From: gorilla@cats.ucsc.edu (Christopher John Arnold)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc
Subject: Ars Magica: Maleficium info cont.
Date: 22 Jan 93 20:02:39 GMT
Organization: Merlin's Loft Covenant
NNTP-Posting-Host: si.ucsc.edu


OK, as I promised here I am in the comp. lab with the Maleficium
and I plan to let you all in on it.

First it came into our local gaming store (Game-A-Lot Toys in
Santa Cruz, run by SCAdians) only a few days ago.

The Maleficium by Christopher Early, (1992 White Wolf)
WW1019     ISBN 1-56504-034-1     $18.00US

Introduction includes how to use this supplement, and notes on
research.

Chapter 1 called The Pathway Dark. It provides a history of 
Diabolism, and a definition of Diabolism in Mythic Europe.
It also describes the role of temption in Mythic Europe.

Chapter 2 is called The Metaphysical Interlude. It gives a detailed
of the metaphysics of the infernal realm. This is one of the most
complex sections of the book, as the concepts are detailed and 
convoluted medievel philosophical ideas. It talks about why and
how demons collect souls, and The role of the spirit.

Chapter3 is Mythic Hell, yes it gives a description of Hell. It
states how Hell was founded, and how fallen angels wound up in 
Hell in the first place. It describes what happens to souls in 
Hell, and the Denizens of Hell (Satan, the Ischin, demons, The
Nephilim, and the Vulgate).

Chapter 4 is called Know Thine Enemy. The Devil is the source
of all suffering in the Mythic World, Major or Minor, and
This chapter discussed the various Earthly manifestations of
evil. Visual form, Spiritual form, temptation, possession, 
powers and strengths, and obsession are all covered. It
also talks about all of the tools that the twelfth century
demon hunter (or dodger) has at his or her disposal.

Master and Servant is the name of the 5th Chapter. Mages,
although in violation of the Code, may attempt to summon and control
demons. Here's how to do it. It gives Ars Magica rules for summoning
and binding rituals, and how to handle Contests of Wills. It
also talks about contracts, and Thralls, which is what a bound
demon is called. Fortunately for the unwise or unlucky mage, it
also talks about how to free one's self from the grip of the Inferna.
It isn't easy.

Chapter 6: Bestiary. It contains a rather limited list of demons.
This, according to the preamble, is because the book is meant to 
be a framework, and after all, any creative GM will be able
to base other demons on these examples. Such beauties as the
Hail Maggots, and the Communion Toads, and my favorite: Scrith,
the Tick-Bats.

Chapter7 is The Shape of the Saga. This gives tips for incorporating
the many concepts in this book with a campaign.

Appendix 1 is a section for those who wish to play diabolist 
characters. It includes virtues and flaws, and info on playing
dark magi (a frightening though iffen I ever heard one. Then again 
a Flambeau with a nuclear weapon doesn't sound all that safe either).

Apendix 2 has a section of writings from great members of the 
Houses about diabolism, along with some historical and societal
tales of diabolist Mages.

In all, it is a very detailed and well researched volume (I've read
a lot on the subject) and will make life fun for a GM, and (pardon
the pun) Hell for any player who has to deal with these incarnations
of evil. They're almost as bad as Faeries, but with worse fashion sense.

It will however require a thorough reading, to fully understand the
concepts within. Chris Earley does a wonderful job taking the
incredibly dense theology of Dante, St. Thomas Aquinas, Matthew
Black, Lateran IV, and Lactantius and making it about as simple as
it could get without losing the rich culture of the netherworlds.
All in all a wonderful addition to the bookshelf of any Ars Magica
gm, or for that matter, any GM who deals with the world of evil.

BTW, Christopher Earley does print a solid disclaimer, stating the
fact that this book does contain some pretty sensitive and impressive
concepts. Children should discuss this one with parents. Even I think
it might be a good idea.

                                           -Chris Arnold

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Arnold  gorilla@cats.ucsc.edu   gorilla@ucscb.ucsc.edu
"Gorillas...Gorillas...Report to the Mist" -Ice Cube
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc