Cirice

 Stop treating me like a child.. 

Both the filia and biological child of her Parens, Katerine-Gwen. Cirice knew of the order from childhood and there was delight on both sides as her gift manifested. This cheer soured after it was realised that the opening of her gift had triggered a forgotten ancestral curse that said no 'True Child of Ceridwen' could grow to continue the legacy. The realization she could never age was distressing for both mother and daughter and continues to trouble them until this day. Cirice hates being treated as a child and while she has come to accept that mundanes will forever do so it frustrates her whenever covenfolk or other Magi do so. Those that do treat her like an adult are ones she'll go out of her way to keep safe. She enjoys stories a lot, just as she likes talking about Ceridwen and her hopes for the Cauldron's power.

She is a talented mage specialising in Auram wind magic with an interest in widening her knowledge to other elemental forms. Her most powerful spells are still draining for her to use but her shapeshifting ability is almost second nature now with her able to adopt the forms of an otter, fox, peregrine falcon and bear. More uniquely Cirice has developed a way to adopt a non-animal form that matches her hermetic focus. As a maga Cirice is notably outgoing but not especially social (at least in part because of the way people see and treat her). While she was never lax in her studies she much preferred to be out and learning things from experience.

Details
While her gift prevents her socialising with many at the covenant, she makes the attempt when possible. Besides that she will often be out in one of her animal forms. Her lab, such as it is, is almost never used but it is known to be the most comfortable due to her knowledge of spells for travelling in comfort. She makes an effort for her magic to be recognised and has demonstrated some power effects (and one powerful but erroneous spell) when out on task.

When travelling her night routine is to mark a circle, cast her spells, sleep in fox form and them prepare her herbal drink on waking each morning. She keeps the ascian dagger on hand but out of sight where possible.

Notable Features: Cirice has a few small, barely noticable scars from past wounds. Her resting expression is in no way cute, she has been accused of glowering when just staring off in thought. She does smile when listening to stories, but doesn't like this being addressed as she considers it 'child-like'. She closely guards the personal belongings she carries with her while caring far less about less portable things, including her lab.

Her animal forms are on the small side for their species but still adult. Unless she is making an effort she still shows her intelligence while in such forms, such as sitting down when having a conversation as a fox or turning to watch the expressions of people talking if listening.

Fun facts: Despite having travelled a fair bit in her life she doesn't really pay attention to places or people she isn't likely to meet often. She once almost stabbed herself trying to perform playful fighting postures with her dagger. Since then she hasn't tried.

Greatest Fear: Cirice has prepared herself for several fears; Watching those around her (especially children) grow old while she remains 'young', having to turn her magic against a friend to keep her secret from spreading to the order, being lost somewhere without access to the herbs for her brew etc. Her greatest fear however is one she doesn't realise: Finding Ceridwen's Cauldron. Truth is that she wouldn't know what to do with herself after obtaining her goal and would become aimlessly lost in life, as well as deeply paranoid and forever afraid of losing it again.

Born: 1163 Height: 4'6" Weight: 70lbs

Cirice's Lab: Located within the caves. She has quietly reshaped the walls to make it round to better inlay a magic circle around the outside. Its equipment isn't used much and includes footstalls that should not be commented on. Very few know it but it is the most comfortable of Sagehollows rooms since her magic maintains the temperature, freshness and humidity of the air. Naturally it smells of daffodils. Rian's neatly wrapped body lies in an open sarcophagus of sorts, covered with a sheet that is kept tidy.

Characteristics
Intelligence +3, Perception +0, Strength -2, Stamina +3, Presence -2, Communication +1, Dexterity +0, Quickness +0

Virtues
Arcane Lore, Dust Devil, Elemental MagicM, Independent Study, Mastered Spells, Minor Magical Focus (Wind), ShapeshifterM, Free, Skilled Parens, Subtle MagicFree, Unbound Tongue

Flaws
Ability Block (Martial), Dark Secret (Ceridwen was Diedne)M, Driven (to find Ceridwen's Cauldron), Greater Malediction (Can't physically grow older)M, Judged Unfairly (Girl Child), Small Frame, Restriction (Must drink Herbal Elixir)M, Free

Personality Traits
Cautious +2, Mercurial +2, Thoughtful +2

Wizarding Sigil
The Smell of Daffodils.

Her voting Sigil is a miniature cauldron with daffodil etchings around the outside.

