up to
Thereafter, she gains a four-die bonus to actively resist
a maximum number equal to his Essence rating.
any sorcery or necromancy effect that relies on her for-
This Charm works only in the Underworld or a
mer name. It also grants her a +2 bonus to her MDVs
shadowland, as the fluid dynamics of clear water of the
when someone tries to use her former name against her
living world are quite different from those of the water-
to influence her behavior.
ways of the dead. If a ghost is a part (or the head) of the
MOONS COLD GLOW crew of a vessel brought into Creation with Conjure the
Cost: 2m; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1; Defeated Vessel or Sunken Admiral Technique (from
Type: Simple (Speed 3, DV -0) the Evoke the Ancient Clay Arcanos), the player can
Keywords: None augment his Sail rolls while the character is aboard
Duration: One night per success the vessel.
Prerequisite Charms: None
The Underworld is a bleak, gloomy place. The most
PYRE SMOKE FORM
Cost: 2m; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
common weather patterns alternate oily rain with omi-
Type: Simple (Speed 6, DV -0)
nous, gray fog with stiff winds that carry minute flecks
Keywords: None
of bone dust. Overhead, the sky is perpetually overcast,
Duration: Six ticks per success
leaving it up to the Calendar of Setesh to divide day
Prerequisite Charms: None
from night. Ghosts caught out in bad weather without
In their natural environs, ghosts are just as materi-
a light source are effectively blind.
ally solid as mortals are in their homes in the living
With this Charm, however, the ghost can see
world. With this Charm, however, a ghost can make
as well in the darkness of the Underworld as any of
herself incorporeal even in locations where she should
the three Full Moon entries on the Sample Visibility
naturally be solid (such as the Underworld). Activating
Conditions table on page 135 of Exalted, regardless of
the Charm requires a (Stamina + Temperance) roll.
however much worse the visibility conditions actually

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 129

 If it succeeds, the ghost remains incorporeal for six SCENT OF SWEET BLOOD
ticks per success. Yet although she is incorporeal, the Cost: 1m; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 1;
character remains as visible as she normally would be Type: Simple (Speed 3, DV -0)
in that location. Keywords: None
A ghost who is incorporeal can move through solid Duration: One scene
objects at will. That is, she wont fall through the floor Prerequisite Charms: None
of the second story of her home if shes just walking The blood of living creatures is powerful and almost
around up there, but she can plunge down through intoxicating to the dead. With it, ghosts can be sum-
the floor for a quick getaway. She can dive through moned, appeased or even bound. The dead rely on this
walls or doors or startled onlookers, or pull herself up Charm to locate this precious substance. With just a
through ceilings with all the grace her (Dexterity + moments concentration, a ghost with this Charm can
Athletics) pool allows. The only surfaces that prove detect the warm, sweet smell of blood spilled deliberately
impenetrable to incorporeal ghosts are ones that are or even oozing from open wounds. The blood must have
specifically warded against such shenanigans and the come from a living animal, a mortal or an Exalt, though
solid ground beneath their feet. the blood need not be fresh when the ghost smells it.
BREEZE-CARRIED ASH FORM The donor need not even be alive when the ghost
Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2; smells the blood, so long as he or she was alive when
Type: Simple (Speed 6, DV -0) the blood came out.
Keywords: Obvious While the character uses this Charm, she can smell
Duration: Six ticks per success spilled animal blood at a range of one half mile per dot
Prerequisite Charms: Pyre Smoke Form of Essence she has. She can smell a mortal or Exalts
With this Charm, a ghost can fly through the blood at a range of one mile per dot of Essence. Strong
airi.e., he can take Move or Dash actions in all winds, overpowering odors and a very large or very
three dimensions. To activate the Charm, the player small amount of blood can all affect the range at which
rolls (Dexterity + Athletics). Each success lets the a character can detect the scent. No roll is required,
character fly for six ticks. The only hitch is that the though. The character automatically learns the direc-
character must be incorporeal while hes flying. He tion of and distance to any site of spilled blood within
must, therefore, be either in Creation and not manifest her range. She cant discern such things as what type
or in his natural environs and using the prerequisite of creature shed the blood, how much blood has been
Charm. (The Obvious keyword applies only to the shed or how long ago the bloodshed occurred.
latter circumstance.) TWO-WORLD VISION
If the character has not landed by the time this Cost: 2m; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 2;
Charm wears off, his momentum carries him for just Type: Simple (Speed 6, DV -2)
a momentlong enough for a stunt, but not much Keywords: None
elsethen he falls. If the character is incorporeal, he Duration: Six ticks per success
plummets earthward toward either solid ground or the Prerequisite Charms: None
highest solid object between himself and it and crashes This Charm allows a ghost to peer from his location
into it. If he hits solid ground from a great height, he in the Underworld into the corresponding location in
suffers no damage but explodes into a poof of ectoplasmic Creation. (The realms exist in such perfect parallel that
dust that takes a single miscellaneous action to re-form every place in the Underworld outside the inner slopes
into the shape of his body. of the Abyss has a corresponding site in Creation.)
The trouble starts when the character is using the This vision lasts only temporarily, and it works only
prerequisite Charm to allow himself to use this Charm one way. Someone in Creation whom the ghost in the
to fly in a location where he is naturally solid. If this Underworld can see with this Charm cannot see the
Charms duration lapses while hes in flight, things could ghost. By the same token, a ghost in Creation cannot
work out poorly. If he comes down before his use of Pyre use this Charm to look back into the Underworld. Also,
Smoke Form runs out, hes got nothing to worry about. the Charm works only when its night in Creation.
If he crashes after his Pyre Smoke Form Charm wears Activating this Charm requires a successful (Per-
off, he takes damage normally based on how far he fell ception + Occult) roll, after which it lasts for a single
when Breeze-Carried Ash Form wore off. action. That is, the ghost can see into Creation for

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only those six ticks it takes for his DV to refresh after equal to the number of successes on the roll. Therefore,
he activates the Charm. While the ghost looks into it behooves one who wants to be able to see and hear
Creation, he cannot see what transpires around him in Creation from the Underworld to activate this Charm
the Underworld, though his other senses still function first, as this Charm lasts longer.
normally there.
CHAINS OF THE ANCIENT MONARCHS
UNCONSCIOUS SPEECH Use of this Arcanos is fairly evenly distributed
Cost: 1m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 1; across the Underworld, though those in charge of its
Type: Simple many dominions strictly regulate its use. It is primarily
Keywords: Compulsion a tool of suppression and dominance used by the en-
Duration: One action forcers and peacekeepers of the dead. From the dread
Prerequisite Charms: None arbiters of the Dual Monarchy to the bullyboys of the
This neat little trick allows an incorporeal ghost in weakest Deathlords most rural shadowland outposts,
the living world to speak through a nearby living being. those who know this Arcanos use it to see that their
The ghost must touch the living being, and that being masters will is done.
must be capable of speech. The character spends a mote
of Essence as the player rolls (Dexterity + Performance). SOUL ANCHOR
If the roll succeeds, the target says what the ghost wants Cost: 2m, 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 1;
him to say in up to as many words as successes garnered Type: Simple (Speed 4, DV -0)
on the roll. At that point, the targets player is allowed Keywords: None
a reflexive (Intelligence + Occult) roll. If the roll fails, Duration: 10 minutes per success
the target remains unaware (and subsequently unwilling Prerequisite Charms: None
to believe) that he said anything. If the roll succeeds, When a ghost activates this Charm, an oppressive
he realizes whats happening. pall falls over the surrounding area, weighing down
If a character realizes a ghost is trying to speak those who try the hardest to escape. For 10 minutes
through him, he may spend a Willpower point to resist per success on a (Charisma + Temperance) roll, no
each subsequent use of this Charm against him from one within 25 yards of where the ghost activated the
the same ghost. Or he could allow the ghost to speak Charm may use supernatural abilities to move faster
through him. If he does so, the ghosts player need not than they could on an unassisted Dash action.
roll and may communicate one full sentence per mote The ghost who used the Charm and any affected
of Essence spent. The willing target can hear and un- being with a higher Essence rating than that ghost may
derstand the words spoken through his mouth, but he spend a Willpower point to ignore this Charms effects
cannot speak while the ghost speaks through him. for the scene.

WHISPERS OF THE LIVING MONARCHS GLORIOUS BRILLIANCE

Cost: 3m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2; Cost: 3m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2;
Type: Simple (Speed 6, DV -2) Type: Simple (Speed 5, DV -1)
Keywords: None Keywords: Crippling, Obvious
Duration: One minute per success Duration: Five ticks
Prerequisite Charms: None Prerequisite Charms: None
Similar to Two-World Vision, this Charm extends The character pulls a shroud of her Underworld
a ghosts sense from the land of the dead to the world of masters authority around herself, which blazes as a
the living. Using this Charm, the ghost can hear whats blinding white corona until the characters next action.
going on in Creation (out to the limit of his normal During the day in the Underworld, this light is visible
hearing) from the spot parallel to his location in the up to a mile away. At night, it can be seen all the way
Underworld. As with Two-World Vision, Whispers of out to the horizon.
the Living functions only during Creations night and When the light appears, the player of anyone within
only in one direction. While the ghost listens in on 20 yards who looks at the ghost is allowed a reflexive
Creation, he cannot hear whats going on around him (Wits + Resistance) roll. The character is temporarily
in the Underworld. blinded for 15 ticks, minus five ticks per success on the
Activating this Charm requires a successful (Per- roll. Even if the resistance roll garners enough successes
ception + Occult) roll. It lasts for a number of minutes to mitigate the effect entirely, the character must still

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 131

 refrain from looking at the ghost using the Charm with a stunt. If the attack succeeds, the targets arms are
until the eerie brilliance has died down. As such, that bound firmly at her sides or her legs are bound tightly
character is still effectively blind with regard to the together. A character whose arms are bound can move
ghost using this Charm. only her hands and fingers, while a character whose legs
(Blindness is discussed on p. 152 of Exalted.) are bound can move, dash, swim or jump only one-fifth
her normal distance.
ESSENCE BINDING The binding chains last for five ticks per success
Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2;
on the attack roll, not taking the targets defenses into
Type: Simple
account. (Dodging or parrying this attack is an all-
Keywords: Obvious
or-nothing proposition.) Breaking the chains before
Duration: Five ticks per success
the duration elapses is possible, though it is a feat of
Prerequisite Charms: Soul Anchor
strength akin to snapping iron manacles. (See Exalted,
Invoking his masters name and authority, the
p. 127.) If the target breaks out of the chains, parries
ghost extrudes icy chains from his palms that bind his
them successfully or dodges them when they come at
foes hands or feet. These chainsthe links of which
her, the chains shatter into dust.
are shaped like the characters of the ghosts masters
namewhip around the foes limbs in an instant, cinch SNARE THE FLEEING THIEF
tight and seal themselves together at the ends. Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2;
The ghosts target must be in close-combat range, Type: Simple
and both parties must be corporeal at the time. The Keywords: Crippling, Obvious, Touch
ghost must also decide when he activates the Charm Duration: One minute per success
whether he wants to bind the targets arms or legs. Prerequisite Charms: Essence Binding
Activating the Charm is an attack that uses the ghosts When a ghost uses this Charm, her masters name
(Dexterity + Bureaucracy) pool with a +2 Accuracy or other identifying symbol appears on her palm, which
bonus. This attack can be dodged normally or parried she then uses to strike her target. Doing so adds an

132
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Accuracy bonus equal to her Bureaucracy to a normal AURA-READING TECHNIQUE
Martial Arts attack. If this attack succeedsi.e., is not Cost: 2m; Mins: Temperance 1, Essence 1;
successfully dodged or parriedit inflicts no damage Type: Simple
but instead envelops the target in a shining outline of Keywords: None
white light. This light slows the target down consider- Duration: One scene
ably so he cant get away. Prerequisite Charms: None
For a number of minutes equal to threshold successes When sentient beings such as ghosts, gods, demons or
on the attack roll, the target can move only one-fifth Exalts channel and store Essence within them, it affects
his normal speed, no matter how hes moving. This the color of the aura they emanate. When a ghost learns
Charm doesnt affect Dexterity-based actions that rely this Charm, he trains himself to perceive and interpret a
on hand-eye coordination, just locomotion. beings aura, granting him an idea of how much Essence
ESSENCE LASSO FORM is currently stored within that being. Doing so requires
Cost: 6m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2; a successful (Perception + Larceny) roll.
Type: Simple A ghost using this Charm cannot share his aura-
Keywords: Obvious perception with anyone elseother than just describing
Duration: Five ticks per success what he sees. He can read the aura of any being in his
Prerequisite Charms: Essence Binding presence, regardless of ambient light, as long as he already
This Charm functions in almost every way exactly knows the being is there. The Charms effective range is
the same as its prerequisite. However, it now works at a equal to the characters entire field of vision. If a being is
range of up to 10 yards per dot of Conviction the ghost committing motes to an item or an effect, those commit-
has and cannot be parried. ted motes count toward the total for as long as the being
maintains the commitment. Items do not emit their own
NET auras, however, even if they are innately magical or attuned
Cost: 7m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 3; to target beings. The color visible in the aura reveals the
Type: Simple number of motes the being contains, as follows:
Keywords: Obvious Color Motes
Duration: One minute
Black 0
Prerequisite Charms: Snare the Fleeing Thief, Essence
Lasso Form Indigo 15
Shouting the name of the master she serves, the Green 610
ghost casts a net of Essence chains over an area, trapping
Yellow 1120
everyone within it. She selects a target point somewhere
within five yards per dot of Conviction she has, then Orange 2140
spends her Essence as her player rolls (Dexterity + Red 41+
Bureaucracy). If the roll succeeds, everyone within five
yards of that spot must try to leap to safetycomparing DELICIOUS ESSENCE SCENT
their Dodge DVs to the successes on the activation Cost: 3m; Mins: Temperance 1, Essence 1;
rollas black chains suddenly writhe out in all direc- Type: Simple
tions from the target point. Anyone who cant get Keywords: None
out of the way is considered inactive as if trapped in a Duration: One scene
hold for one minute. The ghost who used the Charm Prerequisite Charms: Aura-Reading Technique
is unaffected by it. Anyone in the affected area whose Where Aura-Reading Technique is a passive sense,
Essence is higher than the ghosts can spend a point of this Charm is more active. To use it, the ghost spends
Willpower to shrug out of the chains. three motes of Essence as her player rolls (Perception
+ Awareness). If the roll succeeds, the character can
ESSENCE-MEASURING THIEF ARTS smell when any living source of Essencei.e., any living
The detection, manipulation and theft of the pre- beingcomes within 100 yards of her for the rest of the
cious commodity of Essence are the purview of this scene. When she detects living Essence thus, the ghost
Arcanos. Very little checks the greed of those who can attempt to follow it back to its source.
practice it except the distrust and suspicion of their Following Essence by scent is easier the more potent
neighbor ghosts. the source is. To track the Essence, the ghosts player

