Ars Magica

145 Pages·2011·5.75 MB·German

God
is the patron of the Jewish
people, his chosen people, guiding them
through history and ultimately back to the
Promised Land.
God is three and one, incarnate in Christ His Son, and offers
salvation to all equally.
God is pure unity, with no parents or children, saving all who
submit to His Will.
God is beyond human understanding, and all the above
statements are true. But the Divine Realm is not completely
beyond human comprehension, and this book explains the
power of God in Mythic Europe.
From descriptions of each of the three great Divine
religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to rules
for Divinely-empowered wonder workers and A
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angels, this book contains everything 0
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AG0278SC • ISBN 1-58978-122-8 • $27.95
52795
9781589781221
WWW.ATLAS-GAMES.COM ©2005, 2011 Trident, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Divine
Credits
WRITING& DESIGN: Niall Christie, Erik Dahl, Mark Lawford, Matt About the Authors
Ryan, Alexander White
EDITINGANDPROJECTMANAGEMENT: David Chart NIALLCHRISTIEis a medieval Islamic historian who lives in Vancouver,
PROOFREADING:Michelle Nephew Canada. When not working or writing material for Ars Magica, he
REVISEDEDITIONPROOFREADING: Jessica Banks enjoys singing, reading, wargaming, and playing guitar badly. Niall
LAYOUTANDARTCOORDINATION: JohnNephew would like to dedicate his contribution to this book to the memory of
PM, sadly missed, and to Steph vanWilligenburg, eternally.
REVISEDEDITIONLAYOUT: Michelle Nephew
COVERILLUSTRATION: Grey Thornberry ERIKDAHLlives and works in a small university town in California, where he
ICONS: Grey Thornberry indulges his creativity with games and music of all sorts (many of his songs
ORIGINALINTERIORILLUSTRATIONS: Alexander Bradley are available for free download at www.volvomaroon.com). He is very grate-
CARTOGRAPHY:Alexander Bradley ful to have worked with so many learned and dedicated people on this pro-
ject — his fellow authors, the playtesters, David Chart, the folks at Hermes'
ARSMAGICA5THEDITIONTRADEDRESS:J.Scott Reeves
Portal (www.hermesportal.fr.st), and Jerry, Kim, and Tom — and he hopes
SPECIALTHANKS: Jerry Corrick and the gang at the Source that through their collective efforts they have described a world that allows
1STEDITIONPLAYTESTING: Luke Price, Kevin Sides, Peter Hiley, Ed great stories about deeply held beliefs to gloriously manifest.
Woods, Lloyd Graney; Samuel Bidal, Anne-Gaëlle Darmont,
Jérôme Darmont, Gilles Marcvincent, Miguel Peca, Didier MATTRYANlives in Upstate New York and is greatly anticipating the com-
ing spring. He works for a major university in a decisively un-medieval
Rabour; Donna Giltrap, Malcolm Harbrow, Aaron Hicks,
field. He has been playing Ars Magica for over thirteen years and is thrilled
Richard Love; Wendell Joyner, Angus MacDonald, Brian
to be a contributor, albeit a minor one, to this project. A single father, he
Watson; Soraya Ghiasi, Matthew L. Seidl; Camo Coffey, Mark enjoys playing with his son, August, reading Middle English texts, and
Shirley, Andrew Smith, Andrew Walton; Paul Tevis, Bob rolling copious amounts of botch dice during his regular Thursday night
Portnell, Ryan P. Macklin, Mark Turnage; Neil Taylor, Sheila gaming sessions. Dedication: To Carlton and Jean Ryan, loving parents.
Thomas; Mathias Betge, Andrea C. Cofalik, Olaf Mahl, Ulrich
ALEXANDERWHITEhas just about finished his honors degree in Medieval
Willmünder; Alexander Bader, Tanja Bader, Stefan Ehret, MaPhi
and Classical History at the University of Melbourne (in Australia), but
Werner; Sean Winslow, Rachel Kessler; Fr. Thomas Dowd doesn’t plan on leaving university studies any time soon. He divides his
REVISED EDITION PLAYTESTING, 1ST ROUND: Revised Judaism time between study, gainfully working for a Member of Parliament,
Chapter First Round Playtesters: Jason Brennan, Justin Brennan, union and community activism, agitating in the campus newspaper, and
Elisha Campbell, Robert Major; Leon Bullock, Peter Ryan, running an Ars Magica saga. When not writing Ars Magica books, he
can be found blogging, drawing political comics, and reading obscure
Chris Barrett; Christian Jensen Romer, Thomas Nowell
texts on Late Antiquity Rome.
