T R A D I T I O N B O O K :

T R A D I T I O N B O O K :
T r a d i t i o n B o o k :
™

By Steve Kenson
Contents 1
T r a d i t i o n B o o k :
™

Contents
Prologue: Beltane Eve 4
Introduction: Roots of the Tree 8
Chapter One: A Time of Witches 12
Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 36
Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 72
Epilogue: Circle Unbroken 99

Contents 3
4 Verbena
 Prologue:
Beltane Eve
They made love in the open field out behind the but a source of shame and discomfort for her. She settled
farmstead by the light of the waxing moon and languidly into her husband’s embrace, feeling so comfort-
the glow of the twin balefires in the distance. able, at home in her own skin the way she never had then.
The earth was rich, black and cool, and the How things had changed.
air was pleasantly warm, filled with the smell “You didn’t even try to claim me when you won,” she
of new grass, freshly turned earth, the first said with a smile.
flowers of springtime and the powerful musk “Well, technically, I didn’t win the challenge on my
of sweat and sex. own,” Jon began.
They moved slowly at first, tender and “You did,” she replied, “even if Deb did… intervene a
gentle, almost shy although this was by no means their first bit. It’s your bravery that counted.” Jon’s chest shook with
coupling. Then they moved together in unison, their need, a chuckle. Shrieking like a banshee, Deb had attacked Jon’s
their intensity building, until they were focused solely on opponent with a butcher knife — intervening a little more
the pleasure of the act. They were no longer just any couple, than “a bit” in his opinion.
but the Young God and the Maiden Goddess, lying together “It’s not just the past you’re thinking about,” Kameria
upon the Earth that was her body, planting his seed in her said, lifting herself up on one elbow to look him in the
fertile depths, dancing the ancient dance of life renewed face. “Is it?”
after the long cold of winter. Others coupled around them
Jon looked at her for a long moment before turning his
nearby, but they paid no heed. There was nothing more
eyes back to the sky.
than the two of them, moving together as one, they were
the sum of all things. Then they cried out their passion to “No,” he said. “It’s not.”
the starry sky, and it was done. “What do you see?”
They lay together for some time afterward, Kameria “Death.”
resting her head upon her husband’s chest, feeling it rise A shiver went down Kameria’s spine as their sweat
and fall slowly with his breath, her body curled against his cooled in the night air.
for his warmth and closeness. His arm encircled her and “The death of the Old Ways,” Jon said softly, “the death
she felt so very peaceful, but she didn’t sense the same of magic. The land is smothering, dying, losing its soul.”
tranquility from Jon. There was a tension in his body and He pushed himself up and grasped a handful of the freshly
in the way he held her. turned soil, letting it run through his fingers.
“What is it?” she asked, running a hand along his warm “I can feel it in the earth, Kam,” he whispered. “I can
chest. smell it in the air. I see it in the stars. The War is over.”
He sighed, thinking for a moment about what he “It’s not over,” she said, grasping his arm. He turned to
wanted to say, how much he could tell her about what he’d look at her with a desolate expression.
been thinking about. “I was remembering our first Beltane “It is,” he said. “You’ve heard the same news, the same
together,” he said, looking up at the stars overhead. He gossip and rumors that I have. Horizon has fallen. The
smiled wistfully and glanced over at Kameria, squeezing masters are either dead or totally cut off in the depths of
her closer. “Remember?” the Umbra. The Fae Folk are at war, and the Sleepers don’t
“Of course,” she said. “How could I forget it? You were know and don’t care about any of it. The Technocracy has
my champion, fighting to claim me for your own.” Kameria finally gotten what they wanted, an end to magic.”
remembered how she felt then, her crippled body nothing

Prologue: Beltane Eve 5

 “No!” Kameria whispered harshly, trying not to disturb “What in the world…” Kameria began.
any of the other revelers. “There are still so many chantries, Jon appeared mesmerized. He approached the creature
Jon. Look at all that we’ve accomplished here! Look at this slowly, ready to spring back. He wasn’t afraid of it. On the
land! Look at the good people we’ve drawn to the land.” contrary, he felt drawn to the beast. Its need, its despair was
She took in the fields and farmstead with a sweep of her almost palpable, but he wasn’t sure what it needed from him.
hand. “The Old Ways are alive as long as we keep them When he was certain that the beast wasn’t dangerous, Jon
alive — and what about this Rogue Council? I’ve heard—” crouched down by the animal.
“They’re just clinging to the belief that we can still “It’s a cu sith,” Teague said, rolling the Gaelic perfectly
win this war.” around his tongue, so that it came out “coo-shee” with a
Fear clutched Kameria’s heart. She had never seen Jon foreign lilt. “A faerie hound.”
like this before. He was always the optimist of the group, “What’s it doing here?” Jon asked. Gently stroking the
full of hope and ideas. It frightened her to see him giving hound’s matted green fur. “It looks like it’s been starved.”
in to whatever despair had come over him. “And hunted,” Takoda said, pointing to the dark stains
Taking his hand in hers, she kissed it gently and held on the hound’s flanks. “We’ve tried to communicate with
it to her breast. “It’s not over so long as we hold on to that it, but we weren’t very successful. We think it came here
belief,” she said to him. looking for shelter.”
Before he could reply, a shadowy figure silhouetted “It’s dying,” Jon said, his eyes closing as he extended
against the light of the balefires caught their attention, his other senses around the faerie hound.
striding across the field toward them. Jon and Kameria rose “Yes,” Takoda said. “But its wounds don’t seem that
as Teague, one of their circle-mates, approached. He was serious, and I don’t sense poison or infection. With all of us
wearing only a plaid kilt and a pair of sandals, and his long here, can’t we tend to its wounds? Bring it back? I can run
brown hair hung loose around his shoulders. Teague had and get some herbs from the healing garden….”
been playing all during the Beltane dancing and festivities, “It’s not that,” Jon replied. “It’s starving.”
but now his ever-present harp was conspicuously absent.
“It needs food?” Aileen asked.
There was a look of concern on his usually carefree face.
Jon ran his fingers through the creature’s soft green fur.
“I’m sorry to intrude,” he said, oblivious to the couple’s
He read its body — emaciated and bleeding — and then
nudity, “but we’ve got a problem.” Jon and Kameria quickly
extended his awareness into the beast’s childlike mind.
gathered up their robes and quietly followed Teague as he
The images he found there were jumbled, confused. He
led them away from the fields and the farmhouse, toward
caught images of some vividly bright and colorful place,
the stand of oaks surrounding the farm. He didn’t offer
but those were distant memories, presumably of the place
a word of explanation, and they walked in silence with
it came from. More recent, and much more potent, were
only the sound of the night insects and birds. Kameria
images of cold city streets and hollow, empty places where
felt the spring air grow a bit chill and hugged her thin
life and magic once — and still should have — prevailed.
robe around her.
The creature didn’t know how it had gotten where it was,
Just within the stand of trees they spied a faint, but it had come looking for sustenance that was nowhere
silvery light. As they approached, they could see the to be found. Anywhere. The overwhelming sensation that
other members of the circle standing there in their Jon got from the beast was that of starving, of fading away
robes: Deborah and Aileen, contrasting dark and light, and of being completely helpless to do anything about it.
crouching close together. Takoda, head bowed, looked
“It’s not starving for food. It’s magic that she needs.
profoundly sad. Kameria followed their gaze to the open
The magic here, even on the farm, has faded too much. It’s
ground between them.
like a fish out of water that can’t breathe. It’s suffocating,
“Great Goddess…” she breathed. drowning in banality.” He pressed his hands over the hound’s
It lay on its side on the blanket of damp and composting heart and hummed in a singsong. Jon felt the creature’s
leaves beneath the trees, the faint and fading light showing spirit start to disengage. There were things he wanted it to
its shaggy green fur as its sides laboriously and irregularly rose know before it died, and he thought to the creature, It won’t
and fell. It let out a faint whimper that made Kameria’s heart always be like this, I promise you. A flicker of silvery light
ache and it tried to raise its head, but couldn’t. It looked seemed to pass from him to the beast, which managed to
for all the world like a big hairy dog that someone had dyed lift its head to look Jon in the eyes. You’re slipping away. You
green for St. Patrick’s day except for its long, cat-like tail must remember now, as your great change begins, that you can
that lay limp on the ground and the unusual intelligence choose what happens next. Go where love, strength and magic
that gleamed in its dark eyes.

6 Verbena
are the strongest. And please forgive me for not making this place earth,” he said. “Aileen, can you get what we’ll need from
what it needs to be. Something passed between them for a the house quietly?” She looked up from the dead hound,
moment, then the hound lay its head back on the ground tears streaking her face, then swallowed and nodded, head-
and sighed contentedly. ing off into the shadows.
Takoda stepped forward and placed his hands on the “She came here looking for magic,” he said, almost
cu sith’s neck and chest. He turned to Jon, who had tears to himself, looking back down at the poor creature.
streaming down his cheeks. “But there wasn’t enough. We’ve hoarded too much of
“She’s dead,” he told him, and Jon nodded dumbly. He what’s left.”
placed a gentle hand on the faerie hound’s head. Kameria came up behind Jon and laid a hand on his
“Does anyone else know about this?” Jon asked. Sud- shoulder. The sight and nearness of the dead faerie hound
denly, the melancholy that seemed to afflict him was gone, filled her with a terrible sense of grief, like she’d felt when
leaving the confident leader they all knew in its place. her mother had passed away. Jon looked up at her, his eyes
Teague shook his head. “Just us.” filled with grim determination.
“Good, let’s keep it that way. There’s no point in letting “You’re right,” he said. “It’s not over. Not by a long shot.”
the initiates see this. We need to return her properly to the

Prologue: Beltane Eve 7

8 Verbena
 Introduction:
Roots of
the Tree
Life is a banquet and most poor bastards are starving to death!
—Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame

Pagans and witches, dancing naked around They cannot, however, be pigeonholed as mere “tree
a fire by the light of the moon, spilling huggers.” The Verbena take their cues from nature and
blood to nourish the dry soil — that’s what follow a common sense code of morality. They are not
most folks think of when they consider the squeamish about facts of life. They recognize and revere
Verbena, followers of ancient, outdated the power of sex. They do not fear death, because they
ways rendered barbaric by the standards recognize that death is simply a part of a great cycle. In
of modern society. They’re either atavisms comparison to the uptight prevailing Judeo-Christian
clinging to a mythic past they can never standards, the Verbena appear wholly amoral (though
recapture or Renaissance Faire wannabes they are not). That troubles them not a whit. Nature
wearing cloaks and waving crystals around. That’s all herself is amoral. There are days when she is cruel and
most outsiders ever really see of the Verbena and their days when she is beneficent. The Verbena see that as
ancient Craft. their right as well. That’s not to say that they screw
The Verbena are the proud inheritors of a mystic over their neighbors and get away with what they can,
lineage that stretches back to the dawn of time, when though. On the contrary, community means a great deal
they mingled blood with the gods themselves. They’re to the witches. While a Verbena mage does not feel
keepers of ancient wisdom, which so many people in the bound by old, outmoded laws, she still realizes that she
modern world have chosen to ignore because it doesn’t does not have the right to further her own ends at her
fit easily or comfortably into their chosen way of life. neighbors’ expense. The holistic view espoused by the
They champion the cause of life and of living, seeking Verbena asserts that while you’re free to act in any way
to plant the seeds of a new consciousness and become you see fit, you are not acting in a vacuum. Any act you
midwives to a new, healthier and saner world. They’re take will have repercussions, and the witch should be
idealists, healers and questors after truth. ready to accept responsibility for the consequences of

Introduction: Roots of the Tree 9

her deeds (or spells, for that matter). In that way, the They’ve been called “savages,” “barbarians” and “relics”
Verbena remain in balance with their neighbors as well of a bygone age, with no place in the world any longer.
as the world around them. The mood surrounding the Verbena is one of hope and
Are they barbarians? Oh, yes, in many ways. They wonder mixed with fear and despair.
scoff at the squeamishness of a modern society that can’t On one hand, the Verbena are full of life and hope.
bear to get its hands dirty, that does its killing by remote They hold on to the belief that humanity can live in
control, that splashes sex across TV screens and billboards, harmony with the Earth and each other. They believe
but that can’t have an honest conversation about it. The in seizing life and living it for all it’s worth. Their fervor
Verbena are barbarians in many ways, and they’re proud and their vitality can be infectious, and there is a primal
of it. They say they would much rather be barbarians appeal to them.
who dig in the dirt, cut the throats of sacrificial rams On the other hand, there is an edge of fear to the
and couple in the newly sown fields than “civilized” folk Verbena. They embrace many of the things that “polite”
who tear down the forests, poison the Earth and make society does its best to conceal, such as open sexuality,
war on distant nations they’ve never seen. bloodletting and the primitive and primal side of life.
The Verbena shelter the flickering flame of the Old The Verbena are savage and alien in some ways. There
Ways, but it remains to be seen if they will fan that flame is also a measure of fear among the Verbena themselves
into a light to guide the world into a new age, or if they that the Old Ways really are no longer suited to what
are deluding themselves as their own fire begins to die the world has become, that they are the anachronisms
out. Do the Old Ways still have a place in the world? and relics that others believe them to be and that they
The Verbena hope and pray and believe that they do. cannot win against the rising tide. But to be true to their
beliefs and their traditions, the Verbena must continue
Theme: Living Life to the Fullest onward, no matter what.
The Verbena concern themselves with life in all its
many facets and dimensions, not just life in a biological Contents
sense, but the act of living. For the Verbena, life is the The Verbena have a rich and lengthy history,
greatest gift and the greatest responsibility, to live to stretching back to the dawn of time and the earliest
the fullest of your potential and to drink deeply of the mages. They also compose a diverse Tradition, made
experience, to the bitter dregs, if need be. They’re not up of many different cultural threads coming together
necessarily just about the pleasures of life (although they to form a single strong cord that extends back into the
maintain that they make life worth living). Verbena mists of time.
believe in experiencing all that life has to offer, without Chapter One: A Time of Witches looks at the his-
shying away or trying to deny any part of it. Life is not all tory of the Verbena and their mystic ancestors, beginning
pleasure. Life is often painful and difficult. Life is often with the primordial Wyck and progressing through the
work and mundane tasks that have to be performed, day ancient world, the Middle Ages and the modern world.
in, and day out. Most importantly, life is fleeting, and It also discusses the Verbena point of view on magic,
all things die in their time. If not for these things, then religion, technology and the other Mystic Traditions
the pleasures of life would be lessened, without contrast and supernatural inhabitants of the World of Darkness.
to give them shape and meaning. Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon describes
Life is about balance, between pleasure and pain, joy the organization of the Verbena Tradition, its various
and sorrow, life and death. It’s also about living in balance factions, its sacred sites and how its members gather in
and harmony with the environment, because the Verbena circles and covens. It looks at Verbena magic in depth,
believe that they are a part of the world they live in, an including the Spheres, sacred times of the year, sorcery,
extension of it, not separate from it. What affects them rotes, foci and Wonders.
affects the world, and vice versa, so life must be mindful Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck provides
and aware, guided by wisdom and experience. profiles of several prominent Verbena both past and
present, discusses all-Verbena chronicles and adventures,
Mood: Hope and Fear in the Dark
offers a sample Verbena cabal suitable for dropping into
The Verbena hold true to ancient traditions and a chronicle and concludes with a selection of Verbena
ways of living that seem outdated in the modern world. character templates ready for play.

10 Verbena
 Lexicon
Aeduna: The ancestors of the Verbena, a loose name of a loose alliance of pagan magicians, witches,
alliance of pagans, wise ones, herbalists and such who druids and other mages that predated the Verbena.
were influential in Europe (particularly around the Old Gods: The many deities that predate Chris-
Mediterranean) in the ancient world. tianity, which are often worshipped by the Verbena.
Airts: The four directions (north, south, east Old Ways: A general Verbena term for the
and west). An old form not in common use among teachings, beliefs and way of life of their Tradition,
modern Verbena. stretching back to the most ancient times.
Burning Times: Verbena reference to the period pagan: From the Latin paganus or “country-
of time following the rise of the Order of Reason, dweller.” Verbena generally use “pagan” to mean any
when pagan traditions were persecuted and follow- follower of the Old Faith, in one form or another.
ers of the Old Ways were hunted, tortured or killed. Paths of the Wyck: Pathways through the Um-
The witch-hunts of the mortal Inquisition were often bra, supposedly created by the Wyck long ago, their
cover for the true purpose of the Burning Times: the secrets entrusted to the Aeduna and, later, to their
elimination of pagan mages. descendants, the Verbena.
Craft, the: The Verbena Tradition, although Rede: Also known as the Verbena Rede or the
some Verbena use “the Craft” to refer to specifically Great Rede: “An it harm none, do what thou wilt.”
to the practice of magic, while others use it to refer to It is a guiding principle of Verbena belief.
the Tradition as a whole (including its spiritual and Twisters of Fate: A Verbena faction in touch with
cultural practices). ancient and primordial magic that works to reclaim
deosil: (JESS-il) “Sun-wise” or in the direction and maintain the root paradigms of the Tradition.
of the sun. In Verbena ritual, deosil means moving Valdaermen: An alliance of mostly Scandinavian
in a clockwise direction. mages in the Dark Ages. Many Valdaermen joined
fam-trad: Short for “family tradition,” a Verbena the Verbena at the Tradition’s founding.
who was initiated by a family member and who comes Verbenae: The plural form of Verbena and the
from a family line of Verbena. original, formal, name of the Tradition. It quickly fell
Gardeners of the Tree: A faction of the Verbena out of use among all but the most scholarly outside of
devoted to maintaining the traditional ways and beliefs the Tradition itself, and most now use “Verbena” as
of their ancestors. both a singular and a plural term (as this book does).
Great Rite: The union of opposites, embodying widdershins: Moving in a counter-clockwise or
the divine masculine and feminine, performed in “anti-sun-wise” direction. Generally avoided in Ver-
Verbena ritual. The Great Rite can involve sex magic, bena ritual except for rites of banishing or destruction.
but it is often performed symbolically. widderslainte: Old term referring to a mage gone
Great Wheel: A pagan symbol of life’s cycles, over to the Nephandi. Fallen out of use in favor of
which progress perpetually around and around in the more common barrabi.
ever-changing cycles. World Tree: A Verbena metaphor for the structure
Lifeweavers: A faction of the Verbena that ex- of the Tellurian and of their Tradition. The World
plores the limits of magic to transform both themselves Tree’s roots reach deep into the Underworld, while its
and others, often disregarding the rituals and rites of branches spread out among all the worlds of the Deep
the Tradition. Umbra. Its trunk runs through the center of reality
Moon-Seekers: A forward-looking faction of and is the axis around which it turns.
the Verbena that seeks to incorporate diverse styles Wyck: The Primordial Ones, the first mages. The
and cultures into the Tradition and learn from them. Wyck are the ultimate ancestors of the Verbena (and
Old Faith: The worship of the old gods in general, all mages). They are often associated with the great
also referred to as the Old Ways. The Old Faith was the gods and heroes of pagan myth.

