Scions of the Watchtower of the Iron Gauntlet in the Realm of Pandemonium, Kingdom of Nightmares and Abode of Demons
Those who Awaken to the compelling nightmare of Pandemonium are resigned to be some of the least trusted mages in existence. Their connection to the Watchtower of the Iron Gauntlet thrusts upon them a seductive urge toward manipulation and subversion. Despite the constant temptation, they remain in full control of how they manifest that urge. While some Mastigos become the manipulators people believe them to be over time, many try to use their talents to serve the common good — by uncovering the flaws in others: Mastigos prod people to be more aware of their own weaknesses and overcome them. Although this goal seems unsavory, the Mastigos are more likely to judge on results rather than a merely ethical basis. In the goal of Ascension to the Supernal World, weakness can be fatal, and it’s better to have a friend expose your flaws than an enemy.
Early in the Path, as the Mastigos’ development of the Mind Arcanum starts to reveal the true thoughts and intentions of others, Mastigos often encounter the impression that they are surrounded by people hiding secrets. This sometimes makes Mastigos suspicious of those around them, giving Mastigos a proclivity for spying and manipula- tion that makes them very useful but leaves their reputations in tatters. However, this inclines them on a mystical level toward subtlety. Their magic is rarely flashy or overt, and many on this Path are uncomfortable using any obvious magic.
Mastigos refuse to acknowledge anyone but themselves as masters. They disregard any code of behavior that they have not given to themselves. Sometimes this results in strict conduct more akin to an ascetic monk than from a mage, but others on the Path of Scourging use this mentality as an excuse to indulge in any behavior that feels good — regardless of the consequences. Many other mages assume that all Mastigos are corrupt, but this reduces Warlocks to the lowest applications of their philosophies. It is true that a mortal inclined toward mayhem can pursue that inclination once he Awakens as a Mastigos, but it is also true that an inherently benevolent mage can exert his will for the common good just as well.
Orders: Due to the Silver Ladder’s attitude toward power and the Arcane Skills the order teaches, the Silver Ladder is the favored order of mages on the Path of Scourg- ing. The Guardians of the Veil, whose subtle ways and Arcane Skills resonate with the Mastigos Path, is a close second. Coming in a distant third and fourth, respectively, are the Mysterium and the Free Council. The rare Mastigos Adamantine Arrow is treasured for his extraordinary ability to do reconnaissance.
Appearance: Mastigos are usually immaculately groomed and fashionably dressed for the culture they live in. They often make excellent first impressions because small rituals of self-discipline — proper etiquette, good grooming — help them master themselves in ways that will later help them master others. Those on the Path of Scourging are often direct — mak- ing eye contact, speaking clearly and intently listening to what others say (or don’t say).
Sanctums: Just as rats or termites, Mastigos can live just about anywhere and never be detected. They tend to prefer urban settings to isolated sanctums, but Mastigos strongly value privacy and security. A comfortable apartment in
a large building where a Warlock becomes just another neighbor or a nondescript home in a gated community is ideal for a Mastigos.
Background: Those who Awaken to the Path of Scourg- ing are often devout individualists. They live their own way
regardless of what others say about them. These are often rebels, innovators and egotists, and some are inherently prone to attempt deception, seduction or manipulation to get what they want. Many on the Path of Scourging began as lawyers, seducers, inventors, porn stars, liars, iconoclasts, socio-
paths, mental-health professionals, writers, televangelists and con men.
Character Creation: Mastigos are often fond of reaching their goals through indirect means. Since they usually focus on Mental and Social Attributes, Physical Attributes are often tertiary. Those on the Path of Scourging require a great amount of Willpower. Mastigos often emphasize their Social Skills, but Mental Skills come in a close second. Larceny and Stealth are common Physical Skills. Mastigos view Fortitude as an ideal Virtue while Lust seems to be a Vice strongly attuned to the Path.
Favored Resistance Attribute: Resolve Ruling Arcana: Space and Mind Inferior Arcanum: Matter
Nimbus: “Nightmarish.” Depth perception seems to take on a new clarity, and it seems that objects are seen from all sides in a single glance or that they are impossibly far away. Objects appear to be illuminated by an unseen flame, and exotic fragrances hover at the edge of perception. Sometimes there are sounds of a cacophonous roar, while at other times spaces seem to be claustrophobic and impossibly tight. With powerful magic, onlookers might sometimes hear distant screams or howls of rage.
Associations: Mages on the Mastigos Path are extraordinarily careful about revealing their personal connections. They
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89 Chapter Two: Character
tend to be paranoid, particularly when dealing with others on the Path of Scourging — they know those on their Path too well to trust them fully. Their relatively mobile lifestyles (enabled by the Space Arcanum) also undermine any sort of stable affiliation. Consequently, alliances between Mastigos are usually brief, and what interactions they have during that time tend to be cold and rigorously formal even as they work behind each others’ backs to get the other at a disadvantage. The most enduring associations many Mastigos form are those with mages whose minds the Mastigos have conditioned into thralldom. Sometimes, Mastigos serving the same master or sharing a student are obligated to work together for a lengthy period of time. Under such a rare circumstance, their interactions depend on the mages involved and don’t draw on any pre-existing organizational framework.
Concepts: Creepy infernalist, itinerant demon slayer, struggling antihero, unseen assassin, haunter-of-nightmares, realpolitik diplomat, carnival dream interpreter
Stereotypes
Acanthus: Consummate liars, cheats and sneaks, and blessed with good fortune
to boot. Their mastery of Fate robs men of their independence — a terrifying prospect.
Moros: Never underestimate a mage who can command both the dead and
the stones beneath your feet. They are also as highly disciplined as we are but focus on the end of life instead of mastering it.
Obrimos: Insufferable moralists. Unfortunately, they have enough raw
firepower that we can’t just ignore them. They seek to serve under a benevolent master. We could not be more opposite.
Thyrsus: They have valuable skills in healing and so are not worth insulting
directly, but they continually attribute everything to the will of a spirit outside of themselves. Noble savages? I think not.
Vampires: Excellent tools if you can distract them from their nightly drama
pageant. Stroke their egos and promise them a glorious triumph over their peers, and you’ll have them competing to serve you.
Werewolves: Too blunt for tools, too angry for allies and too powerful for
enemies. Avoid them entirely.
Sleepers: To the victor go the spoils. Unfortunately for the Sleepers, they’re
not aware enough to realize that they are the spoils.
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