REVISED EDITION PLAYTESTING, 2ND ROUND: Leon Bullock, Peter
Ryan, Chris Barrett; Luke Price, Kevin Sides, Chris Jensen- MARKLAWFORDstill lives in Eastbourne in the UK, where he splits his
Romer; Jason Fryer, Matt Dyson, Emily Dyson; Donna Giltrap, time between working hard, working-out harder, and working on Ars
Magica much harder than is probably sensible. He's enjoying two of
Malcolm Harbrow, Aaron Hicks, Richard Love
these things immensely. He would like to dedicate his new chapter to
REVISEDEDITIONPLAYTESTING, 3RDROUND: Jason Brennan, Justin two people. Firstly, Erik Dahl for reigniting his interest and enthusiasm
Brennan, Elisha Campbell; Leon Bullock, Peter Ryan, Chris for Mythic Judaism and the Kabbalah in particular. And secondly, to
Barrett; Eirik Bull-Hansen; Antoni Morey i Pasqual, Joan Bauza David Chart for giving him the chance to contribute to one of the line's
Soler, Melcior Parera Mas cornerstone books.
Ars Magicaplayers participate in a thriving fan community by subscribing to email discussion
lists (like the Berkeley list), compiling archives of game material (such as Project Redcap), main-
taining fan-created web sites, and running demos through Atlas Games’ Special Ops program.
To learn more, visit www.atlas-games.com/ArM5.
Copyright 2005, 2011 Trident, Inc. d/b/a Atlas Games. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this
work by any means without written permission from the publisher, except short excerpts for the
purpose of reviews, is expressly prohibited.
Ars Magica, Mythic Europe, Covenants, and Charting New Realms of Imagination are trade-
marks of Trident, Inc. Order of Hermes, Tremere, and Doissetep are trademarks of White Wolf,
Inc. and are used with permission.
DIGITAL EDITION 2.0
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The Divine
Contents
I. Introduction..........................................4 New Flaws.....................................36 Companion Templates.......................95
What is This Book?................................4 New Abilities...................................36 Ars Notoria..........................................97
What This Book is Not......................4 Holy Influence.....................................38 Finding a Text................................97
Using This Book....................................4 Tempers..........................................38 Studying the Text............................97
The Divine in Ars Magica...................4 Schism...........................................41 The Rings of Solomon.......................98
The Divine Realm Invoking God’s Aid..........................41
and Other Realms..............................5 The Commanding Aura.....................42 V. Mythic Islam......................................101
Using the Divine in Stories...................6 Relics....................................................43 Muhammad..................................101
The Divine as a Plot Device.................6 Relics in the Christian Faith...............44 The Caliphates..............................102
The Divine as a Saga Focus................6 Relics in the Jewish and Beliefs and Practices...........................102
The Incidental Divine.........................6 Muslim Faiths.................................45 Theology......................................102
The Structure of This Book...................6 The Powers of Relics........................45 Holy Forbears...............................103
Miraculous Effects................................46 Social Structure in Muslim States......104
II. Heaven and Earth.................................7 Methods and Traditions....................46 Islamic Law..................................105
Divine Auras in Play..............................7 Learning Methods and Powers............47 The Pillars of Islam........................106
The Dominion...................................9 Powers and Effects............................47 Muslim Holy Places.......................108
Empyreal Auras...............................12 True Faith............................................56 Family Life...................................109
Divine Regiones...................................13 True Faith and The Gift....................57 Women in Islam.............................111
Terrestrial Regiones..........................13 Taking the True Faith Virtue.............57 Muslim Views of Europeans.............111
Celestial Regiones.............................14 Gaining True Faith During Play........57 Variations on Islam............................112
Inhabitants.....................................15 Playing a Character With True Faith...58 Sufism..........................................112
Creating Divine Regiones...................15 Miracles.........................................60 Shi’i Islam....................................112
Divine Beings.......................................16 Embodying the Light.........................61 Almohad Islam..............................113
Nephilim........................................16 Divine Warping...................................62 Characters..........................................114
Heaven’s Host......................................17 Causes of Divine Warping.................62 Strangers in Foreign Lands...............114
What Are Angels?............................17 The Divine Ascent............................63 Virtues.........................................114
Angelic Choirs.................................18 Ascension.......................................63 Flaws...........................................115
Angelic Traits.................................18 Divine Gloom..................................63 Abilities........................................116
Seraphim........................................21 Divine Form....................................64 Traditions.....................................116
Cherubim........................................21 Divine Unity..................................65 Grog Templates.............................118
Thrones..........................................22 Mythic Companions............................66 Companion Templates.....................119
Dominations...................................22 Holy Magic..........................................66
Authorities......................................22 Restrictions.....................................67 VI. Mythic Judaism.................................121
Potentates.......................................23 Benefits...........................................69 History of a People............................121
Principalities...................................24 Holy Societates................................69 The Thirteenth Century...................122
Archangels......................................25 Beliefs and Practices...........................124
Angels............................................26 IV. Mythic Christianity.............................71 Observances..................................124
Grigori, the Watchers.......................26 History.................................................71 Holy Places..................................125
Storyguiding Angels............................26 The Origins of the Church.................71 Holy Books and Artifacts................126
Story Uses for Angels.......................26 The Christian Empire........................72 Culture.........................................128
Portraying Angels............................27 Invasions and Divisions....................73 Halakha.......................................130
Example Angels....................................27 The Thirteenth Century.....................73 Professions....................................131