Introduction: Roots of the Tree 11

12 Verbena
 Chapter One:
A Time of
Witches
Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience.
Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.
—Hal Borland

They gathered in a circle in the depth of the was. It was when their old lives had ended and their news lives,
woods, as they had so many times before, their real lives, began. He glanced over at Kameria and smiled
holding hands with heads bowed and eyes as his wife settled with grace onto the ground, despite the fact
closed for a moment, each feeling the pulse of that she was just beginning to show the swelling of her belly. She
the person on either side, each listening to the glanced up and smiled back at him, her teeth white against her
regular breaths of the others, to the rustle of velvety brown face, then she turned to the gathered students.
the wind through the leaves. “Welcome,” she said. “You’re here to listen and to
“So, are we ready to do this?” Deborah asked. learn, but we also know that you have questions, and we’ll
“As we’re likely to be,” Teague replied do our best to answer them. We decided it was best if you
dryly and everyone, even Deborah, smiled. first learned a little something about where we’ve come from
“So be it,” she said, squeezing Aileen’s and Teague’s hands. before we talk about where we are and where you are going.
“So be it,” they all replied quietly in unison, raising As you get to know us better, you’ll find that we have a great
their hands to the sky then letting them drop. It was time. deal of respect for the older ways of doing things, even if it
doesn’t always show.” She paused for a moment to glance
The new initiates were sitting in a semicircle when the
around the circle, and everyone’s face was rapt with atten-
members of the coven entered the grove. The looks on their
tion. She took particular note of the young man slouched in
faces mixed equal measures of anticipation and nervousness.
the wheelchair. He looked at her with dark eyes that glittered
Gods, Jon thought, were we ever so young? The funny with intelligence and a measure of hope. Kameria remembered
thing was, it hadn’t been that long ago since he and the others that feeling as if it had been yesterday.
had sat in a place not unlike this one, wondering why they were
“Well, then,” she said, spreading her hands, “let’s begin,
there and what would happen next. Only a few short years,
at the beginning.”
but sometimes it seemed like a lifetime ago. In many ways, it

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 13

 Remembering the Old Ways: History
“In the beginning,” Kameria said with a sly of those things. We don’t really know for certain. We
smile, “there was sex.” Don’t get your hopes only know that the Wyck were the first, and that we,
up that this is going to get kinky, kids, she the Verbena, are their most direct descendants.
thought, catching the expressions on some of
their faces. She folded her hands over her belly, Deeds of the Wyck
as if for emphasis. The Wyck performed great deeds in their time.
“Oh, not sex like we think of it, but still Their world was not like the world we live in now.
the primal act of mating and creation. Here’s Magic was everywhere, and so was mystery and danger.
how it was told to me…” The Wise Ones were the heroes and leaders of their
In the beginning was the One, which was every- people, so they had the duty of walking between the
thing, complete and perfect unto itself. Then the One worlds. They stood as guardians between their people
became Two, the Two Who Move Together in Love. and the dangers of the world, and they ventured out to
The Goddess and her consort the God, Night and Day, explore and discover its mysteries, bringing that knowl-
Moon and Sun, Yin and Yang. They came together and edge back with them. Protection, healing, knowledge
made something that was greater than either of them, and guidance were the gifts and responsibilities of the
and from their union the Tellurian was born. I guess Wyck to their people.
you could say it came into existence. They were beast-tamers, learning the speech of all the
So the cycle of life began and the Great Wheel creatures of the earth. Wise Ones studied all forms of life
turned. The Wheel turned for time beyond time, and and even took on different shapes to understand them.
the wonders of the Tellurian multiplied until life ap- They learned to hunt as wolves, bears and lions. They ran
peared. The endless cycle or birth, growth, conception as deer, panthers and horses. They swam as fish, dolphins
and death, over and over again. Then life developed and sharks. They flew as ravens, hawks and eagles. This
the ability to look back at creation and wonder at its gave them the insight to help others to hunt and fish, to
existence. The Tellurian gained the ability to see, to feel know and honor their prey as they knew themselves.
and to know through us, through humanity. It loved us, They were monster-slayers. With magic they fought
and loves us still, and through that love, the Pure Ones, against the terrible denizens of the wild places of the
parts of the One, descended and became one with us. world. When their people were threatened, they wielded
From the union of life and primal creation came the fire and lightning. They slew dragons and giants and
Wyck, the First Ones. creatures too terrible and powerful to imagine. Some
they did not slay but bound in places beyond the Earth
The Wyck: the First Ones away from the sight of humanity, away from the light
of the sun, chained in enchantment, held captive for
The Wyck were the first true mages, born of mortal
all time. Or so they thought.
flesh and primal spirit. They were the first ones to reach
out with their hands and their wills to shape the world The Wyck were healers. They learned all the secrets
to suit their needs and their wishes. Their power was like of plants: herbs, roots, flowers and seeds. They learned of
nothing we, their descendents of blood and spirit, now other creatures and used them to promote health, fight
possess. For them magic was almost effortless, a part of off disease and heal injury. Their magic tapped the primal
their very being. They didn’t require tools and rituals to essence of life, giving them the power to mend any hurt,
work their wills, making them the equal of the greatest cure any ill and even to restore life to the dead.
masters our Tradition has ever known — greater even. The Wyck were scholars, called the Wise Ones.
Some say that the Wyck were not just mages, but They could hear the secrets of nature in the sound of
gods, that they were the tribes other men worshipped wind through the leaves, in the calls of birds and in the
for their power and insight: the Aesir, the Vanir, the bubbling waters of a stream. They read the future in
Olympians, the Tuatha De Danaan, the Orishas and the stars, in the moon and in the tides of the Tellurian.
the other gods and heroes of myth. Others believe that They sought out knowledge and understanding in all of
the ideas of the Old Gods are only based on what the its forms, and they put it to use for the benefit of their
Wyck were really like, or that the Wyck weren’t the people. Legend says that the Wyck gave us letters and
gods, but their half-mortal children, part human and language and the lore of animals, plants, metals, crystals
part divine like the great heroes. Maybe they were all and all the other things of the Earth.

14 Verbena
 The Wyck were builders and makers. They carved
wood and stone. They wove cloth and cured hides. They Lilith
even smelted and forged metal. Their magic was the Some Verbena speak of Lilith, Adam’s first wife
power of change, taking the raw stuff of the world and in the Garden of Eden, as one of the Wyck, some-
shaping it, making it into tools, weapons and things of times even the first of the Wyck. Other Verbena
great beauty. They passed the knowledge of these crafts do not acknowledge Lilith at all. Supporters of the
and many others onto their people, planting the seeds Lilith story say that there are always dark goddesses
for some of what would later come into being. among the scattered roots of the Tradition, some of
Last, and perhaps most important, the Wyck were which may be recollections of Lilith.
explorers. They were made from the wonder of Creation Verbena who believe in her say that Lilith
reflecting upon itself, and they had an insatiable curi- proved the purpose of the Garden of Eden in a
osity for the world around them. They flew on eagle’s most direct way. The Garden tested the power of
wings to the far corners of the world, delved into the free will (when God forbade Adam and his wife to
depths of the sea and visited many places and many eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge). Lilith
peoples. They walked between the worlds of spirit and exercised her free will by having no part in God’s
matter, blazing trails through the misty otherworld of design. Having done so, her will was freed from all
the Umbra, the shadow of creation. The Paths of the bonds, making her formidably Awakened. They
Wyck were roads to other places, even other worlds, say the Dark Mother taught the secrets of magic
they discovered in their time. They connected the to those who would listen, and she particularly
Wise Ones and permitted them to travel far and wide empowered women so that they would not have
as easily as we cross a room. to be subservient to men.
Tales speak of Lilith copulating with demons
Departure of the Wyck in the wilds and birthing monsters. She is also
Even with all their achievements, the Wyck knew credited with teaching Caine to harness the power
that they were not forever. They were born of both within his accursed blood and with being the great
spirit and mortality, and their time eventually passed mother to the Changing Breeds. For most Verbena,
from the world. They accomplished great deeds and these tales are apocryphal at best. They say that
achieved great things, then they passed on what they Lilith is merely a symbol for the dark, feminine,
had learned. The Wyck had children of their own, in- generative forces of the world, an embodiment of
heritors of the blood and the power of their forebears. the Goddess in her darkest aspects. Nonetheless,
They taught their children their secrets and their lore, the Verbena themselves are proof that many myths
then the Wyck departed. are all too real.
Where did they go? We don’t really know. While
there are some stories that say their children overthrew
them and either banished them from the world or killed Kameria ran a hand over her belly and looked down
them, most tales say only that the Wyck departed. They for a moment. “We do the best we can for our children,
entered their hidden paths and secret places and were but there comes a time when it’s all up to them, and we just
seen no more. Occasionally there are tales of one of the hope that the world we leave them is a little better than what
Wise Ones appearing to offer a bit of help or a cryptic we started with.”
word of guidance, but no one can say for sure whether
or not it was truly they. The Ancient World:
Why did they go? We don’t really know that, ei- The Aeduna
ther, but I believe it was because they needed to. They As Kameria moved to rest against the bole of a great
didn’t want people to be dependent on them forever. tree, Teague came forward and sat in the midst of his coven-
Despite what some people think, I don’t believe that mates, facing the initiates. With his long brown hair worn
they really wanted worship. They wanted to inspire loose and the intertwined torc of silver and gold gleaming at
us to learn how to be like them, not just to worship his throat, he looked every inch the bard that he was. His rich
and trust in them. Just like there comes a time when and pure tenor voice was soft, but it seemed to fill the grove.
parents have to let go and allow their children go out The children of the Wyck were called the Aeduna.
into the world on their own, the Wyck needed to Where their forebears had been wanderers who walked
step aside and let their children, and their children’s the outside of the circle of the people, the Aeduna
children, have their time. walked the inner paths. They were more a part of

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 15

their communities than the Wyck, born into them Greece
and raised in them. They became the priestesses and The Aeduna took root in the fertile lands of the
priests, healers, midwives, scholars, wise counselors, Mediterranean, particularly Greece. There they wor-
record-keepers and philosophers of their societies. shipped the goddesses of the earth and moon and the
They held the power and the knowledge of the Wise gods of the sun, the growing things and the sea. For
Ones and the responsibility to use it well. generations, they were the priests and priestesses of the
In those days, the Aeduna were the descendants of temples, groves and sacred hills. They were healers and
the Wyck both literally and figuratively. They were the interpreters of the will of the gods, made manifest in
spiritual children of the Wise Ones, inheritors of their the omens of nature.
magic, that essence of creation that fired their spirits.
They also had the blood of the Wyck in their veins and The Second Seed: The Cult of Dionysus
were the first to understand the passing of power, and The Aeduna were earthy people. They celebrated
other qualities, through bloodlines, from parent to child. the turning cycles of the year as their ancestors had
They kept the histories of their family lines, tracing done, much as we do now. Those celebrations often
their ancestry back to the First Ones. So the trunk of involved a lot of partying, drinking, feasting and wild
the Great Tree began to sprout from its primordial roots. orgies. The Aeduna believed in living for the moment
and enjoying life to the fullest.
The First Seed: In those revels, some found themselves trans-
The Call of the Dreaming ported, taken beyond ordinary time as we know it
The first seeding of the tree of the Aeduna came and into the timeless moment. It was something the
early, when some of the children of the Wyck felt the Aeduna understood and valued. Some inheritors of
call of the world outside the circle of their communities, the Dionysian traditions of Thrace embrace ecstasy.
outside the circle of the material world, from the misty They celebrate intoxication and the insight that it
places where the Wyck had gone. They were guided by can bring, both the joy and madness of the fruit of
dreams and visions, and they heard the voices of spirits. the vine, the dark wine.
Rather than remaining a part of their communities, they By the light of the moon, maenads, the mad women
went beyond them to stand on the boundary between of Dionysus, ran through the wilds drunk on the god’s
the material world and the spirit world. They spoke of distilled essence. They surrendered entirely to passion,
the visions they received in their dreams, and so became be it lust or rage. Myths tell us that they encountered the
known as the Speakers-in-Dreams, the Dreamspeakers. poet Orpheus after his failed return from the Underworld.
The Dreamspeakers were the first Tradition to split When he refused to join in their revels and orgies, they
off from the Aeduna, the first of the seeds from their tree turned on him in their rage and tore him limb from
to sprout and grow on their own. Where the Aeduna limb, because that is the power of uncontrolled passion.
focused their attention on matters of life, the Dreamspeak- To some, it is also a cautionary tale of what happens to
ers valued all things of spirit and explored the depths of those who try to thwart death’s designs.
the spirit world and its inhabitants. In some lands, the Those who surrendered to passion and ecstasy
Dreamspeakers and spirit-talkers were only a scattered few became the seed for a new split in the Aeduna, one of
who passed their lore on from generation to generation, the roots of the modern Cult of Ecstasy.
living as hermits or spiritual seekers in the wilds. In other
places, the seed of the Dreamspeakers took root and grew The Third Seed: The Cosian Circle
strong, its shade covering the Great Tree of the Aeduna The next seed to sprout from the Aeduna was quite
and eventually eclipsing it. different from the separation of the Dreamspeakers
Our Dreamspeaker brothers and sisters are our allies and the Ecstatics. It was the seed of one of the greatest
still on the Council of Nine Traditions. The branches threats our Tradition now faces, one planted with the
that diverged so long ago remain intertwined, and best of intentions but twisted by its unchecked growth.
there is a great deal you can learn from the shamans It was the seed of medicine.
and spirit-talkers, but our story follows the path of The ancient Greek word pharmakis was used to refer
the Aeduna. While the Dreamspeakers thrived in the to herbalists and physicks, the root word of modern terms
Americas and Africa, the roots of the Aeduna settled like pharmacy and pharmacist. The pharmakis were both
deep into Europe and parts of Asia, and they spread common folk with knowledge of healing and Aeduna
out across those lands. trained in the lore of plants.

16 Verbena
 In ancient Greece, about 400 years before the they ignored his warnings and began secret experiments.
Common Era, Hippocrates founded the Cosian Circle. They vivisected creatures for study, both animals and
Now considered the father of modern medicine, Hip- humans. They infused them with strange potions and
pocrates studied the secrets of life, passed down from bred them to study their offspring. They violated the
the Wyck to the Aeduna. He sought to organize this first precept of Hippocrates, drawn from the Rede of
body of knowledge, to expand it and to use it to educate the Aeduna: “First, do no harm.” Hidden chambers
healers and aid the sick and infirm. Hippocrates’ school beneath the lyceum of the Circle were places of torture
of medicine drew students from far and wide, including and mutilation in the name of healing.
many Aeduna. It was a grand endeavor, worthy of the When word of these experiments began to spread,
inheritors of the Wyck, but it was destined for a very a rift formed between the Cosians and the Aeduna,
different end. which quickly grew into a chasm. The Cosian Circle
The Cosian Circle gathered and discovered much rejected the “simple” traditional methods of the Ae-
about the secrets of life. As their knowledge grew, so duna, while the inheritors of the Wyck condemned
did their ambition. They sought to learn the secrets the work of the Cosians as unnatural. Not long after
possessed by the fabled healer Asclepius, son of Apollo Hippocrates’ death, members of the inner circle of the
and god of medicine: the secrets of raising the dead, Cosians severed all ties with their former associates
creating life and immortality. Hippocrates reminded his and renounced the name Aeduna to pursue their own
students and peers that such secrets led Zeus to strike studies. Remember them, because they will re-enter
Asclepius down with a thunderbolt for his hubris, but our story soon enough.