Arts
Creo 5, Intellego 5, Muto 10, Perdo 0, Rego 5 ~ Animal 0, Aquam 6, Auram 11, Corpus 4, Herbam 0, Ignem 5, Imaginem 0, Mentem 0, Terram 6, Vim 0

Spells Known
Air's Ghostly Form ~ CrAu5, Charge of the Angry Winds ~ CrAu15, Pull of the Skybound Winds ~ CrAu30, Whispering Winds ~ InAu15, Conjure (Briefly) from the Mist ~ MuAu(Te)30, The Unruffled Traveller (Improved) ~ ReAu15, The Wizard's Parry ~ ReTe5, The Unseen Arm (Improved) ~ ReTe10, (Circle) of Summer Breezes ~ CrAu(Ig)10, (Circular Ward) Against Rain ~ ReAu15

Items and Belongings
Simple necklace of twisted glass, Childs satchel containing herbal ingrediants, a wooden cup etc. Ascian dagger.

Languages
Welsh 5 (Storytelling), Latin 4 (Hermetic), English 3 (Storytelling).

Abilities
Awareness (Spells) 2, Brawl (Dodging) 2, Charm (People who treat her like a child) 3, Folk Ken (Covenfolk/Grogs) 2, Guile (Acting innocent), Shapeshifter (Divine Aura) 4, Artes Liberales (Ceremonial Magic) 1, Code of Hermes (Stonehenge) 1, Faerie Lore (Stories) 2, Magic Lore (Magical Traditions) 1, Magical Theory (Auram) 3, Order of Hermes Lore (Stonehenge) 2, Philosphiae (Ceremonial Magic) 1, Concentration (Spells) 2, Finesse (Auram) 2, Parma Magica (Mentem) 1, Penetration (Auram) 1. Ancient Celtic Lore (to be changed) 3, Area Lore: Gwaelod 1 (Priftanas), Teaching 0 (Language).

Animal forms are capable of other abilities, typically 5/6 of the following: Athletics, Awareness, Brawl, Hunt, Stealth, Survival, Swim.

~

* Cirice's soak values are modified as follows: +1 vs Unarmed Humans, +2 vs Metal/Stone Weapons, +2 vs Fire/Cold, +3 vs Lightning/Hail.

