Anagogos, the Hidden Star (Might 15)
Anagogos was an early gifted Mercere magus of the cult of heroes who ascended to become a daimon through that cult. In life he was known as Ostrus of Mercere but took a new name when he ascended to the hall of heroes. As happened often in ancient days when he ascended a new star appeared in the sky. For a few days it blazed brightly but then faded until it could not be seen by the naked eye in the mundane sky. However, in magic auras the star returns, growing brighter as the aura grows stronger. In auras below 5 it remains invisible but from a level 6 aura onwards it becomes visible, until in a level 10 aura it is as bright as the north star. Those with second sight can subtract their level in second sight from the level at which it becomes visible. Magi who know to look out for it can use this to verify when they have entered a magic aura. Its light is not white, but a deep burgundy. Because of these traits it is known as “the Hidden Star”.
Anagogos was a prominent member of the cult of heroes and continues to be a patron to them. He encourages all to seek to improve themselves and emulate the heroes of old. He does not assist magi who seek ascension as he believes anyone who aspires to that should be able to find their own path into the hall of heroes. Instead he offers to improve the attributes of those who can live up to the legendary heroes on earth. If a theurge is willing to walk in the shoes of a hero, Anagogos will help him to fill them.
Anagogos can only be invoked at night, and is easiest to invoke on the anniversary of his ascension, the 20th of August. When summoned his star blazes in the sky and bathes the theurge and any others present in wine-stained light. This light is his aspect, and anyone touched by it can hear and speak with the Daimon.
Characteristics: Int +5, Per +4, Pre +3, Com +4, Str +3, Sta +5, Dex +2, Quik +1
Personality Traits: Ebullient +3, Likes Heroism +6
Size: 0
Combat: Brawl: Init +1, Attack +2, Defense +2, Damage +3
Soak: +5
Wound Penalties: –1 (1-5), –3 (6-10), –5 (11-20), Banished (21-25)
Abilities: Penetration 7, Magic Theory 8, Magic Lore 8, Fairy Lore 4, Organisation Lore: Cult of Heroes 10, Ancient Greece Lore 12
Powers:
Walk Like Them Until They Walk Like You, 12 points (Init -8)
Anagogos can improve any characteristic up to a maximum of +5. However, he will only do this after the target proves themself by completing a heroic deed. The deed must be in emulation of a hero of old, and the virtues of the hero must be aligned with the characteristic being improved. The magnitude of the task is proportional to the characteristic – improving a characteristic from -3 requires only a fairly minor task, but to +3 would require something much more substantial and +5 would need something truly legendary.
For example, Arthur, a warrior with heroic blood, wants to improve his strength from +4 to +5 and convinces a Mercere to invoke Anagogos. In preparation he knows he must perform a great deed, so in emulation of Heracles slaying the Lernean Hydra he seeks out a powerful dragon and slays it in an epic battle. He returns with the head of the dragon and presents it to Anagogos, who happily grants him the strength of Heracles, improving his strength to +5 permanently.
Ascended Magus, variable points (Init +2)
Anagogos retains the magic he possessed as a mortal. He can replicate any non-ritual hermetic effect up to level 50. When he is using this power consider his might to be doubled (30) for the purposes of calculating penetration. He does not look kindly on theurges who ask him to use this to aid them, as he sees himself as a guide and quest-giver, not an active participant in the world.