The Gods of Ancient Greece

Although the Aeduna honored all of the Greek Hecate: The third, and perhaps most prominent,
gods to one degree or another, they took particular goddess honored by the Aeduna was Hecate, the
Olympians as their patrons, those who embodied their crone aspect of the Great Goddess and the patron
ways and beliefs. of witchcraft. Hecate ruled the crossroads and the
Artemis: The moon goddess and maiden hunt- night, and the dark of the moon was hers. Aeduna
ress, Artemis was considered the patron of many were often priestesses and priests of Hecate, and the
Aeduna, the maidenly aspect of the Great Goddess. modern Daughters of Hecate (p. 39) carry on their
She is known for cursing any man unfortunate enough traditions.
to catch her bathing in an isolated pool by the light Dionysus: Dionysus was one of the Greek gods
of the moon. Some she struck blind, others she made particularly sacred to the Aeduna. His wild rites and
mad, while some were transformed into stags, to be celebrations led to the creation of a splinter cult of the
hunted by Artemis and her maidens or even torn Aeduna that later intertwined with the Chakravanti
apart by their own hunting hounds. Artemis’ twin from the east, becoming a part of the root culture
brother Apollo was also honored by the Aeduna as of the Euthanatos Tradition. (See Tradition Book:
the patron of medicine and prophecy, though his Euthanatos for details.)
worship declined following the defection of the Gaia: The great earth mother and progenitor
Cosian Circle. of the titans and their offspring, the gods, Gaia was
Demeter: The goddess of the earth and growing honored by the ancient Aeduna, although not to
things represented the motherly aspect of the Great the degree that she is now in modern times. Gaia
Goddess to the Aeduna. Demeter mourned the loss embodies the spirit of the Earth herself, so she is
of her daughter Persephone (another of the maiden vast and powerful in comparison to the gods. The
goddesses), abducted by Hades to be his bride in the Aeduna considered Gaia impersonal by comparison
Underworld for half of the year. So for half the year, to the more human-like gods, and they understood
the world lies in cold and darkness and the other half that Gaia was capable of both great benevolence
in warmth and light. Demeter is associated with other and terrible cruelty.
primordial earth goddesses, such as Cybelle.

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 17

 The Aeduna of Ancient Greece
The Aeduna can be found throughout the myths as Circe’s magic, but he spent a year with the sorceress
well as the history of ancient Greece. Very often they before returning to his home in Ithaca. Said to be
were described as the children of the gods or titans (if immortal, Circe vanished from the ken of the mortal
not gods themselves) and renowned for their wisdom world long ago. Some mages claim to have met her,
and magical powers. Some modern Verbena claim far but none have been able to offer any proof that the
more personalities among their ancestors than those enchantress still lives.
listed here. These are merely the most famous (or Hippocrates: Some Verbena consider Hippocrates
infamous) Aeduna of their time. a traitor for his founding of the Cosian Circle, but most
Chiron: Perhaps the most unusual figure claimed see him as merely misguided and acting with the best
by the Aeduna is Chiron, a centaur said to be of divine of intentions. A student of herbalism and medicine,
heritage. Stories conflict as to whether Chiron was Hippocrates dedicated his life to their study and to
born half-man, half-horse or if he later assumed that the promotion of health and well-being. Those who
form through Life magic. Some modern Verbena sug- came to his school began studying forbidden arts,
gest that his birth (or later transformation) was the however, and Hippocrates’ dream became something
result of some unusual Paradox, but no one can say else altogether. In the end, he chose not to extend
for certain. Chiron was renowned as a scholar and his own life through their discoveries. The Progeni-
healer, as well as a teacher of many of ancient Greece’s tors still honor Hippocrates as one of their founders.
greatest mythic heroes, including Herakles and Jason Medea: The sorceress Medea was born of royal
(of the Argonauts). In fact, given his mentoring of so blood, and thereby inherited the blood of the Aeduna.
many of the future Argonauts, some have suggested She awakened to a gift for magic at a young age, and
signs of either cooperation or rivalry between Chiron she became a priestess of Hecate and mastered the
and Medea. Chiron was accidentally slain by an arrow arts of potion making and enchantment. When the
from the bow of Herakles, poisoned with the blood Greek hero Jason came to her father’s country seek-
of the hydra. ing the legendary Golden Fleece, Medea fell in love
Circe: An enchantress who was the daughter of with him. She used her magic to help Jason overcome
a titan, Circe lived on an isolated island. The Greek the dragon that guarded the fleece, then she helped
hero Odysseus and some of his crew found their way him escape. She even killed her own brother and
to her home, and Circe used her magic to transform dismembered his body, throwing the parts overboard
Odysseus’ crewmen into swine (said by many to be a so that her father’s ships would be forced to stop and
reflection of their boorish behavior). Odysseus used the collect them for a proper burial. (For more of Medea,
sacred herb moly, given to him by Hermes, to thwart see pp. 76-77.)

Rome
The rise of Rome was not the work of the Aeduna, lived in captivity in that land. They were truly Roman
as they had little interest in the creation of cities. Our in character: orderly, curious, willing to borrow liber-
Aeduna ancestors dwelled mostly in the north of the ally from other cultures and with an eye for conquest.
Italian peninsula, in areas like Tuscany. They were rural They descended from the tradition of Thoth-Hermes
folk unlike the city-dwelling Romans, who called them or Hermes Trismegistus (the “Thrice-Great Hermes”)
paganus or “country-dwellers,” from which we derive although they were most commonly known as the Cult
the modern word “pagan.” They particularly referred of Mercury in the Eternal City of Rome.
to those who were wise in herb-lore and charms as The magi of the Cult of Mercury were well aware of
venefica, who had little influence in Roman society, but the existence of other mystics and willworkers, particu-
the Romans had mystics among them, as the Aeduna larly among the pagani and barbarians on the frontiers
would soon discover. of the growing Roman Empire. They both desired the
mystical secrets these pagan witches and wizards pos-
The Cult of Mercury sessed and feared those pagans’ power, since they were
Whether they sprang from the roots of the Wyck no foreigners with strange and frightening ways. No doubt
one can say for certain, but the Roman magi combined they saw the Aeduna, who claimed a lineage from the
the learning of the Greeks with the ancient lore of the First Ones themselves, as a threat.
Egyptians, and perhaps the secrets of the Hebrews who

18 Verbena
 So the magi first limited the influence of the venefica
within the empire. Poison was one of the favored weapons
of the assassin in Rome, as everywhere, and the venefica
knew which plants could heal and which could kill, if
used properly. Herbalists were often labeled poisoners
and treated with suspicion. The wise folk of the pagani
began to conceal their knowledge and their affiliations
from the watchful eyes of the authorities. So began the
time when many Aeduna were forced to conceal who
and what they were from the world.
The Roman Conquest
The Romans expanded outward, conquering the
surrounding lands. At first, the pagani offered
little challenge to the well-trained
and well-equipped Roman legions,
backed by the lore and influence of
the Cult of Mercury. Aeduna in Italy
and Greece concealed themselves be-
hind the guise of simple country folk
and passed on their lore in secret. They
met in glades by the light of the moon
to worship and to honor the Old Ways,
believing that the Romans were but a
passing thing.
The barbarians of the northern lands of
Gaul and the inhabitants of Britannia, on the
other hand, were not so willing to bend to Roman
rule. The legions invaded their lands, and they
fought back with courage and ferocity, but they
were not enough. They turned to the Aeduna
among them, the druids and wise keepers of
lore, but their powers were matched by the
magi of the Cult of Mercury, who blunted
mystic assaults against the legions, turned
back curses and hurled spells of their own
to break the druids’ power.
The scattered Celts were unable to
withstand the organized onslaught of
the Romans and their magi. The legions
reached Britain and conquered the
Celtic tribes. They put druids
to the sword and torched
their sacred groves, forcing
the survivors to abandon
their holy places and retreat
into the wilderness, using
their skills and their
knowledge to survive
as best they could.

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 19

The Lightning Scourge The Pendragon
After several generations in hiding, passing on In Britain, not long after the fall of Rome, came
their traditions in secret, the druids of Britain orga- a new hope for the Aeduna and the Old Ways, in the
nized. The scattered Celts united to rebel against the face of growing Christian power in Europe. A child was
Roman occupation of their land. Though battles were born to a Celtic princess, and he was named Myrrdin.
fought between Celt warriors and Roman soldiers, We now know his name as Merlin. Merlin was the most
the struggle behind the scenes was between the re- gifted mage of his time, because his father was one of the
maining druids and the magi of the Cult of Mercury, legendary Wyck, making him the equal of the greatest of
some of whom now lived in Britain with their Roman the Aeduna from the ancient world. Perhaps the Wyck
countrymen. Many were even of mixed Celtic and sired him in an effort to give hope back to a world in
Roman blood. great need of it. We like to think so.
At first, both the Romans and their magi were Merlin had a vision of making Britain a strong and
caught off guard by the suddenness and savagery of the just kingdom, founded on the Old Ways, but open to the
Celtic uprising. The magi later rallied against the druids, new ways brought by the followers of the White Christ.
and so began the “Lightning Scourge.” Roman magus It would be a kingdom to rival the glory of Rome and to
Marcus Fulgurator took command of the offensive in unite the world under a new civilization. Toward that
Britain against the druids and their followers. Both a end, Merlin traveled far and wide, seeking out the great-
skilled military tactician and a master wizard, Fulgura- est teachers and masters in Britain and even in faraway
tor wielded bolts of lightning as his primary weapons, lands, traveling the paths of the Wyck. He astounded his
hence the name of his famous crusade. teachers and mentors with his gifts. Merlin learned from
For three years, magus and druid struggled against many, not just the druids and elders of the Old Faith, but
each other across Britain and northern France. Dragons, from Hermetic magi who fled to Britain after the fall of
unicorns, elementals and faerie creatures were slain on Rome, Messianic Voices preaching the word of God, and
both sides of the battle, along with many mages. The from other Mystical Fellowships as well. This is why some
druids called upon all the powers at their command, other Traditions claim Merlin was one of their own, but
but the superior numbers of their Roman enemies his blood was the blood of the Wyck, of the Wise-Ones.
overwhelmed them. Finally, the last remnants of the Merlin’s dream came into being as another child,
druids chose to retreat north into Scotland as Emperor named Arthur, the son of Uther. In Arthur was a child
Hadrian built his wall to keep the pagan folk away from born of two worlds, Christian and pagan, who Merlin
Roman Britain. hoped could rule wisely over them both. He taught and
The Fall of the Empire guided Arthur to claim the title of Pendragon (Chief
The coming of Christianity split the mages of the Dragon or High King), and gave him the skills and the
Roman Empire between the Cult of Mercury and the advice he needed to hold it. He also forged an alliance
Messianic Voices, mages devoted to the worship of the with the fae, who granted Arthur his legendary sword,
White Christ. Infighting between the two provided a Caliburnus or Excalibur.
respite for the remaining Aeduna in the outlying parts For a time, the dream of Camelot was a success.
of the empire. Many chose to aid their people in turning Arthur became king over both pagans and Christians in
on the weakening Romans, and they eventually gained Britain. Although a Christian himself, Arthur considered
their revenge when their people stormed the Eternal himself a champion of both peoples, and he upheld the
City itself. The Hermetic collegeum was demolished, right for folk to worship as they chose. The remnants of
the Hermetic and Christian mages were scattered into the druids and priestesses of the earth hoped to rebuild
small groups, fleeing either east toward Byzantium or and pass on their teachings, to practice their ways openly
north toward outposts and strongholds in central Europe once more. Camelot became a symbol of righteousness
or Britain. and greatness throughout Britain and much of the world.
The rise and fall of Rome was the way of the world, But it was not to be. Arthur’s kingdom didn’t last
and the way of mages, for a long time. The Hermetic more than a generation, and Arthur didn’t have the
magi attacked the Aeduna, the Aeduna struck back at opportunity to pass what he’d built on to his son. The
the magi, and the Messianic Voices struck at both the dream of Camelot was torn apart by Arthur’s devotion
pagans and the Hermetics. The Aeduna aided their to the laws he swore to uphold and by the hatred of his
people in destroying Rome in return. So the wheel own son, which culminated on the fields of Camlan, with
turned, and the world went on. Mordred dead by his father’s hand and Arthur mortally

20 Verbena
wounded. The passing of the Pendragon signaled the part of the tale. After all, she remembered it better than
end of the mythic age for the Old Ways and the start any of them did, and she would be damned if she let those
of a long descent into darkness. memories rule her in this life. She stood, and her voice was
steady as she looked over the faces of the initiates.
The Dark Ages After the fall of Rome and of Camelot, darkness
As Teague’s voice fell silent, several of the initiates shook spread over the land like a shadow. The Hermetic
themselves for a moment, breaking the trance his words wove magi were scattered by the fall of Rome, and so were
over them. A few were teary-eyed for the passing of an age the Choristers — the Messianic Voices, as they were
they had never known, but perhaps hoped to find, in their called. All that was left of the Aeduna, the once-proud
heart of hearts. inheritors of the Wyck, were scattered to the four winds.
Deborah looked them over and bit down the surge of Both the Aeduna and the Messianic Voices recovered
cynical bitterness that welled up inside of her. They were fairly quickly. They both held to their faith, but where the
naïve. That was only to be expected. Teague was a bard. Christian Church gathered new followers almost daily,
It was his job to be a dreamer, to weave fanciful tales of the Old Ways began to fade. When the Christian priests
faraway places and times. came, they tried to drive out the Old Gods, calling them
You’ve showed them the dream, Teague, she thought, demons. They baptized and preached to save souls, and
now it’s time for a dose of reality. when that didn’t work, they used torture and fire.
Teague rose and Deborah, a wraith in black, glided into But the worst of the conflict between the Church
his place in the midst of the circle. She insisted in telling this and the Old Ways didn’t come for quite a while.

Merlin and Morgan Le Fey

Two of the most famous of the Aeduna in the They believe that Merlin might wait still, perhaps
history of the line were bound to the fate of Arthur deep in the Umbra, for when the time is right for
and Camelot, and they ultimately suffered for it. him to return, although the Avatar Storm would
Merlin was said to be the son of one of the Wyck have complicated matters.
and a Celtic princess (some say a Christian nun). The other great mage of Camelot was Morgan Le
He was the scion of a mighty bloodline, with power Fey, a true believer in the Old Faith and the Old Gods.
to rival that of the most legendary Aeduna. Even She was Arthur’s half-sister, born of Igraine and, it is
as a child, Merlin was renowned for his talent for believed, a Faerie Lord (from which she derived her
prophecy. When King Vortigern sought the blood of name). Being part of a noble line stretching back to
a boy with no father to strengthen the mortar and the Wyck, mixed with the glamour of fae blood, made
foundation of his new castle, he had Merlin brought Morgan a formidable sorceress. She had visions and
before him. He prophesied a battle between two prophetic dreams as a child, and as a young woman,
dragons: one white the other red, representing the she dedicated herself to the service of the Old Gods
future of Britain. He became an advisor to British as their priestess.
kings, including Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father. Although she is often painted as a villain, the
Merlin engineered (or perhaps foresaw) Arthur’s Verbena claim that Morgan was a true heroine. Her
birth, and arranged to have him raised and trained dalliance with Arthur was not of her own doing, but
as the future king. After Arthur claimed the throne, came about during a Beltane fertility rite. Their son
Merlin served as his advisor. Mordred was supposed to embody the great rite car-
Arthur and Camelot were undone by the be- ried out that night: a mix of pagan and Christian, fae
trayal of his queen and his closest friend. Merlin was and mortal, mystic and mundane, who could bring
also undone by love, that of the beautiful Nimue. balance and peace. Instead, Mordred was poisoned
She became his lover and apprentice, and later against a father who could neither acknowledge nor
she magically sealed Merlin within a stone or tree love him, taken away from the mother who did love
(the stories vary as to which). Though some say him. Morgan felt betrayed by Arthur’s devotion to
that Nimue deceived and betrayed Merlin, many Christian ways and by the Aeduna elders who ma-
Verbena see her actions as noble and suggest that nipulated her. In the end, she came to bear Arthur’s
perhaps Merlin asked his apprentice to seal him body off to Avalon, and, it is said, retired into seclu-
away from the world, knowing what was to come. sion for the remainder of her days.

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 21

 For hundred of years, the Old Faith existed in secret, House against House. In a re-enactment of the Lightning
right under the noses of the priests and their churches. Scourge, the members of House Diedne were systematically
Even in old Rome there were witches who gathered by hunted and killed, until the entire House was wiped out.
the light of the moon to honor the gods and ask their Legend has it that Diedne herself was among the last to
blessings. Descendents of the Aeduna were scattered all die, and that she cursed the mages for their blindness and
across Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to the steppes arrogance. Some believe her curse brought about the Order’s
of Russia, and from the frozen lands of Scandinavia to the downfall when the Order of Reason brought down the walls
warmth of the Mediterranean. We were called many names of Mistridge and signaled the beginning of the end for the
then, not all of them kind. Even “wytch,” descended from Mythic Ages, but that’s yet to come.
the Wyck, started to become more of a curse than a title
of honor. We were scattered like seeds on the cold earth, The Dragon Exodus
trying our best to take root and grow. What organization The Schism War spelled the end of the druids in
we had was gone, until a new opportunity came along. Britain and elsewhere. There were a few survivors who
never chose to join House Diedne, keeping to their
House Diedne and the Hermetic Schism hidden groves and isolated caves, but they were a pitiful
Hundreds of years after the fall of Camelot, the Order few. It became painfully clear that they could no longer
of Hermes — which descended from the Roman Cult of
Mercury — was the most powerful mystic order in Europe.
The Celestial Chorus might argue otherwise, but the The Old Ways in the Dark Ages
Messianic Voices didn’t really wield that much influence The Old Faith Fellowship (described in Dark
within the Church, while the Hermetics were strong and Ages: Mage) is the direct ancestor of the modern
independent. They didn’t bow to the Church or anyone Verbena. The Fellowship was, in fact, the first stirring
else, not even the gods themselves, which ultimately proved of cooperation and unity that led to the founding
their undoing. Still, at the time, they were a power in the of the Verbena when the pagan mages realized that
world, which made their offer tempting. they had to unite or be destroyed. Still, the Old Faith
Diedne, one of the surviving druid priestesses of differed in many ways from the modern Verbena.
Britain gathered around her an alliance of followers Primary among these differences is the magic
and fellow druids. She then approached the Order of of Old Faith mages, which was based on ancient
Hermes with a petition to join them, offering loyalty and traditions before the Council of Nine created the
accumulated knowledge to the Order. The Primi of the terminology of the mystic Spheres and greater
Houses of Hermes met and debated, and ultimately the similarities between practicing mystics were rec-
opportunity to learn more about the mysterious magic ognized. The Old Faith also lacked the factions of
of the druids — none of which was written down for the modern Verbena, replacing them with divisions
the Hermetics to study — won out. House Diedne was along cultural and geographic lines.
created as a part of the Order of Hermes. The Old Faith also held strongly to ideas of
Of course, when the mages of the new House were bloodline and inheritance now found among the
slow in sharing their sacred wisdom and unwilling to modern Gardeners of the Tree. They believed that
bend to all of the rules of the Order, talk began circu- the power of magic came from direct descent from
lating that allowing the pagans to band together as a the Aeduna, and therefore the Wyck. Those not
House was a mistake. Then came darker rumors that of the proper bloodline could not wield the power
the Diedne practiced “forbidden rites,” including hu- of magic, and those pagan folk who Awakened
man sacrifice. The proud druids felt no need to defend unexpectedly were considered “of the blood.”
their traditions to outsiders, and the arrogant magi felt They merely assumed that their proper ancestry
no need to ask since the evidence was increasingly was forgotten or lost in the mists of time. The idea
clear to them. House Flambeau, descended from the of accepting apprentices from outside their culture
same sorcerers who led the Lightning Scourge, and and line was foreign to those of the Old Faith, one
House Tremere led the pack in accusing House Diedne of the things that kept the fellowship small during
of infernalism or demon-worship. The Diedne denied the Dark Ages.
the charges, but it was too late. The rest of the Order For more about the Old Faith as a Mystic Fel-
was already poisoned against them. lowship and its beliefs, organization and relations
So the Flambeau and the Tremere led the charge in what with other Fellowships, see Dark Ages: Mage.
the Order of Hermes calls the Schism War, which turned

22 Verbena
safeguard the land or its creatures from the march of about by a common enemy and a common threat, the
Christendom or from the power of mages like the Order danger posed by the Christian Church and the slow
of Hermes or the Messianic Voices. death of the Old Ways. Pagan mages held fast to their
So, nearly 200 years after the Schism War, the re- beliefs and kept them alive in secret.
maining druids of Britain led the Dragon Exodus. They
gathered and used their knowledge to open the Paths of The Burning Times
the Wyck to the magical creatures of the land and guide The Burning Times are a myth. The Burning Times
them to safety. The unicorns, pixies, hobgoblins, wyverns were real. Like most things about the Verbena, both of
and dragons departed through the gates, into the Umbra those statements bear some truth, but neither tells the
and away from the iron and fire of men. For three years, the whole tale. The modern myth of the Burning Times isn’t
British Isles and much of Europe emptied of the magical what most people think, but they did happen. I know.
and the wondrous, leaving the mundane world behind. I was there, and perhaps some of you were as well, in
I think the Exodus marked the decline of the Old Faith other lives before this one. It is a time in our history
and handed victory to our enemies because much of the that we should never forget, because it will happen
magic that once sustained our people was gone. again if we allow it to.
Some of the last great inheritors of the Aeduna left In the early 13th century, forces and factions within
to guide the Bygones into the Umbra and chose not to the Christian Church became more and more aware of
return. They left behind some students who held on to the the continued existence of the Old Faith, although they
ways that they learned from their elders as best they could. attributed our rites and beliefs to demons and wanted
to “purify” our souls, with fire, if necessary. The work of
The Old Faith Fellowship the Inquisition began small, with an awareness of the
The remaining pagan druids, witches and mages of corruption within the ranks of the Church, but rather
Europe joined together in a loose alliance known as the than look inward for the source of their problems, the
Old Faith. It was an informal alliance at best, brought Inquisitors looked outward. They laid the blame upon

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 23

demons, monsters and those who succumbed to their all of Sir Garland’s men renounced their former faith),
“temptations” and practiced the Craft. and their community was a stronghold of the Old Faith
Some of the work of the Inquisition was conducted for more than a century.
secretly, to keep the truth about the Church’s own in-
volvement in the occult from the common folk. These Wyngarde’s March
secret Inquisitors, sometimes backed by Christian Though the Burning Times simmered and smoldered
mages, were the greatest threat to our people. Most all through the 13th and 14th centuries, the flames didn’t
of the so-called witches who were tried and executed reach their peak until the 15th. In 1435, General Chris-
by the Inquisition knew almost nothing of real magic. topher Wyngarde of the True Cross took up a crusade
They may have possessed a few charms, some herb-lore against the “pagan wytches, warlocks, faeries, fell beasts
and knowledge of midwifery, but sometimes the mere and heretics of these British Isles.” Wyngarde gathered a
accusation of witchcraft or heresy was sufficient. small army of followers and began systematically hunting
Compared to the thousands or even millions of down followers of the Old Faith in Britain.
victims proclaimed by some, the actual number of us Wyngarde and his followers struck a pagan ritual
who died during the Burning Times seems small, little on Midsummer’s Eve outside Harrowgate, England. The
more than a handful, but how many of us were there crusaders attacked without warning and systematically
to begin with? Does the sheer number of deaths matter slaughtered everyone attending the rite, well over a
in the end, if even one of us died at the stake or the hundred men, women and children. The sole survivor of
hangman’s noose, at the hands of fanatics? Each death the massacre was a priestess later known as Nightshade,
diminished the Old Faith and threatened the whole of who learned that night what the future of the Old Faith
the Tree of Life, and that mattered. would be if its adherents chose to do nothing.
For five years, Wyngarde and his army traveled the
The Kingdom of Baerwald length of England and Scotland, purging the land of any
We had our victories, even in the Burning Times, remainder of the Old Faith. Any Bygones or fae folk that
though they were too few and too far apart to make a did not flee during the Dragon Exodus, they slew with
difference. Perhaps one of the greatest came with the fire and cold iron. Any pagan folk they chanced upon
founding of Baerwald. were tortured and killed, and sacred groves were raided
Sir Garland of Laramay was a Templar, sworn and put to the torch. The first pagan communities they
champion of the Church and crusader against heathens. found were massacred, while later ones learned enough
He fought in the Crusades and was initiated into the to flee into the wilderness in hopes of escape. Some
Messianic Voices. In his travels in the Holy Land and were run down like animals while others managed to
elsewhere, Sir Garland studied the traditions of other find safety by leaving behind all they had.
Mystic Fellowships, including the Subtle Ones, branches Following close behind Wyngarde, Nightshade did
of the Order of Hermes and the runes of the Valdaermen. what she could to warn his victims and to offer aid and
He was a scholar as well as a warrior, and he came to shelter. She worked to rally the followers of the Old Faith
appreciate the wisdom of these other teachings. to band together and resist, but many were too afraid
In the early 14th century, the Knights Templar were to fight Wyngarde’s army. They wanted to find shelter
betrayed and outlawed. The Church proclaimed them for themselves and their families instead.
heretics, and many Templars suffered the same fate as
pagans during the Burning Times: torture and execution. The Fall of Baerwald
Some of the survivors joined with the Cabal of Pure Emboldened by Wyngarde’s success in Britain, the
Thought or the Messianic Voices, or they concealed Gabrielites launched an assault on Baerwald in the Black
themselves in distant lands. Sir Garland, his faith shat- Forest. The kingdom’s pagan defenders fought bravely,
tered by the betrayal of his order, forswore Christianity but they were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the
and fled with a small group of men into the depths of Gabrielites and their superior armor and weapons. The
the Black Forest. Christian forces swore to finish the task of exterminat-
With the aid of the local people and some Old Faith ing the renegade Templars who found shelter in the
mages, Sir Garland founded the Kingdom of Baerwald, a pagan kingdom. Eventually, despite their best efforts,
pagan fiefdom in the depths of the Holy Roman Empire, the people of Baerwald were forced to flee and surrender
surrounded on all sides by the wilderness and the power their homes to the invading Gabrielites.
of Christendom. The people of Baerwald represented true The invaders burned Baerwald (and parts of the sur-
cooperation between pagans and Christians (since not rounding forest) to the ground and killed anyone who

24 Verbena
got in their way. One of the survivors of that tragedy was the convocation and its plan, and Groth agreed to help.
William Groth, a mage descended from the mingling Nightshade gathered the support of the survivors of the
of the mystic secrets of the Templars with those of the Old Faith, the few remaining covens and circles, while
Valdaermen and other Germanic rune-magicians. Like Groth convinced many of the Valdaermen and rune-
the other survivors of Baerwald, he swore vengeance workers that their best hope lay with the new council,
against the Gabrielites and their Order of Pure Thought although not all were willing.
— vengeance for all the lives lost in the name of their On Beltane of that year, Nightshade and Groth met
ideal of “purity.” He was only one of the many who saw with their followers in an isolated glade. Nightshade
the horrors of the Burning Times and said, “Never again!” drew down the moon and took on the aspect of the
Celtic goddess Brigid (or Brid), patron of smiths, poets
The Great Rite: The Birth and healers. Groth called upon the storm and thunder
of the Verbena and took on the aspect of Thunor (or Thor), the Norse
god of thunder. Together they consummated their alli-
There was a moment of stunned silence as Takoda stood
ance with the Great Rite, bringing together the pagan
at the edge of the circle. His broad-shouldered frame cast
folk of Europe and conceiving the Tradition that would
a shadow from the setting sun that passed over Deborah as
take its rightful place among the council: the Verbena.
she stepped from the center of the circle back to her place.
Takoda walked silently into the center and sat down on the
grass, looking the initiates over before he spoke. Why Verbena?
The Burning Times were nearly the end for the line of The Verbena could have been called any number
the Wyck and the Aeduna, but the survivors weren’t willing of things. Over the centuries, they were known by many
to give up. They had a chance, even if it was a small one. names: Aeduna, Wise Ones, Wyckae, the Old Faith,
The Ecstatic prophet Sh’zar contacted Nightshade pagans and a number of other less polite names. None
after the massacre at Harrowgate. He told her about a of these choices was entirely right for the new alliance
vision he had, of a world without magic, without wonder, that Nightshade proposed. She suggested a new name
suffocated under the grip of men like Christopher Wyn- to represent a new beginning for the people of the Old
garde. He told her that the only hope of avoiding this Faith, but one with ties to the past that honored where
fate was for mages of all Traditions and paths to unite. they had come from.
So Nightshade put aside her vengeance for the time “Verbena” is the Latin name for vervain, a com-
mon herb with a number of uses. Among other things,
being and agreed to a meeting.
vervain was used for protection, purification and healing,
In 1440, four mages gathered at the ruins of the an all-purpose herbal remedy. It was a common remedy
Hermetic covenant of Mistridge: Nightshade, Sh’zar, of the Aeduna and their descendents for centuries, and
Valoran of the Celestial Chorus, and Baldric LaSalle of some other mages — particularly the nascent Order of
the Order of Hermes. There they discussed the idea of a Hermes — referred to the witches and cunning men who
Council of Mystic Traditions, an alliance to stand against employed herbalism as “Verbenae.”
the Order of Reason. Nightshade was understandably When Nightshade and Groth needed a name for
suspicious. Both the Celestial Chorus and the Order of their new alliance of diverse pagan folk, Nightshade of-
Hermes had persecuted the Old Faith in the past, but fered Verbena as a means of taking what had been a term
Valoran and LaSalle treated her as an equal, so she was of derision and turning it into a badge of pride. It would
willing to put aside her doubts. remind the others on the Council of Mystic Traditions who
The mages of the convocation agreed to travel and the Verbena were and where they came from. Nightshade
seek out allies, other Traditions to join their new coun- and Groth might have also hoped that the name would
cil. Nightshade’s first task was to gain the cooperation keep their new Tradition humble and in touch with its
of her own people, since the Old Faith was made up roots rather than putting on airs as they saw other mystics
of many traditions, many different threads all woven doing. In that, it might have been only partially successful.
loosely together. If they were to have a strong pres- Technically, “Verbena” is the singular form, and the
ence on this new council, they required unity, or else Tradition as a whole is properly referred to as “Verbenae.”
Nightshade knew that they risked betrayal at the hands It fell out of use long ago, however, and Verbena is used
of the Chorus, the Hermetics or some other Tradition. for both individuals and the Tradition as a whole. The
So it was that she sought out William Groth — the usage bothers only those Latin scholars among the Order
of Hermes (which could be one other reason why the
leader of the refugees of Baerwald and a strong represen-
Verbena did it).
tative of his people and their ways. She told him about

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 25

The Journeys of Nightshade and Groth
After the formal creation of the Verbena, Night-
shade and Groth separated. They walked the Paths of
the Wyck, with Nightshade traveling westward and
Groth eastward.
Nightshade’s first order of business was to pick up
where she left off dealing with General Wyngarde and
his army. She used the news of the new Council to rally
support among the pagan mages of the British Isles and
even the Faerie Folk. With their aid, Nightshade was able
to harry Wyngarde’s forces across Scotland.
Foul weather sank ships during the crossing to
Ireland, and a fierce blizzard struck near Newry,
Ireland. It left most of the Army of the True Cross
frozen, save for the few who died at the hands of
the warriors led by Nightshade herself, who
gave the victims of Harrowgate justice
and General Wyngarde exactly what
he deserved.
For 10 years after Wyngarde’s
death, pagans and fae allies stalked
the survivors of his army across Britain,
in what we call the Decade of the Hunt.
The Wyld Hunt was unleashed against
the enemies of the Old Faith, reclaiming
many of our ancestral sacred places from the
hands of the Order of Reason and their lackeys. The
Hunt also strengthened the alliance of the Verbena
and drew the attention of pagans from across Europe,
encouraging them to join the new Tradition.
After the Blizzard of Newry, Nightshade walked
the Paths of the Wyck from the British Isles across the
vast sea toward the Fair Lands of the West. She found
her way to North America, guided by spirits and visions
from the gods. Here in this land she met Star-of-
Eagles, a shaman of his people. In Nightshade,
he recognized a kindred spirit, and she told him
of her land and the struggles of her people. He helped
her spread word of the Mystic Council that was forming
among other tribes, and some of their shamans heard
Nightshade’s call. She made her way across the land to
its distant shore, then southward into the lands of the
Aztecs, where she met jaguar priests and eagle warriors,
further south into the lands of the Incas and the vast
green of the Amazon Jungle.
William Groth’s journey took him
through the wild lands that held fast
to pagan ways. Among the vitki,
spae-crafters and seith-workers he
scattered the news of the Verbena
and encouraged them to lend their
support to the new Tradition, to take

