I am trying to imagine a Faerie Friend for a mage, and somehow I considered a talking brass/bronze skull.
I meant the talking skull of either Infernal or Magical origin seems to be rather established in folklore. But of a Fae origin?
Then again, Fae use bronze in preference to iron. And Fae can be disembodied spirits, can they not? Though the skull might be all that is left of its body?
So if I go with this concept, what sort of abilities/pretences should it have?
All I have so far is the ability to slowly wobble around, a “brazen” personality.
In most stories about Brazen Heads they answer questions. So, Intellego-type powers would be appropriate. If it’s a cognizant faerie it may have tailored its role to its mortal friend’s interests, so you could focus the Intellego powers on whatever would be most useful to the mage.
As for personality, take note of the comment in the wikipedia article about the story of the brazen head automaton who was so talkative that it kept interrupting Thomas Aquinas’ train of thought so much that he ended up destroying the thing.
Assets: Has been around for a long time, and has broad knowledge of magic, including non-Hermetic magic, from its time “serving” different “masters.” Willing to guard the mage’s sanctum, and capable of activating some enchanted items for defense or at least to raise an alarm.
Drawbacks: The skull has its own agenda, which currently aligns with the mage surviving, but that may not stay true. Alternatively, the skull has made a variety of enemies, and will try to subtly aim your mage at those who remember it so that it can stop hiding. Also, the faerie DEEPLY licentious, and will occasionally vanish in order to cat-call the local brothels. [1]