Opinions on Others
Mages Arianwen - We hardly interacted but I think I may have annoyed her at a council meeting, not that I'm worried. As yet I've heard no great deeds of her and it seems she doesn't have the wisdom to trust Torvi's expertise. Edric - Not sure why he came all the way to Stonehenge just to stay in his lab. He doesn't talk to me and I return the favour. Essel - First Sagehollow magi I spoke to. Friendly, informative and accepting. She seems trustworthy but is too close to the Order to be trusted with everything. I am perhaps jealous of how well she gets on with the non-magi.. Of the others at Sagehollow Essel has become the one to watch in regards to the future. She collects duties and is impressively organised for a mage of the Order, whatever happens from here on I feel she will be in the middle of it. Evelyn - The world is so unfair.. She's beautiful, able to live her life in her prime and liked by almost everyone, while I'm cursed to look like this and shadowed by troubles. After further thought perhaps the world has some balances? Evelyn is too trusting and at risk when outside her workshop. That or I have simply become jaded? Rian - Quiet but honest. Sadly deceased. A good mage who I'll miss. That Fandaniel will not be forgivn.. Companions Tancred - The order was pretty different back then.. He is fiercesome and dangerous. I am very glad he is on our side and I'm going to be careful he remains so. Lady Tessora of Artois - Right out of a story, how can I not like her despite that fierce 'divinity' she has? She trusted my miscast spell. In the time since she has become some 'champion of god' or something, whatever that means. More importantly she has taken over as leader of our Grogs which I feel will be good for all. Will Scarlet - Can't say I like the idea of travelling with a wolf.. or a degenerate. Cares for women more than us. He has now left thankfully, though I don't think that was on good terms. What happened was a tragedy but I feel anyone placing responsibility on Evelyn either hasn't met her or is foolish. Torvi Ylvakrí - Pagan met at Longlake. I trust her and appreciate having someone of a different faith around, I hope she feels properly welcome at Sagehollow.. She took enough of an interest in the history within the caves and shared what she knew which was appreciated, just as she did when accompanying me on the long journey south. Fate too encourages our friendship for while I know how to walk the trods, I need one with eyes like Torvi's to do so. It irritates me to see her unique perspective and expertise under valued. Hopefully this will change after her wisdom helped prevent 'Ragnarok'. Rohen d'Aincourt - Essel's puppet. I'm not sure I approve but we're unlikely to meet. Following discussions I am still hesitant of whatever power he alegedly possesses and will be keeping watch when he is illuminated about our existence. I trust Essel's judgement however. Grogs - Adventured With Bryne Vaughn - Good travelling companion. He tried hard to protect me when we faced the Ascian and I saved him in turn. Adelaide - I'm not sure she realises I'm not a child... She seems loyal to Tancred, unsure if she is to the rest of us. Falko - He has bad luck but is solidly loyal to the covenant. I both like and trust him. He bravely guarded Rian and doesn't blame himself. I perhaps favour him too much. Percival - Stupid nickname, doesn't seem especially brave. Osanna - Knowledgeable of the local area and helpful. Brave and willing to be of assistance. Quite a reliable woman. Richard - He talks well but lacks personality. I'm still unsure what to make of him. If he manages to help bridge the communication barriers between those at Sagehollow I will applaud him. Alfred - A good cook who gladly shares his fire when I need to brew. Can't fault him there but his refusal to give an opinion on things frustrates me, as did his willingness to let Oskar take his cost to walk the trod. Erik - I'm glad he is on our side. Recklessly brave and willing to put work in. I've yet to see real proof of these premonitions but I trust they exist. There is something not right in a man refusing clothes and seeking death however.. He'll avoid death to save others and that I admire. Oskar - The boy with the pig/dog. I thought that silly at first but it has grown on my. He is quite mature, curiously talented at trade and even tries to remember my age. My long journey south would have been far more difficult without him. Watching him age will be sad.. Hamlet - It can sing and I don't mind treating it as a canine. As long as it doesn't try hunting me in animal form.. Grogs - Others Silk - He is a thorn in Essel's side but a smart man. Some might say too smart but I'm glad he is here. We get on well and should continue to do so as long as he doesn't make too many jokes about his 'daughter'. Chimi - She hugged me and is sort of at eye level with me, that just adds to her peculiarity. To sense magic as she does must be wonderful. Giles - Proof that age is a blessing if viewed right. I doubt he would understand my envy of that however. I enjoy his stories. Haeddi - At first I thought it irritating that she calls herself a mage before I learned her past. Would I take what happened at her Opening to what happened at mine? I must admit no.. Others Arianne - Her 'rescue' occured shortly before I arrived at Sagehollow and we have never had the chance to talk. She is a friend of Torvi and for that I trust her even after hearing she has been reporting on us to Giscard. Perhaps if we had taken the time to get to know her she would not have feared we would harm her for her actions? I wish she were less fearful. Perhaps if we can free her sister things will be different? Robin of Loxley - So much for a living legend.. The reality does not live up to the stories. Nobody seems to be able to tell me why he provides us what wealth he obtains.. Robert Giscard - The Sheriff of Nottingham is not to be trusted. If he learns of us I will not feel safe.. I knew it would happen but to manipulate someone to spy on us? How much does he know of the Order I wonder and what does he intend? Sooner or later I fear we'll have to deal with him in some manner. Guy of Gisborne - Seemingly inept, thankfully. Ser Aymeric de Borel - Rumour is he is a good man. By that I assume a good 'christian' man, which means I would rather we keep our distance. Ser William Peverel - A lord who speaks gladly to what others of his ilk consider lessers? Strange.. Then again, Prince John apparently spoke pleasantly to Torvi so who knows? Prince John - Pah! Some others speak well of him. Naturally I wish they had not crossed paths with him. I am glad he did Torvi no harm. The Templars - I dislike they have begun patrols and have founded that church. One of a few changes for the worse since I came here. Fandaniel - Now I know he is mortal he will pay... I just wish I knew their motives for so much that they do. Ailuros & Maahes - The two metallic cats I welcomed to Sagehollow, I'm hoping their knowledge and tales will prove interesting and that others won't bother them too much. I'll not tell them but I feel Maahes is the prettiest (which he seems to believe himself), though Ailuros seems the cleverer and most fun (she is smart enough to stay quieter). Captain Sabre - Puzzling at first but surprisingly insightful. There is even more of a strangeness to him than first seemed (which says a lot when he is a feline ships captain with a crew with several women, norsefolk etc) but I was polite enough not to raise points about what little of his past he recalls.. Baxtorian Hefin - How desperate must a man be to lay his hopes on a talking fox that slipped its way into his court? Our goals align well, of which I am glad. I must be cautious he does not view me as a potential court wizard as while I will do what I can for him and his people, it is Morfran I seek. Múspelli - Trying to strengthen magic by damaging the faerie realm is insane, who knows what that ritual would really have done? Thankfully we have Torvi else who knows what might have happened regarding the Irminsul thing.