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 133

 rolls (Perception + Temperance). The difficulty equals RAVENING LIFE-FORCE HUNGER
(4 - targets Essence), minimum 1. If the roll succeeds, Cost: 4m, 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
the ghost is aware of the targets relative distance and Type: Supplemental
permanent Essence. Once the ghost has the scent, il- Keywords: Sickness, Touch
lusions and disguises cannot hide her target from her. Duration: Instant
Only effects that mask the targets Essence outright Prerequisite Charms: Essence-Devouring Ghost
block the ghosts perception. Touch
ESSENCE-DEVOURING GHOST TOUCH The moment a ghost learns this Charm, all creatures
Cost: 3m; Mins: Temperance 1, Essence 2; with Essence have as much reason to fear him as his
Type: Supplemental fellow ghosts did when he learned the prerequisite. The
Keywords: Touch ghost can now use the effects of Essence-Devouring
Duration: Instant Ghost Touch on the living, on gods, on demons and
Prerequisite Charms: Delicious Essence Scent on the Exalted. Doing so requires a touch, as well as
Ghosts have good reason to fear other ghosts who the same (Manipulation + Larceny) roll at difficulty 2.
know this Charm, though other beings have little to The main difference is that the ghost must be manifest
fear from it. With the Charm, a ghost can disrupt the and corporeal, as must his target, in order to use this
Essence that flows through a fellow ghost and cause Charm.
it to dissipate against the targets will. The user of If the target is capable of channeling Essence, each
the Charm does not draw the dissipated Essence into threshold success on the activation roll strips away
himself, but its often just as well that his opponent two motes of Essence. These motes do not automati-
doesnt have it either. cally transfer to the ghost, nor are they susceptible to
To use the Charm, the ghost must touch his target absorption by Feeding the Lampreys Appetite. If the
as the player rolls (Manipulation + Larceny), difficulty target cannot channel Essence, this Charm disrupts her
2. (Touching the target requires an unarmed [Dexterity life force directly. The player of the affected character
+ Martial Arts] roll if that target attempts to avoid the rolls (Stamina + Resistance) at difficulty 3. If the roll
touch.) Every threshold success causes two motes of succeeds, the character survives but blows out a shud-
Essence to evaporate from the targets pool. dering breath that steams bright white regardless of the
This Charm works only on targets of a ghostly temperature. If the roll fails, the characters time grows
nature. short. By sundown or sunrise (whichever comes first),
chills and auditory hallucinations incapacitate her. If
FEEDING THE LAMPREYS APPETITE a character with at least three dots of Medicine does
Cost: 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2; not successfully treat her, the victim will die within
Type: Simple a number of days equal to her Stamina. Treatment
Keywords: None involves an (Intelligence + Medicine) roll, difficulty
Duration: One scene 1, on behalf of a qualified character.
Prerequisite Charms: Essence-Devouring Ghost
Touch BLOOD-DRINKING THIRST
With this Charm, a ghost can keep motes of Essence Cost: 1wp + (1wp per activation); Mins: Temperance 2,
stripped away by Essence-Devouring Ghost Touch from Essence 2; Type: Simple
going to waste. She absorbs motes taken from ghostly Keywords: None
opponents with the prerequisite Charm, using them to Duration: One scene
replenish her own Essence pool. Prerequisite Charms: Ravening Life-Force Hunger
When a ghost successfully uses Essence-Devouring Activating this Charm is a simple action that
Ghost Touch during a scene in which she has activated requires the expenditure of a point of Willpower.
this Charm, the player is allowed a reflexive Temper- Thereafter, during the scene it remains active, the ghost
ance roll. (This reflexive roll does not count as a Charm can reap a hearty harvest of the motes she strips away
use.) If the roll succeeds, the ghost absorbs half of the from her victims using either Essence-Devouring Ghost
motes that she successfully stripped away. The ghost Touch or Ravening Life-Force Hunger.
can absorb only those motes that she herself stripped If the ghost uses either of those two Charms suc-
away with the prerequisite Charm. She cannot exceed cessfully, the player may spend a point of Willpower
her maximum number of motes with stolen Essence. and make a reflexive Temperance roll. (This roll does

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not count as a Charm use.) If the Temperance roll suc- If the recipient is an Essence channeler, he absorbs
ceeds, the character absorbs all the motes her preceding the motes into his pool as normal. If the recipient can-
use of Essence-Devouring Ghost Touch or Ravening not channel Essence, the ghosts Essence augments
Life-Force Hunger stripped away from the victim. She the characters health for a number of days equal to
can absorb only those motes she personally stripped (ghosts Essence x motes transferred). While this benefit
away. As with Feeding the Lampreys Appetite, she lasts, the recipient gains one automatic success on all
cannot exceed her maximum number of motes with (Stamina + Resistance) rolls to resist illness or poison-
stolen Essence. If she uses Ravening Life-Force Hunger ing. This Charm also mitigates any fertility deficiency
on a target who cannot channel Essence, subsequently or reproductive difficulty short of literal sterility that
using this Charms effect grants no benefit. would normally make conception difficult. (For rules
on handling Essence exchange with characters with
BLENDING THE STREAMS OF ESSENCE two Essence pools, see page 155.)
Cost: 6m; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
Type: Supplemental FERTILE SOUL ENDOWMENT
Keywords: Touch Cost: 10m, 1wp, 1lhl; Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3;
Duration: Instant Type: Simple
Prerequisite Charms: Essence-Devouring Ghost Keywords: Touch
Touch Duration: One scene
What a ghost with this Charms prerequisite can Prerequisite Charms: Feeding Lifes Fountain
take away, so can he bestow. He must touch another It is thanks to this Charm that the Ghost-Blooded
ghostly character, which requires an unarmed Martial exist, as it allows ghosts to impregnate living women. To
Arts attack if that character resists, and spend six motes use it, the ghost must be corporeal and must be in either
of Essence as the player makes a Temperance roll. If Creation or a shadowland. During the scene in which
successful, the ghost can then force a maximum number the Charm is active, the ghost and the mortal woman
of his remaining motes equal to his Willpower through need not actually copulate (though they certainly can),
the connection. If the recipient is willing to accept but they must share at least a long, passionate kiss.
them, she absorbs the transferred motes, adding them Either a male or female ghost may use this Charm, but
to her own pool. If the recipient is not willing to take the living partner must be female.
them, the motes dissipate from the point of contact as During the embrace, at a moment of the ghosts
a faint steam and are wasted. The same thing happens choosing, the ghosts player makes a reflexive (Tem-
if the ghost attempts to transfer Essence to any non- perance + Essence) roll against a difficulty equal to
ghostly creature, regardless of how willing the recipient the living womans Essence. If the roll fails, nothing
might be to take it. happens. If the roll botches, the woman is stricken
A ghost cannot give more motes than the recipi- sterile unless her player succeeds on a reflexive
ents maximum, and he cannot leave himself with less (Stamina + Resistance) roll, difficulty 2. (Exalted
than one mote. and other supernatural beings do not risk sterility.) If
the activation roll succeeds, the woman conceives a
FEEDING LIFES FOUNTAIN Ghost-Blooded offspring. Regardless of the outcome,
Cost: 7m, 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
the scene is considered to be over after the attempt
Type: Simple
at conception.
Keywords: Touch
The mother carries the child of a successful concep-
Duration: Instant
tion to term normally. The Essence spent activating this
Prerequisite Charms: Blending the Streams of
Charm remains committed until the child is born or the
Essence
pregnancy otherwise ends. The ghost cannot willingly
When she is manifest and corporeal, a ghost can
end this commitment. Even the ghosts destruction does
transfer some of her Essence to a living recipient, just
not release the Essence.
as she uses the prerequisite Charm on fellow ghosts.
One sinister implication of this Charms effects is
The roll and limitations of this Charm are the same as
that only the ghost need be cognizant of its use. The
they are for Blending the Streams of Essence, and the
living partner need be neither aware of it, nor willing
ghost much touch her intended recipient. The recipient
to submit to it.
must still be willing, as well.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 135

 FILLING THE PRECIOUS VIAL objects past. These questions can include information
Cost: 7m (+ 1wp); Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3; about who has used the object, how the object was
Type: Simple used and events that transpired around the object even
Keywords: None when it was not in use. Items that are relics of things
Duration: Instant destroyed in Creation contain information regarding
Prerequisite Charms: Blending the Streams of their existence in Creation as well.
Essence The character receives all the answers to the players
With this Charm, a ghost siphons off a portion of his questions in an instantaneous flash of information.
Essence and seals it in some sort of inanimate container People around him hear only a brief scream from the
for later use. The best and most common containers are souls forged into the metal.
soulfire crystals (see The Manual of Exalted Power SOULSTEEL SHAPER
The Abyssals, p. 215) and Essence-containing gems Cost: 1m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2;
(see The Manual of Exalted PowerThe Abyssals, Type: Simple
p. 215), though other container designs are allowed. Keywords: None
Vessels suitable for holding Essence are usually small Duration: One day
and as delicate as glass, however, so it behooves one to Prerequisite Charms: Soulsteel Scream
handle them with care. Breaking a container causes an Any ghost who dwells near an Underworld soulsteel
explosion that inflicts one die of raw (lethal) damage refinery and manufactory covets this Charm above all
per mote stored on anyone within 10 feet. others. Having it elevates her from rank-and-file wraith
To fill a suitable container, the ghost spends seven who could be folded into a soulsteel artifact herself some
motes to power the effect and concentrates a number of day to valued assistant condemning her fellows to that
his remaining motes to be stored in the palm of his hand. hellish eternity for her own sake. Using the Charm
He then places the container there as his player rolls allows a ghostly technician to act as a competent aide
(Perception + Larceny) at difficulty 2. If he succeeds, in building soulsteel artifacts.
the motes are absorbed into the container and stored Normally, a single ghost with minimum ratings of
there. If the ghost then spends a Willpower point to seal 3 in Lore, Occult and a relevant Craft Ability would
the container, the motes remain inside until someone count as mortal assistants (per the guidelines on p.
takes them out. If he doesnt spend the Willpower, one 29 of The Books of Sorcery, Vol. IIIOadenols
mote leaks out of the container per day. Codex) when she helps a master artisan craft soulsteel.
NOBLE CRAFTSMAN WAYS With this Charm, a ghost who doesnt meet the Ability
Ghosts trained in this Arcanos are the preeminent qualifications can still count as a mortal assistant. If
craftspeople of the dead. With it, a ghost can work the the ghost is already qualified, using this Charm allows
relic materials of grave goods and use soulsteel like an her to count as a supernatural assistant instead.
expert deathknight artisan. The ghost who uses this Charm better understands
the techniques and tricks of working only with soulsteel.
SOULSTEEL SCREAM She cant use this Charm to better help build artifacts that
Cost: 1m; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 1; use other substances as the primary magical material.
Type: Simple
Keywords: Touch GRAVE GOODS SHAPING TECHNIQUE
Duration: Instant Cost: 2m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 3;
Prerequisite Charms: None Type: Simple
This Charm enables a ghost to discern information Keywords: None
about the history of either a single piece of soulsteel or Duration: One day
a soulsteel artifacti.e., one for which soulsteel is the Prerequisite Charms: Soulsteel Shaper
predominant magical material. He need only touch It is a well-known fact that items buried with the
the metal a moment and close his eyes as his player dead materialize in the Underworld as grave goods,
rolls (Perception + Craft). The Craft Ability required crystallizing from the strange Essence of that realm as
is determined by the type of object in question. exact copies of their living-world counterparts. Using
If the roll succeeds, the player may ask the Storyteller this Charm, a ghostly artisan makes grave goods Es-
one straightforward question per success regarding the sence malleable, allowing him to reshape such items
into new forms. He can add supplementary materials