26 Verbena
their place among the new Council. Some heard his pleas, Eloine was born in Ireland in the 15th century, the
while others turned a deaf ear, preferring to maintain their child of a bloodline that traced back to the primordial
independence and isolation. Further he went into the Wyck. Her potential for magic was strong and encour-
wilds of Russia, evading the attention of the blood lords aged by her parents, who were also Verbena. By the time
of the mountainous lands and the rusalka and the leshy she entered womanhood, she was already a formidable
of the forest. He made his way into the frozen steppes and sorceress, and her powers only grew with time and ex-
taiga, where he met with shamans of the Siberian and perience. Eloine was a beautiful woman, with fiery red
Mongolian peoples. hair and bewitching green eyes, descended from Irish
In China, Groth met with mages of the Akashic kings. Despite her youth, she was considered a worthy
Brotherhood who fought at his side against demon-spirits member of the First Cabal.
of the mountains. Whether or not the “demon-spirits” Eloine fell in love with Heylel Teomim, the
were part of the conflict going on between the Akashics hermaphrodite alchemist, and representative of the
and the Hindu Chakravanti we might never know, but Solificati. Their union was much spoken of in the Tradi-
Groth impressed the Akashics with his courage and magi- tions at the time, although they were discreet and private
cal skill. Bloodied with a dozen wounds, he wielded his with their affairs. Eloine became pregnant by Heylel and
blade and his spells against them, striking with the fury was delivered of twins: a boy and a girl. Heylel chose to
of the storm. His final invocation brought a mountain betray the First Cabal to the Order of Reason not long
peak crashing down to bury both himself and his foes, thereafter. Several members died fighting, while the
entombing them together for all time. The Eastern others, including Eloine, were taken prisoner. Eloine’s
mages decided to honor the heroic Groth by attending children were taken from her and their fate remains
the Convocation, bringing the news of his valiant death. unknown. Eloine was tortured to confess her “sins”
Since they didn’t bring his body back, some Verbena even before she was to be executed. Tradition mages rescued
now say that Groth didn’t die, or at least not the way the the surviving members of the cabal, including Eloine,
Akashic Brotherhood says he did. Still, we know what and captured the traitor Heylel, who was sentenced to
he accomplished, and that’s enough. Gilgul and death.
Eloine was never the same after the loss of her children
Founding of the Council of Nine and the betrayal and death of her beloved. Her spirit was
Representatives from mystic Traditions all across the broken, and she largely forswore her Craft. Although she
world converged on Mistridge for the Second Convoca- was always welcome within the circles and groves of the
tion, which was attacked by the forces of the Order of Verbena, she chose a simple and isolated way of life. Years
Reason. The gathered mystics won the battle with heavy later, she aided those accused of witchcraft in escaping
losses, proving better than any debate that the alliance of from the wrath of the Inquisition, but was herself arrested
Traditions could stand against the power of the Order of and tried as a heretic. She went to the stake steadfast in
Reason. The mystics worked together to create Horizon, a her belief in the Old Faith, and she has been honored as
place of safety in the Otherworld beyond the reach of their a heroine by generations of Verbena since.
enemies. They debated and built alliances and accords.
During this time, many more followers of the Old The Shadow Years
Faith came under the banner of the Verbena, though The betrayal of the First Cabal seemed to cast a
some stubbornly refused and insisted on going it alone. shadow over the achievements of the Traditions, and the
There are stories of witch-wars and conflicts between centuries following, it saw the slow and gradual decline
sects of pagan folk over joining the Verbena, which of magic in the world and the rise of the Order of Reason
some saw as betraying their traditional ways rather than to greater and greater power. The fires of the Burning
maintaining them. Eventually, most of the surviving Times smoldered across Europe before slowly dying out
pagan mages of Europe and parts of Asia came under and taking the lives of many mystics with them. The
the Verbena’s guidance and that of the Council. religious fervor of the Order of Reason cooled until they
eventually chose to betray and oust the zealots among
Eloine of the First Cabal them and devote themselves to pure science rather than
After the founding of the Council of Nine, the faith, becoming the Technocratic Union.
First Cabal took form, made up of one member from During the Shadow Years, the Verbena endured,
each of the Nine Traditions. The representative of the practicing our ways in secret, hiding them beneath a
Verbena was Eloine, one of the most famous and tragic cloak of normalcy that the other Traditions learned
figures in our history. over time. In Europe, witches passed their lore from one

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 27

generation to the next in books of shadows disguised interest in druidry and witchcraft, the rune-crafters saw
as “recipe books” or “family bibles.” The old bloodlines the opportunity to do the same.
endured and incorporated trusted newcomers into their We don’t know for sure how it all went wrong. The
families. Occasionally they were exposed and rooted out factions of the Valdaermen were secretive at best. Radical
by witch-finders and inquisitors of the Order of Reason. elements might have taken over and pushed them. The
In the New World, the Verbena set down roots, but Nephandi were certainly involved, although we don’t know
struggled to survive. The witch-hunts and persecutions exactly when or how they came into the picture. All we
of Europe followed them to the European colonies, know is that the rune-crafters gathered around a faction
while the Verbena descended from the Wyck of Africa called the Iron Circle, which either saw or inspired an
hid their ways beneath a veneer of Christianity, seeding interest in an Aryan root culture. It sparked in a Germany
the growth of many African traditions that honored the battered and defeated after the First World War and ignited
ancestors and the Old Ways. The seeds of the Verbena a fire that gave rise to one of the most infamous forces in
were scattered across this new land, where they took our history: the Nazi Party of the Third Reich.
root and waited for the coming of spring. Rune-magicians of the Iron Circle secretly backed
the Nazi rise to power, encouraging interest in the oc-
The Old Ways cult and in the creation of a “pure” Aryan mythology.
in the New Age They formed secret cabals to recruit and train the newly
Awakened, and they began waging war against the other
Takoda rose quietly from his place in the center of the
Traditions behind the scenes of the German war on
circle and Aileen stepped forward, smoothing the front of her
Europe. Gypsy fortune-tellers, Jewish (and Hermetic)
flower-print dress and casually brushing a lock of golden hair
kabbalists, Christian and Chorus mystics, were all targets,
away from her face before sitting down in the center of the circle.
to be driven out or killed so their mystic libraries and
As the Verbena came into the 20th century, we had wonders could be seized or destroyed. The first targets
become little more than a legend among the Sleepers. of the Iron Circle’s wrath, however, were their fellows,
Although the Old Ways were maintained by secret co- those who chose not to support their cause. The survi-
vens and circles, they were like seeds or acorns sleeping vors scattered, some allying themselves with the Circle’s
in the frozen ground, hidden by a blanket of snow and enemies, the rest going into hiding.
waiting for the coming of spring.
Many among the Traditions found it difficult to
It would take a sacrifice to awaken those seeds and separate the renegade Verbena of the Iron Circle from
nourish them — a sacrifice of blood. the Tradition as a whole, although the other factions and
The Rune War circles of the Verbena quickly denounced the Iron Circle
The number of disparates, followers of the Old and declared them barrabi. The Tradition was divided
Ways outside of the Verbena, grew smaller and smaller as some defected to join the rune-workers while others
over the years, but they didn’t vanish entirely. There sided with homelands in the British Isles, Greece, Italy
were also those within the Verbena who were never or Eastern Europe. A magical war was fought behind the
entirely content with how the Tradition came to be scenes of the Second World War, and even the Technoc-
and where it was going. Some factions felt forced into racy was split between supporting the Allies and the Axis.
joining, either due to circumstances or pressure from The Nazi fascination with eugenics draw the Iron Circle
the Council. Others felt that their Traditions and into a loose alliance with a faction of the Progenitors,
practices were being ignored or marginalized within the descendants of Hippocrates’ renegade Cosian Circle.
Verbena, slowly smothered as surely as if they’d faced Some say that the Nazis never invaded England
the Technocracy alone. because of the efforts of British covens and associated
One of those factions was made up of descendants mages, who cast spells of warding to keep them at bay.
of the Valdaermen, the rune-crafters of Norse and Ger- By the war’s end, many members of the Iron Circle
manic background. Once they’d been a proud Tradition were dead, some captured and sentenced to Gilgul and
that stood apart from the Old Faith in the Dark Ages, death, and a few escaped, taking with them many of
the equal of any mystic fellowship. But their ways were the artifacts and secrets they plundered. The remaining
dying out in comparison to those of other cultures within rune-crafters among the Verbena have operated under
the Verbena, too often “polluted” (or so they thought) the dark cloud of the Iron Circle’s betrayal ever since,
with ideas and traditions from other cultures blending and they still face mistrust within the Tradition. They
together. When the Verbena in the British Isles began struggle to reclaim a Tradition tainted by association
a revival of their ways among the Sleepers, increasing with one of the greatest evils the world has ever known.

28 Verbena
The Age of Aquarius
From the ashes of the war came the potential for Over the decades, the Verbena incorporated a wider
new growth for the Verbena and the Traditions. The range of paths and cultures. African-descended ways,
Gardeners of the Tree and others had planted the seeds including Voudoun and Santeria, gained influence and
of a witchcraft revival in England even before the war strength. Paganism came out of the shadows and spread
began and interest in the Craft and its history began to new generations of spiritual seekers.
spreading after the war. It blossomed in the 1960s with The Technocracy tried to stem the tide by commer-
a general interest in the occult and magic. We found cializing the Old Ways, like they do everything else, but
many new initiates from the flower-power generation, for every 10 witch-wannabes who got misinformation
just like the Cult of Ecstasy and the Dreamspeakers from a Syndicate-inspired book, there was one Sleeper
did. The ranks of the Moon-Seekers grew from their who was willing to dig down and find the truth. Not all
willingness to show these new Verbena the way, much Awaken, but the more who believe in the power of the
to the dismay of some traditionalists, but it helped to Old Faith, the easier it is for us to move among them,
ensure the Tradition’s survival. unnoticed by the Technocracy.
The later half of the 20th century was a real Awak-
ening for the Verbena as well. The Moon-Seekers found The Wheel Turns
new truths and old traditions in every new culture they Aileen stood slowly. “That’s how you, and we, got
encountered and every new Verbena they initiated. to be here today. The fact that we’ve even having this talk
The Twisters of Fate recovered ancient and ancestral is because countless people have been willing to sacrifice
memories that showed the common roots of these many everything for what they believe in. The fact that you’re
branches while the Lifeweavers were always out on the here means that the Technocracy hasn’t won yet, but we’d
edge experimenting with new things. The Gardeners of be lying to you if we said that things are going to be easy,
the Tree formed the strong trunk that held it all together. because they’re not, and they never have been.

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 29

 Queerbena
One particular development of the middle to late This changed in the 1950s and ’60s as an increas-
20th century was the recognition of sexual minorities ing number of young Verbena identified themselves
among the Verbena. Although gender variances in with the growing gay rights movement and pioneers
the Verbena Tradition date back to the time of the like Harry Hay. These “Queerbena” or “Fairy Folk”
ancient Wyck, the open recognition of gay, lesbian, (as they are still sometimes known) associated
bisexual and transgender people was not a widely ac- themselves with the gender-variant shamans at
cepted part of the Tradition. the roots of the Tradition and pressed for greater
Some members of the Lifeweavers experimented acceptance and understanding of sexual differences
with sex-changing and shapeshifting to explore the among their Tradition (particularly among the
bounds of gender identity, and some Twisters of Fate Gardeners of the Tree). They found supporters in
embodied primal states beyond masculine or feminine, the other factions of the Tradition, especially the
but they were the fringe exceptions, not spoken of in Moon-Seekers and Lifeweavers.
most circles. Although the Verbena were uninhibited By the late 20th century, sexual minorities were
with regard to sex and sexuality, many still held taboos generally well accepted among the Verbena, perhaps
about same-sex relationships and sexual changes. more than any other Tradition, and the Verbena have
Traditionalists held that only male-female relations generally remained at the forefront of equal rights for all.
were “balanced” and therefore “natural.”

“Even after hundreds of years of trying, the Technocracy As Aileen moved off to the side of the circle, Jon stood.
hasn’t been able to wipe us out. We’re survivors, we Verbena, “I think we’ve given you all enough to think about for
and we don’t give up easily. If you ask me, the real threat one day,” he said, looking over the faces of the gathered
of the Technocracy is not to us, it’s to our way of life, our initiates. “We’ll talk some more tomorrow.”
way of thinking and being. They wanted to make life safe They all stood and held hands as Jon recited a prayer of
and orderly and rational, but it’s not always. It’s ironic, thanks to the gods, then they made their way off to the main
because in trying to make the world safe for the Sleepers, house to start preparing supper. Jon and Kameria stayed be-
the Technocracy has taken away their ability to believe in hind, speaking quietly, and he held her close. Teague glanced
anything, even their rational Utopia of Science. back, and stood watching them for a moment, before biting
“But life endures, and life adapts, and so do we.” his lip sadly and turning to go join the others.

Hanging from the World Tree:

The Verbena Way
The circle gathered again the following after- First off, life is messy. Despite the best efforts to
noon. This time Jon sat in the middle of the hide the fact, it’s still true. We come into the world
circle with the initiates watching and waiting. screaming and bloody. We eat, we crap, and we sweat.
“Yesterday we talked about our history as We need to fuck. We’re filled with primal drives and
a Tradition,” he said. “Today, you’re going to emotions, an inheritance from animal ancestors we’re
learn about what it means to be Verbena, what not as far from as we’d like to think. In the end, we rot
our Tradition is about.” He paused for a moment, and provide food for the worms, the bugs and the plants.
as if collecting his thoughts, and then began. That’s the way it is. It doesn’t mean we have to live
like animals — we have intelligence to help us understand
Living things like right and wrong — but it also doesn’t mean
Being Verbena is more than just learning to wave a our animal side is evil or sinful, like you’ve probably been
wand or pick herbs or worship particular gods. It’s a way told. Nature isn’t good or evil. It simply is. Sometimes
of being, most importantly a way of living. That’s what it’s cruel and merciless, other times it’s endlessly giving,
it comes down to, living. We’re about living life, not just but it’s all part of the same world, part of us.
sitting around and talking about it like we’re doing now, Life is precious, but life is often also cheap. Life feeds
but also getting out there and being a part of it. So here on itself, in one way or another. Animals eat plants and
are a few simple truths that the Verbena believe about life.

30 Verbena
each other. Animals die, and bacteria and smaller animals waiting for something to happen, until it’s over and we
feed on them, turning them into nutrients for plants, and realize we wasted it. Death is a great teacher, because it
so on. There may be some mages out there who think we’re shows us how to value life. We don’t get all hot for death
all going to Ascend and live on air or light or something the way some mages do, but we respect and honor it.
like that, but that’s not who and what we are. Life feeds on Dying is as much a right as living. We believe in life,
death, because without it, life has little meaning. but only when that life is worth living. We don’t seek
death, but we don’t turn away from it when it comes,
Dying either. Better to die honorably in a cause you believe
What happens to us when we die? That’s the age-old in, for your death to be quick and meaningful, than to
question. A lot of Verbena believe that we reincarnate, slowly wither away. The Progenitors have discovered a
that our souls (or portions of them) move on to other hundred ways to prolong life, but what kind of life is it,
bodies and we’re born again into the cycle of life. Other wired to machines and lying in bed, trapped in a useless,
Verbena I know believe lots of different things: that our decaying body? Better for death to come quickly and
souls go on to some sort of afterlife (call it the Summer- with some dignity than to suffer a fate like that.
lands, Heaven or whatever); that we merge back into the
great cosmic Lifeweb, losing our identities in the process; Religion and Spirituality
or even that we just vanish into nothingness. Where we Do you believe in the gods? They believe in us. We’re
go doesn’t matter as much as the fact that we all die and among the last to follow the Old Gods and honor them
we don’t really know what happens after that. as they were in times past. You don’t have to worship the
You’ve all heard the saying, “Live this day as if it Old Gods — or any gods — to be Verbena, but sooner or
were your last.” The reason for that is because death is later you have to acknowledge that the gods are real in
what gives life meaning. Among Verbena who believe one form or another. I know. I’ve not only met some of
in reincarnation there’s a similar saying: “Live this life as them, I’ve been some of them. I’ve felt the power of the
if it were your only one, because it may well be.” Far too young god of the green within me, and it was something
many people postpone their living waiting for death to other than just me. It was a power as old as time itself.
come. “Maybe in my next life,” someone says. “Suffering We can go on and on about who or what exactly
in this life isn’t important, because you’ll be rewarded the gods are. Are they facets of a greater divinity? Are
for it in the afterlife.” Only a religion could be based on they just masks worn by greater Incarna, that pose as
that premise, because it takes a lot of faith to follow it. different deities? Did they arise out of our belief, or do
What if you suffer your whole life and find out there is we believe in them because they’ve always been there?
no heaven or hell? What if you expect cosmic justice to Folks have been talking about those things for a long,
give you a better life in your next go-round, and it doesn’t long time, and it doesn’t seem to me like there are go-
come? Personally, I prefer to take my chances in this life. ing to be any definitive answers anytime soon. That’s
Life without death eventually becomes meaning- probably just as it should be, because if you could fully
less. We all want to live a long time, but how long? A explain exactly what the gods were, then they wouldn’t
century, two, a millennium? More? How long would really be gods anymore, would they? It’s enough for now
you live, if you could? That’s not an academic question, to know that the gods exist.
as you will learn. Mages have been dealing with it for A lot of Verbena are pagan polytheists, which means
a long time. The credo of many is, “I’m going to live that we worship many different gods. Some stay true to
forever, or die trying.” But consider this: If we are the a particular pantheon or family of gods, like the ones
sum of our experiences and memories, how long before honored by their ancestors. Others are more eclectic,
you have so many of them that you can’t recall them worshiping gods from different pantheons and cultures.
all? How long before memories fade or, if they don’t, Then there are the gods that don’t belong to any par-
before it feels like you’ve seen and done it all? Sooner ticular culture, but are so ancient that they don’t even
or later, an immortal is either going to find that life has have proper names, like the Green Man, the Horned
no meaning because there’s no new experience to be Hunter, the Moon Goddess, the Earth Mother and all
had, or creeping amnesia sets in, and what’s the point the other primal representations of the divine.
of an immortal existence you can’t remember? Some Verbena are actually monotheists of a sort,
Death is the best reason there is for living, because meaning that they believe in the existence of one di-
it tells us all that we only get so much time, and what vine being. For some that divinity is the One that the
we choose to do with it is up to us. We can live fully Choristers talk about, though it may appear in many
and well, or we can spend life whiling away the time different forms and guises. Some think that the gods are

