Lady of the Lake

By Athyra Di Giovanni (demonsreiche@yahoo.com)

Totem of Sorcery and Determination

Background Cost

5 (for men), 9 (for women and British werecreatures)

Description

According to some of the very old legends, the Lady of the Lake was the blood sister of Queen Mab, the most powerful sorceress of her time (before the coming of Morganna Le Fey). She was known for being a benevolent enchantress, casting spells to assist mankind. In some stories, she was the consort and friend of Merlin the wizard, while in others she was the creator of the mythic sword Excalibur. In all the legends, however, she is recognized as a beautiful maiden dressed in white silks and lace, who face was always obscure to those who weren't worthy. Women and British werecreatures of all types revere her as a lady of mystery and grace, while many men (especially those from the New World) care not give her much thought.

The Traits and Powers Bestowed

The Lady of the Lake is a benevolent lady, granting those who follow her many subtle gifts. All of those who become her children (Changing Breed or Kinfolk) are given the following bonuses: +1 to Appearance, +1 to Charisma, +1 to Manipulation, and +1 to Perception. Besides that, all of her children receive a -2 difficulty (from 6 to 4, for example) on difficulties in the following skills: Occult, Lore: Hidden, Lore: British, Enigmas, Swimming, Boating, Etiquette, and Subterfuge. Women are especially blessed by The Lady of the Lake, receiving a further -2 difficulty in any social rolls involving the other British totems (including Queen Mab and Morgan Le Fey). All her followers gain a wonderful bonus of +2 Wisdom every time they gain Wisdom.

Bans cast down by the Lady of the Lake

Followers of the Lady of the Lake must not act directly in any conflict unless there is no other alternative (+4 difficulty to initiate an attack). As their hearts must be pure and peaceful, their Rage pools act as if they were one less than they actually are (to a limit of 2). She tends to react badly with the Celtic and Gaelic totems (+2 difficulty), as well as the totems from the "barbaric" New World (+3 difficulty) and the "heathen" African nations (+4 difficulty). As she is not known for her bravery, the followers of the Lady of the Lake lose one Glory and/or one Honour every time they gain either Glory or Honour.