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to the new item for support or decoration, so long as This Charm is similar to Grave Goods Shaping
he doesnt exceed 10 percent of the original objects Technique in that it lets a ghostly artisan change one
mass. He can also break the original object down into item into another (or into a set of smaller ones). The
smaller individual items, so long as each new item items in question in this case, though, are soulsteel
consists of no more than 90 percent of the original artifacts rather than simply grave goods. The restric-
material. As long as he abides by those restrictions, tions on mass and composition remain the same as
he can fashion a completely new and fully functional for Grave Goods Shaping Technique, and it likewise
item (or set of items) from the originals materials. takes seven days to complete the transformation per
The resulting item(s) retain any magical properties dot of Artifact the original item represents. The new
the original had, though every individual piece in a item retains the magical properties of the original.
matching set made from a single item must be together If the finished product is a set of smaller items, the
for those magical properties to function. originals magical properties function only when all
Changing a single grave goods item into a new the items in the new set are together.
form takes seven days per dot of the Grave Goods The new artifact a ghost creates cannot be of a
Background the original item represents. The ghost higher Artifact value than the original was. A ghost
may spend the required Essence in a lump sum up front cannot use this Charm, for instance, to re-forge a
or spread the cost out day by day. He may pay off the reaver daiklave into a thinner grand daiklave or a
balance at any time. dire chain into a long powerbow. Use the guidelines
on pages 13-18 of The Books of Sorcery, Vol. III
SOULSTEEL REBUILDING TECHNIQUE Oadenols Codex to compare the relative power of
Cost: 3m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 4;
a proposed new artifact to the original.
Type: Simple
Keywords: None SOULSTEEL FORGING
Duration: One day Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 4, Essence 4;
Prerequisite Charms: Soulsteel Shaper Type: Simple

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 137

 Keywords: None SAVAGE GHOST TAMER ARTS
Duration: One day When a person dies, his savage po (i.e., his hungry
Prerequisite Charms: Soulsteel Rebuilding Technique ghost) remains nearby to look after the body. When
No matter how skilled a ghost with the pre- the body rots, the hungry ghost drops into the Un-
requisite Charm is at transforming one soulsteel derworld where it runs wild either alone or in packs.
artifact into another, its much harder to work raw With this Arcanos, a more intelligent ghost can
soulsteel into fine artifacts. Under normal circum- subdue and tame these hungry ghosts and use them
stances, only Exalted artificers have that capacity. like leashed hounds.
With this Charm, however, the ghost internalizes
the knack for working the metal, twisting the Es- TASTE THE DEMON WIND
sence and torturing the imprisoned souls into the Cost: 2m; Mins: Valor 1, Essence 1; Type: Simple
proper shapes. Keywords: None
Forging items of soulsteel takes just as long as Duration: Instant
forging similar objects of normal materials, which Prerequisite Charms: None
can require ghosts to activate this Charm again This Charm is integral to the practice of taming
and again until the project is finished. When the savage wraiths, as it lets a ghost know where and in
work is done, the item has all the standard abilities what number hungry ghosts can be found. Its also a
of its designed form, as well as the basic soulsteel handy Charm to have for any ghost who doesnt relish
bonuses. (See Exalted, pp. 387 and 390 for the bo- the idea of being caught unawares by packs of these
nuses soulsteel grants to close-combat and ranged dead predators. When the ghost actively, intentionally
weapons and to armor.) This Charm does not al- extends his senses to make himself aware of nearby
low a ghost to imbue a new artifact with any other hungry ghosts, his player rolls (Perception + Pres-
magical properties or powers as an Exalted artificer ence). If the roll succeeds, the ghost receives a sense
would be able to do. that extends over a range determined by the number
of successes, as follows:
SOULSTEEL MINERS SENSE Successes Range
Cost: 5m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 4;
1 100 yards
Type: Simple
2 250 yards
Keywords: None
Duration: One hour per success 3 500 yards
Prerequisite Charms: Soulsteel Rebuilding Tech- 4 one mile
nique 5+ five miles
A ghost with this Charm can use it to locate Within that range, the ghost can tell the number
the black, argillaceous ore of the Labyrinth that is and location of all present hungry ghosts. This aware-
one of the two main components of soulsteel (the ness manifests as a sound (like faint howling that no
other component being souls). When the ghost one else can hear), a smell (like rotting remains) or a
activates this power, the player rolls (Perception sudden frisson of cold down the spine. Once the ghost
+ Craft [Earth]). For every success on the roll, the is aware of the hungry ghosts, he remains aware of them
ghost gains a keen internal sense of where the near- for as long as they remain in the range determined by
est unmined deposit of the ore can be found. This his successes. He does not gain any awareness of hungry
sense manifests by reducing the difficulty to find or ghosts who enter that range after the Charm is activated
mine the soulsteel ore by one. If this bonus reduces or who leave that range then return.
the difficulty to 0, the ghost can walk right to the CALL THE RAVENING HOUND
vein of ore with his eyes shut and tell exactly how Cost: 8m, 1wp; Mins: Valor 2, Essence 1;
deeply in the Labyrinths wall it is buried. Type: Simple (Speed 4, DV -1)
This sense works only while the ghost is in the Keywords: Compulsion
Labyrinth himself. If he leaves the Labyrinth for any Duration: Instant
reason before the powers duration expires, he must Prerequisite Charms: Taste the Demon Wind
reactivate it once he reenters the hellish maze if he If a ghost is in trouble, is very confident or is a
intends to keep searching. villain bent on causing havoc, she can use this Charm
to summon nearby hungry ghosts. As the player rolls

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(Manipulation + Presence), the ghost throws back her duration lapses, any hungry ghosts who are already
head and lets out a terrible, shrieking howl that can be in pursuit wont necessarily give up the chase. New
heard as far away as the successes on the roll indicate. hungry ghosts wont necessarily join in the chase
Any ghost who has this Charm recognizes the sound, either, though.
as will any character in whose presence the Charm has DIVERSION OF THE SAVAGE HUNTER
been used before. Cost: 12m; Mins: Valor 2, Essence 1; Type: Simple
When this horrible call goes out, every hungry ghost Keywords: Illusion
in range stops what its doing and howls in response Duration: One scene
as a miscellaneous action, when thats relevant. Those Prerequisite Charms: Call the Ravening Hound
nearest the one who sent out the call, up to a maximum For the young ghost or neophyte ghost tamer, Taste
determined by successes on the roll, then turn and make the Demon Wind is the best means of avoiding regret-
all due haste toward the origin of the summons. (If only table entanglements with savage hungry ghosts. If you
one or a small handful of hungry ghosts from a larger know where the hungry ghosts are, you can avoid them
pack bolt, the others might follow as well.) from the start. Those who cant avoid drawing hungry
The number of successes on the activation roll ghosts attention, however, must rely on this Charm.
determine the range over which the call can be heard With it, the wraith makes herself imperceptible to every
and the number of hungry ghosts compelled to respond hungry ghost in the vicinity.
as follows: To use the Charm, the ghost stands perfectly still
Successes Range Hungry Ghosts and spends the required Essence as her player rolls (Per-
1 100 yards 1 ception + Presence), difficulty 2. On a success, hungry
2 250 yards 2 ghosts can no longer see, hear or smell the character.
3 500 yards 4 If she attacks one of them, however, that hungry ghost
4 one mile 8 once more becomes aware of her presence.
5+ five miles 20 Some ghosts who have been marked by Ferocious
Predator Beacon can use this Charm to mitigate its
FEROCIOUS PREDATOR BEACON effects for one scene. The affected ghost must have
Cost: 10m, 1wp (1xp or 2xp to extend); Mins: Valor 4, a higher Essence rating than the one who put the
Essence 3; Type: Simple mark on her had at the time the mark was levied.
Keywords: Compulsion, Obvious, Touch Thereafter, any time the affected ghosts activa-
Duration: One hour tion of this Charm exceeds the successes rolled to
Prerequisite Charms: Call the Ravening Hound inflict the mark, the affected ghost hides the mark
To use this Charm, the ghost touches his target as for one scene.
the player rolls (Manipulation + Presence), difficulty
2. (Touching the target calls for an unarmed Martial TAME THE WICKED APPETITE
Arts attack if the target is wisely unwilling to stand still Cost: 8m; Mins: Valor 2, Essence 2;
for it.) If the roll succeeds, a ghastly white handprint Type: Simple (Speed 3, DV -0)
outlined in red appears on the targets chest and back, Keywords: Emotion
visible through any clothes or armor hes wearing. The Duration: One scene
beacon lasts for one hour. If the player spends one expe- Prerequisite Charms: Diversion of the Savage Hunger
rience point when he activates the Charm, the beacon Using this Charm instantly renders nearby hungry
lasts for a year. If he spends two experience points, it ghosts as docile as lambs, whether theyre stalking prey,
is permanent. The Essence that empowers this Charm guarding their mortal remains or worrying victims bod-
is committed if the ghost uses it for only the standard ies to ribbons at the time. Affected hungry ghosts stop
one-hour duration. If the player spends experience what theyre doing immediately and remain calm for the
points to extend the duration, however, that Essence rest of the scene unless someone tries to do them harm.
is no longer committed. If anyone inflicts damage on a hungry ghost under this
While the beacon exists, all hungry ghosts in Charms effects, said effects end instantly.
line of sight are irresistibly compelled to hunt down Using this Charm requires a (Charisma + Presence)
and devour the target. They give chase until either roll. A successful roll affects hungry ghosts within 10
theyre destroyed or they lose the scent. When the yards per dot of Valor the ghost has, up to a maximum
determined as follows:

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 139

 Successes Hungry Ghosts Affected cant follow it. Instead, they pause in confusion for
1 1 one miscellaneous action then resume whatever they
2 3 were doing before.
3 5 DUST COMMANDS LITANY
4 10 Cost: 12m, 1wp; Mins: Valor 2, Essence 3;
5+ 20 Type: Simple
When the normal duration of this Charm lapses, Keywords: Compulsion
the ghost can spend a mote of Essence to extend the Duration: One scene
duration for another hour. Doing so affects all the Prerequisite Charms: Command the Hungry Devil
hungry ghosts that were calmed by the original roll. If This Charm builds on its prerequisite and functions
the character needs the hungry ghosts for longer-term exactly the same way. The only difference (other than
service, the player may spend an experience point in cost) is that it allows the ghost tamer to issue simple
addition to the cost of activating the Charm. Doing so commands to all the hungry ghosts allowed by the
makes the calming effect permanent. Even inflicting activation rolls threshold successes for the rest of the
damage on an affected hungry ghost does not make it scene. Also, the ghost tamer can extend the duration
revert to its savage ways, though it will defend itself. of the effect for another scene at the end of each scene
by spending an additional mote of Essence.
COMMAND THE HUNGRY DEVIL
Cost: 8m, 1wp; Mins: Valor 3, Essence 2; GHOSTLY HARNESS EXERCISE
Type: Simple Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Valor 3, Essence 3;
Keywords: Compulsion Type: Simple
Duration: Instant Keywords: Servitude, Touch
Prerequisite Charms: Call the Ravening Hound Duration: One month
While it can be useful in a pinch to summon and Prerequisite Charms: Tame the Wicked Appetite,
rile up nearby hungry ghosts, doing so is mostly an Command the Hungry Devil
exercise in convenient chaos. When surrounded by A ghost with Tame the Wicked Appetite can calm
hungry ghosts, its more useful to make them follow hungry ghosts, but she cant give them commands. A
orders. This Charm enables a ghost to do just that. ghost who also knows Command the Hungry Devil
The ghost need only spend the motes and Willpower can calm hungry ghosts and give them commands but
and issue a single, simple commandanything from cant train them and make them her own. Even if she
Stop! to Flee! to Rip that woman apart! to Jump makes the duration of Tame the Wicked Appetite
off this cliff! to Destroy each other! or anything she permanent, all she winds up with are calm, intractable
can imagine. The player rolls (Manipulation + Pres- hungry ghosts who dont do what theyre told. Only
ence), difficulty 2. Threshold successes determine how this Charm allows a ghost to truly make hungry ghosts
many of the present hungry ghosts obey the command, willing and able to be trained.
as follows: To use this Charm, the ghost need only touch
Threshold Successes Hungry Ghosts the head of a hungry ghost, which could require an
0 1 unarmed Martial Arts attack if the ghost hasnt used
1 3 one of the prerequisite Charms first to get the hungry
ghost under control. When the Charm is activated,
2 5
the hungry ghost forms an instant bond with its new
3 10 master. The hungry ghost wont attack its master for
4 20 any reason, even under supernatural compulsion, and
5+ 30 it will respond to her training. That is, the hungry
The hungry ghosts all follow the same command ghost can now be trained by the ghost who used this
immediately, to the best of their ability and with no Charm on it, whereas it could not be trained at all by
regard for their own potential destruction. The com- anyone before.
mand must be a simple one, however. If the order is Training takes one month and lasts thereafter until
too complexsuch as, Fight each other one by one the hungry ghost is destroyed. The ghost tamer can train
in order of weakest to strongest!the hungry ghosts as many hungry ghosts at a time in the same month as

140
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she can afford to affect with this Charm at the begin- simple commands without the new master having to use
ning. Once the hungry ghosts are trained, she can issue Command the Hungry Devil. The hungry ghost will also
simple commands to them without using Command the refrain from attacking its former master unless its new
Hungry Devil. The hungry ghosts remain unwilling to master commands it to do so. It does not follow its former
attack their master for any reason and will even come masters commands, however, unless the former master
to her defense if they know shes in trouble. Unless the uses Command the Hungry Devil or Dust Commands
master trains them otherwise or keeps them tightly in Litany. (Even then, the former master cannot command
check, they treat everyone else the way hungry ghosts the hungry ghost to harm its new master.)
normally would. Only the current master of a hungry ghost can
use this Charm to transfer ownership to a new master.
SPIRIT-HANDLING LEASH The current master need not be the same person who
Cost: 5m, 2wp; Mins: Valor 3, Essence 3;
used Ghostly Harness Exercise on the hungry ghost
Type: Simple
to train it, though. The ghost tamer who most recently
Keywords: Obvious, Touch
used Ghostly Harness Exercise on the hungry ghost is
Duration: Instant
considered to be the hungry ghosts former master for
Prerequisite Charms: Ghostly Harness Exercise
this Charms purposes. Therefore, if one ghost tamer
This Charm allows a trainer of hungry ghosts to
receives a hungry ghost from another trainer, it be-
turn over control of hungry ghosts tamed with the
hooves him to retrain the hungry ghost himself (with
prerequisite Charm to new masters. He must touch
the prerequisite Charm) before he transfers ownership
the hungry ghosts head and the new masters hand
to a new ghost.
at the same time, as an evanescent leash of Essence
extends briefly from one to the other. Thereafter, the SHIFTING GHOST-CLAY PATH
new master commands the hungry ghost as if she were No longer locked in the prison of ever-degrading
the one who had used Ghostly Harness Exercise on the mortal flesh, the ghostly corpus experiences a remarkable
hungry ghost in the first place. degree of freedom post mortem. The most astounding
Thereafter, the hungry ghost will not attack its new expression of that freedom is the newfound malleability
master for any reason, and it follows the new masters a ghosts body takes on, allowing it to be reshaped into

