Anguitiae – Fauna of Asps Might 5-10 (Animal) (Summer)
Anguitiae (or Angitiae) are the spirits of asps – specifically the European asp viper. Asps are symbolic of the practice of medicine and are venomous, making them symbols of both life and death. Anguitiae are not intelligent, but they have an innate understanding of medicine as part of their essential nature – this is also true of some other serpent spirits, but Anguitiae are the most well known to the order due to their abundance in the areas of the Roman tribunal, Provencal tribunal, the north of the Iberian tribunal, and in the vicinity of Durenmar (though no further into the Rhine tribunal than this).
Anguitiae can speak and explain to others what is wrong with the sick (if the spirit succeeds in diagnosis) and how to treat them, but their knowledge is primal and innate. They cannot teach it to others, nor would a trained physician be impressed with it. Outside of this instinct to heal they are no more intelligent than a clever animal. It is important to note the dichotomy of Anguitiae – while they have an instinct to heal the viper itself remains no less dangerous, and the two cannot be separated.
Angitia was worshipped as a goddess by ancient peoples in Italy, and was briefly adopted by the Romans, though her cult never achieved much prominence. There is a small magical grove in the Roman tribunal called Lucus Angitiae the Genius Loci of which appears to be related to these spirits, perhaps having once been one before becoming a named spirit. The grove is known to the order and is used as a vis source by Magvillus.
There is a lineage of magic-blooded humans in the Roman tribunal who have the ability to speak to serpents. They claim descent from the Genius Loci of Lucus Angitiae in ancient days. They can be found as grogs in various covenants, with the primary lineage serving in Magvillus. More rarely one of their number also manifests an affinity with medicine or the ability to cure snake venom with a purifying touch.
Characteristics: Cun +3, Per +0, Pre +1, Com +1, Str -1, Sta +0, Dex +0, Qik +0
Qualities and Inferiorities: Ritual Power, Improved Powers, Greater Power, Herbalist, Reduced Abilities x3
Personality Traits: Asp Viper Spirit +3*, Healer +3
Abilities: Herbalism (Diagnosis) 5*, Profession: Apothecary (Herblore) 4, Chirurgy (First Aid) 4, Leadership (Directing Medical Treatment) 2
*See Art and Academe pg. 55, this ability can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease treatment, but is primitive and would not be recognised as sound practice by an educated physician.
Description: Anguitiae appear as matronly women wearing clothing that resembles snakeskin. Sometimes their hair may appear to writhe as if made of snakes as well.
Powers
The Viper’s Wrath Undone (CrCo) Variable Might Init -12 Ritual
R: Touch D: Momentary T: Individual
This power allows the spirit to cure any venom or poison instantly. The use of this power always expends the entire might pool and score of the spirit, which destroys the spirit and causes the death of the snake. Obviously, this can only be used once by a given spirit. This power is the reason that the ancient Italic peoples attributed the power to kill serpents with a touch to Angitia.
(Base 35, +1 Touch)
Eidolon (CrCo) 0 Might Init +0
R: Touch D: Concentration T: Individual
This power allows the spirit to manifest a form which is visible and audible to those without second sight. It has an appearance that matches the description given above. As this form is not physical the spirit can only direct others in medical treatments, it cannot perform them itself.