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 31

lesser spirits compared to the One, or they may just be Western medicine, descended from the work of
facets of it, seen by different people at different times. Hippocrates and the Cosian Circle, tends to treat the
There are those who see the divine as inherent in all body as a kind of biological machine. If you understand
things, so everything is sacred, a part of the One (or all of the little parts and how they fit together, then
God, if you like). I kind of like that idea, myself. you should be able to diagnose and treat disease and
injury like fixing a broken machine. The patient’s
Technology thoughts and feelings are just a distraction — one the
So naturally the Verbena are a group of Luddites doctor is better off not getting involved in if he wants
who want to see technology rolled back to around the to do his job.
Renaissance and never improved any further, right? But we’re not machines. Life is more complicated
Well there are some Verbena like that (and some of than that. We’ve slowly shown modern medicine that
them remember the Renaissance) but most of us were the mind and even the spirit are factors in the healing
raised in the modern world, just like you. We grew up process, and sometimes the root cause of illness, too.
with technology and its various benefits. Now, I like The patient’s attitude and quality of life are factors.
to think that we’re a good deal better educated about We’ve also begun to spread the idea that there are
the drawbacks and consequences that come with those amazing medicines to be found in the natural world,
benefits, but we’re not necessarily against technology. known to our ancestors for centuries, and that every
I think the way most Verbena feel about technology problem doesn’t have to be cured by either popping a
and science shows up in the ancient split between the pill or cutting someone open.
Aeduna and the Cosian Circle, the mages who became The worst excess of medicine encouraged by the
the Progenitors. The Cosians were interested in science Progenitors is the tendency to play god with people’s
and medicine solely for their own sake. Not necessarily to lives because you can. The power of life and death is
improve life, although that was one of their stated goals, one of the greatest powers there is, and it puts a lot of
but just to know how it all works and to have the ability to temptation into the hands of healers and physicians.
tinker with it. It shows an incredible shortsightedness on The Progenitors see nothing wrong with prolonging life
their part. It isn’t that the Aeduna didn’t want better ways long past the point where it’s worth living, or creating
of understanding health and healing, they just weren’t new forms of life that were never meant to be and that
willing to vivisect people in order to get it. I guess that never asked to be born. They think life is like a curiosity
does make a lot of Verbena seem conservative when it for them to play with, but it’s not, and they’re going to
comes to “progress.” We’ve never trusted progress because realize it sooner or later. I just hope that their hubris
it has a tendency to get out of control and roll right over isn’t the downfall of us all.
things, places and people far too often.
Still, there are plenty of Verbena who make use Outside Relations
of modern technology and techniques. You can see Some say that the Verbena aren’t the friendliest of
examples of them here on the farm, although we make folks, but that just means they don’t know us very well.
an effort to have only the minimum for our needs and It’s true that we’re not quick to trust outsiders, but after
make sure that we provide our own power and that we’re hearing our history, can you blame us? The truth is that
not using technology wastefully or harmfully. A lot of we’ve gotten screwed over by just about everybody at
people are surprised to find out that there are Verbena one point or another, so we’re not eager to get burned
with a lot of technical know-how. I know Verbena com- again, but we’re also the ones who set aside our differ-
puter programmers, engineers, ecologists and doctors. ences to join the Traditions. Verbena like Nightshade
and Groth traveled the world to find others to join up.
Medicine Would we have done that if we weren’t capable of trust?
Speaking of doctors, what about medicine? Like If we lost the ability to trust anyone, wouldn’t we have
technology, a lot of people think Verbena are opposed lost to all those who tried to destroy us?
to scientific medicine. Again that is something of a Still, the Verbena are independent sorts. We pre-
stereotype. There are those Verbena who think that fer it that way. We don’t like to depend too much on
all modern medicine is tainted by the betrayal of the anyone else, but we also recognize that we’re all part of
Cosian Circle and ultimately controlled by the Progeni- the greater whole. We work together in small groups
tors, but most of us are more moderate on the topic. It’s — circles and covens — and we don’t go in for much
not the science of medicine, but how it’s used that can in the way of ranks and titles, as you’ve already seen.
be the problem.

32 Verbena
 The way we relate to everyone else is summed up Most of us reserve a particular dislike for the
in the Rede: “An it harm none, do what thou wilt.” As Progenitors — the Convention of the Technocracy
long as you’re not hurting anyone, you’re okay. As long associated with medicine and the life sciences —
as you don’t have a problem with us, we don’t have a because, more than any of the others, we share a
problem with you. Unfortunately, there are more than common ancestry. We both sprang from the herbalists
a few people who do have a problem with us, like it or and pharmakis of the ancient world, but the found-
not, and more than a few who are doing harm, and it’s ing of the Cosian Circle in ancient Greece split
up to us to do something about it. that branch of the Great Tree. When the Cosians
divorced themselves from the Aeduna, they devoted
The Traditions their efforts to the scientific study of life, ignoring
In many ways, the followers of the Old Faith recog- their founder’s admonishment to do no harm in their
nized the need for something like the Council of Traditions obsessive quest for knowledge.
before there ever was one. Pagans from different lands and The Cosians — and their descendants, the Hip-
cultures banded together because of the mutual threat to pocratic Circle and the Progenitors — promoted the
their way of life. Of course, it wasn’t nearly so formal as idea of living things as complex bio-chemical machines.
the Council, but the followers of the Old Faith had a lot They reduced all life to simple mechanisms. Spirituality
more in common. Still, it showed that mages of different and belief are psychology. Psychology is biochemistry,
paths could work together. I suspect that the Celestial the synapses of the brain and the hormones of the
Chorus and the Order of Hermes were a little surprised body. Chemistry is physics, dictated by the simple
that the Verbena even decided to join the Traditions, laws of non-living matter. Herbalism was associated
given our history, but leaders like Nightshade encouraged with witchcraft. Midwives and healers were a threat
it for the same reasons as before. Namely, we needed allies to scientific medicine.
and had a common enemy. Since then, we’ve learned a Now the Progenitors have become the sort of soul-
few things from the other Traditions, and I like to think less machines they advocated. They consider themselves
that they’ve learned a few from us. masters of life and death, creating new forms of life and
The thing that most of the other Traditions seem twisting it with designer drugs and DNA sequencing,
to have the hardest time with is the way we embrace turning it sterile and cold. In place of a mother’s womb
all aspects of life, even the ones that aren’t particularly they have cloning tanks. In place of her milk, they have
pleasant. The Ecstatics are all about embracing the plea- nutrient broth. The natural order and balance mean
sures of life, but they’re not so crazy about the downside nothing to them. They’re a twisted reflection of what
of things. When the party’s over and there’s cleaning we could become, if we lose sight of the wisdom of our
up and work to be done, the Cultists split for the next ancestors and of the balance and harmony of all the
party. A lot of other Traditions wish we were more spheres within the Self.
“respectable,” saying that the Verbena give everyone The Progenitors’ allies in the Technocracy are just
else a bad name by perpetuating the Old Ways. The as dangerous in their own ways. The New World Order
truth is they’re just as uncomfortable about aspects of has worked to make religion and spirituality the domain
our traditions as the Sleepers can be. of a selected few, who dictate to everyone else what to
I’d say our closest allies among the Traditions are the believe, think and feel. We don’t need intermediaries
Dreamspeakers. We have a lot in common, but some fun- between us and the gods, and we don’t need Big Brother
damental differences, too. The Dreamspeakers feel the call to tell us how to live our lives. They make people fear
of the spirit world strongly. They live between the worlds of their own power and choosing to give it up in exchange
spirit and matter, outside the village where they can watch for security and the comfort of knowing that things will
over people and deal with the spirits without being too always be the same.
distracted by mundane things. We’re more grounded in the The Syndicate has taken the Technocratic idea that
world of matter. Sure, Verbena visit the Umbra and deal the world exists to serve humanity, and it’s run with it.
with spirits, but not as often as the Dreamspeakers do. We They’ve addicted entire cultures to materialism, willing
complement each other in that way, one Tradition looking to destroy the world in exchange for short-term material
to the spirit world the other looking to the physical world. comforts. I know some Verbena, especially Lifeweavers,
The Technocracy who radically reject materialism because it’s tainted with
Since the Technocracy has tried to wipe us out ever the stink of the Syndicate. Other Verbena just try to
since it came into being it’s no surprise that we’re not live simply in harmony with the environment, rather
exactly friends.

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 33

than feeding the vast Syndicate machine that’s eating you be allied with a hungry tiger, or with a hurricane?
the Earth alive. You’d have an easier time of it than becoming friends
Iteration X frankly scares the crap out of me. If the with a Marauder.
Progenitors have made life cold and sterile, then Itera- The Mad Ones are just that, mad, and their madness
tion X has taken it a step further. They want to make us can be contagious. If anyone suggests to you that the
into actual machines, just cogs in a giant mechanism. Marauders are potential allies, run, don’t walk, away from
They long ago abandoned life with all of its messiness there. The Marauders are actually the exact opposite
and “weakness” for the purity of cold numbers, metal of our Tradition. There are stories of the Wyck fighting
and plastic. Many Iteration X cyborgs are more machine such creatures of chaos in the ancient times, before the
than living creature, and their ideal is to become a dis- world was laid out as it is now. The Wyck tamed chaos
embodied digital intellect with a million camera eyes and helped bring order out of madness. They protected
and endless tentacles. They made the machines, and and nurtured the people.
now the machines have become them. Some believe that it might be possible to heal the
The Void Engineers might be the most idealistic Marauders, to bring them out of their Quiet and restore
of the Technocrats, but they long ago abandoned any a semblance of sanity. It’s a noble goal, but I’ll admit
interest in life here on Earth with the rest of us. They that I’m glad I’m not the one trying to do it.
want to go out there to see what lies beyond, and they’re
willing to let the rest of the Technocracy do whatever Nephandi
it wants with the world they’re leaving behind. Even if If the Marauders are chaotic forces deserving of our
they do find new worlds out there, odds are that they’ll respect and perhaps our pity, then the Nephandi are
try and do the same thing that they’re doing to this enemies truly worthy of nothing more than destruction.
one, slowly smother them, then rape and poison them They serve forces of corruption, like a disease infecting
before moving on. the Tellurian, and just like a disease, they’re willing to
destroy the body that they live in. In fact, most Nephandi
Marauders are eager to do just that.
I actually heard someone say once that the Maraud- The Fallen Ones have used our love of live and all its
ers seemed like natural allies for the Verbena. After all, pleasures against us in the past. They’re tempters, which
don’t many Marauders want to restore the Mythic Age is why I say that it’s better to be satisfied with life than
and bring magic back to the world? Isn’t that what we to try to “purify” yourself with denial. It’s in that denial
want? Putting aside the fact that most Verbena don’t that the Nephandi creep in, whispering promises about
want a return to the Mythic Age as it once was, how can the things that you want but think you shouldn’t have.

Interlude: Midsummer’s Eve

The initiates gathered for the celebration of As the sun sank down below the horizon, painting the
the longest day of the year and the recognition clouds gold, pink and purple, the gentle strains of Teague’s
of passing the mid-point in their year-and-a- harp could be heard, and the New Hope Circle approached.
day journey, from Samhain to Samhain. They They entered the circle one by one, with Jon leading the way
waited somewhat nervously in their robes, not as always and Teague following last, four of them taking up
having been told exactly what to expect. places at the quarters while Jon and Kameria moved to the
They stood arrayed in a circle around center of the circle as the last notes of the harp died away.
the Life-Tree, a gnarled old oak that grew in Following Jon’s guidance, they cast the sacred circle
the midst of the farm’s land. It had long since and invoked the power of the four directions, the four ele-
cleared the space around it of other trees, and stood along, ments. Kameria invoked the power of the Goddess, and Jon
tall and proud, its branches reaching up to the sky, crowned called upon the power of the God. Then they summoned the
with a full spray of leaves that whispered in the breeze. Its quarters to join them, as Takoda lifted Aileen up to cut the
trunk was thick and strong, its roots digging deep down into first sprigs of mistletoe from the branches of the tree, while
the earth. The circle cultivated mistletoe, which grew along Teague led the circle in song. Kameria caught the sprigs in
some of the Life-Tree’s branches, and the initiates knew the white cloth before taking one and dipping it into a goblet,
that tonight would be the night to harvest that most sacred which she offered to Jon. Then Deborah presented him with
of herbs. Already the white cloth and the small sickle were a small cake, which he took and ate. Then he addressed the
laid out near the base of the tree. gathered circle.

34 Verbena
 “Tonight,” he said, “is the shortest night of the year. The sun sank, and there was a cry, torn from the depths
It is the peak of the sun’s power, but also when the wheel of two souls, mingled together in the shadows. It was a
turns into a growing darkness. We recognize and honor the primal wail, like the first breath of a newborn, calling out
coming darkness as a part of the cycle, but we acknowledge to the Great Mother.
that we will come through it into the light again. All things None of the initiates could say that they saw the strike,
pass in their time, and the wheel turns and they come again.” only a flash of the sickle and the gushing of lifeblood onto
Jon untied his robe and let it slip from his shoulders, the ground and the roots of the great tree, Jon’s body sinking
standing unclad before the Life-Tree. The sun painted the to the earth, held in Kameria’s arms, her robe dark crimson
clouds orange and bloody. Jon spread his arms, as if to in the fading light. They heard only the echoes of the fading
gather up the last rays of light into them as Kameria moved cry and Kameria’s sobs, followed by Teague’s voice raised
behind him. in song, and they all felt something, a stirring deep in the
Her hand brushed across his back and he shivered. earth beneath their feet, a groaning from the trees and from
“I’m ready,” he said softly. the Life-Tree itself.
“I can’t,” she whispered. “Jon, I can’t…” The light faded and the darkness came as they stood,
“You can,” he said, without turning to look at her. entranced, feeling the pulse of life growing stronger, feeling
“You have to.” the land and the sky open their arms to receive their children
and welcome them home. It was ancient. It was primal. It
“I love you,” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.
was power beyond words.
“I know. I love you, too. I always have, and I always
It was magic, and it was returning.
will, no matter what.”

Chapter One: A Time of Witches 35

36 Verbena
 Chapter Two:
Blessings of
the Moon

Eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog….

—William Shakespeare, Macbeth

Many different threads make up the tap- The colorful history of the Tradition forms a rich
estry that is the Verbena. While all of the compost of decaying beliefs, ideas and techniques (and
Traditions incorporate different cultures some modern Verbena would say that “compost” is an
and factions, the Verbena have somehow apt metaphor for the discarded elements of their Tra-
managed to remain distinct while also dition). In that soil, cultures cross-pollinate, the seeds
remaining clear on their overall Tradition. of new ideas germinate, and young shoots spring up
The mixing and matching of different cul- around the base of the great World Tree, stretching up
tures has also led to the rise of new colors to the light. Still the great tree that is the Verbena still
and offshoots within the Verbena, carrying stands, shedding its leaves and scattering its seeds with
many of the qualities of those who came before them, the seasons, growing more gnarled with age and wisdom
but still their style is uniquely their own. with the passing of generations, but still deeply rooted in
the earth and reaching its branches up toward the sky.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 37

 The Trunk of the Tree:
Circles Within Circles
To outsiders the “organization” of the traditionalists, New Agers, rune-casters, eco-activists
Verbena is something of an oxymoron. and many diverse other interests.
While it’s true that the Verbena value Verbena circles are not even required to be en-
their independence and individuality, their tirely Verbena, and many include mages belonging to
Tradition is not the complete anarchy that other Traditions. Like many cabals, circles can consist
others believe it is. There is structure to of a diverse group of mages with a common interest.
the Verbena, though it’s not necessarily a Dreamspeakers and Ecstatics are the most common,
structure others recognize. It’s made up of but Verbena belong to circles and cabals that include
structures found in nature, like a many- members of every one of the nine Traditions (and even
branching tree with a vast number of leaves. some Hollow Ones). Conservative Verbena barely ac-
knowledge these “bastardized” cabals, but more liberal
Circles Verbena generally see them as a good thing.
The basic organization of the Verbena is the circle, A circle might have a chantry or even a Node in
also known as a grove, coven, covenant or cabal. It its care. Generally the older, more powerful and more
is a group of Verbena gathered in common purpose. influential the circle is, the greater its resources are. The
Traditionally, a circle has three, five, seven, nine or 13 majority of Verbena circles do not have access to Nodes
members and never more than that, though modern (other than what is provided by their elders) and many
Verbena are not always so concerned with a circle’s have fairly limited chantries. This has changed somewhat
exact numbers. A part of the limit is practical. Circles as younger Verbena have occupied the chantries and
of larger than 13 are difficult to manage, and they have Nodes of elders who are trapped beyond the Gauntlet
a tendency to break up into smaller groups anyway. in the Umbra or lost to the Avatar Storm, but there are
A circle can be formal or informal depending on still relatively few Nodes to go around.
the desires and designs of its members. More traditional
Verbena circles tend to have rituals of initiation and Ranks and Roles
oaths of loyalty, harking back to the Burning Times when The Verbena generally tend to shy away from a
secrecy was vital to ensure their survival. These circles formal system of ranks. Even Verbena conservatives use
are also more likely to have formal ranks and degrees only a loose ranking based on experience and mastery
of achievement. Other Verbena circles are less formal, of the Spheres, similar to the ranks used throughout the
ranging from spiritual groups and serious scholars to Traditions. (Indeed, their use within the Verbena dates
discussion and casual social gatherings. back to the founding of the Tradition and the Council
Each circle has its own rules, guidelines and tradi- of Nine.) The only common ranks or titles in use within
tions, as agreed upon by its members. Some circles have the Verbena are novice (or apprentice), initiate and elder.
many, most often written down in a communal book of An initiate is any fully initiated member of the Verbena,
shadows, some of which date back to the Burning Times. though that status is often somewhat vague, since no ac-
Other circles have few, if any, formal rules, but they cepted standards for initiation exist. Elder is likewise a
do their best to achieve understanding and consensus broad term. For some, it refers to true Verbena masters,
among their members. Despite the best of intentions, many of whom are now lost beyond the Gauntlet. For
Verbena circles can occasionally be as rife with intrigue others, it is merely a token of respect to the more experi-
and tension as any other cabal. enced members of the Tradition. Elders wield no formal
Circles often form along cultural or factional lines. power other than the respect they command.
Like anyone else, the Verbena often gather out of com- Some particular roles have developed within the
mon backgrounds and interests, so most circles tend Tradition, though not all Verbena circles observe them
to have something more in common than just being and many Verbena shift from one role to another. The
members of the Verbena. Many circles represent certain most common role is that of high priestess or priest, who
“special interests” within the Tradition, including groves functions as the leader in ritual matters. Traditional
of druids (traditional, reconstructionist, neo-pagan, etc.), circles usually have both a high priestess and a high
covens of witches, circles of techno-pagans, Gardener priest who are considered the co-leaders of the circle