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 141

 a different form. It is with this popular Arcanos that spent to affect the change remains committed until
such transformations are accomplished. the duration lapses.
Only ghosts can be transformed with these Charms,
though a ghost using the Puppeteers Masterful Hand
NINE TERRORS VISAGE
Cost: 6m; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 1;
Charm (see p. 148) can cause changes made by this
Type: Simple
Arcanos to temporarily transform the flesh of his pos-
Keywords: Emotion, Moliation, Obvious, Shaping
sessed host.
Duration: One hour
WAXEN GHOSTLY FLESH Prerequisite Charms: Waxen Ghostly Flesh
Cost: 5m; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 1; With a little practice, a ghost develops a repertoire of
Type: Simple effective faades for use in different situations. Some are
Keywords: Moliation, Obvious, Shaping terrifying, some are beautiful, and some are just disguises.
Duration: One scene The ghost need only spend a day designing and shaping
Prerequisite Charms: None a faade for later use. Designing a new visage requires a
This Charm makes possible any cosmetic change successful (Intelligence + Craft [Moliation]) roll. (See
the ghost can imagine. With it, the ghost can change p. 115 for a full description of that new Craft Ability.)
his height, girth, tone, color and appearance in any Physically creating the designed visage requires a suc-
way he sees fit. He is capable of any change on the cessful (Dexterity + Craft [Moliation]) roll, difficulty 2.
spectrum of human variation and beyond. As the When the character is satisfied with her new visage, she
ghost spends the requisite Essence, he pushes and spends the requisite six motes of Essence to lock in that
pulls on his features, molding them like clay. With visage. Thereafter, she can assume that visage instantly
concentration, he can change the color of his flesh in by spending the Essence to activate this Charm. The
any way he pleases, even adding an iridescent sheen to chosen visage then remains in place for one hour. The
its surface. The ghost can even add inhuman features ghost can extend the duration at the end of the hour by
or hide human characteristics. spending one Willpower point. She can do so again at
Using this Charm requires a (Dexterity + Craft the end of each subsequent hour. The Essence remains
[Moliation]) roll. (See p. 115 for a full description of committed until the duration lapses.
that new Craft Ability.) The difficulty varies based on Aside from an array of normal faces, the ghost can
the complexity of the change. Changing ones skin, hair also create unique visages with special Emotion effects.
or eye color is difficulty 1. Changing a facial feature is Doing so increases the difficulty of the roll to physi-
difficulty 2. Altering ones body shape is difficulty 3. cally create the faade by 2. Sample effects a ghost can
Fashioning a nonhuman feature is difficulty 4. Any generate include:
change imaginable is possible, though with certain Fearsome Visage: Anyone who sees the ghosts
restrictions. The primary consideration is that the face is overcome by terror. Affected characters players
ghost must reshape himself into a form with a roughly must make successful Valor rolls for their characters. If
equivalent mass as his original form. Second, the ghost a Valor roll fails, the character flees the scene in abject
cannot grant himself natural weapons, natural armor terror. If the character is forced to fight the ghost wearing
or superhuman capabilities. The ghost can reshape his such a hideous visage in self-defense, his player suffers
arms into wings, but that wont allow him to fly. He a -2 internal penalty to all rolls.
can change his narrow mouth into a gaping lamprey Unsettling Physiognomy: The ghosts face
maw, but his bite attacks inflict no more damage than is either so outright disgusting or so subtly wrong in
usual. Finally, the new form must remain roughly hu- proportion that people who look on her are deeply
manoid. The ghost cannot use this Charm to literally troubled by what they see. Unless an onlookers player
transform himself into a ghostly animal or a chair or succeeds on a Willpower roll, the onlooker suffers a -1
what have you. internal penalty for the rest of the scene for any physi-
At the end of the scene, the ghosts reshaped cor- cal action. This penalty results from either nausea or
pus flows back into its original shape. The ghost can overwhelming unease, depending on just what makes
forestall this automatic transformation for one hour by the ghosts face so unsettling.
spending a Willpower point. Every hour thereafter, the Vision of Loveliness: Seeing the ghosts won-
ghost may spend another Willpower point to forestall drously beautiful face calls for a Temperance roll. If that
the change for a subsequent hour. The Essence he roll fails, the ghosts beauty entrances the character.

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For as long as the ghost wears that faade, the character Many Charms of this Arcanos allow the ghost to
suffers a -2 penalty to his MDVs to resist doing as the make useful changes in her corpus, but those changes
ghost wants. Hell even take his own initiative to do dont last very long unless the ghost spends massive
what he thinks the ghost would like. amounts of Willpower. This Charm allows a ghost to
A character attempts to resist the Emotion effect extend the effectiveness of Charms that enable her to
of a ghosts use of Nine Terrors Visage once, the first reshape herself. Once the ghost has activated such a
time he sees it in a scene. If he resists successfully, he is Charm, she then activates Steeling the Spirit with the
thereafter immune to that visages Emotion effect. If he proper expenditure of Essence and Willpower. The player
fails, his difficulty to resist that ghosts use of that visage then rolls Willpower. For every success on the Willpower
increases by 1 the next time he sees it after that scene. roll, the effects of the transformation Charm last for one
If the character fails to resist the same visage from the day, rather than the Charms listed duration.
same ghost four consecutive times, he can no longer A ghost can use this Charm only on effects that
even attempt to resist its Emotion effect until his Mo- change her own corpus, but those changes can be ones
tivation changes or he undergoes some other significant either she or someone else imposed on her flesh. A ghost
psychological metamorphosis. If a character is Exalted, cannot extend the duration of the soak-boosting effects
however, he resists the visages special effect at the same of Yielding Spirit Form with this Charm.
base difficulty every time, regardless of how many times
he might consecutively try and fail to do so.
GHOST-DEVIL FORM
Cost: 10m; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 2;
YIELDING SPIRIT FORM Type: Simple
Cost: 4m; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 1; Keywords: Moliation, Obvious, Shaping
Type: Reflexive (Step 8) Duration: One scene
Keywords: Moliation, Obvious Prerequisite Charms: Nine Terrors Visage, Steeling
Duration: Instant the Spirit
Prerequisite Charms: Waxen Ghostly Flesh Similar to Nine Terrors Visage, this Charm allows
In combat, the ghost suffuses his corpus with Essence a ghost to design a transformation that he can later
that makes it malleable and slightly fluid, allowing it to adopt instantaneously when circumstances call for it.
soak up a measure of an attacks kinetic energy harm- Rather than just changing his face for the occasion,
lessly. In Step Eight of combat resolution (see Exalted, though, he can reshape his entire corpus, exceeding the
p. 149), the ghost activates this Charm and his player limitations of Waxen Ghostly Flesh. His new form can
rolls (Dexterity + Craft [Moliation]). (See p. 115 for sport natural weapons or armor. It can include extra
a full description of that new Craft Ability.) Every sets of fully functional limbs. It can be up to twice the
success on this roll adds to the characters appropriate ghosts normal size (though it cant be much smaller
soak total against that attack. than the ghosts original size), and it can be completely
Attacking a ghost whos using this Charm is similar inhuman. Special effects such as those made possible
to attacking a wet clay effigy. Fists and weapons deform by Nine Terrors Visage are also available here. Some
the ghosts corpus but dont significantly damage it. of the traits for special features a ghost can create with
Arrows punch through it and come out the other side. this Charm include:
The ghost still feels these injuries, but only abstractly. Special Feature Traits
No matter how badly beaten out of shape the ghosts Additional Eyes +2 on all visual-based Perception
body is, limbs that suffer no actual damage thanks to rolls
this Charm still function as normal. The deforma- Affecting Visage Per the Nine Terrors Visage
tions caused by attacks that inflict no damage flow Charm
back into their original shape in two ticks per level Armored Hide +2L/+2B, stackable with worn
of damage soaked. armor
STEELING THE SPIRIT Claws Speed 5, Accuracy +1, Damage
Cost: 7m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 3; +3L, Defense +1, Rate 2
Type: Simple Extra Arms Offsets multiple action penalty (see
Keywords: Moliation Exalted, p. 124) by one per extra set
Duration: One day per success of limbs (to a maximum of three)
Prerequisite Charms: Yielding Spirit Form

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 143

 Fanged Maw Speed 6, Accuracy +1, Damage
+4L, Defense , Rate 1
Huge Size Two extra -2 health levels
Prehensile Tail As per one set of extra arms
Spikes Successful unarmed Martial Arts
attacks on the ghost inflict 3L on
the attacker
Suckers +4 dice on clinch attacks
A ghost must design his expression of Ghost-
Devil Form before he can wear it. Designing the
form requires a successful (Intelligence + Craft
[Moliation]) roll. (See p. 115 for a full description
of that new Craft Ability.) The base design time is
one day, plus an additional day per special feature
the final form will contain. Once the ghost has
designed the form, reshaping himself in that image
for the first time requires a successful (Dexterity +
Craft [Moliation]) roll. The base difficulty of the
roll is 3. Each special feature requires an additional
(Dexterity + Craft [Moliation]) roll, difficulty 2.
Once the ghost is satisfied with the form hes cre-
ated, he spends the requisite 10 Essence to lock in
that form. Thereafter, any time he wants to take
on his new form, he may spend the same amount
of Essence to activate the Charm and transform
instantaneously. He remains in that new shape for
one scene unless he then uses Steeling the Spirit
to extend the duration.
A character may have as many different
locked-in expressions of Ghost-Devil Form as
he pleases, so long as he designs and physically
fashions each one separately.
WEIGHTED WITH THE ANCHOR OF FLESH
Cost: 20m, 2wp; Mins: Compassion 5, Essence 3;
Type: Simple
Keywords: Moliation
Duration: One hour
Prerequisite Charms: Ghost-Devil Form
This is the Charm many ghosts use to manifest
physically in Creation. Its expensive, but it requires
no roll. (In shadowlands, it doesnt even cost Will-
power points.) To use it, the ghost simply spends
the requisite points while shes present in Creation.
The weight of her former living body settles on her
corpus once more as she becomes both visible and
solid. Keep in mind that the ghost becomes physical
in whatever form her corpus is currently in. If other
Charms in this Arcanos have been used on the ghosts
body (even Ghost-Devil Form), the transformed
body is the one that manifests.

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 The ghost can then interact physically with the Type: Simple
living world, and physical attacks can damage her body. Keywords: Moliation, Obvious, Shaping, Touch
Her injuries bleed when shes wounded, though her Duration: One day
blood vanishes when it is no longer in contact with Prerequisite Charms: Ghost-Devil Form, Stolen Wax
her body. If inflicted damage kills her, her physical Discipline
body collapses then dissipates into the Underworld. Shaping the Obedient Servant allows a masquer
This physical shell lasts for one hour, and the char- to apply the range of changes made possible by Ghost-
acter can extend the duration by an additional hour per Devil Form to a willing ghost. Just as with Ghost-Devil
additional Willpower she spends on the effect. (The Form, the ghost must first design the new form then
Essence remains committed until the duration lapses.) apply it to the target. The rolls and difficulties for each
She is still a ghost during that time, however, so she is are the same as for Ghost-Devil Form. Completing
still susceptible to effects that apply to ghosts. implementation of a new form costs nine motes of
Essence and one Willpower point. Once the artist has
STOLEN WAX DISCIPLINE designed a new form, he can apply it to as many other
Cost: 5m, 1lhl; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 2;
willing ghosts as he can afford to. The appropriate
Type: Simple
(Dexterity + Craft [Moliation]) rollssee page 115 for
Keywords: Moliation, Obvious, Shaping, Touch
a full description of Craft (Moliation)are required
Duration: One hour per dot of Essence
anew for every subject (as is the activation cost), but
Prerequisite Charms: Waxen Ghostly Flesh
so long as the design doesnt change, the design roll
This Charm allows a masquer to apply the effects
need be made only once.
of Waxen Ghostly Flesh to another ghosts body. The
Once a ghost implements the designed changes
target ghost must be willing to be transformed, and
upon his subject, the new form lasts for one day. The
the artist must mold and reshape the targets body
subject cannot switch her form back unless she has
physically, like a potter working wet clay. The roll
Charms that allow her to reshape her corpus. Also,
for, difficulty of and possible scope of alterations are
the imposed form is not considered to be locked in
the same as for Waxen Ghostly Flesh. All changes
like a ghosts own personal use of Ghost-Devil Form
last for one hour per dot of Essence the masquer
would be. If the subject wishes to take that same
has and cannot be extended by spending Willpower
form again after the duration elapses, she must have
points. Extending the duration requires the target to
someone with this Charm reshape her. If the subject
use Steeling the Spirit or the artist to use Prison of
wants to use Ghost-Devil Form to re-create the shape,
the New Form.
she must design the form herself from scratch. The
BROKEN MOLD STRIKE subject may, however, extend the effects of the Charm
Cost: 7m; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 3; as the artist completes the transformation. Doing so
Type: Supplemental requires the expenditure of experience points, as well
Keywords: Moliation, Obvious, Touch as a successful Willpower roll. One experience point
Duration: Instant (or one hour) extends the duration to one month. Two points makes
Prerequisite Charms: Stolen Wax Discipline the duration one year, and three points make the ef-
This Charm allows one ghost to inflict hideous fects permanent.
damage to another in combattearing off, boiling The masquer commits the Essence to maintain his
away or knocking apart her victims corpus. Broken transformed creation unless the subject spends experi-
Mold Strike supplements an unarmed Martial Arts at- ence points to increase the duration of the effect.
tack that must successfully connect with the victim. If
the attack does connect, the attackers player makes a
PRISON OF THE NEW FORM
Cost: 12m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 4, Essence 3;
reflexive (Strength + Compassion) roll. Then, rather
Type: Simple
than the attacks normal raw damage, the supplemented
Keywords: Moliation, Touch
attack inflicts raw damage equal to (Willpower +
Duration: One week per success
[Strength + Compassion] roll successes + attacks
Prerequisite Charms: Broken Mold Strike
threshold successes).
With this Charm, a ghost reminds another ghosts
SHAPING THE OBEDIENT SERVANT flesh of the static nature it had in life. The ghost must
Cost: 9m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 3; touch her target, which requires an unarmed Martial

