GARGOYLES (version 3)

By Mathew Howard (fpu@ix.netcom.com)

Description

Gargoyles are creatures of the night. They have existed since the dawn of time (or I should say since the dusk of time). They have been hunted, killed and shattered out of fear or sport by humans, changelings, werewolves, vampires and even wraiths. They live to this day, but their numbers are few. Some have taken it upon themselves to guard cities, small towns, and even great treasures. No one knows why they would even bother after all the death that these sort of acts have brought them, but they continue.

Special

A gargoyle is a real tangible creature; she has neither a Seeming nor an Unseeming. A gargoyle can also see and be affected by chimera and wraiths. A mortal can see a gargoyle without being enchanted. A mortal also, while in the presence of a gargoyle, can see creatures that otherwise wouldn't be able to be seen by a mortal eyes. An example is a mortal can see changelings and wraiths. This effect lasts long after the mortal has seen the gargoyle. This being the case, a gargoyle can even awaken a sleeping mage or changeling just by its presence.

One thing that gargoyles have been known to be able to do is wield Magick. These cases of Mage Gargoyles are rare. Mage Gargoyles tend to be temperamental and even unstable in their personalities.

Appearance

A gargoyle appears just like the statue they become by day; a beast with wings and a tail. They have no hair on their bodies. Their features are sharp and angular, appearing as if they were carved out of stone. The skin color varies, but in every case resembles a rock type in a flesh form. They have wings of varying types which can be classified in three basic categories: 1) wings that protruding out of the back; 2) wings that are located under the arms; 3) and no wings at all, which is the most uncommon. They have oddly shaped feet that are made for climbing; as a result they always appear as if they are standing on their tows. Their hair can vary from any color you can think of (that looks natural) to no hair at all. Their tail can be of any type, from spiked to plain and smooth. They have teeth that are sharp, but this doesn't mean they look sharp. They can even have horns that are large and elaborate to small and nonexistent.

Lifestyles

Gargoyles are notoriously honorable. They tend to live within flying distance of tall and steep building or mountains; this is so they may roost by day on the tall buildings or mountains with less fear of being smashed. The next best thing in their case is to trust someone who doesn't mind guarding the gargoyle during the day. Most of the time if there is one gargoyle there will be several near by. At night they tend to guard or protect a person(s), place or even an item of great power. They are, by nature, guardians and/or paladins.

Birthrights

Titan's Power: All gargoyles are large and strong (extra dot added to strength, even if it makes it greater than 5). Note: just like the troll's titan strength.

Titan's Rage: When 'pumped' they get even stronger (extra temporary point on Strength even if it takes the strength or 5).

By Dawns Early Light: When they turn to stone all their injuries are fully healed when they awaken the next night.

Frailties

Stone By Day: When they are stone by day, they can easily be shattered by someone. This is the worst way for a gargoyle to die, because the soul will remain in the stone fragments, forever asleep.

Quote

"A gargoyle can no more stop guarding and protecting than he can stop breathing the air. It is the gargoyle way!"