Written by Russell Bailey (bailey@wam.umd.edu) for use with C.J.

Carella’s WitchCraft,
published by Eden Studios. May not be reproduced except with permission of the author.

Gargoyles
Even in the best of times, certain forces have been jealous of the favor in which the
Creator holds humanity. Many such beings would like nothing better than to despoil the
sanctuaries in which mankind gives reverence- particularly given that these sanctuaries
are often Places of Power. In order to defend these sacred spaces, the Gifted of bygone
eras created the gargoyles.
Whether their Avatars are simple wooden carvings otherwise untouched hills or imposing
stone chimeras surrounding the spires of Gothic cathedrals, gargoyles are spirits who
guard both Places of Power and those who come there to worship.
The personalities and secondary charges of gargoyles vary widely, as do the ways in
which they interpret those charges. Generally, the gargoyle’s view of the universe reflects
that of its creator; the many gargoyles crafted by Inspired artisans of Christian Europe
are as often harsh and hasty as they are contemplative and cautious. Further, though a
gargoyle is defined by its protective qualities, that protection need not be extended to the
virtuous. There is more than one rumor of stone monstrosities standing silent watch over
the strongholds of the unholy.

Powers Common to Gargoyles

Gargoyles have a number of common powers, as well as being able to use many of the
powers available to other spirits.

Avatar: When summoned, the gargoyle is bound to one or more Avatars. Thereafter, the
gargoyle cannot interact with the physical world except by animating one of these
Avatars. While animating the Avatar, the gargoyle suffers damage to its Energy Essence
corresponding to any physical damage inflicted upon the Avatar. Should all of a
gargoyle’s original Avatars be destroyed, it may claim another suitable vessel, but only if
it was constructed after the original Avatars were destroyed, so that the gargoyle may
become attuned to the Essence the artisan released when creating the work.
While many Avatars are crafted of stone, any “inanimate” substance will do, including
mud, wood, or even stained glass. The Avatar must, however, display characteristics of a
human being deliberately impressed upon it by another human being.

Protectorate: The Place of Power which a gargoyle is sworn to protect is imprinted upon
its True Name. This functions much as the Anchor power common to Ghosts. However,
the Energy Essence available to a gargoyle within its Protectorate is subtracted from the
Essence available to Gifted channeling within the Protectorate. Further, a gargoyle is
compelled to find it unconscionable to stray from its Protectorate any more than
necessary to deal with an immediate threat.

Evolution: Even as its stony bodies crumble, the gargoyle itself may grow in power. This
growth, however, is dependent upon the continuing presence of worshipers within the
Protectorate. A gargoyle watching over a quiet church might add 1 point to its Vital
Essence and Energy Essence over a century, whereas one guarding a busy cathedral
might gain 10 points in a decade!

Fidelity: Gargoyles may not be Oathbound in any way which violates their original
charge. Any mage attempting to persuade one otherwise may find himself facing a very
angry gargoyle.

The Dreamer

Visitors to St. Stephen’s often comment on the statue in the rectory courtyard. Singularly
out of place among the aging (if tidy) wooden buildings which make up the church,
rectory, and school, the diminutive statue depicts a dragonish creature hunched with its
head on its fist. A few of the longtime faithful remember when old Mrs. Potter donated
the statue. The aged sculptress had been a pious woman, though those who knew her as
often remember her sense of humor. Indeed, when she presented the statue to
Monsignor Ryan, she was said to remark “At least it’ll give the birds someplace to do their
business.”
Unknown to anyone but the late Mrs. Potter herself, the Dreamer is much more than a
decoration. In the three decades since his Avatar was installed, he has watched over the
families who come on Sundays and the old folks who come every day. Like Mrs. Potter,
he believes that it is not his place to judge, and he rarely brings the little statue to life,
even standing by as a group of kids spray-painted its beak. Once or twice, however, he
has been stirred to more violent action. Often, his thoughts turn to a mugger who
cornered a young mother in the Church parking lot. The man must somehow have known
what was coming, for he took the woman’s purse and ran as fast as he could. Not a
parishioner, he could not have noticed that the statue was missing from the courtyard,
yet he did not cross it, running instead into the shadows near the rectory wall. He never
emerged.
Today, only the Dreamer knows about the rotting body in the ground beneath his feet. He
regrets that the man never got a Christian burial, of course, but those nasty police would
have kept poking around if they’d found what they were looking for. The church does
need protecting, after all.

Strength: 5 Intelligence: 3

Dexterity: 3 Perception: 6

Constitution: 3 Willpower: 4

Vital Essence: 40

Energy Essence: 20

Spiritus: 4

Skills: Brawling 4, Stealth 3