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 145

 Arts attack if the target is unwilling, and spend the SOUL-WHISPERING EMPATHY DISCIPLINE
requisite Essence. If the touch makes contact, the Cost: 3m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 1;
ghosts player rolls (Stamina + Compassion). The Type: Simple
targets player makes a reflexive Conviction roll to Keywords: None
resist. For every success that the attackers players roll Duration: One scene
gets in excess of the targets resistance roll, the targets Prerequisite Charms: Spirit-Catching Eye Technique
form becomes inviolable for one week. The target can By paying close attention for a moment to a target
still take damage, but he cannot be subjected to any in her line of sightbe that target ghost or mortal
Shaping effects that alter his corpus while this effect a ghost can perceive that targets thoughts. As the
lasts. (He does still suffer from attacks supplemented by character spends the requisite points, the player rolls
Broken Mold Strike and enjoy the protection granted (Manipulation + Awareness). The difficulty is equal
by Yielding Spirit Form.) Any pre-existing Charm to the targets Essence. If the roll succeeds, the ghost
effects that have already altered the targets corpus hears the targets surface thoughts as if the target were
remain in place for the duration of this Charm if this whispering them in her ear.
Charms duration is longer than the duration of the This mental eavesdropping lasts for one scene at the
pre-existing effect. base activation cost. At the end of that scene, the ghost
may extend the duration for another scene by spend-
THE STRINGLESS PUPPETEER ART ing another Willpower point. The ghost can maintain
Ghosts who wish to interact with the world of the contact thus until either she runs out of Willpower or
living but dont wish to put themselves in physical contact is otherwise broken. Death or injury to the
jeopardy doing so rely on this Arcanos. With it, they target breaks contact, as does injury or any significant
slip into the flesh of the living and either ride their distraction to the ghost. (Spending Willpower for any
hosts passively or exert total control over them. other reason than maintaining this Charms effects
SPIRIT-CATCHING EYE TECHNIQUE counts as a significant distraction.) Until one of those
Cost: 2m; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 1; things happens, though, the ghost can listen in on the
Type: Simple targets thoughts regardless of how far away and out of
Keywords: None sight the target goes. Essence spent to power this effect
Duration: Instant is committed until the duration lapses.
Prerequisite Charms: None Being able to hear someones surface thoughts is
Dutiful ghosts who practice this Arcanos are ob- not the same as being able to telepathically ransack a
ligated by their Underworld lieges to remain vigilant targets mind. If the ghost wants to learn some specific
for abuses of this power by their less scrupulous peers. piece of information, shell have to wait until the target
This basic Charm grants them the ability to carry out thinks of it on his own. Its perfectly fine to arrange
that obligation. With it, a character can spot another circumstances that cause the subject of interest to occur
ghost hidden inside someone elses body. to the target, though.
Upon activating the Charm, the character sees Most targets never even realize anyone else is listen-
in his minds eye a pale light emanating from within ing in on them. If the target is Exalted or has more than
the body of every ghost in his line of sight. If a ghost two dots of Compassion, though, he gets the uneasy
is hiding inside another character, the ghosts face sensation that hes being watched.
overlays the other characters face like a luminous SKIN-RIDING PRANA
mask. If the character sees a passenger ghost revealed Cost: 6m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 2; Type:
thus, the player may make a reflexive (Perception + Simple
Awareness) roll at difficulty 2. If the roll succeeds, Keywords: None
the character recognizes the ghost whose face he sees. Duration: One scene
Otherwise, all he can tell is that a ghost is hitching Prerequisite Charms: Soul-Whispering Empathy
a ride. Discipline
The light the character with this Charm sees is Activating this Charm is the same as for activating
not visible to anyone else. Therefore, ghosts revealed its prerequisite, calling for the same conditions and
by it are not automatically aware that the character the same roll at the same difficulty. Likewise, it works
can see them. on ghosts or mortals, and both Exalts and targets of

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sufficient Compassion have an unaccountable sense and attempt to either break the compartment open or
of being watched. Instead of allowing the ghost to break the item within. Breaking the compartment open
listen in on the targets surface thoughts, however, this requires inflicting at least three unsoaked levels of lethal
Charm lets the ghost sense what most of the targets damage with a specifically targeted attack. Likewise,
own senses observe. either the ghost herself or someone who has the ghost
For the duration of this Charm, which can be in her power can cut the compartment open outside
extended as per Soul-Whispering Empathy Discipline, of combat, though doing so still inflicts three levels of
the ghost can see, hear and even smell what the target unsoakable lethal damage. Broken Mold Strike (see p.
does in addition to what he himself can. These phantom 145) can cause the compartment to rupture with just a
sensations are only vague and suggestive unless the single level of damage, but the attack must still target
ghost concentrates on them to the exclusion of his own the compartment intentionally. Finally, if the ghost is
surroundings. Paying full attention to both the targets willing but lacks the Essence or the time to remove the
senses and his own requires a successful reflexive Wits stored item naturally, she can allow another ghost to
roll every action the ghost takes. Failing the roll means use Stolen Wax Discipline to painlessly pull back the
he loses details from his targets senses as hes forced flesh enclosing the compartment.
to pay closer attention to his own environment. For
this reason, many ghosts who use this Charm regularly
MORTAL-SHADOWING TECHNIQUE
Cost: 7m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 1;
to spy on their targets retreat to a safe location upon
Type: Simple
establishing contactone either well hidden or pro-
Keywords: Touch
tected by trusted guards.
Duration: One hour
SIX DEMON BAG Prerequisite Charms: Soul-Whispering Empathy
Cost: 5m, 1wp to create, 3m to eject; Mins: Compassion 2, Discipline
Essence 1; Type: Simple This Charm is one step away from outright posses-
Keywords: None sion. With it, a ghost steps directly into a mortals body
Duration: One day and rides around therein, experiencing everything the
Prerequisite Charms: Spirit-Catching Eye Technique, mortal feels. Making entry requires first a touch and
Skin-Riding Prana the expenditure of the activation cost. (The touch
A ghostly smuggler, assassin or courier who uses this could require an unarmed Martial Arts attack if the
Charm makes a part of her body into the eponymous prospective host actively resists.) As the ghost makes
container. Drawing a fingernail along her corpus, she contact, the player rolls (Dexterity + Awareness), at
causes a hollow, nigh-undetectable chamber to open up. a difficulty equal to the hosts Essence. If the roll suc-
This empty space can be up to one cubic foot in area, ceeds, the ghost melds with the target and becomes
and it can open into any part of the ghosts body. (The undetectable except by such Charms as Spirit-Catching
body parts size limits the size of the space, of course.) Eye Technique. A target who is aware of the ghostly
When the ghost puts an item to be hidden into this passenger can spend a Willpower point to try to expel
space and seals her corpus back over it, her flesh looks the uninvited guest. Doing so requires the hosts player
as whole and normal as ever. Storing objects in this to win a contested Willpower roll. If she succeeds, her
ingenious hiding place imposes a +4 external penalty character expels the ghost from her body. If she loses,
on any other characters attempts to locate concealed the character must endure the ghosts presence for the
items on the ghosts person. An observer who uses duration of the Charm.
Spirit-Catching Eye Technique as he searches the While the ghost shadows his host, he experiences
ghosts person will see the hidden object through the all of the hosts sensations as his own, including taste
ghosts corpus. and the sense of touch. He can also share the space with
Removing an object from its hiding spot can be easy other ghosts who use this Charm on the same host, so
or quite painful. At the end of the day, the empty com- long as all the other ghosts are merely passive observ-
partment opens, and the item pops out as the Charms ers like him. If the host is injured, the ghost feels the
duration expires. The ghost may spend three motes of damage and suffers an equal amount of bashing damage
Essence to eject the item herself before then. Other to his own corpus. If the host is killed, the shadowing
methods are less gentle. If an attacker knows where the ghost is ejected from the body automatically. Otherwise,
item is hidden, he can use a stunt to target that area the ghost remains for one hour. He may increase that

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 147

 duration to one day by spending an extra Willpower ity, Charisma or Perceptionwhichever is higher. He
point, keeping the Essence committed until he leaves relies on the host bodys Stamina and Appearance and
the mortals body. uses his own Manipulation, Intelligence and Wits. He
The intimacy of contact this Charm provides is can exert any of his own Abilities through the hosts
sufficient for a ghost with the Fertile Soul Endowment body as well. If the host has more dots than the ghost
Charm (see p. 135) to impregnate a mortal woman. in an Ability that has to do with some physical activity
or quality (such as Melee or Presence, respectively), the
INTANGIBLE GUARDIAN PRESENCE ghost can exert the hosts higher traits. If the Ability
Cost: ; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 3;
is purely mental or social, though (such as Occult or
Type: Permanent
Socialize), the ghost must use his own traits.
Keywords: Stackable
While the ghost possesses his host, he can use his
Duration: Permanent
Arcanoi as the Charms normal circumstances and
Prerequisite Charms: Mortal-Shadowing Technique
conditions allow. Even transformation Charms such as
Once a ghost enters a mortal or corpse body, this
Ghost-Devil Form are allowed. (These physical changes
Charm bolsters that vessel and makes it more durable.
lapse the moment the ghost leaves the host.) Costs for
Similar to the various Ox-Body Technique Charms,
Arcanos Charms come from the possessing ghosts Es-
this one adds health levels, though only to the body
sence pool. If the host is Exalted, the ghost has no access
the ghost is either shadowing or possessing outright. For
to the hosts Essence pool. He can use any artifacts to
each time the ghost has purchased this Charm, the body
which the Exalt was already attuned, however, and he
in which she is the passenger or puppeteer receives one
benefits from any current magical effects that already
extra -0 and -1 health level. These health levels apply
apply to the Exalts body. He cannot access the Exalts
only to the host body, and only while the ghost is within
Charms. If the Exalt has reflexive defensive Charms,
it using Mortal-Shadowing Technique or any possession
however, the Exalts player may still activate those
Charm that descends from it. When the ghost departs
Charms for his possessed character as circumstances
the body, the extra health levels disappear, taking any
necessitate. (Essence costs for those Charms come out
damage marked in them away.
of the possessed hosts Essence pool.) The Exalt himself
The ghost can buy this Charm as many times as
is not activating these Charms consciously. His instinct
she has dots of Compassion.
for self-preservation is simply taking over.
PUPPETEERS MASTERFUL HAND Possession granted by this Charm lasts for one
Cost: 7m, 2wp; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 2; hour. At the end of that hour, the ghost may extend
Type: Simple the duration for another hour by spending a Willpower
Keywords: None point. He can do so again at the end of each subsequent
Duration: One hour hour. The player must succeed at a new (Dexterity +
Prerequisite Charms: Mortal-Shadowing Technique Compassion) roll each time, though. If he doesnt, the
If a ghost just wants to ride around in a mortals body, ghost is ejected. The Essence that activates the Charm
feeling the sensations of life once more, he uses Mortal- remains committed until the ghost leaves the body.
Shadowing Technique. If that ghost wants to take total
control of his mortal host, he uses this Charm instead.
NEMISSARYS RIDE
Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 2;
He must already be riding within the mortal through
Type: Simple
the prerequisite Charm, after which he can attempt to
Keywords: None
exert total control. Doing so calls for an expenditure of
Duration: One day
the listed Essence and Willpower, as well as a successful
Prerequisite Charms: Mortal-Shadowing Technique
(Dexterity + Compassion) roll. The difficulty of that
This Charm allows a ghost to possess a host as per
possession roll is equal to twice the hosts Essence.
Puppeteers Masterful Hand, only it works on human
Success on the possession roll ejects any other
corpses rather than living beings. As the ghost spends the
ghostly passengers from the hosts body and breaks any
requisite Essence and Willpower, the player must succeed
other ghosts connections granted by Soul-Whispering
on a (Strength + Compassion) roll, difficulty 1. If the
Empathy Discipline or Skin-Riding Prana. The hosts
roll succeeds, the ghost becomes one with the corpse,
consciousness is subsumed as well, leaving the host
animating it with her own Attributes and Abilities.
unaware of what her body is doing. The possessing ghost
Once shes in, the ghost may exert her Arcanoi through
can exert either his own or his hosts Strength, Dexter-

