Dark Thaumaturgy: The Taking Of The Spirit

[Phsycodelic]

Dark Thaumaturgy: The Taking Of The Spirit

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.

By calling upon the power of Hell, this path allows the infernalist to strip away the temporary Willpower of her victim, leaving an almost soulless automaton ready to serve the infernalist without question. Some fiendish vampires have built entire legions of servants for themselves with this power. This fearsome path works on vampires and kine alike.

System: The infernalist loudly calls forth the legions of Hell to steal away the spirit of her target and then touches her target. Depending upon the circumstances, the Storyteller may require a successful Dexterity + Brawl roll for the thaumaturge to make contact with the intended victim. Once contact is made, the infernalist must engage in a contested Willpower roll against the subject (difficulty 8). Success means the victim loses a number of Willpower equal to the infernalist's successes.

If the victim accumulates more successes on this contested Willpower roll before being reduced to zero Willpower, he resists the powers of Hell. In addition, the suffering he endured hardens his mind, and this infernal path may not be used against him again a full year.

If the victim is reduced to zero Willpower, he must do the vampire's bidding, not speaking, staring blankly forward, in a state much like a zombie until he has regained one dot of Willpower, as per the chart below. If the infernalist is killed, the victim regains all of his lost Willpower immediately.

A botch on the part of the infernalist has unique results: He loses a number of temporary Willpower points that corresponds with his mastery of said path. These Willpower points return at a rate of one per night.

If all points are lost, he may come under the control of otherworldly forces. The Willpower siphoned by this power returns at a rate determined by the infernalist's rating in the path:

Level	Rate Of Return
1	Return of 3 Willpower points per day's rest.
2	Return of 2 Willpower points per day's rest.
3	Return of 1 Willpower point per day's rest.
4	Return of 1 Willpower point per week's rest.
5	Return of 1 Willpower point per two week's rest.