Books Read
"The Mystery's of Atlantis" (Aquam Summae, Quality 10, Level 10) "A Hermetic treatise on the works of Claudius Galenus" (Corpus Summae, Quality 10, Level 10) "Cychwyniad y Dewin" (Ancient Celtic Lore: Summae level 5, Quality 12)

~

Story
1190 Cirice's first contact with the magi of Sagehollow was around the time of her gauntlet when Essel and Rian visited Cad Gadu. She asked about their covenant and what would be required to join, the answers effectively being very little as they were very honest about its new beginnings. Deciding this would give her plenty of freedom she asked that they speak to their sodales about her joining.
 * Cirice gained no experience during Spring/Summer due to not being a PC

Travelling by animal form she made it to Nottingham where she grew uncertain until she met the group led by Lady Tessora and Will. The former she took a liking to. What caught her interest most however was an encounter with two mechanical beings (cats) who claimed to be ancient and possessing knowledge of numerous legends and stories. Will's later uncautioned shift into a wolf put her further at odds with his attitude towards her (especially as she was asleep as a fox at the time). To show her willingness to support the covenant she went along to recover him and then to follow up his strange encounter, though her first displays of magic disappointedly included a 'bridge of fire' which only Lady Tessora trusted.
 * Autumn ~ 13 Adventure Xp: English 5xp, Muto 5xp, Rego 3xp

The winter was quiet but she got to know her new home and its residents.
 * Winter ~ Reading 'The Mysteries of Atlantis': Aquam 10xp, Auram 5xp, Ignem 5xp, Terram 5xp

1191 The following spring she volunteered to accompany Rian on his investigation into some visions. In doing so she was able to display a much greater show of power, successfully holding a scout party of foes at bay despite suffering the taunts of the creature Fandaniel, along with an injury inflicted by him. Later during the climactic fight she felt honest fear. Her initial attempt to provide an escape route was poor judged as her subsequent shift into her much disliked bear form caused a section to collapse. She was able to withstand most of the enemy swarms attacks and get some of the grogs to safety, but when Rian's use of her damaged escape route led to his death her anger for the Ascian's intensified.. She then managed a weak corpus spell to assist the injured survivors in making it to the nearest village and medical help. Her own injuries, several minor cuts were also tended to.
 * Spring ~ 13 Adventure Xp: Concentration 5xp, Creo 4xp, Muto 4xp

On travelling to Nottingham and observing as minor tasks such as bee keeping arrangements are made and shopping organised Cirice met with Ailuros and Maahes, the two mechanical cats, who spoke with her on a great many historical subjects. She learnt about Alexandria, Cosmocrators, Ascians (though even their knowledge was limited) and something of Ceridwen's line. Most notably her granddaughter who wed the necromancer Arawn.
 * Summer ~ 10 Practise Xp: English 10xp

She then gathered some of those at Sagehollow to accompany her to Longlake where a viking known as V once defeated a basilisk named Pemlahadrakin using the power of a potion brewed by Ceridwen's granddaughter. Investigations suggested that the beast had returned to existence so they set out to an island, following the steps of the legend/song. The beast had returned but as by the legend the group reflected its gaze back at it before slaying it.. Within the cave where the beast lived only Ossana and a recently met Pagan woman braved the waters to go deeper until they found statues commemorating V and the pair who brewed for him the potion that enabled his victory, Ceridwen's granddaughter and her husband Arawn. The former of the two seemed to be buried within along with Percival whom they knew through a friendship with Arthur. Both crypts told pictographic stories which Cirice and the Pagan woman talked over. Recovering the fragments of the granddaughters cauldron and V's blade, and on discovering a map to the island on the far shore of Ireland the pair had gone to, the group retreated from the cave. The basilisks eggs were spared but the main cave entrance on the island was collapsed so the only entrance to the tombs and lair is hidden beneath the lake to the left of the cave entrance.
 * Autumn ~ 11 Adventure Xp: Finesse 5xp, charm 3xp, Folk Ken 3xp