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the body, but any attunements or reflexive Charms the Also, when the ghost activates this Charm, he
previous owner of the body might have had in life are no may commit additional Essence to bolster the corpses
longer available. The body has a mortals seven health durability. For every three additional motes he commits
levels (-0/-1/-1/-2/-2/-4/Incapicated). The wounds that when he activates this Charm, he adds one -2 health
ended the bodys former life do not contribute to these level to the corpse vessel. These additional health
wound penalties. Damage inflicted on the possessed levels last as long as the possession, though they may
corpse makes the body harder to control, though, as be added only when the Charm is activated. The levels
does unchecked rot that occurs before possession. are also compatible with those provided by Intangible
In choosing a corpse to possess, the ghost must be Guardian Presence.
aware of the effects of putrescence on a prospective
vessel. In temperate climates, a corpse exposed to the
INSTAURATION OF THE FLESHLY VESSEL
Cost: Varies; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 4; Type:
elements lasts about seven weeks before it starts to
Reflexive
come apart. A corpse in the frozen North or arid South
Keywords: None
might last months instead. A body left to rot somewhere
Duration: Instant
more humid might last only two or three weeks. After
Prerequisite Charms: The Embalmers Art
that grace period, the body loses two permanent health
Rot is one of those unavoidable inconveniences
levels every day as the flesh and sinew holding the limbs
nemissaries have to deal with on the job. With this
together comes undone. When it has no health levels
Charm, however, they can repair damage caused by
left, it is no longer suitable for possession.
violence or natural decay. Every four motes of Essence
This Charm lasts for one day, which does not contrib-
the ghost spends reverses one days worth of rot. As
ute to the aforementioned natural process of decay. When
described under Nemissarys Ride, an exposed corpse
the day is up, the ghost may pay the activation cost again
degrades day by day after a grace period determined by
to extend the duration to one week. She can do so week
the climate. Four motes spent to empower this Charm
by week for as long as she can afford the cost. Extending
repairs damage caused by one days post-grace-period
the duration in this way even once is very hard on the
decay. It can also roll back that grace-period count-
corpse, though. While it wont decay while shes still in
down. With enough motes, a character can return a
possession of it, the natural process of decay catches up
badly decayed corpse to the pristine condition it was
rapidly once the nemissary has been in possession of the
in the moment after it died. To use this aspect of the
body for more than a week. After that first week of pos-
Charm, the ghost must be possessing the corpse already,
session, the body falls to pieces all at once when the ghost
rebuilding it from within.
finally leaves it. Thereafter, no one else can use this Charm
The second aspect of this Charm allows a ghost to
on that body. The ghosts Essence remains committed to
heal damage the corpse sustains while shes in posses-
this effect until the nemissary leaves the body.
sion of it, though at the painful expense of her corpus.
THE EMBALMERS ART For the cost of only one mote, the ghost can dissolve
Cost: 15m, 2wp; Mins: Compassion 2, Essence 3; one health level of her own body to repair one health
Type: Simple level of damage to her corpse vessel. The damage can
Keywords: None be bashing or lethal; the type she heals is the type she
Duration: Indefinite takes. The ghost cannot use this Charm to heal damage
Prerequisite Charms: Nemissarys Ride from aggravated sources, from fire or from magic that
This Charm refines its prerequisite, making it specifically ruins undead fleshsuch as Blazing Solar
easier to perform and less damaging on the possessed Bolt or the Dazzling Flare effect of Essence Arrow At-
corpse. First, the possession requires no roll, and it tack. (See Exalted, pages 192 and 189 for descriptions
lasts for as long as the ghost commits the Essence. of those Charms.)
Second, while the ghost uses this Charm to possess a
corpse, the natural process of decay is halted. When
DEAD FUR CLOAK METHOD
Cost: 6m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 2;
the ghost finally leaves the body, decay resumes at its
Type: Simple
natural rate as if the intervening time of possession
Keywords: None
had not occurred. The decay rate does not catch up
Duration: Indefinite
to the body as it does after one week under the effects
Prerequisite Charms: Nemissarys Ride
of Nemissarys Ride.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 149

 This Charm refines its prerequisite such that or necromantic war machine, either of which can be as
the ghost can now possess the corpses of animals. big as a mansion. Much larger corpses or necromantic
The roll to possess the corpse is the same, as is the corpse-constructs, such as the Mask of Winters horrible
restriction that the body must still be reasonably Juggernaut, are too large for any single nemissary to
intact. Animals larger than a full-grown wolf are too pilot. Animating such tremendous masses of necrotic
difficult for a ghost to control properly, as are those flesh requires teams of nemissaries who all know this
smaller than a rat. Charm working in concert.
While hes in control of an animals corpse, the
ghost uses the animals Attributes and his own other TANGLED WEB ARTS
traits. He can also use any natural capabilities of the This Arcanos deals with the ties of his Passions that
animals form, such as a birds ability to fly or a sharks bind a ghost to his Fetters. With these Charms, a ghost
deadly grace in the water. The possession lasts for as is able to monitor, defend and manipulate those ties.
long as the ghost commits the motes. WORLD-BRIDGING MEDITATION
DRIVE THE NECROTIC COLOSSUS Cost: 4m; Mins: Temperance 1, Essence 1;
Cost: 10m, 1wp, 1xp; Mins: Compassion 3, Essence 4; Type: Simple
Type: Simple Keywords: None
Keywords: None Duration: Instant
Duration: One day Prerequisite Charms: None
Prerequisite Charms: Nemissarys Ride, Dead Fur Using this Charm requires a moment of quiet,
Cloak Method peaceful contemplation. As the ghost remembers his life
Nemissaries use this Charm to animate large corpses and thinks about those things that gave his existence
that exceed the limitations of its prerequisites. With meaning, he considers the connections that chain
it, the nemissary can animate a humanoid corpse up him to his current state. In this meditative state, the
to eight feet tall and weighing up to 400 pounds. He ghost senses the current status and condition of those
can also animate the corpse of a large natural animal connectionsi.e., his Fetters.

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 Achieving the peace necessary to use this Charm in Ghosts who have no experience using this Arcanos
a disruptive environment requires a successful Willpower must rely on comrades (or entrepreneurs) who know this
roll. When the character is relaxed enough, using the Charm. With it, a ghost lays hands on a fellow wraith
Charm requires a (Wits + Temperance) roll. If that roll and gets a sense of the condition of one of that wraiths
succeeds, the ghost chooses one Fetter and learns about Fetters. This information is comparable to that granted
its current condition. This information is general and by World-Bridging Meditation, though that Charms
vague, and it concerns only one Fetter per activation meditative calm is not required. The ghost need only
of this Charm. touch the wraith for whom hes checking in. He can
even take this information without the others consent
DEATH-AVOIDING MONITOR as long as he can touch him. (Touching an unwilling
Cost: 4m, 1wp, (1xp or 2xp to extend); Mins: Temper-
target requires an unarmed Martial Arts attack.)
ance 1, Essence 1; Type: Simple
Once the ghost has touched a target, his player
Keywords: None
makes a (Wits + Awareness) roll. The difficulty is (5 -
Duration: One week
the Fetters rating), with a minimum difficulty of 1. If
Prerequisite Charms: World-Bridging Meditation
the roll succeeds, the ghost gains insight equal to that
A ghost with more training in this Arcanos can
granted by World-Bridging Meditation. Only the ghost
apply more vigilance to a Fetter than this Charms
who uses this Charm gains this insight. Also, the ghost
prerequisite allows. With Death-Avoiding Monitor,
can look in on a specific Fetter only if his wraith target
the ghost concentrates on the important person or
is willing to have him do so. If the target is unwilling,
object and spends the motes and Willpower to activate
the ghost can look in only on the Fetter with the highest
the Charm. (The Fetter need not be in her presence
rating, no matter how many of the targets Fetters the
at the time.) The player then rolls (Perception +
ghost knows about. The Storyteller chooses between
Temperance). If the roll succeeds, the character gains
Fetters of equal ratings.
an ongoing background awareness of the subjects
condition. She need only think about the Fetter to be VEIL-PIERCING BINDING
informed of its condition. Cost: 5m, 2wp (1xp or 2xp to extend); Mins: Temper-
This awareness lasts for one week. If the Fetter is ance 4, Essence 2; Type: Simple
a physical object, the ghost is aware of whether and Keywords: None
how it is altered, damaged, repaired or destroyed. If Duration: One week
the Fetter is a person, the ghost knows about changes Prerequisite Charms: Extension of the Friendly
in the persons condition including injury, illness, Gaze
death, pregnancy or significant changes in emotional Once a ghost successfully uses Extension of the
makeup. Spending one experience point at the time Friendly Gaze on another ghost, she may use this
of activation extends this Charms duration to one Charm on her immediately following action. Doing
year. Spending two experience points makes the so grants her target of Extension of the Friendly Gaze
effect permanent. The character can activate Death- a continual background awareness of the Fetter on
Avoiding Monitor as many ongoing concurrent times which she just checked. This awareness is identical
as she can afford, but she can check in on only one to the awareness granted by the Death-Avoiding
Fetter at a time. Monitor Charm. Establishing this link requires a suc-
The Essence that empowers this Charm is com- cessful (Perception + Temperance) roll, difficulty 2.
mitted if the ghost uses it for the standard one-week Thereafter, the target need only concentrate a moment
duration. If the player spends experience points to to become aware of the Fetters current condition as
extend the duration, however, that Essence is no if the target had used Death-Avoiding Monitor on
longer committed. his own Fetter.
If the ghost who used this Charm so desires, she
EXTENSION OF THE FRIENDLY GAZE can grant herself the same awareness of a targets Fet-
Cost: 6m; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 1; ter as she grants the target. Doing so requires an extra
Type: Reflexive threshold success on the activation roll. Thereafter,
Keywords: Touch during the duration of the effect, the ghost may look
Duration: Instant in on her fellow wraiths Fetter at any time by spending
Prerequisite Charms: World-Bridging Meditation one mote of Essence.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 151

 This Charms effects last for one week. The ghost Duration: Instant
can extend the effect to one year by spending one ex- Prerequisite Charms: Extension of the Friendly
perience point at the time of activation. Spending two Gaze
points makes the effect permanent. The Essence that A ghost with the Extension of the Friendly Gaze
empowers this Charm is committed if the ghost uses it Charm can learn valuable information about another
for the standard one-week duration. If the player spends ghosts Fetters. She does so only at that other ghosts
experience points to extend the duration, however, that sufferance, though. If she tries to raid an unwilling ghost
Essence is no longer committed. for information, she gets information about only a single
Fetter. Plus, shes got to get close enough to touch the
MARK OF THE RELENTLESS HUNTER
ghost, which opens her up to the same risk if her target
Cost:6m,1wp(1xpor2xptoextend);Mins:Temperance2,
has Extension of the Friendly Gaze as well.
Essence 2; Type: Simple
With this Charm, however, the ghost can learn
Keywords: None
much more about a target and with much less risk. To
Duration: One week
do so, the ghost looks at a target wraith and spends
Prerequisite Charms: Death-Avoiding Monitor
the activation cost as the player rolls (Perception +
This Charm grants yet more information than
Occult), difficulty 3. If the roll succeeds, the ghost
either Death-Avoiding Monitor or Veil-Piercing
learns basic information about one of the targets Fet-
Binding. With it, a ghost chooses a Fetter (either one
ters, including that Fetters nature, its appearance, its
of his own or one thats currently subject to his use
connection to the ghost, its distance from the target
of Veil-Piercing Binding) and forges a strong mental
and the direction in which it lies. A successful roll
connection to it. Having done so, he can thereafter
also allows a new roll at the same difficulty. If that roll
sense its location and direction for the Charms dura-
succeeds, the ghost gains information about another
tion, even across the boundary between Creation and
of her targets Fetters. Each successful roll gives new
the Underworld.
information (starting with the targets most important
Forging this link requires a successful (Perception
Fetter and working down from there) and allows an
+ Awareness) roll. The difficulty is 1 if the Fetter
additional roll.
belongs to him; 2 if it belongs to someone else. (He
If a roll to use this Charm fails, the ghost cannot
can target someone elses Fetter only if hes currently
use Sensing the Delicate Strands against that same
aware of that Fetter through the use of Veil-Piercing
target again for one full day.
Binding, though.) If the roll succeeds, he can get a
mental fix on the items location and direction with CHAIN-SHATTERING DISCIPLINE
just a moments thought. Cost: 6m, 3wp; Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3;
Mark of the Relentless Hunter lasts for one week or Type: Simple
until the Fetter is destroyed. Spending one experience Keywords: None
point at the time of activation extends that duration Duration: Instant
to one year if the Fetter is not destroyed before then. Prerequisite Charms: Sensing the Delicate Strands
Spending two experience points makes the effect per- To use this wicked power, a ghost must first use the
manent. In that case, even the destruction or death prerequisite Charm to ferret out information regarding
of the Fetter might not break the connection. If the a target ghosts Fetters. Having done so, he physically
Fetter appears in the Underworld as a ghost or a relic takes hold of the metaphysical bond between target and
of an object, the ghost who used the Charm can still Fetter and snaps it in two. Breaking the bond requires
track it. The Essence that empowers this Charm is a (Strength + Temperance) roll, at a difficulty equal to
committed if the ghost uses it for the standard one- the sum of the targets Essence rating and the objects
week duration. If the player spends experience points Fetter rating.
to extend the duration, however, that Essence is no If the link does break, the object or person is no
longer committed. longer a Fetter for the target. No supernatural effect
treats it as such, and the Fetter provides no benefit for
SENSING THE DELICATE STRANDS
the target. The target is instantly aware of this loss,
Cost: 6m, 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
even if she had no supernatural perception of the Fet-
Type: Simple
ter active at the time. If the targets player does not
Keywords: None
succeed on a reflexive Willpower roll when the Fetter

