Gargoyle Chimera

By Colin Chapman (col.chapman@virgin.net)

Description

The dreaming of mankind and kithain alike have great powers of creation, acting on the subconscious beliefs, desires, nightmares, and bizarre imaginings of the mind. Long have mortals and kithain told stories of these sentinels of stone, fueled in the fervent mind by the brooding and leering faces, carved in the architecture of Man. Strong was the belief that these demonic statues served to drive off the influence of evil, and with such a strength of conviction, belief and dreaming became reality of a sort. Gargoyles were born as chimera.

Birthed in the tumultuous Middle Ages, the gargoyles reflected the grim mentality of the era, with the growing power of church and monarchy, and the twisted dreams of power that would forever change kithain society. Many would perish or enter Slumber in the approaching Shattering. In the period 1200AD - 1450AD the gargoyles were at their most numerous, as architecture supporting their visage and belief grew apace. Sadly, the aftermath of the Shattering has reduced these chimera greatly in number, many slumbering still within their associated statue until the power of nearby Glamour awakens them, a rare and wondrous occasion.

Habitat

Gargoyles are only ever found within the grounds of the buildings they were carved on, usually sitting on the rooftop, peering intently at any who approach their demesne. They can never leave the buildings or grounds themselves, but are free to move within them. Obviously they are primarily found on architecture dating back to the Middle Ages, with few inhabiting newer architecture due to the lack of belief in those more modern eras. Most are found on old European churches, and they are incredibly rare beyond the confines of Western Europe.

Description

Despite being chimera, Gargoyles do have a 'physical' aspect in the real world: the actual statue they were 'born' from. Only kithain and others able to see the chimerical can actually see gargoyles as 'living' stone demons, but some semi-aware mortals can feel their presence, bothered by the nagging, eerie feeling that a certain statue is 'watching' them...

Irrespective of whether the gargoyle moves in its chimerical form, its physical statue always remains stationary and unchanging. It is, after all, only a statue.

Appearance

Gargoyles vary as greatly as they statues they spawn from, but are usually demonic, leering, bat-winged, ans short; composed of living stone. Few approach full human stature.

Character

Gargoyles, despite their demonic appearance, were dreamt of as protectors from the spirits of evil, and this is the cornerstone of their mentality. Intent, pensive, and often a little grumpy, they are nonetheless highly alert, guarding their 'perch' (gargoyle term for the building they were carved on) diligently, noting the approach of beings both physical, spiritual and chimerical. With an innate sense of individual character, they prevent (or at least try to) the approach of anyone lacking in moral substance. A gargoyle gives one warning, and one warning only, to any such people who attempt to enter their domain. Failure to heed the warning and leave is met with immediate force.

Those newly awakened are often bemused and slightly bewildered by this strange new world, grateful to any decent changeling who takes the time to bring them up to date. Almost without exception, gargoyles speak the antique languages of Europe, such as Middle English (read some Chaucer), French or German, and are usually quite fluent in Latin.

Attributes

Attributes for Gargoyles vary greatly, depending on size, carved attributes etc. but the following represent the 'average' demonic-imp, approx. 3' (1m) in height. Several things they all have in common however, are high Alertness, and disproportionately high Stamina/Armour/Health Levels (they are made of living stone after all).

Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 5, Charisma 2, Manipulation 1, Appearance 1, Perception 3, Intelligence 2, Wits 3

Talents: Alertness 4, Athletics: 2, Brawl 4, Dodge 2

Glamour: 7
Willpower: 9

Health Levels: OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, -5

Attack: Claws Str + 2 dice
Armour: 3 levels of stone

Powers

Statue: Gargoyles can remain utterly motionless for as long as desired, appearing to all senses as a simple statue.

Flight: Any Gargoyle with wings, no matter how tiny they are, can fly.

Decency: All Gargoyles have an innate sense of who's 'evil'.

Weakness

If a Gargoyle's statue seeming is destroyed or damaged, so is it.