Unable to risk a long trek in the winter to continue her quest Cirice forced herself to focus on her studies.
 * Winter ~ Reading 'A Hermetic treatise on the works of Claudius Galenus': Corpus 10xp

~

1192 Perhaps the biggest lead in the search uncovered by anyone in her line.. In truth, some of the greatest finds in the history of the Stonehenge Tribunal? Camelot, Arthur's past weapons, the preserved bodies of many of the knights, a Transmission Mirror, Emrys himself and his laboratory of treasures... Any of these could be considered a legendary discovery but to Cirice they are steps along the way to what she views as the true treasure. Despite her findings there Camelot was left much as it was found in the hopes that it would remain undisturbed. If Arthur were to return that would be best after all. Findings in Camelot led Cirice and her companions north to the coast of Wales where they bartered with the beings known as the Liars to be led into the lost kingdom of Gwaelod. There they learnt of its great clans, the flood which magically separated the region from the rest of the world and the fate of Morfran and so many others, along with a great shadow which was sealed away for the time being. Aligning herself with Baxtorian, Cirice now hopes to uncover something called the 'temple of light' which is being unearthed by enemies of Gwaelod in the outer world. Through the seasons since Cirice has not left Sagehollow, instead becoming more studious in her research... Her main focus has been the book on Ancient Celtic Lore in the hopes it will reveal some secret about the Ascians or Gwaelod. Almost nothing was said of Camelot and Gwaelod during the winter council meetings. Cirice's personal concerns over the Ascians went unsaid in the belief that the others do not take Immanola's warnings seriously and the more recent and present threat of Ragnarök and the Múspelli. Torvi's explanation of the latter did concern her greatly.
 * Spring ~ 13 Adventure Xp: Teaching 4xp, Concentration 4xp, Area Lore (Gwaelod) 5xp
 * Summer, Autumn & Winter ~ Reading 'Cychwyniad y Dewin': 12xp, 12xp & 12xp

1193 Further meetings in the spring stirred Cirices frustrations in the council system and the lack of structure at Sagehollow though she kept her thoughts to herself. When she learnt about the discovery of the spy she tried her best to reassure Arianne that she would not be hurt and that plans to rescue her sister will be made, but reluctantly admitted to do so now would be both difficult and suspicious, thus dangerous for Erin - The plan being to feed Giscard enough for him to trust Arianne's information without giving anything of real value away and then inform him that we are planning a raid to rescue key prisoners in Nottingham, in the hopes he moves Erin and we can rescue her more safely. The discussions on Farnesfield were of less importance to her and more of an irritation.. Cirice did agree to visit Nottingham with Silk to meet with The Fox. On returning from that visit she looked somewhat amused and pleased with herself, with Silk and herself showing each other more respect since.

The Children of Ceridwen
Ceridwen was a white witch and one of the most powerful sorceresses in Celtic legend and certainly the most powerful from Wales. She possessed a cauldron of immense power which is mainly told of in one legend where she attempts to empower and beautify her son, only to have a servant boy gain the magic instead. In his attempt to escape the servant used his new power to shift into numerous forms only to have Ceridwen counter with a form of her own until he became a seed in an attempt to hide and was eaten. The potions magic was greater than any knew however as upon eaten the seed Ceridwen became pregnant with her third child, the reborn apprentice who was later named Taliesin who became a bard of myth.

The Children of Ceridwen are a small tradition of mages within House Ex Miscellanea that is said to have been passed on from Ceridwen's first child and only daughter, Creirwy. While their Hermetic talents vary mage to mage the key element to their powers is shapeshifting with certain forms like that of an otter and hawk always being amongst those shapes capable of being taken. A side effect of this is that all their magic is performed vocally with no need for the gestures hermetic magi are required to use. The tradition could be considered a mystery cult though many of the former mysteries known to Ceridwen herself (such as shapeshifting into forms besides that of animals) has been lost. What keeps the Children from becoming well known (besides their limited numbers) is that their way of practising magic does in truth seem to weaken the gift forcing them to drink a herbal elixir to be able to use their spells. This is one of the reasons the tradition is so driven to find Ceridwen's Cauldron since one of its many life-altering powers is believed to change this by greatly strengthening ones magical power.

Other powers the cauldron is purported to possess include the quick creation of potions, the abillity to imbue people with great wisdom, knowledge and artistic expression, the power to grant the gift to the ungifted and the secrets of immortality.