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bond is broken, the target becomes catatonic with tion + Occult) roll to identify the source. Using this
despair for a number of days equal to the attackers Charm then calls for a (Wits + Temperance) roll. If it
Temperance rating. succeeds, the ghost inflicts five dice of lethal damage
If a ghost is so inclined, he can use this Charm to on the offender, which the offender can soak only with
break his connections to his own Fetters. his natural, unarmored soak. As a result, the offenders
attempt to monitor or tamper with the Fetter bond
WEAVER GUARDS THE LOOM automatically fails before it takes effect (even if the
Cost: 3m; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 2;
backlash inflicted no actual damage). Also, blood leaks
Type: Reflexive
from the offenders eyes, ears and nose for one minute
Keywords: None
per level of damage she suffers.
Duration: One day
Prerequisite Charms: Sensing the Delicate Strands TENACIOUS MERCHANTS WAY
Once a ghost learns how to sense the bonds of The economy of the dead is not entirely one of
other ghosts Fetters, she becomes all the more keenly coins and gems. Ghosts also trade in artifacts, relics
aware of her own. If someone else tries to look in on or and grave goods. Most precious to them is Essence, the
manipulate her Fetters with supernatural effects (such focus of this commercial Arcanos.
as Sensing the Delicate Strands), this Charm makes the
intrusion known to her. Weaver Guards the Loom does JANGLING COIN POUCH SENSE
not grant automatic protection or retaliation against Cost: 1m; Mins: Temperance 1, Essence 1;
such effects, but it can grant an idea of where the source Type: Simple
of the trouble is. Keywords: None
Activating this Charm requires a simple (Intelli- Duration: 10 minutes per success
gence + Awareness) roll. It lasts for one day, after which Prerequisite Charms: None
the ghost can reflexively renew it. While its active, The ghost cocks his ear and spends a mote of Essence
the ghosts player is allowed a reflexive (Perception + as his player rolls (Perception + Bureaucracy). If the roll
Temperance) roll any time another character attempts succeeds, the character can hear the faintest clinking
to detect or monitor one of the ghosts Fetters. If that of coins or rustle of scrip around him. That is, he can
roll succeeds in such an instance, the player is allowed automatically detect the presence of nearby money. It
a reflexive (Perception + Occult) roll, difficulty 3. If can be currency from the living world, official money
that roll succeeds, the ghost knows who is looking in on from the Underworld or hell money sacrificed by the
her Fetters and gets a rough idea of where that person living to departed relatives, as well as currency created
is. The person doing the spying remains unaware that by other Charms in this Arcanos. The sense lasts for 10
the ghost is onto him. minutes per success on the roll. The character cannot
automatically tell how much money exists in a given
FARMER DEFENDS THE UNHARVESTED FIELD location, but he can gauge the relative sizes of separate
Cost: 5m; Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3; amounts of money.
Type: Reflexive
Keywords: None EARNEST CREDITOR TECHNIQUE
Duration: Instant Cost: 3m; Mins: Compassion 1, Essence 1;
Prerequisite Charms: Weaver Guards the Loom Type: Simple
When someone attempts to spy on or tamper with Keywords: Touch
the Fetter bonds of a ghost with this Charm, the ghost Duration: Instant
strikes back viciously. If the ghost has activated Weaver Prerequisite Charms: None
Guards the Loom, and its effect successfully reveals to This Charm simply allows a ghost to transfer motes
him that someone is spying on or tampering with the from her Essence pool to someone else. She need only
bond between himself and one of his Fetters, the ghost touch the target, which might require an unarmed
may reflexively activate this Charm in response. Martial Arts attack if the target resists. Two of the
In order to be eligible to use this Charm, the ghosts three motes spent to activate the Charm transfer to the
player must have succeeded on Weaver Guards the target, who can be a ghost, a mortal, a god or an Exalt.
Looms reflexive (Perception + Temperance) roll to The ghostly creditor can transfer only two motes at a
detect the intrusion, as well as the subsequent (Percep- time per activation of the Charm.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 153

 CAREFUL DEBTOR STANCE motes to spend. The donor need not be willing for this
Cost: 1wp; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2; Charms purposes, however. The ghost need only touch
Type: Simple the target and spend three motes of Essence as the player
Keywords: Touch rolls (Conviction + Larceny). Touching an unwilling
Duration: Instant target requires an unarmed Martial Arts roll.
Prerequisite Charms: Earnest Creditor Technique On a successful roll, the ghost takes one mote from
This Charm allows a ghost to take motes of Es- the target per success. While this Charm is debilitating
sence from a willing party with motes to spend. The to the target, it is not necessarily profitable for the bold
ghost need only touch his creditor, and the creditor thief unless her player rolls well.
must be willing to allow the ghost to withdraw Es- REDIRECTED PRAYER PATH
sence. The ghost then spends one Willpower point Cost: 1wp; Mins: Temperance 2, Essence 3;
as the player rolls (Conviction + Bureaucracy). For Type: Simple
every success on the roll, the ghost may take one Keywords: None
mote of Essence. Duration: Instant
This Charm fails if the prospective creditor is Prerequisite Charms: Jangling Coin Pouch Sense
unwilling to transfer Essence. When a ghosts living descendants burn certain
BOLD THIEFS WAY goods (or paper replicas thereof) as an offering to
Cost: 3m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2; the ghosts memory, black jade tokens bearing the
Type: Reflexive ghosts name appear in the Underworld parallel to
Keywords: Touch the location in the living world where the burnt of-
Duration: Instant ferings were made. These coins are known as hell
Prerequisite Charms: Jangling Coin Pouch Sense money. The ghost whose name is on the hell money
This Charm is similar to the previous one in that can draw Essence and Willpower from it. The amount
it lets a ghost take Essence from another being who has is determined by the value of the sacrificed object.

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 Duration: Instant
GIVING AND TAKING ESSENCE Prerequisite Charms: Bold Thiefs Way
Since most Essence-using characters have This Charm allows a ghost to steal from a victim
only a single Essence pool, the Charms that allow not Essence or offerings, but that victims very corpus.
for the transfer or theft of Essence between par- The attacker grapples her target and devours as much
ties are fairly straightforward. When a character of his ghostly flesh as possible, replenishing her corpus
involved in such a transfer or theft has both a at her victims expense. For every two health levels
Peripheral and a Personal Essence pool, however, of damage the attacker inflicts on her target with a
an additional level of distinction is necessary. bite, the attacker can heal one level of damage to her
When a ghost gives Essence to a character own corpus.
with two Essence pools, that Essence goes into the Unless the attacker has had her jaw and teeth
recipients Personal Essence pool first, then into reshaped to allow for a reasonable attack, biting a
the recipients Peripheral Essence pool when his victim is not a very effective combat maneuver. A bite
other pool fills up. When a ghost takes Essence attack from a normally shaped human mouth has the
away from a character with two Essence pools, following traits: Speed 6, Accuracy -2, Damage +0L,
he takes it first from the characters Peripheral Defense , Rate 1. Attacking with a bite also reduces the
Essence pool, then from his Personal Essence attackers Dodge DV by two, rather than the standard
pool when the other pool is empty. -1 DV penalty for a normal Attack action.
An attacker must inflict at least two health levels
of damage with a bite before she can activate this
A ghost can still draw Essence (but not Willpower) Charm. (She must inflict damage in multiples of two
from a hell money coin with someone elses name on in order to recoup multiple health levels.) If she inflicts
it, but not as many motes as he could if the coin were only one level of damage, or none at all, she need not
addressed to him. activate the Charm, hence its reflexive nature.
If a ghost knows this Charm, however, he can
SECRET IMPERIAL MINT TECHNIQUE
appropriate another ghosts burnt offerings as they
Cost: (2m per dot), 1wp; Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3;
appear. To do so, he need only be within five yards
Type: Simple
of the spot in the Underworld where the hell money
Keywords: None
will appear. While the offering burns in the living
Duration: Instant
world, the ghost spends one Willpower point as his
Prerequisite Charms: Bold Thiefs Way
player rolls (Manipulation + Larceny). If the roll
This Charm allows a ghost to crystallize his Es-
succeeds, the hell money appears with his name on
sence into coins of local currency, whether hes in the
it and is his to use to its full potential. The ghost
Underworld or Creation. (He must be fully physically
for whom the hell money was originally intended
manifested to create money in Creation, though.) To
is out of luck.
use this Charm, the ghosts player rolls (Intelligence
If more than one ghost wants to appropriate a
+ Larceny) as the character spends one Willpower
burnt offering as its being made, the hell money
point and a variable amount of Essence. If the roll
goes to whichever characters player achieved more
succeeds, the ghost creates enough money for a single
successes on the activation roll. In the event of a tie,
purchase at a level of Resources equal to one dot per
contesting players should roll again. Characters are not
two motes spent. That is, if the roll succeeds and the
aware when their use of this power is contested, but
ghost spends two motes, he creates money sufficient
that fact is usually self-evident to the loser. If a ghost
for a single Resources purchase. Thats enough for,
with this Charm has reason to suspect that someone
say, a good short sword. The ghost can create only an
else is trying to appropriate his legitimate burnt offer-
effective number of Resources dots equal to or less than
ings, he can use this power himself to try to make sure
his Temperance rating.
his hell money goes where its supposed to.
The money this Charm creates is real, legitimate
CANNIBAL CALL local currency. The ghost can keep it for as long as he
Cost: 1wp; Mins: Temperance 3, Essence 3; pleases. Until he spends it all or otherwise gets rid of
Type: Reflexive (Step 10) it, however, he cannot use this Charm again to create
Keywords: Touch more money.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 155

 TERROR-SPREADING ART haunter spends a Willpower point when she activates
The dead did not give this Arcanos its name, for this Charm, though, she can move the cloud of darkness
its Charms are not designed for the singular purpose around as she desires as a miscellaneous action. She
the name implies. Mortals who have suffered at the can move the center of the cloud as far as her natural
hands of furious masters of this Arcanos, however, Move distance per miscellaneous action.
would attest that no other name does this collection PAINTING THE SUNSET PICTURE
of Charms justice. Cost: 4m; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2;
CORPSE-FED RADIANCE Type: Simple
Cost: 2m; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1; Keywords: Illusion, Obvious, Pandemonium
Type: Simple Duration: One scene
Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium Prerequisite Charms: Black Breath of the Abyss
Duration: One scene This Charm allows a haunter to hone his con-
Prerequisite Charms: None trol over light and darkness into an ability to create
Forcing back the heartless darkness of the Under- detailed illusions. Such illusions are somewhat basic:
world, the haunter emanates a wan light from his body. they tend to periodically flicker or blur slightly, and
This light can be pale white or any single color at a they appear translucent in strong light. Nonetheless,
time, and it shines with the intensity of late dusk in a they are three-dimensional images with a full color
clear sky. If two ghosts shine light of the same color, the palette, and they can be as large or as detailed as the
intensity increases to that of early dusk. The more ghosts haunter desires.
who work together, the brighter the light is. When up Creating an illusion with this Charm requires
to seven ghosts shine at the same time, their light is as a successful roll of (Wits + Craft [Pandemonium]).
bright as midday in the trackless desert. (See p. 116 for a full description of that new Craft
A ghost can use this Charm in the Underworld, the Ability.) The difficulty of a basic illusion, such as an
living world or shadowlands. The haunter need not be image of the haunter as a young man, is 1. A more
physically manifested for the light to be visible. complicated image, such as a re-creation of the scene
where the haunter was murdered, is difficulty 2. A
BLACK BREATH OF THE ABYSS huge and richly detailed image, such as a faithful re-
Cost: 8m; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 2; creation of a Solars palatial manse, is difficulty 3. At
Type: Simple the end of the standard duration, the character can
Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium spend one Willpower point to maintain the illusion
Duration: One scene for an additional hour. He can do so again and again
Prerequisite Charms: Corpse-Fed Radiance as each hour elapses. The ghost may also create as
As the ghost spends the Essence to activate this many individual illusions as he wishes, though doing
Charm, eerie blackness pours out of her mouth and so requires a separate activation of the Charm for
nose and runs from her eyes like tears. This blackness each illusion. Finally, the haunter may create these
is as empty and dark as the space between the stars, illusions in the Underworld, shadowlands or Creation.
and it extends in a pulsing, quivering sphere 10 feet in If hes in Creation, he need not manifest physically
radius around the ghost. Ghosts can see through this to create an illusion. The Essence for each illusion is
darkness clearly, but no actual light can move in or out committed until the illusion dissipates.
of it. Anyone caught inside the radius of effect suffers a
-2 external penalty to all rolls to take physical actions, MIDNIGHT CANVAS UNFURLED
and ranged attacks from one side of the boundary of Cost: 5m, 1wp (5m per additional sense);
darkness cannot be made against targets on the oppo- Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2; Type: Simple
site side. Only time (i.e., a scene), choice (namely the Keywords: Illusion, Obvious, Pandemonium
ghosts) or the manifestation of a Solars anima banner Duration: One scene
can dispel this cloud of darkness. Prerequisite Charms: Painting the Sunset Picture
Normally, the bubble of darkness remains in place Like its prerequisite, this Charm allows a ghost to
for the duration and affected characters can move out create a convincing illusion. The roll is the same, as is
of it after a successful (Wits + Awareness) roll, which the range of difficulty based on the complexity of the
suffers the -2 penalty imposed by the darkness. If the image. Where Painting the Sunset Image creates only
an immobile image, though, Midnight Canvas Unfurled