Asuryal, Herald of Deliverance...........27 Beliefs...................................................73 Folklore........................................132
Azrael, the Archangel of Death...........28 Practices...............................................80 Characters..........................................134
Camuel, the Dark Angel....................28 Church and Cloister.........................81 Virtues.........................................134
Eiael, Aid to the Wise.......................29 East and West.................................83 Flaws...........................................135
Gabriel, the Archangel of Prophecy.....29 Dissent and Reform..........................85 Abilities........................................137
Kalazonta, the Chastiser...................30 Saints....................................................85 Traditions.....................................138
St Michael, Captain of the Invoking a Saint..............................87 Grog Templates.............................139
Lord’s Host.....................................30 Threatening a Saint..........................87 Companion Templates.....................140
Midael, Captain of the Saints’ Miracles...............................88 Jewish Mysticism...............................141
Celestial Army.................................31 Designing Saints..............................89 Gematria......................................141
Munkar and Nakir, the Questioners....32 Characters............................................92 Kabbalah.....................................141
Nasir, the Helper..............................33 Virtues...........................................92 Golems.........................................142
Samuil, Angelic Guide......................33 Flaws.............................................93 Merkavah and the Chariot Mysteries...144
Abilities..........................................93
III. Blessed by God...................................34 Traditions.......................................93 Bibliography...............................................144
Holy Characters..................................34 Mythic Companions: Perfecti...........94
New Virtues....................................34 Grog Templates...............................94
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Chapter One
Introduction
Welcome to The Divine, the first of the is not a revision of Blood and Sand, the religions, but ultimately it is a supplement
Realms of Power books for Ars Magica™, Fourth Edition Levant Tribunal book. for a roleplaying game, not an introduc-
dealing with the Divine realm and its This book was written to replace them tion to the different faiths. Religion is a
earthly institutions and followers. completely. While some ideas and con- sensitive subject in games (as elsewhere);
The Divine encompasses the highest cepts may still remain, when they appear while Mythic Europe is in many respects a
and most sublime powers in Mythic they have been completely revised for distorted mirror of thirteenth-century
Europe. It gives strength to the three great Fifth Edition. Europe, in reality they have nothing to do
faiths of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, Furthermore, Realms of Power: The with each other. Ars Magica takes place
and is the source of Mythic Europe’s ubiq- Divine is not a religious text. The authors in an entirely fictional world, no more real
uitous Dominion and countless miracles. have tried to be respectful, accurate and than any other fantasy game setting.
It houses the Heavenly Host, gives sanc- unbiased in its depiction of real-world The authors of this book do not pre-
tuary to the saints and other holy spirits, sume (and have not set out) to fully cap-
and rewards the virtuous with followers ture an entire religion in the following
and True Faith. pages, let alone three. Although God is
mentioned frequently, this book does not
seek to give a definitive answer as to God’s
true nature or purpose. Instead, the histo-
ry, beliefs and practices of Christianity,
What is
Islam and Judaism are briefly sketched, so
as to provide a framework for players and
this Book? storyguides to build upon. For those who
want more, a detailed bibliography is
included at the end of this book.
Realms of Power: The Divine supple-
ments, expands, and updates the section
on the Divine realm and its human insti-
Using
tutions in Ars MagicaFifth Edition.
Inside this book are details on the his-
tory, beliefs and practices of Christianity, this Book
Islam, and Judaism in Mythic Europe, as
well as expanded information on the
Dominion, True Faith, saints, angels and
miracles. There is entirely new informa- Ars Magica is a game of myth and
tion on the powers of holy wizards and magic, where legends and folk tales are
pious mages. It includes a complete system real. Its focus is on wizards and their com-
for divinely aligned magic and King panions. How do the Divine, angels,
Solomon’s Ars Notoria. New character saints and God fit into a game with this
options are also available to give more emphasis?
detail and flavor to your characters.
The Divine
What this Book is Not
in Ars Magica
This book is not a revision of Pax Dei,
the third edition Divine supplement. It is In Ars Magica, it is an in-game truth
not a revision of Kabbalah: Mythic Judaism, that God exists and resides in the Divine
the Ars Magicasourcebook for Judaism. It realm. Angels, saints, and miracles are all
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The Divine
real. Through the Dominion, which is only by the Order of Hermes; Christian
Divine-Hermetic
present for Christianity, Islam, and theologians, Muslim philosophers, and
Judaism in equal measure, God protects Jewish rabbis would consider the classifica- Relations
and guides his faithful worshipers. This tions laughable or offensive, while heretics
God is not necessarily the Christian, and hedge mages could have other divi-
Jewish, or Muslim God, or the God of the sions or explanations. What is certain to Wise Hermetic magi are com-
Cathars, Gnostics, Platonists, Sabian Hermetic thinkers — a certainty that pletely aware that if the Divine wished,
Mandeans, Zoroastrians, or any other forms one of the foundations of Hermetic it could destroy the entire Order. For
faith founded upon the worship of a single Theory — is that the Divine is the font, or this reason, the Order of Hermes seeks
Universal Creator. Ultimately, although the highest, of the realms (as discussed in to maintain cordial or even friendly
the religions of the world contradict each Ars Magica5th Edition, page 182). relationships with the various earthly
other, the conflict lies with mortals, not representatives of Heaven. This is
within the Heavenly Host. mostly pursued by House Jerbiton and
Nevertheless, all of these groups pos- MAGIC House Guernicus, whose members and
sess certain insights and understandings of covenants have regular dealings with
God, enough that they benefit from the If the erudite Hermetic researchers senior church figures in both East and
Dominion, miracles, and divine aid, and are correct, then the Magic realm is inti- West. The Order has had less friendly
that their holy men and women possess mately connected to the power and good- contact with Islam, largely due to the
True Faith. No single religion in Ars ness of the Divine. Certainly, some pow- Christian upbringing of most members
Magicahas a monopoly on the truth, and erful magical beings resemble angels, and of the Order, and of Flambeau and
while no group is entirely (or even most- may have once even been Divine. Divine Tytalus crusaders.
