ELDRICH

(El-drik)

By Mike Schiedel (dragon@mb.imag.net)

Description

Glamour, cantrips and chimerae are food and drink to these curious Fae. Consummate spellcasters, these Kith originated from the Gaelic lands, and often concealed themselves among the ranks of the Druids. Nothing is more interesting to an Eldrich than a new cantrip or, better yet, a Glamour-infused mystery. Glamour is a potent and unpredictable force, but if any kith has an understanding into the workings of Glamour, it is these.

To an Eldrich, life is one big opportunity to delve deeper into the workings of the Dreaming. Banality is a sworn enemy, as it eats away at Glamour, and causes the very stuff of life to fade away! Most eldrich delve deeply into learning the workings and effects of cantrips, often focusing on one particular art and examining it minutely. Of course, they also study the workings of anything that uses Glamour, such as dross and even oaths.

Eldrich tend to be an open people, willing to make new friends (they may have a new twist on that old cantrip...). However, it is ill-advised to get one angry at you, for they are implacable enemies, and there are legends about wronged eldrich casting potent cantrips resulting in the offending party finding themselves dismembered or oathbound to an evil dragon...

Appearance

Eldrich are generally tall and slender, with hair worn long and facial hair usually evident. Their fingers are long and fine, and seldom calloused. Fashion tends to include some sort of long robe, cloak or coat.

Seemings

Childlings are insatiably curious, always asking "Why?" and poking their noses into things.

Wilders start experimenting with their cantrips, and often have to be asked to stop fiddling with that oath, thank you very much!

Grumps tend to settle down into private, deep research into the nature of the Dreaming. By this point, a grump's beard is long and grey.

Lifestyles

These kith can usually be found wherever there is opportunity to learn. They tend to hang out at universities, and also at art galleries and parties, to watch and study the release of Glamour. Most are drawn to positions involving research, or act as spiritual leaders.

Affinity

Fae

Birthrights

Cantrip Mastery: Eldrich have studied and practiced their cantrips to a point of greater understanding. They score and additional success on any cantrip they cast. Also, they can attempt to alter the effect of a cantrip slightly with a Wits + Kenning roll, difficulty 8. This can result in a slight increase or decrease in range or duration, or can be used to personalize the effect.

Mystik Insight: Eldrich delve deeper into the workings of Glamour than any other Kith. From this, they have learned to recognise the effects of Glamour in action. This means that an eldrich can identify an existing cantrip or terms of an oath upon a changeling with a successful roll of Perception + Kenning. An eldrich cannot botch a Kenning roll.

Frailties

Curiosity: Eldrich are insatiably curious about the workings of Glamour. If the opportunity presents itself to study a new cantrip, a piece of dross, an oathbound fae, or any other situation involving Glamour, the eldrich must make a Willpower roll (difficulty 8) to avoid looking into it.

Quote

"Oh my...you've cast a Geasa upon me, haven't you...there, that takes care of it. Now, let's talk about manners, shall we Your Grace..."

Outlook

Boggans: Industrious little fellows. Too practical by half, though.

Eshu: Ahh, kindred spirits, always looking for further knowledge. Don't trust 'em, though.

Nockers: Foul-mouthed goblins, their touch upon the Glamour needs be cleansed away.

Pooka: Cute, cuddly, silly, dishonest...'nuff said.

Redcap: -- Give the barbarian a fingernail, he'll take your whole arm. A tad excessive, don't you think?

Satyrs: Good entertainers, they throw an interesting twist into Glamour-gathering. A pity they're so un-focused.

Sidhe: Pale, refined, cultured...bah, they just want you to fall down and worship them. No thanks.

Slaugh: Even the sewers can occasionally throw up a clue to the Grail.

Trolls: Noble fellows, worth trading stories with over a mug of ale. Wish they'd develop creativity to match their honour.