38 Verbena
 Noteworthy Circles
There are numerous Verbena (or mostly Verbena) site and the Node there from exploitation and destruction.
circles around the world. A few of the better-known ones They also teach seekers who come to them to learn about
include the following: the Old Ways, and many of them follow a Celtic tradition
The Bardic College: Devoted to keeping the ancient strongly based on the legends of King Arthur, who is as-
bardic traditions alive, the Bardic College is a loose circle of sociated with the Tor. Some members of the Glastonbury
Verbena who both maintain and perform ancient songs, epic Circle believe that they are the keepers of Arthur’s mythic
poems and chants. They also seek out and teach potential thread, and that the legend that he will return when Eng-
future bards. The master-bards of the College operate fairly land needs him most is true. Or it will be as long as they
independently for the most part, occasionally gathering for continue to believe.
grand circles where they perform their arts and demonstrate New Hope Farm: A circle of relatively young Verbena
the abilities of their apprentices and students. Although who run an organic cooperative farm that doubles as a place
it was originally Celtic in background, the College has of learning and apprenticeship for new Verbena initiates.
adapted to the times and now includes members of Finnish, New Hope Farm is described in detail in Chapter Three.
Russian, Germanic, Mediterranean, Native American and The Ring of Asatru: One of many Verbena circles
African heritage. It now encompasses the collected lore of dedicated to the Aesir (the gods of the old Norse pan-
many cultures. theon), the Ring of Asatru is based in Scandinavia with
Circle of the Crossroads: A Verbena circle dedicated a particularly large presence in Iceland, the lands of its
to the worship of the Loas of Voudoun, which grew out of ancestors, near the roots of the World Tree. The mem-
contact between the Verbena and the Bata’a in the Missis- bers of the Ring, both men and women, are dedicated to
sippi Delta region around New Orleans. The circle works maintaining the worship of the Old Gods. They are also
to preserve Voudoun traditions and rites while studying active with ecological concerns, and they try to protect
much of the African root culture. Members of the Circle unspoiled areas from exploitation. They work hard to
of the Crossroads are known for their knowledge of spirits overcome the stigma of groups like the Iron Circle, and
and the Umbra, and for their ability to navigate the hazards they work against the prejudice toward the Asatru faith
of the Avatar Storm. They have helped lay many ghosts and their Valdaermen ancestors. They wish to overcome
and other spirits stirred up by the storm to rest. The Circle stereotypes and heal old wounds, but they are also proud,
of the Crossroads frequently works in tandem with mages so change has come slowly.
of the Dreamspeaker and Hollow One Traditions as well. The Iron Circle: The Iron Circle is not a part of the
The Daughters of Hecate: An all-female circle of Verbena Tradition, but it was once, much to the shame of
Verbena in Greece, dedicated to the service of the goddess all Verbena, particularly the inheritors of the Germanic
Hecate, the “witch queen of the crossroads.” The Daughters and Scandinavian traditions (e.g., the Ring of Asatru).
each come from a background where they have suffered Radical conservative rune-workers broke away from the
their own personal tragedies, but they find strength and body of the Verbena in the 1920s and ’30s, leading to the
healing through their faith and devotion to the goddess. formation of the Iron Circle, one of several cabals that
Seekings in the Dark Umbra have placed them in touch supported the supremacy of the Aryan race and the rise of
with the power of their own righteous anger, which they the Nazi party in Germany. Although most of the rogue
have actively turned toward constructive ends. Although Verbena died during and shortly after World War II, some
the Daughters of Hecate are ultimately devoted to healing, survived and groups like the Iron Circle still exist. They
they are also not to be trifled with, and have been known remain fanatically devoted to fascist and neo-Nazi causes
to act as instruments of justice as well. and dream of regaining a measure of their former power
The Glastonbury Circle: In England lies Glastonbury and influence. Many of them are ardent fans of death metal
Tor, an important sacred site to the Verbena. The Glaston- or black metal music, and some of their mystical praxis
bury Circle is devoted to maintaining and protecting the resembles that of Nephandic magi.

(though one or the other might have a superior posi- Verbena often honor the four quarters or directions in
tion in some circles). Feminist circles have only a high their rituals, and circle members might be assigned to the
priestess, while rare male-dominated circles have only a quarters for a particular time. In some circles, this includes
high priest. Many circles rotate the duties of leadership handling other matters associated with that quarter’s aspect
(ritual and otherwise) among their members or choose or element. For example, the north is associated with the
as the situation demands. element of earth, so that circle member might also be re-
sponsible for the earthy, practical matter of the circle like

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 39

the care of the chantry, supplies and such. The western outcry among the Sleepers and a groundswell of sup-
quarter (associated with water) might be responsible for port when Technocratic puppets attempted to destroy
the health and well-being of the circle, and so forth. Other or sanitize them. Unfortunately, this trick backfired on
circles choose quarters as needed for their rituals and have the Verbena when increased public awareness led to
no assigned duties for them. tourism and Sleepers treading carelessly on their once-
Finally, some Verbena circles have a warder or guard- sacred ground. In the end, this destroyed or polluted
ian who is responsible for the safety and security of the some sites as surely as the Technocracy would have. Now
circle. This practice dates back to the Burning Times, the Verbena tend to keep their remaining Nodes and
when Verbena circles required a watcher or lookout to sacred sites secret, even from their fellow Traditionalists.
be on guard and to warn the circle of imminent dangers According to the Verbena, their greatest sacred sites are
of all kinds. In modern times, the warder is often on creations of the Wyck surviving from the ancient mythic
guard against threats like Technocratic agents or even age. These sites often feature standing stones, arranged to
mundane problems that threaten the circle. tap and channel the power of the Nodes there.
Europe: The cradle of the Verbena Tradition,
Grand Circles Europe remains the home of many of its sacred places
Individual circles are often the largest structures and most important sites, though some have been lost
within the Verbena Tradition. When there is a need, a and others are threatened by the expanding influence
group of circles gathers together to form a “grand circle” of the modern world.
(also known as a “grand coven” or “convocation”), a The most famous sacred site of the Verbena is
larger organization made up of smaller parts to work Stonehenge in England, also known as “the Giant’s
together toward a common cause. Grand circles rarely Dance.” Verbena tales say that the Wyck created Stone-
convene for long, usually for just enough time to deal henge by petrifying ancient giants they warred with in
with whatever concern brought them into being, then the mythic age or that they transported the stones to
they go their separate ways. Some of the most notable their current site by powerful magic. Certainly great
grand circles in Verbena history include the first grand monoliths of Stonehenge are not native to the area,
circle that created the Tradition and the grand circle and they must have been transported from at least 200
convened in England to foil the Nazi invasion. miles away. Modern scholars believe Stonehenge was
Grand circles are not convened solely to deal with a kind of calendar, but the truth is more than just that.
problems. Some parts of the world, particularly Europe Stonehenge was perfectly aligned with the turning of
and North America, play host to regular grand circles, the Great Wheel, tapping the Quintessence of a pow-
where Verbena gather to celebrate the turning of the erful Node. Standing in the midst of the great stones,
Wheel of the Year and their great seasonal festivals. the Wyck could see the whole of the Tellurian spread
The joining of these circles is also a time for exchanging out before them, in perfect balance. They could see the
news, gossip, mystical insights and other information, past, present and future written in the stars.
as well as renewing ties between the diverse members of Modern Verbena make little use of Stonehenge for
the Tradition. Grand circles are also often occasions for two reasons. First, it is so well known that it is difficult
initiating new members of the Verbena or introducing to access and use in secret for their rituals, though the
apprentices to a wider view of their Tradition, beyond Tradition does still have enough influence to close off
the bounds of their own mentor or circle. Stonehenge for its use if need be. Second, the circle
has deteriorated greatly over the years, throwing off its
Stones and Groves: delicate balance. The perfect window that Stonehenge
Sacred Sites once offered on the Tellurian is now so cracked and
warped that it is of little use. Perhaps this is why a recent
The land is sacred to the Verbena, so it is no surprise
Verbena rite at the circle showed a red star looming
that they hold many places dear to their Tradition and
overhead and tremendous uncertainty in the future.
their history. Unfortunately, their efforts to protect these
sacred places have sometimes failed over the years, lead- Perhaps the greatest Verbena sacred site in Europe is
ing to the destruction or neutralization of many Verbena Glastonbury Tor, the legendary isle of Avalon in western
Nodes. They fiercely defend those they have left, though England. Centuries ago, floodwaters and a deep marsh
how long they can do so remains to be seen. surrounded the Tor (a steep, rounded hill), making it an
island that was known as Avalon or the “Isle of Apples,”
One tactic the Verbena adopted to save their sacred
associated with the otherworld. A profound shallowing
sites was to raise public awareness of them, creating an
existed there, granting passage into the Umbra, as well

40 Verbena
as both the Underworld and the Fae Realms. In King and with the various other Traditions that have claimed
Arthur’s time, Avalon was one of the last strongholds Nodes over the years. The major sacred sites of the
of the Old Faith, and it held the Cauldron of Ceridwen, Verbena are primarily along the west coast of North
which could heal and restore life. Arthur was taken there America, stretching from Santa Cruz up to Vancouver,
after falling in battle with Mordred, and some believe that BC. The central east coast of America also holds many
he sleeps in the otherworld, awaiting his time to return. such sacred sites. Most of the sites in the desert southwest
Although the Tor has been in Christian hands for and Midwest are claimed by the Dreamspeakers, though
centuries and a church has been built atop it, it remains they sometimes permit the Verbena access to them.
firmly in the hands of the Verbena. It is the site of regular Mystery Hill in New Hampshire, the megalithic
pagan gatherings in England and a place of pilgrimage site known as America’s Stonehenge, is attributed to
for Celtic pagans around the world. The shallowing is the Wyck and is situated over a moderately powerful
not as deep as it once was, but the hill is still connected Node. Its relative isolation allows the Verbena more
to the Umbra and the fae, though it now takes magic to regular use of it, though it remains a tourist attraction
access those places, where once it did not. and historical monument, requiring them to moderate
Other Verbena sites in Europe include the standing their use to times when the site is closed to outsiders.
stones of Avebury, the burial mounds of Newgrange in South along the coast is the city of Salem, Massa-
England and the megaliths of Carnac in Brittany. The chusetts, perhaps most publicly associated with witches
Externsteine in Germany is a towering collection of and witchcraft of any place in the world. Although the
limestone pillars known as “the German Stonehenge.” famous Salem Witch Trials did not actually involve the
The shrines of the Earth Mother in Malta and the mazes Verbena directly, the city has become a strong anchor
and temples of Crete are held sacred by the Verbena, for their mythic threads and a center where pagan folk
along with some old temples in Greece. Dozens of other gather. Many Verbena find the “Salem scene” pain-
ancient sites lie scattered across Europe, protected and fully trendy and pretentious, filled with wannabes and
preserved as bastions of the Old Ways. the “nouveau witch,” but it cannot be denied that it is
North America: The Verbena share many of their both a haven for members of the Tradition and a useful
sacred sites in North America with the Dreamspeakers smokescreen, allowing them to hide true magic amidst

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 41

the gross commercialism. Gallows Hill, where those The Umbra: the Paths of Wyck
accused of witchcraft were hanged, is a place of power In the Mythic Age, the Wyck traveled the world along
for the Tradition. The frequent public rituals performed paths blazed through the Umbra, connecting many of the
there provide ideal cover for the occasional genuine sacred sites they built over Nodes to harness their power.
rites of the Verbena. The Quintessence of the Nodes sustained the Paths of the
Other Verbena sites in North America include Nodes Wyck long after their creators had passed into memory, and
in the Berkshires and Ozark Mountains, sacred groves their secrets were entrusted to their descendents — first
scattered in forests across the continent and the great the Aeduna and, in time, the Verbena.
redwoods and rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Western Over the centuries, the paths have been both a sanctu-
Washington, Oregon and northern California still possess ary and a means of connecting the scattered followers of
several moderately powerful Nodes that have survived the the Old Ways. They allowed the Verbena to escape from
age unscathed, including several sacred springs, particularly their enemies and flee into the Umbra. They helped ensure
Breitenbush and Cougar hot springs. New Orleans and its the survival of many Bygones and mythic beasts when the
surrounding bayous draw Verbena with ties to Voudoun, Verbena opened the paths to them in the Dragon Exodus,
and Mardi Gras is a magical time for mages of several allowing them to seek shelter in the Umbra, away from
Traditions, including the Verbena and the Cult of Ecstasy. the fire and steel of those who hunted them.
South America: The vast Amazon Basin is held The paths wind through the Umbra like a vast in-
sacred by the Verbena as a cradle of life, supporting a terconnected spider web stretching around the world.
diverse range of species and many Nodes known to the Travelers enter and exit them through particular sites
native peoples there. Verbena eco-activists struggle scattered across the world. Many of the portals into the
against the ongoing destruction of the rainforest under Paths of the Wyck have been forgotten or lost with the
the guidance of the Syndicate and the rest of the Tech- Nodes that supported them, creating dangerous gaps
nocracy. They find allies among the Dreamspeakers and along the paths and roads that trail off into the Umbra in
scattered sorcerers, but their efforts have only managed places, making their navigation more difficult. The loss
to slow the devastation slightly thus far. of some of the Nodes that once maintained them, and
South American Verbena help safeguard the Mayan the effects of the Avatar Storm, have caused the Paths
and Aztec ruins in Central America. The Incan ruins of of the Wyck to deteriorate in places. Yet the paths are
Peru are largely under the aegis of the region’s Dream- generally safe from some of the dangers of the Umbra
speakers, though the Verbena come to their aid when (including one in particular).
they can. The Verbena in South America spring largely The Paths of the Wyck have become an additional
from the African branches of the Tradition including advantage for the Verbena who know how to find and use
Brujeria, Santeria and Candomble, along with a few them because they are safe from the effects of the Avatar
scattered priests of old Aztec, Mayan and Toltec ways. Storm. The Quintessence that sustains the paths also helps
Africa: The roots of the African traditions like shield them from the Storm, allowing travelers to walk
Voudoun and Santeria reach back into the depths of the Paths of the Wyck safely without the guidance of a
the continent. War and political upheaval has destroyed Stormwarden. Travelers must stay on the paths to retain
some sacred sites and left others all but useless to the their protection, however, meaning they cannot wander
Traditions or the Technocracy. Still the Verbena call in simply any direction they wish. Furthermore, the paths
some places in Africa their own. are limited to the Penumbra between various points on
In Nigeria, to the west of the rain forests and the Ni- the Earth. Although legends exist of paths that extend
ger River, lie the remains of Ife, the first Yoruban capital. into the Deep Umbra or the Dark Umbra, such paths
The Verbena believe that the Wyck (or their immediate are lost to the Verbena (if they ever truly existed). It is
Aeduna descendents) established the city, which became impossible to use the paths to reach the Horizon Realms
the heart of an African Empire for a time. The gods and or beyond, and those mages trapped in the Umbra by the
spirits worshipped by the Yorubans now wear the masks Avatar Storm cannot use them to return.
of the Loas and Orishas of other traditions. Due to the decay of time, some paths simply end, leav-
Mount Kilamanjaro in central Africa is also considered ing travelers exposed to the Avatar Storm and permitting
a sacred place by many, and Verbena and Dreamspeakers spirits from the Penumbra to slip in. This means that trav-
(along with members of other Traditions) visit and speak elers may encounter the occasional Umbrood along the
with the spirits there. Shallowings along the slopes of the paths, which might not take kindly to visitors. Generally,
mountain lead into the fabled Paths of the Wyck. Nodes that have been sanitized by the Technocracy, and

42 Verbena
even some that have been in the hands of other Tradi- The Verbena have kept the properties of the Paths
tions for a long time, do not connect to the paths, and of the Wyck largely secret, and they rarely entrust their
the Wyck never connected all the world’s Nodes in the knowledge to others. Verbena skilled in navigating the
first place — just sites they deemed important. Whether paths are important as messengers and guides for the
or not two particular points are connected by the Paths Traditions when there is a need to traverse the Umbra
of the Wyck is up to the Storyteller. safely in the absence of a Stormwarden.