ly) right, no group is entirely wrong in beings, such as angels, tend to have little Magi from Iberia and Provence
their understanding. to do with Magic; relationships are distant are the only Hermetics to have any
Fundamental to the Divine in Ars but not necessarily hostile. Due to their regular exchanges with Jewish sorcer-
Magica is its transcendence: the Divine great power, the sovereigns of the Magic ers and kabbalists, and after a brief out-
realm alone stands absolutely above and realm are often associated with the sin of break of hostilities (when the Order
beyond all other Realms. Since it is Pride, and occasionally encourage sacrile- tried to force a cabal of kabbalist rabbis
omnipotent, if it wished the Divine could gious worship of themselves or their in Barcelona to join or die) there is now
utterly vanquish the battalions of Hell, or auras. For these reasons, the Divine seeks a treaty of non-aggression between the
the courts of Arcadia, or the assembled to remind the Magic realm of humility, Order of Hermes and Mythic Europe’s
deities of the Magical realm. For reasons restricting its might while in holy areas. Jewish communities.
known only to God, the other realms are Most Hermetics have little under-
allowed to exist and even thrive, although standing or knowledge of the abilities,
Heaven and Hell are locked in bitter, FAERIE powers, or goals of the Divine. Many
ceaseless conflict. Because of its transcen- are scornful of the Church and its
dence, the truth of the Divine realm can Arcadia and its denizens are but a priests. Why fear the Dominion when
never be known, not even by the mighti- dim reflection of the light of heaven, or of you can live for centuries, call down
est of angels. the divine spark of humanity. For this rea- storms, and hurl lances of fire? The
The Divine seeks the betterment of son, there is no essential antagonism majority of them give the Divine
humanity and the salvation of souls. between Divine and Faerie realms, Realm little thought, far distant as they
Angels, saints, prophets, and holy crea- although the fay tend to shy away from are from the toll of church bells or the
tures are employed to encourage mankind manifestations of the divine, as the depen- call to prayer.
to seek the Divine of its own free will. On dent nature of faeries does not fare well Saints are rare enough that few
earth, a number of worldly structures against the radiant light of Heaven’s truth. magi will ever encounter one, and the
exist that seek a similar purpose: the Holy Some faeries crave worship and venera- majority of Hermetic activity takes
Church, the Talmud, and the Islamic tion, and the Divine opposes this practice. place far from the Dominion. Only
Caliphates. As human institutions, these More so than with the Magic realm, those mages who combat demons or
organizations of the faithful are imper- agents of the Divine are likely to come spend a length of time in cities or near
fect; they are pure and corrupt, sincere into conflict with aspects of Faerie, simply holy places are likely to encounter an
and hypocritical. Possessing power in because many of their activities encourage angel or divine servant, in which case
society, they attract the impious and people to commit sin. Some faeries have they may be grateful for divine assis-
ambitious, but are also filled with the become inured to the Dominion and make tance and advice.
devout and holy. their residence in churches and syna-
gogues; these faeries walk a fine line
between assisting the faithful and causing implacable foes, forever seeking to over-
The Divine Realm mischief so as not to raise the alarm of throw the Throne of God and plunge the
their angelic guardians. created world into eternal darkness.
and Other Realms Angels pitilessly patrol areas covered
by the Dominion, seeking out demonic
INFERNAL influence, while saints and holy sorcerers
There are many theories among challenge the servants of Hell and unmake
Hermetic researchers as to the relationship Conflict between Heaven and Hell is their devilish plots. It is the marauding
between the Divine and the other realms. eternal and unrelenting. The diabolical forces of Satan that the Heavenly Host is
The four realms are a division recognized forces of the Devil are the Divine’s most
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Realms of Power
most occupied with, beyond the salvation The Divine as and ideas designed to shed light upon the
of souls. workings of the Divine in your Ars
a Saga Focus
Magica saga, and the latter contains set-
ting information to help you develop and
participate in stories about the divine in
With the Divine as the focus of the Mythic Europe.
