Dark Thaumaturgy: The Path Of The Inferno

[Phsycodelic]

Dark Thaumaturgy: The Fires Of The Inferno

Baali, Tremere

Dark Thaumaturgy is expressly defined as "sorcery taught by demons." As such, Dark Thaumaturgy is absolutely, unashamedly, viciously evil. Other items also fall into this realm. The Baali Discipline of Daimoinon, which requires the user to call out demonic names and speak infernal blessings, is infernal and corrupts the user's soul with each use. All of these powers require a point of morality loss when they are first used, and continuing tests against a character's Conscience each time they are used after the first - unless the user of such powers has traded their morality for the Path of Evil Revelations.

"Infernalist" is a generic term, applied on a broad scale by those with limited understanding. Technically, an infernalist is anyone who studies, worships, or willingly interacts with demons. In the Dark Ages, true scholars and enemies of the infernal classified these mortal demonists so that they could better understand (and destroy) each type.

A demonologist studies demons and demonic powers. Typically, such an individual is interested in the theoretical, spiritual or intellectual science involved. A demonologist does not necessarily practice magic, has no demonic Investments or bargains, and may not have any intention to summon or interact with a demon. However, it takes only a slight change of perspective for a researcher to become an active practitioner.

A second type of infernalist is known as a thrall. A thrall is anyone who makes a pact with a demon, whether as a single exchange of power or as part of becoming a long-term servitor. A thrall does not necessarily have any great knowledge of demonology. Either way, she is trapped; all demonic bargains are permanent and cannot be undone. Because she is already damned, a thrall often slides further into the infernal as time goes by. Drawn again and again by the lure of greater power, the thrall simply decides she has nothing left to lose.

Diabolists are the third, and most dangerous type of infernal practitioner. Knowledgeable, cunning, and ruthless, a diabolist actively chooses to summon demons in an attempt to control (or worship) them. Most diabolists have a wide breadth of information about demonology, but some are specialists, trained and dedicated in the worship and summoning of one specific demonic entity. A practicing diabolist is powerful, with great knowledge of Dark Thaumaturgy and usually some Investments on the side. These individuals are also connected to the system. They can feed the demon souls other than their own to maintain power, and by converting others to the demon's cause, they gain favor - and even greater reward.

Practitioners of the Fires of the Inferno may summon forth balefire that springs forth from her hands in jets or globes. Many believe that this malignant green flame is conjured from the very depths of Hades. Being burned by these fires is to taste the agonies that await them in Hell. Witnessing the conjuring of the Fires of Inferno allows anyone with mystical senses to know the source is infernal. Balefire is greatly feared, as fire is one of the surest ways to bring Final Death to a vampire.

System: The number of successes determines how accurately the vampire places the flame in his desired location (declared before the roll is made). Individual descriptions are not provided for each level of this path - fire is fire, after all (and can potentially cause frenzy in other vampires witnessing it). The chart below describes the path level required to generate a specific amount of flame. To soak the damage at all, a vampire must have the Fortitude Discipline.

Fire under the caster's control does not harm the vampire or cause him to frenzy, but fires started as a result of the unnatural flame affect the thaumaturge normally.

Successes	Result	Soak	Damage
1	Lighter.	Difficulty 3 to soak.	One health level of damage / turn.
2	Stove-top.	Difficulty 4 to soak.	Two health level of damage / turn.
3	Blowtorch.	Difficulty 5 to soak.	Three health level of damage / turn.
4	Flame-thrower.	Difficulty 7 to soak.	Four health level of damage / turn.
5	Conflagration	Difficulty 9 to soak.	Five health level of damage / turn.