Dynamic Knack - Mind of the Beast, contributed
by Pete Sears
The witch doctors speak of a place called the Valley of Echoes. It is here
that the cave of M'temba is located. Legends say that when M'temba left this
earth he went into the cave and joined with the black blood of the earth. Mystical
powers are imputed to those who immerse themselves in the black blood of the
earth but only if they are pure of heart.
Witch Doctors speak freely of this place for a number of reasons. (1) It is
very difficult to find the Valley of Echoes which is in the heart of the jungle.
(2) The Valley of Echoes is said to dangerous and haunted besides. (3) The cave
of M'temba requires 3 tests to enter the black blood of the earth, a test of
wisdom, a test of stamina, and a test of faith. (4) Supposedly, those who M'temba
adjudges corrupt die in horrible screaming agony.
In other words, there aren't exactly a lot of whites who go looking for it in
the first place and those who do rarely return. Those who do, earn respect among
the tribes for M'temba has judged them and they have passed.
Those who are wise in the ways of medicine also say that other tribes in other
parts of the world have learned the gifts of M'temba. Who are we to question
M'temba if he want to gift Aztecs and Indians with his wisdom. Each of them
learns medicine in a different way and may earn the gifts through visionquest
or through ritual. But they are the Gifts of M'temba. Never forget that.
Mind of the Beast (level 1 Stalwart knack)
" The little one says that he smells many men in the jungle. They are coming
from the river. We must go."
M'temba's first gift is the ability to understand the animals. those who are
gifted in this way are rarely bitten or hurt because he has relearned the language
that they once shared in common in the ancient days.
System: The Beastlord gains the ability to communicate empathically with
animals. This translates out into a bonus to Animal Husbandry rolls based on
the beastlord's Intuitive facet. This roll is modified by the type of creatures
that the Beastlord is trying to communicate with.
Primates(+1)
Mammals (no modifier)
Avians (-1)
Reptiles (-2)
Fish (-3)
Beastlord characters who try to communicate with insects and bacteria should
be beaten about the head and shoulders.
Note that this form of communication is empathic and as such is fairly inexact
for informational purposes. this knack also does not confer any ability to control
the beast in question but is often useful for calming beasts and making friends
with them. Animals tend to be well disposed to those who speak their language.
When using this gift, the beast lord must actually make animal noises and must
listen to the animal to understand him. This knack costs inspiration to activate
and lasts for an entire scene. Regular use of this knack can cut the time and
effort necessary to train an animal for various tasks.