Using the
saga, most of the characters should be
aligned to the Divine realm somehow,
Divine in whether all of the characters play holy LUXDEI: THELIGHTOFGOD
mages or have a Divine virtue. Such a saga
would most likely to revolve around Chapter 2:Heaven and Earthdevel-
Stories Heaven’s conflict with Hell, with diaboli- ops the Dominion and other holy auras,
cal forces being the main foils and oppo- and explores the secrets of divine
nents, and the other realms only rarely regiones. It also describes the heavenly
becoming involved. Since the Divine can beings who serve the Godhead — angels
Although the Divine realm is quite be so much more powerful than other — and other celestial creatures that
simply the most powerful force in Mythic realms, Hermetic characters may be side- inhabit the Empyrean realms.
Europe, you should avoid the temptation lined unless they too have a connection to Chapter 3: Blessed by God address-
to use its agents to overwhelm the charac- the Divine realm, such as pursuing the es holy characters, including their super-
ters. After all, the Divine is subtle as well goal of learning Holy Magic, or seeking natural powers and spiritual influence. It
as grand. the lost Notory Arts of Solomon. includes new Virtues and Flaws, ideas for
God is not a capricious or impulsive using True Faith and Faith Points, and a
deity in Ars Magica, but a being of way for Hermetic magi to reconcile their
unfathomable spiritual majesty and myste- The Incidental Divine power with the Dominion through the
rious purpose. Every Divine act is done secret of Holy Magic.
towards a specific end. To reduce the
sacred mystery of the Divine realm to a Unless the covenant and its inhabi-
series of mere dice rolls and formulas is to tants are particularly sinful, most agents DOMUSDEI: THEHOUSESOFGOD
sap its essential nature from your stories. of the Divine will leave them to their own
Ultimately, God wants what is best for devices. The Divine stays firmly in its Chapter 4: Mythic Christianity
your saga. Do not feel constrained in your own lands — around cities, villages and develops the Church and its representa-
representation of the Divine by rigidly holy sites — while faeries play in the tives, monks and friars, heretics and here-
adhering to what is in this book. Let your woods and magi battle the elements on sies, and the divide between East and
instincts guide you toward making your the edges of civilization. In this option, West. It includes ideas for involving
stories fulfilling and enjoyable. the Divine only enters the story when the Church rites in the game, including the
characters seek it out; the war between sacraments, exorcism, and invoking
Heaven and Hell is largely irrelevant and saints, and two kinds of cloistered charac-
The Divine as only comes into play when the characters ter with Christian powers. It ends with
directly act in its domain, such as proud the ancient rites of King Solomon’s
a Plot Device magi casting spells in a cathedral or Notory Art, a path to holy wisdom for
throwing a Ball of Abysmal Flame at a Gifted characters.
mosque’s Imam. Even in this scenario, the Chapter 5: Mythic Islam explores
Saints and angels are excellent plot Divine is not necessarily hostile to magic, the Muslim faith through its followers’
devices. As a mysterious and inscrutable but it isprotective of its flock. history, beliefs, and practices. There are
force, the Divine can aid or hinder the sections on Islamic Law and the holy
players’ covenant and characters in equal beings who inhabit Muslim lands and leg-
measure. An angel could appear to request ends. It includes variations on Islam, from
aid in protecting a nearby holy site or the ecstatic meditation of the sufis and
The Structure
noble from infernal or malicious Faerie their divinely-inspired insight into God’s
tampering. In this way, the Divine can realm, to the Zoroastrians and their battle
become involved in a story involving any of This Book against evil through ancient holy magic.
theme and need not overwhelm a magical Chapter 6:Mythic Judaismpresents
or faerie focus. information about the status of Jews in
There are numerous story hooks scat- medieval times, about Jewish schools and
tered throughout this book on how to The Divine has been organized to synagogues, and explains how to interpret
work the Divine into your saga. make the most sense when read from the laws of the scriptures in the context of
Remember that the Divine seeks to uplift cover to cover. Mechanics have been the game setting. It also tells of a separat-
and redeem humanity, and this can addressed first, and then background and ed Jewish sect called the Karaites, the Baal
involve loving chastisement as well as setting follow. The material is divided Shem who master the names of God, and
direct material aid or requests for assis- into two parts, Lux Dei (“the Light of the great mysteries of Kabbalah that have
tance against sin. God”) and Domus Dei (“the Houses of begun to spread throughout the Jews of
God”). The former concerns new rules Mythic Europe.
