The Beastmaster
                               
                  Steven Mancini <[m--ci--s] at [mentor.cc.purdue.edu]>
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
>>>[Salutations! I have come to report that I have witnessed an
extraordinary manifestation of magic. This exquisite female,
streetname Quicksilver, has apparently developed an affinity with
normal critters and has begun to manifest similar traits with
certain Paranormals. After careful study, I believe this to be
more than a unique phenomena. In fact, I imagine there may be
more like her, hidden away in the tribes that would covet such a
rare gift. But this, is pure speculation.]<<<
-Nidhug, Chronicler of Magic



The Beastmaster


Priority: 4

Prerequisites

 Animal Handling     5
 Animal Biotech      5
 Parazoology         5 [If paranormals are desired]
 Magic Theory        5 [If astrally perceptive animal]
    

Powers

Empathy

 Can project emotions into non-hostile animals with no
    standard resistance.
    
 Can project emotions in a quazi-"calling" for a number  of
    Kilometers equal to the Beastmaster's Magic  Attribute.
    Animals may ignore calling by accomplishing  an Unresisted
    Test using Beastmaster's Charisma as a  target.
    


Projection

 This power is similar to the Ally power Sense Link. It  may
    only be accomplished with the Beastmaster's familiars.  Only
    one projection may be maintained at a time. The  initial
    disorientation when projecting is 10 actions  divided by a
    Willpower test target(6) successes. While projecting, the
    Beastmaster is vulnerable similar  to an Astrally Projecting
    Mage. While projecting, the Beastmaster can use their
    telepathy  power to quasi-control the actions of their
    beast. This  is more of commanding it, and it may not always
    follow.  ("You want me to get HOW close to that Dragon?!?!")
    
Telepathy

 With a familiar (explained below) is unlimited range. With all
    others, it is touch.
    


Initiation

 This power is documented only because our only subject of
    study  was introduced following initiation.
    


Cost

The Beastmaster must self-initiate their magic is too strange
for group initiation and their rarity leads us to this
conclusion. Granted if a group of these mystics could be
encountered, the potential may exist for group initiation, but
their rarity makes such a potential situation unimaginable.

Ordeal

The Ordeal required by the Beastmaster is the impression  of
their new familiar. The animal in question must be  wild and have
NO prior exposure to humanity. This Ordeal  is not required, but
since it accomplishes the obtaining  of a new familiar and reduce
the Karma cost, it is favored  by this magician. (if such a term
is appropriate.)

Additional

The familiar is a beast that has been selected for bonding with
the Beastmaster. It must have no prior exposure to humanity. The
Beastmaster may have a number of Familiars equal to his/her magic
attribute. That is, Quicksilver has a magic attribute of 5, her
familiars are: 2 wolves, 2 hunting dog, and an eagle.

Paranormal Familiars

Paranormal familiars are possible, but only after progressing
through several normal critters. (Do not allow starting character
to begin game with a paranormal, but allow him/her to reserve
point(s) for further progress). The Beastmaster must fully
understand the powers his familiar shall have and this is
demonstrated through a parazoology skill of rating five (5) or
higher. If the beastmaster desires, they may specialize or
concentrate on a specific animal (with the GM's approval.)



Dual Natured Animals

Astral critters can be the most dangerous progression for a
Beastmaster. As stated in the book, non-magically actives exposed
to the Astral Plane will go insane/die. Since the Beastmaster is
quasi-magically active, they can develop a 'resistance' to this
insanity. By obtaining a Magic Theory skill of 5 or greater, the
Beastmaster has demonstrated a sufficient knowledge concerning
the astral plane to survive exposure via his/her familiars.


Disadvantages

The Beastmaster is attuned to the animal kingdom and
involuntarily receives empathetic signals from the animals which
surround her. If, for example, she was to walk near a slaughter
house, her emotions would most likely cripple her. One specific
example mentioned during my interview concerned a tiger that was
in a nearby grassland and she 'felt' it die.

The Beastmaster may not replace killed familiars. Beyond the
backlash of the killing of the animal, severe psychological
trauma is anticipated. Likewise, if the beastmaster suffers a
magic loss, the animal is set free from the bond, and most likely
will stay if treated well. However, if cyberware is installed,
the animal will grow ill and die slowly.

>>>>>[ Quicksilver is indeed a rare individual, even for an elf.
Her affinity for animals was demonstrated to me when she 'tamed'
a pair of paranormal critters, Shadowhound and Greater Wolverine
respectively, that were under the influence of magic which drove
them into a quasi-berserk state. Following my observations of her
powers and the magic that was woven into their lifeforce, I have
developed a spell that is merely a shadow of her power: Control
Emotions vs. Paranormal Critters, Permanent. The drain is
unbearable but at least between her powers and my spells, we have
set these beasts free from the insanity- producing magic that was
tormenting them on the mountain where we found them...]<<<<<
-Gargoyle, Raven Shamanic Adept




 "We are in a Universe with more and more information, and
 less and less meaning."
 
                                  -- Jean Beaudrillard