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creates an image capable of moving at the haunters MESSENGER OF THE GRAVE
command. The haunter can either cause the image to Cost: 4m, 1wp; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2;
slide across the landscape in three dimensions just as Type: Simple
if she were lifting and repositioning a model, or she Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium
can cause it to appear to move under its own power. Duration: One hour
Illusions created with this Charm move as fast as their Prerequisite Charms: The Ichor Cauldron
creators wish. The ghost can program the illusion at With a momentary exercise of will, the haunter
the moment of its creation to take a set of repetitive creates vermin to carry out her will. She can create a
actions, or she can micromanage its movements with scarab, rat, spider, snake or other creature of similar
consecutive miscellaneous actions. size, with all the basic traits and capabilities of a nor-
The illusion lasts for one scene, and the duration mal animal of the same type. The creature follows her
can be extended by spending one Willpower point mental commands to the best of its ability, and while
per hour of extension. While the image exists, it it cant do anything a normal creature couldnt do, it
normally affects only the sense of sight. For every five is smart enough to understand and follow her orders.
additional motes the haunter spends to activate the Vermin created thus can have (and use) fangs, claws
effect, however, she can cause the illusion to affect one or stingers like any other member of their species, but
additional sense. She could, for instance, make it talk they carry no venom and are completely sterile.
or emanate a horrid stench. She could even grant it Creating vermin with this Charm requires a
an illusory solidity and texture, though she could not successful (Wits + Craft [Pandemonium]) roll. (See
cause it to inflict damage. p. 116 for a full description of that new Craft Abil-
As with Painting the Sunset Canvas, the ghost ity.) Creating an insect or other very small creature
can create illusions in the Underworld, a shadowland is difficulty 2. Creating a creature the size of a rat is
or Creation, and she need not be materialized in order difficulty 3 and is the limit of this Charms capability.
to do so. The Essence required to create the illusion The animal lives for one hour, though the creator can
remains committed for as long as the illusion exists. extend this duration by additional hours by expending
THE ICHOR CAULDRON one additional Willpower point per hour. When the
Cost: 6m; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2; duration expires, the animal dies on the spot, leaving
Type: Simple a perfectly natural corpse.
Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium The ghost need not be physically manifested to
Duration: One hour create vermin in the lands of the living. She need only
Prerequisite Charms: Midnight Canvas Unfurled be present there. Essence used to create the vermin
An old standby of ghostly pranksters and special- remains committed until the creature dies.
ists in spreading terror, this Charm allows a haunter to SIX PLAGUE SUMMONS
summon up liquids from nowhere. These liquids can Cost: 20m, 2wp; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 3;
be any harmless substance from water to blood to ink Type: Simple
to dribbling phlegm. Powerfully deleterious substances Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium
such as acid, poison or flammable oil are not allowed, Duration: One hour
but less immediately harmful substances such as weak Prerequisite Charms: Messenger of the Grave
wine or slippery grease are fine. While this Charms prerequisite creates only a single
When the ghost activates the power, he can verminous specimen, Six Plague Summons calls forth a
summon up to 10 gallons per dot of Conviction he horde of them. Creatures summoned thus are ravenous
has. The liquid comes from any place in the ghosts and excitable, which makes them less able to follow
line of sight, seemingly out of thin air, and its flow complex or subtle orders. Of course, this power isnt
cannot be blocked. It lasts for one hour, drying, clot- exactly an expression of subtlety in the first place.
ting, evaporating and conforming to the shape of its To activate the Charm, the haunter spends the
container just as is normal for the substance. When required Willpower and motes as the player rolls (Wits
the hour is done, the substance disappears as if it were + Craft [Pandemonium]). (See p. 116 for a full descrip-
never there. Nonetheless, any damage it might have tion of that new Craft Ability.) The ghost chooses the
caused, such as ruining a sand sculpture or making a type of creature before the roll, which sets the diffi-
document illegible, remains. culty. Creating mice or smaller creatures is difficulty 2.

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 157

 Creating larger vermin up to the size of rats is difficulty HAND OF THE WIND
3. After achieving the difficulty, the threshold successes Cost: 3m, 1wp; Mins: Conviction 1, Essence 1;
determine how large the horde is, as follows: Type: Simple
Threshold Successes Number of Creatures Keywords: Pandemonium
0 10 Duration: Instant
1 50 Prerequisite Charms: Corpse-Fed Radiance
2 250 This Charm allows a haunter to perform a physical
3 1,250 action that affects the world while she is not physically
manifested in it. (It works only in Creation or during
4 6,250
the day in a shadowland.) Without manifesting, she
5+ So. Damn. Many. goes through the motions of taking the action, spend-
As with vermin created by Messenger of the Grave, ing three motes of Essence and one Willpower. Her
these creatures can have their normal fangs, claws or player then makes a roll appropriate to the action. If
stingers, but they carry no venom and can conceive the roll succeeds, the action occurs just as if the ghost
no offspring. Unlike that Charm, they can carry out were fully physically manifested, although the haunter
only one set of simple orders, such as Devour him! remains invisible and intangible.
or Destroy these crops! or Swarm over everyone in Hand of the Wind allows a ghost to affect the
this village! If they manage to carry out their orders world with only one action, though that action can
completely before the duration of the Charm expires, include a necessary preliminary effect. The haunter
they run wild, obeying the dictates of their ravenous could, for example, snatch a dagger off the floor and
hunger. At the end of the hour, they die off rapidly, throw it as one action. She could dip a quill pen in a
leaving tiny carcasses strewn all over the place. handy pot of ink and write a simple sentence with it
A haunter can use Six Plague Summons in the as a single action. She could step in front of a beloved
Underworld, a shadowland or Creation. He need not living descendant whos under attack and punch the
be physically manifested to create a horde in Creation; attacker in the face as a single action. Alternatively,
he need only be present.

1158
15
58
she could snatch that descendants weapon out of STAGGERED DARK STARS MOVEMENT
the mortals hand and use it to parry a single attack Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Compassion 4, Essence 4;
directed at that mortal. Type: Simple
Actions the ghost takes with this Charm rely on Keywords: Pandemonium
the ghosts normal traits just as if she were corporeal Duration: Instant
and taking the action physically. They also provoke Prerequisite Charms: Flying Time Technique
any reactive traits onlookers possess (such as DVs or Flying Time Technique allows a haunter to com-
reflexive Charms). Any action the haunter takes thus is press indefinable instants of time in such a way that
considered unexpected, however, unless onlookers can he moves faster than everyone else; this Charm allows
somehow accurately sense her while she is intangible him to manipulate the Calendar of Setesh such that
and invisible. he is completely separate from the flow of passing
STRIKE OF DEAD HANDS time. When the ghost activates the Charm, he feels
Cost: +5m, +1wp; Mins: Conviction 2, Essence 2; momentarily lighter than air as the landscape around
Type: Permanent him blurs indescribably. An instant later, the sensation
Keywords: Pandemonium fades. The ghost remains in the same place where he
Duration: Instant activated the Charm, but much more time has passed
Prerequisite Charms: Hand of the Wind than he experienced. To onlookers, the haunter seems
Having this Charm permanently enhances a ghosts to disappear, only to reappear in exactly the same spot
ability to use Hand of the Wind. When a haunter uses much later in exactly the same condition he was in
the prerequisite Charm, he may spend five additional when he left.
motes of Essence and one point of Willpower to activate Using this power requires a successful (Intelligence
this enhancement. In so doing, he doubles his Strength + Occult) roll. For every success the roll garners, the
for purposes of affecting the physical world while he is character may disappear for up to 30 minutes. He
incorporeal and invisible. This increase in power lasts determines up front the entire amount of time hell
for only the single action granted by Hand of the Wind, skip, and he has no knowledge of what happens in the
and he cannot activate it except when hes using Hand intervening time. The ghost cannot use this power
of the Wind. If hes attacking someone with Hand of to move backward in time, only forward. Also, since
the Wind and using this Charms effect, the damage is this Charm relies on the ghosts connection to the
automatically lethal, and the haunter cannot pull his Calendar of Setesh, he cannot use it anywhere but in
punch or otherwise soften the blow in any way. the Underworld.

FLYING TIME TECHNIQUE HOURS LIKE AUTUMN LEAVES

Cost: 8m, 1wp; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 2; Cost: (6m + 1wp) per person; Mins: Compassion 4,
Type: Extra Action Essence 5; Type: Simple
Keywords: Pandemonium Keywords: Pandemonium, Touch
Duration: Instant Duration: Instant
Prerequisite Charms: Strike of Dead Hands Prerequisite Charms: Staggered Dark Stars Movement
When a haunter uses this Charm, she suddenly This Charm functions exactly like its prerequisite
seems to flit back and forth from place to place faster than except for the cost and one key difference. Now, not
the eye can follow. To the ghosts perception, people only can the haunter move herself forward in time
around her seem to move sluggishly, like drowning men by separating herself from the Calendar of Setesh,
or dreamers trapped in hellish nightmares. but she can also move other ghosts forward with
To use this Charm, the haunter spends the requisite her as well.
motes and Willpower as her player makes a reflexive To use this Charm, the haunter must spend six
(Intelligence + Craft [Pandemonium]) roll. (See p. 116 motes of Essence and one point of Willpower for
for a full description of this new Craft Ability.) The herself and that same cost again for each additional
character receives one extra action per success on the ghost she wants to take with her. (She must skip
roll, up to a maximum limited by her Essence rating. ahead with the group, or the Charm fails.) The player
This Charm is a normal extra action Charm per the then makes the same roll as for Staggered Dark Stars
description on page 182 of Exalted. Movement, and successes determine how far ahead
the group can skip. Every member of the group skips

CHAPTER SIX ARCANOI 159

 ahead the same amount of time. The ghost using this her toward the attacking ghosts black body. Doing so
Charm must be touching everyone she wants to take takes two independent miscellaneous actions (mean-
with her who is unwilling to skip ahead. (Those who ing the other tendrils continue to attack as normal).
are willing need not be touching her, but they must A character can attempt to pull a downed comrade
be within 10 yards of her.) free of the tendrils, engaging in a contested Strength
As with Staggered Dark Stars Movement, this roll with the haunterall while dodging the other
Charm functions only in the Underworld. tendrils attacks, of course. If someone does not rescue
a fallen character in the space of two miscellaneous
EBON GRASP OF OBLIVION actions, the fallen character is dragged into the at-
Cost: 30m, 3wp; Mins: Conviction 3, Essence 3;
tacking ghosts body as if that ghosts silhouette were
Type: Simple
a hole in space itself. If the victim is pulled through
Keywords: Obvious, Pandemonium
that hole in space, she is cast into the Abyss.
Duration: One scene
While a haunter uses this Charm, hes not entirely
Prerequisite Charms: Black Breath of the Abyss, Strike
in control of himself. He becomes an extension of the
of Dead Hands
death wish of the Neverborn who orbit the threshold
As the haunter activates this horrid power, dark-
of dissolution, wanting only to pull in and devour
ness flows from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth, coating
anything that resists the call of Oblivion. The most
his body in the impenetrable black that exists at the
he can do of his own will is cover distance at his
event horizon of the Abyss. This blackness completely
normal Move or Dash speeds. Otherwise, he cannot
obscures the characters features, though it clings to
attack targets himself, nor can he defend himself.
his body and trails faint streamers in its wake as the
Although the tendrils attacks use his traits, they
character moves.
act only on the blind idiot volition of the Never-
For the rest of the scene, dozens of jet-black
born. Fortunately, although the ghost cannot dodge
tendrils lash out from the characters tenebrous body
or parry attacks made against him, the tenebrous
in a five-yard radius to attack anyone nearby. The
shell of Oblivion that surrounds him adds 6L/12B
haunters player rolls a single (Strength + Martial
to his soak and a like amount of Hardness. Also, if
Arts) attack, against which every character in the
a weapon is not made of one of the magical materi-
radius must defend him- or herself. (These tendrils do
als or is not otherwise supernaturally enhanced, it
not distinguish between friend and foe.) Each such
inflicts bashing damage against the character using
attack roll counts as a (Speed 6, DV -1) action. A
this Charm. (Note, the weapon, not the attack, must
successful attack inflicts (Strength + 2) levels of lethal
be supernaturally enhanced.)
damage. If such an attack strikes a victim down to
If a ghost is destroyed while using this Charm,
Incapacitated or below, several of the tendrils wrap
he implodes and plummets into the Abyss.
around the fallen target in the next action and drag

16
160
60
 This fifth of Exalted
Exalteds five

THE BOOKS OF SORCERY, VOL. V THE ROLL OF GLORIOUS DIVINITY II

Books of Sorcery explores
the nature and powers of
the myriad of ghosts and
demons that have endangered
Creation since the Primordial
War. Eschewing the Cycle TM

of Reincarnation, ghosts are

an affront to the natural
order, bringing more power
to the Neverborn through
their very existence, and
even more so through the
ancestor cults, which promote
ghost worship. Demons,
meanwhile, are the spawn of
the imprisoned Yozis, called
forth from Malfeas to do the
will of powerful sorcerers
or escaped into the world
where they might cause
havoc and do the will of their
trapped progenitors. Will the
returned Lawgivers succeed
in curbing these spirits effect
on Creation, or are even the
Solars endangered by the
machinations of these beings
and their dire masters?

This book includes:

An examination of the art of
demon summoning
Stats for a myriad of demons
Complete rules for playing heroic
ghosts, including their unique
Charm sets, the Arcanoi

ISBN 978-1-58846-447-7 WW80304 $24.99 U.S.

52499
WHITE WOLF
WW80304

9 781588 464477 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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