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Chapter Two
Heaven and Earth
In the beginning God created aura, Divine auras can be odd shapes. The Four Worlds
the heavens and the earth. Although the Dominion may vary in
strength, this does not reflect a lack of
Genesis 1.1 power from the Divine realm, which According to Jewish kabbalists
remains at all times unaffected by its ema- and certain Hermetic theorists, there
The Divine Realm is a place of nation upon the sub-lunar sphere. are four stages of emanation from the
unending truth, incorruptible and perfect The Dominion is the most common Divine realm, known from Isaiah 43:7:
in every respect, the first creation and the form of Divine aura, being the radiance of “All that is called in My name, for My
first good. Within that splendor resides God’s sovereignty and protection Glory [Atzilut], I have Created it
Heaven, the angels and saints and all of through His followers. Islam, Judaism, [Beriyah], I have Formed it [Yetzirah],
God’s faithful worshippers. The Divine and Christianity all have the Dominion, and I have Made it [Asiyah].” As the
Realm, also known as the True Empyrean, which is undifferentiated in its effect, light of God extends through creation
is the “flame of flames” out of which every although it caused differently by each. its nature transforms, becoming the
divine thing has its light kindled. Separate Heretical faiths, such as Catharism or supernatural realms.
from God, since it was created by Him, Gnosticism, may also have a Dominion, The highest realm is Atzilut
the Divine realm shares in His essence by as may other monotheistic faiths such as (Emanation), the eternal and unchang-
dint of its holiness. Mandaeanism or Zoroastrianism. Pagan ing Divine realm. The next realm is
Emanating from the Divine onto and faiths such as those of Imperial Rome or Beriyah (Creation), associated by
throughout the earth is the Divine aura, the barbarian pantheons of the Celts and Hermetic magi with the Magical
the sparkling light of heaven granted to Slavs were largely within faerie or magi- realm, the first separation of Heaven.
the faithful. Divine auras most often man- cal auras. Standing just above the material world
ifest in the presence of a body of believers An empyreal aura is a Divine aura is Yetzirah (Formation), considered to
(the Dominion), or from particularly holy that is untouched by worldly matters. It is be either Arcadia or the Invisible
sites unconnected to worship different from the Dominion only in its World of angels, ghosts, spirits, and
(Empyreals). Divine auras are the most source, which is usually a relic or the elementals. Finally, Asiyah (Action) is
prolific of all auras and are the aura normal dwelling of a powerful divine creature. the mundane world in which the world
people are most likely to come into con- and the entire material universe exist.
tact with. The Infernal realm is not a realm by
Although it is the most powerful aura itself, but rather is a further decline
— because it derives from sacred authori- from the Light, a near absolute preter-
Divine Auras
ty of God — the Divine aura is variable in natural Darkness known as sitra ahra
its strength. Its mutability derives from its (“the other side”), which has a rival
relationship to the faithful it is intended in Play Tree grown from the husks or shells
to nurture and protect: the more numer- (“qlippot”) of earlier creations when
ous or faithful the flock, the more potent Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge.
are its effects. It is also affected by the
passage of time, waning at night time and To encounter a Divine aura is to
waxing during holy days and festivals. brush with the divine and to partake of its powerful one. A pilgrim standing at the
Empyreal auras often manifest as holiness. There is simply no earthly expe- threshold of a cathedral may feel a sense
spheres, emanating from a fixed point, rience comparable with the radiance of a of awe and hope, but once he moves to
while a Dominion aura will extend to Divine aura. stand before the altar, all sense of self is
cover the area inhabited by the faithful. The Dominion is present amongst a overcome by a near mystic experience of
No one knows for certain why they take group of faithful worshipers. It permeates being drawn to embrace the Divine.
these shapes, although erudite Hermetic the people of Mythic Europe, binding An empyreal aura is the manifesta-
scholars imagine it is because the sphere is communities together and saturating their tion of the Divine realm separate from
the most perfect of forms, and that the souls with sacred purity. The effect of the worship. It is sharing in a place or thing of
Dominion is intended to protect God’s Dominion is both subtle and overwhelm- holiness, God’s most universal quality.
worshippers. When arising from an ing, with a marked difference as one Empyreal auras are mostly found at sacred
unusual source, or butting against another moves from a moderate Dominion to a sites that are not necessarily linked to
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Realms of Power
The Seven Heavens
And thence those men took me Heavens. It is over these Heavens that Machonon: In the Fourth Heaven
and bore me up on to the sixth the Angelic Princes — Archangels — can be found the City of Christ and the
heaven, and there I saw seven rule. heavenly Jerusalem, ruled over by
bands of angels, very bright and Shamayim: The lowest of the Michael. Here is also found Sandalphon,
very glorious, and their faces Heavens, The First Heaven is the abode angel of tears.
shining more than the sun’s of the ethereal stars, each guarded over Mathey: The true Empyrean and
shining, glistening, and there is by an angel. Gabriel rules Shamayim, home of the Avenging Angels, the Fifth
no difference in their faces, or which is a land filled with glorious trees Heaven is the dwelling of Metatron and
behavior, or manner of dress; and rich harvests. is ruled by Shatqiel. It is a great void
and these make the orders, and Raqia: The Second Heaven impris- filled with fire and smoke.
learn the goings of the stars, ons many evil angels who have not been Zebul: The Sixth Heaven is a place
and the alteration of the moon, yet thrown to Hell and is ruled by of icy storms and snow-ridden angelic
or revolution of the sun, and the Raphael, Galizur, and Zachariel. Also in palaces, home of Cherubim and
good government of the world. Raqia are the planets. Phoenixes. Zachiel and Sabath are the
Shehaqin: Shehaqin is ruled over by rulers of Zebul.
I Enoch 19:1 Jabniel, Rabacyl, and Dalquiel, and the Araboth: The Seventh Heaven is
Archangel Anahel. It is in the Third the dwelling of the Angels of Judgement,
Heaven that the Garden of Eden now Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones, ruled
The Halls of Heaven, like its Host, resides and the Tree of Life grows (from over by Cassiel. Araboth is the closest
are stratified between seven grand celes- this tree came the manna that delivered thing in creation to God Himself, and is
tial mansions, known as the Seven the children of Israel). the location of his Throne.
worship, or radiating from powerful
divine creatures or saints. It is a more pri-
mordial Divine aura than the Dominion.
Experiencing a powerful Divine aura
is a life-changing experience for faithful
and sinners alike, directly touching the
soul. While people are always profoundly
affected by Divine auras, they are not
immediately aware that they are within an
aura (unless they have an appropriate
Virtue). A Hermetic mage entering a
powerful Dominion may slowly be aware
of an ache in his hands, a shortness of
breath or uncertainty over the efficacy of
his magical prowess. Divine auras can also
inspire Personality Traits in those within
them (see Blessed By God, Holy Influence
for more information).
MUNDANEREACTIONTOTHEDIVINE
A pious character entering a Divine
aura is filled with positive feelings direct-
ed towards God. As the aura grows in
strength, these feelings can overcome the
character’s sense of self. The purpose of
Divine auras is to glorify God, so the
emotions and spiritual sensations pro-
voked by a Divine aura tend to be ones
such as selfless love, awe, and wonder.
Most inhabitants of Mythic Europe,
while not impious, have been exposed to
Divine auras since they were young.
Although one never becomes desensi-
tized to the Divine, the experience may
not be as profound as it is to the truly
pious. Thus, a character with no signifi-
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The Divine
cant holy traits may feel awe at seeing the Despite this apparent Heavenly dis- pared his throne in the heavens;
interior of a cathedral or mosque, but pleasure, magi may still experience posi- and his kingdom ruleth over all.
may not be struck with intense feelings of tive emotions when in a Divine aura, such
love or devotion. as euphoria greater than the thrill evoked Psalms 103:17-19
Particularly sinful characters (such as by magic use, or a sense of reverent intro-
those with evil Personality Traits, as spection akin to a positive Twilight event. Fundamentally the Dominion is a
described in the Blessed By God chapter) Though their hands may throb and their worldly aura with a worldly purpose. It is
have their guilty consciences pricked Gifts flicker, some magi may feel as God’s Kingdom on Earth. It was the
when entering a Divine aura. At low levels though their efforts are given unearthly Dominion that chased away or over-
they may feel apprehensive, aware that perspective or meaning when standing whelmed the other auras of Mythic
someone knows their sinful activities or before an altar. Europe in the centuries after Christ.
thoughts. A high-level Divine aura can fill Magical creatures also feel dimin- Wherever a community of Christians
a sinful character with an overpowering ished in a Divine aura; used as they are to sprang up, the Dominion followed, grow-
sense of guilt and remorse, or fear of retri- being mighty beings with great powers, ing rapidly in only a few generations to
bution. Many grievous sinners have bro- they are given an unwelcome reminder rub against the ancient auras found in
ken down and confessed while standing that even greater beings than themselves grand temples of Greece and Rome and
before the Cathedral’s altar. In the seats of reside within the Divine Realm. the hoary Faerie auras of Mythic Europe’s
the Dominion’s power, such as St. Peter’s dense forests. Only the Middle East had
Basilica in Rome or the grand mosque in known a Dominion like that of the
Mecca, those in constant or willing state FAERIEREACTIONTOTHEDIVINE Christians, home as it was of Judaism and
of mortal sin are few. the fiery Persian Zoroastrians. The sudden
Some people can be overwhelmed by Most fay find the Divine to be con- expansion of Islam in the seventh century
a powerful Divine aura, experiencing a frontational and upsetting. The light of also saw the growth of the Dominion,
temporary state of intense piety during truth found within Divine auras makes spreading with the call to prayer.
which they are utterly intoxicated by the faeries feel as though their glamours and The Dominion is the Divine aura
mystical experience of the Divine. This is illusions have been stripped away, and the manifested for and around God’s faithful.
most common when visiting pilgrimage sensible presence of the ultimate good can It does not exist without a body of wor-
sites, such as Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall, make them question the purpose of their shippers. It springs from God’s worldly
the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and existence. Nevertheless, the Divine is wel- houses, churches, mosques, and syna-
the Dome of the Rock, and during holy coming, offering truth rather than decep- gogues; waxes and wanes at certain times;
periods such as Easter or Ramadan. tion — a profound honesty more radiant and fades when worship is no longer
During this time, they will feel intoxicat- than the most brilliant glamour, which given. Why this is the case is a mystery,
ed and obsess over a particular holy site, some faeries find comfort in. but is appears that the Dominion’s
relic, or figure. After a few days, they strength is intimately linked to God’s sov-
gradually feel the need to be alone with ereignty over his followers, and their
God, are increasingly sensitive to sin and INFERNALREACTIONTOTHEDIVINE belief in Him.
vice, and feel the need to constantly puri-
fy themselves. Hate and fear characterizes Infernal
The Dominion auras of different opinion of Divine auras. The light, truth, DOMINIONPOWER
faiths, such as Christianity, Islam, or and love that saturates Divine auras strikes
Judaism, or others such as Zoroastrianism, directly against the essence of Infernal As laid out in Ars Magica5th Edition
Catharism or Gnosticism, have no differ- beings, and intense sensations of dread page 183, auras vary in power from 1 to
ent game effects. How the Dominion and self-loathing fill diabolists and those
affects a person is determined by the indi- affiliated with Hell. Despite this, devils
vidual, not the faith the Dominion is sus- and infernalists are adept at hiding their
Who Has the
tained by. A bishop entering a mosque true feelings and rarely demonstrate what
would feel the same spiritual sensation as they may be experiencing. Demons are Dominion?
if he entered a cathedral, a synagogue, or the most likely of creatures from non-
a fire temple of the Magoi. Divine realms to be visiting a Divine aura,
to tempt, corrupt, and spread wickedness. The Dominion manifests wherev-
er faithful gather to worship the cre-
MAGICALREACTIONTOTHEDIVINE ator and sustainer of all things, regard-
The Dominion less of creed, doctrine, or scripture.
When exposed to a Divine aura, the The three faiths of the Book
Gifted feel their magical power buffeted (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) are
as though a candle flame in a strong wind, all protected by a Dominion. So too
or suffer from headaches, pain in body But the mercy of the Lord is are communities of the Cathars in
parts often affected by magic, or a short from everlasting to everlasting Southern France, the Mandeans in
temper. Most importantly, the hubris of upon them that fear him, and his Iran, the Zoroastrians in Persia, and
Hermetic mages (and other powerful righteousness unto children’s heretics of all three major faiths, so
magical practitioners and beings) is called children; to such as keep his long as adoration is given only to God,
into question in a Divine aura. Under the covenant, and to those that although such heresy will often cause
gaze of the Divine, the might of The Gift remember his commandment to schism (see Blessed By God, Holy
feels reduced to but a dim spark. do them. The Lord hath pre- Influence).
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Realms of Power
10. The Dominion’s power will radiate ty, where it is weakest. As a rule of thumb, On the outskirts of the city the
from a community’s church or place of the Dominion will extend from the altar, Dominion would decrease to two, and
worship (mosque or synagogue) where it from where the salat is being chanted, or after a few hours’ walk throughout the
is strongest, to the edge of the communi- from the Torah scrolls, to as far as the city’s fields (assuming the area was inhab-
church’s bells, the call to prayer, or the ited by Christians) the Dominion would
recitation of the Torah can be heard — be only one. Churches, mosques, and
Dominion Power
until it encounters another, stronger aura synagogues tend to have the highest
Examples or reaches the edge of the community. Dominions in Mythic Europe. Cities,
Dominion power within a given area towns, and villages rarely have Dominion
will vary. Inside a small church, for exam- ratings above 3.
A quick guide to determine the ple, it has its strongest aura rating of 5 at As another guide, the Dominion is
strength of the Dominion in a given the altar. This will decrease to 4 through- typically strongest where people gather to
area is provided below. At night, sub- out the church, extending to the thresh- worship in a consecrated place (aura 4),
tract one from the rating, and add one old of the church building, with the land with the dwellings of the faithful protect-
on holy days (Sundays for example). and cemetery surrounding the church ed by the next-strongest aura (aura 3), and
Mosques and synagogues of equal sig- having a Dominion aura of 3. Within the workplaces of the faithful gaining the
nificance to a church have the equiva- large churches or places of worship there final level of Dominion (aura 1 or 2).
lent Dominion rating. may be several areas with high and low
aura ratings, such as in the Church of
AREA AURARATING Holy Wisdom in Constantinople — the CONFLICTINGAURAS
Rural area...........................................1 largest church in Christendom — where
Town or fortification.........................2 the many altars, relics, and icons result in More so than other auras, the
City....................................................3 the Dominion varying between five and, Dominion regularly conflicts and chal-
Consecrated ground.......................3-5 in the holiest places within this holy lenges the auras from other realms.
Small Church ....................................4 place, 10. During the expansion of Christianity,
Large Church or Cathedral...............5 In a city, most of the dwellings Islam, and the kingdom of Israel, the
Site of pilgrimage or veneration....4-8 would be under a Dominion rating of 3, Dominion abutted and pressed against
St Peter’s Basilica, Church of with areas of vice and sin having a lesser Magic and Faerie auras. Due to the pur-
Holy Wisdom, the Dome of (or even no) Dominion, and particularly pose and nature of the Dominion, when it
the Rock, Mt. Sinai......................5-10 pious areas, like those near the church or comes to influence in an area with anoth-
monastery, having a Dominion of four. er realm’s aura of equal strength, the
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