The Paths
The Paths of the Wyck once passed between nearly ditional person, using up one of his extra successes, and
every Node and sacred spot on the planet. When they he uses the other three successes toward travel time: Three
did, the mages of the Old Faith (ancestors of the Ver- successes times the factor of two means that travel time is
bena) had nearly as much access to the Umbra as the one sixth what it would have been otherwise.
Spirit Talkers do. That, however, was millennia ago. The next day, Oak and his companion pop out at the
The paths still pass between many of the major Nodes, stone circle in England, only slightly the worse for wear
but many are no longer usable. In the modern era, the and having made remarkable time, particularly in light of
Verbena are limited to a fraction of the paths that once the fact that they had to cross the ocean.
extended through the Umbra, and the Avatar Storm Obviously, a given Node might not be an entrance
only complicated matters further. to the Paths of the Wyck. If there is no entry to the
The Paths of the Wyck allow for travel mostly paths, the Effect will make that clear. Alternatively,
throughout the Penumbra, though there are rumors of there might be an entry into the paths, but the path
paths that enter the various levels of the Umbra. Whether could extend five feet and disappear. The Verbena
those rumors are true, and what effect the Avatar Storm mage must be prepared for anything when trying a
has had on those paths, is left up to the Storyteller. new entrance to the paths.
A Verbena may use either Correspondence 1 or MET: Traveling the Paths of the Wyck requires
Spirit 1 to find and enter the paths at a Node or sacred a rote of the same name, requiring either Apprentice
spot. He needs one additional success for each person Correspondence or Spirit magic as well as access to a
entering the path with him, and each additional success suitable Node to travel from. A successful casting
beyond that cuts down travel time to the destination allows the Verbena to travel to a destination along
by a factor of 2. the path in one-half the normal amount of time. The
Example: Oak Merrywether and his companion Storyteller may adjust this time depending on the
Baxter are in rural Ireland and need to get to a stone needs of the story and the distance between the two
circle in northern England. They travel to a sacred spring points. Damage from the Avatar Storm is suffered
where Merrywether knows the entrance to a path is. He normally unless sufficient precautions are taken. Each
slowly and carefully casts the appropriate rote to find the additional grade of success allows the mage to take
entrance and enters the path. Since he performed the rote one additional passenger, or to reduce travel time by
as an extended Effect, he is able to accrue four successes an additional increment (1/2 to 1/3, 1/3 to 1/4, etc.).
above what the simple spell needs. Oak takes in one ad-

Branches of the Tree: Factions

The Verbena Tradition arose from diverse Despite (or perhaps because of) their diversity, the
cultures, united in the common cause of Verbena did not divide among cultural lines. Instead,
survival in the face of the growing power the major factions of the Tradition are divided by their
of the Order of Reason and its crusade views on the Verbena’s proper role — and by exten-
against pagan folk in Europe. Later ad- sion the proper role of all mages — in the scheme of
ditions to the Tradition joined for much things. This four-fold division corresponds to many such
the same reason: survival in the face of divisions noted by followers of the Old Ways: the four
the growing power of the Technocracy directions, four winds, four elements, four seasons and
and the goals it supported. so forth. Modern mages tied them to the four recognized
aspects or essences of their Avatars.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 43

 Gardeners of the Tree
The Gardeners are Verbena traditionalists, inheritors of a line that stretches back to the
Aeduna and the fabled Wyck themselves, the very first of their kind.
The history of the Gardeners is the accepted history of the Verbena, though the
faction itself only came into being with the formation of the modern Tradition.
There have always been keepers of the Old Ways, honoring the rites handed
down from their ancestors. When the Verbena gathered to join the Council
of Nine Mystic Traditions, many of them feared the loss of their ways in the
face of the growing power of Christendom and the Science championed
by the Order of Reason.
In truth, some of the early Gardeners also feared the contamination and
dilution of their Tradition. Their ways were not for everyone, but secrets
passed along family lines. Becoming a mage was not just a matter of interest
and talent, it was something in the blood. The Gardeners felt the Tradition
should be exclusive; they did not want to see the Verbena adopting any
random waif or Orphan who came to them. They did not want to see the
secrets of their ancestors passed to the unworthy.
Of course, the Verbena still needed new blood to revitalize the old
families and carry on their traditions. The Gardeners recognized this and
permitted carefully chosen outsiders to join their ranks, but the path
was not an easy one. Even to this day, the rites to join the Verbena are
demanding and not for the faint of heart. The Gardeners saw this as
safeguarding their ways, sheltering the roots of the Great Tree.
For a long time, the Gardeners of the Tree held sway over the Verbena
as a whole, keeping the Tradition both united and distinct. They formed the
proud core that carried the Wise Ones through the Burning Times and the end
of the Mythic Age, allowing them to weather the Order of Reason’s crusade. They
ensured that the Old Ways survived, but the traditionalists also clung to old divisions
and prejudices. They recalled the times before the Verbena were forced to unite, and
in many ways, they longed for those bygone days when they did not need to depend
on other cultures and peoples. They discouraged the mixing of the Tradition’s different
cultural and mythic threads, though it happened anyway, in spite of the Gardeners’ best
efforts to keep them wholly separate and pure.
The matter came to a head when a Verbena splinter faction allied with the Nazis
during the Second World War. Extremist rune-workers, they wanted to ensure the “purity”
of the Aryan race and tradition. No longer would they tolerate the mongrels and compro-
mises of the Verbena. They would reclaim their ways and their power. The other Verbena
were horrified, but many chose to abstain from the conflict, seeing it as another storm for
them to survive. Some Verbena chose to support the Allies, particularly in Britain, which
was long a Verbena stronghold. They worked to unite the apathetic Traditions against a
common foe and to balance the workings of their rogue brethren.
Following the war’s end, the Gardeners softened their view on traditionalism. While
they continued to maintain the Old Ways, most came to accept the need for new blood
and new ways in the Tradition, if it was to remain healthy and strong. Still, the Garden-
ers of the Tree remain responsible for keeping the Old Ways alive and tending to the
Tradition’s roots so that the Verbena do not forget where they came from.
Philosophy: “The blood will tell,” say the Gardeners, and they hold to the belief
that power and prestige among the Verbena is passed down along family lines.
While they are no longer quite as aristocratic and exclusive as they once were,

44 Verbena
many Gardeners still take great pride in their ability to trace Family and lineage are immensely important to the
their lineage back hundreds of years (if not longer), to some Gardeners. Many of the great Gardener families claim
of the greatest names in Verbena history. pedigrees extending back to the Wyck themselves (some
Their sense of history gives the Gardeners a great deal of with more credibility than others). With the aid of magic,
patience, and stubbornness, as the other factions point out. witch families tend to be remarkably fecund, not to mention
They are as patient and enduring as the oak, but sometimes strangely lucky. In certain regions, their extended families
just as slow to take action. For the Gardeners, living in the are powerful politically as well as mystically. Certain small
moment does not mean acting in haste, but being aware towns throughout Europe and America are even controlled
that the future will come in its own time, and the best one by tightly knit families of witches, though mystical talent
can do is live in the present. no longer follows the lines of heredity as predictably as it
Style: As might be expected, the Gardeners of the once did.
Tree adhere to a rigorously traditional style of magic based Initiation: Once a supplicant joined the ranks of the
on their cultural lineage. They are the few examples of Gardeners of the Tree only by proving a lineage that was
relatively pure druidic, Nordic, Tuscan and Thessalian worthy. The scions of pagan families and clans stretching
magic left among the Verbena. Their magic is often some back to the earliest days dominated the faction. While the
of the most primal and visceral, just as their ancestors faction has loosened up, a degree of respect and prestige is
performed it before them for untold generations. Garden- accorded to those of a great and honored lineage.
ers tend to rely on tried-and-true methods and traditional Even the best lineage is not enough, however, if it goes
formulas. Rotes are especially common in their mystical untapped. Acceptance into the ranks of the Gardeners
repertoires, and new ways of doing things are suspect. To requires dedication and hard work. There are tests and tri-
their way of thinking, it’s quite presumptuous to claim to als of the supplicant’s knowledge, scholarship, persistence,
have improved upon millennia of traditional technique patience, will and spirit. The druids of the faction, for
and understanding. example, emphasize that the training of one of their num-
In addition to the Verbena’s specialization in Life magic, ber traditionally takes 21 years. Would-be Gardeners are
the Gardeners of the Tree also possess a notable talent with expected to learn vast bodies of lore and to be well versed
the Sphere of Matter. Potion brewing and object enchant- in the history and ways of their Tradition.
ment are important parts of this faction’s magic. Cultures: The Gardeners make up the most Euro-
Organization: The Gardeners are the most organized centric faction of the Verbena. They recognize that other
of the Verbena’s factions. Although individual Gardeners cultures have traditions that reach back to the same Wyck
hold to the traditions they were taught, many different roots, but those cultures weren’t there when the Verbena
threads run through the faction, each distinct and sepa- came into being, so they are by definition “newcomers,” even
rate, and the Gardeners prefer to keep it that way. While if they have been part of the Verbena for over a century.
Gardeners of different lineages respect one another and Therefore, many of the most conservative Gardeners
work together when necessary, they otherwise prefer to go have Celtic or Germanic roots, maintaining the traditions
their separate ways. of the druids and the rune-magicians of old. The Germanic
Gardeners maintain the cohesiveness of the Verbena Gardeners have worked hard to overcome the taint of Nazism
by organizing covens and circles, and the grand covens while maintaining their Aryan pride and traditions. There
where groups of Verbena gather to discuss matters and are known to be some neo-Nazis still within the Verbena,
work magic together. They maintain that the disparate and but they are at the fringes of the Tradition, and they have
scattered nature of the Verbena is actually one of the Tradi- no real influence.
tion’s strengths. Their small covens often react to changes Ironically, the Gardeners also attract many new cul-
more quickly than the larger gatherings and chantries of tures into the Verbena simply because they wish to protect
other Traditions do. As with cells of the body, the death and maintain their own distinct identity rather than being
or sickness of a few does not immediately condemn the subsumed into a “generic” Verbena Tradition. Thus Garden-
rest, allowing them to fight off threats to the health of the ers from African, Hispanic and Native American cultures
Tradition as a whole. have helped add to the diversity of the Verbena as a whole.
Gardeners recognize few ranks. Elders are respected, Associations: The element of earth, the north direc-
honored and deferred to in most cases, but all members are tion, the season of winter, the colors green and brown and
considered equals and treated as such. the pentacle.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 45

 Twisters of Fate
Verbena scholars believe that the name of the legendary The Twisters of Fate have never composed a large fac-
Wyck means “wise” but also “to twist, bend or shape” — fitting tion, and they remain the smallest within the Verbena, but
since the Wise Ones twisted reality in accordance with their they have grown since their early days. Even more than
wills. The Twisters of Fate hark back to that primal essence most Verbena, the Twisters are solitary, each seeking an un-
of the Verbena’s distant ancestors, the power to shape the derstanding of the Old Ways, and occasionally passing the
world. The existence of the Twisters (or Spinners) of Fate as knowledge on to those who will listen. Their involvement
a faction of the Verbena can be traced back to the earliest in the politics of the Tradition (such as they are) is limited.
days, before recorded history. Generally they are supporters of simplicity and recapturing
The Twisters maintain that the first of their kind were the fundamental essence of the Wyck, the primal, mythic
the primal shamans, wise women, healers and willworkers of qualities of their Tradition.
humanity. Invested with shards of the Pure Ones, they held Philosophy: The Twisters of Fate are interested in the
the insight and the power to shape reality to their liking and bare essentials of both life and magic. “Live simply, so others
to suit the needs of their people. These shamans had a keen may simply live,” is a part of their credo, but more than that,
understanding of life, intimately associated with its cycles, they desire to recapture some of the power and wonder that
in tune with its pulse and rhythm. the first Wise Ones, the legendary Wyck, wielded in their time.
These willworkers became associated with the Aeduna, They delve into the past, seeking to learn how all the diverse
the inheritors of the secrets of the Wyck, ancient healers. In cultures and paths of the Verbena (and all mages) came into
time, they were incorporated into the Aeduna, blending into being, a kind of grand-unified theory of magic and creation.
the tapestry of the Old Faith throughout the ancient world. Along the way, the Twisters feel it is their duty to use
For a long time, they were all but indistinguishable from any their power and insight for the good of all. Of course, what
other Aeduna or Old Faith mage, since they did not divide constitutes “good” is something of a matter for debate, but it
themselves into factions in the same way in those times. Still generally involves using magic to ease the sufferings of life
the Avatars of those first shamans continued to incarnate in for others, whether through blessings, healing, insight or
new forms, over and over again. simple good advice.
Once the Tradition was founded and became a part of the As their name implies, the Twisters of Fate are not above
Council of Nine, some Verbena experienced a stirring within tugging on the strands of destiny to help things to come out
their Avatars. Newly Awakened members of the Tradition had differently. They are profoundly dedicated to the idea that
dreams and visions of previous lives when they were the first people can and should make a difference, even if (especially
to tame the storm, to speak with the spirits of the plants and if) it involves a measure of personal risk. Twisters feel that too
the beasts, to treat the sick and the injured. At the same time, many people, even mages, give away their power, surrendering
the traditionalists of the Verbena stressed the maintenance to the demands of tradition, the expectations of society and
of the Old Ways, and rituals became increasingly complex those looking to take their power from them.
and intertwined. Some of the Twisters of Fate likened it to Style: “Primal” best describes the magical style of the
a garden being choked by weeds. They needed to clear away Twisters of Fate. They manipulate the stuff of reality with little
the undergrowth, they said, so the Verbena could breathe. It more than their bare hands, their indomitable will and what-
is good for a forest to burn from time to time so new growth ever tools are close at hand. Their foci are either those things
can arise from the ashes. found easily in nature — fresh herbs, sticks, game animals,
So the Twisters of Fate began to break away from the scattered stones — or their own bodies. Twisters of Fate use
traditions of the Gardeners. In retrospect, some believe that every part of themselves as their magical instruments. They
the separation drove the Gardeners deeper into their conser- dance and sing. They spit and bleed. They weave the threads
vative ways, leading to the schism between their Germanic of fate from their own hair, and they have sex beneath the
and Celtic cultures before and during World War II. There open sky to raise power. Their words and actions come from
are those who claim that the break came with the guidance of their hearts and from the visions they have received. What
one of the Wyck, who appeared to the primordial Verbena and rotes they know and practice are very old, indeed.
re-awakened in them memories of the distant past. Whatever The primal nature of their magic makes even some
the case, the Twisters of Fate were no longer content to work Verbena uncomfortable with the Twisters of Fate, and mages
changes within the structure set forth by the Gardeners and the of other Traditions often consider them “savage” or “un-
elders of the Tradition. Instead, they sought out their visions schooled” when they are actually in touch with considerable
and past-life memories and worked to re-capture the primal inner wisdom. Some Dreamspeakers have found similarities
essence of their Tradition, stripped of all the various beliefs between the primal Verbena and themselves, and the two
and practices that had accreted over the centuries. share a mutual respect.

46 Verbena
 The Twisters of Fate, as their name might imply, have a pronounced facility with the Sphere of Entropy as well as the
Verbena’s traditional Life Sphere.
Organization: The Twisters of Fate are united solely through their vision of what they once were and can be again.
They have no leaders or ranks, and they have few covens or circles entirely dedicated to their faction. They honor their
elders but recognize that all Avatars come from the same source and are equally as old. The vision of a young mage is no
less valuable or insightful than the memories of an elder.
Initiation: The Twisters of Fate rarely choose their initiates. Instead, their
initiates choose them. A Verbena with strong past-life memories or a pri-
mordial Avatar could be drawn to the guidance and the philosophy of the
faction over time. Becoming a part of the web of the Twisters
of Fate is often as simple as declaring it to others, but it can
be difficult because of the way other members of the Ver-
bena sometimes look askance at their more primordial
brothers and sisters. Although acceptance into
the faction is relatively easy, the true initiation
comes in the form of the visions and Seekings the
initiate undergoes. They can be harrowing indeed,
particularly for the more rational mind caught up in
the modern viewpoint and ways
of doing things.
A particular concern
for the Verbena is the
number of Twisters of Fate
who fall prey to their powerful
visions, either entering Quiet
or slipping into madness and
becoming Marauders. Many
wonder if some past-life memories and experiences are better left buried, and if seeking
the Mythic Age is a dangerous and wasted effort in the modern world. The Twist-
ers of Fate say only that such defeatist attitudes are unworthy of true willworkers.
Cultures: The members of this faction transcend cultural background and
heritage. They are found scattered throughout the Verbena Tradition and all
across the world. Much to the dismay of the Gardeners of the Tree, Twisters
of Fate seem to appear regardless of bloodline or magical heritage. The sole
determining factors seem to be the nature of the Avatar and the disposition
of its human incarnation.
Although they come from diverse backgrounds and
cultures, Twisters of Fate often seem to belong to a single
culture: the first, primal culture of humanity. They are
often called Modern Primitives (or Neo-Primitives)
for their practices and attitudes, though to consider
them unsophisticated or ignorant is to misunderstand
them entirely.
Associations: The element of water, the west
direction, the season of autumn, the colors deep blue
and orange and the chalice or cauldron.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 47

 Moon-Seekers
If the Gardeners of the Tree are its strong trunk and and ideas into the patchwork fabric of the Verbena. In this,
the Twisters of Fate are its deep and gnarled roots, then the the Moon-Seekers have existed in balance with the Gardeners
Moon-Seekers are the Tree of Life’s many leaves (though some of the Great Tree, who counsel caution and promote conser-
have likened them to the tree’s “fruits and nuts” instead). vatism where the Seekers forge ahead and promote change.
Certainly, the Moon-Seekers are among the most The occult revival in the late 19th and early 20th
diverse and eclectic members of a profoundly century was a boon to Moon-Seekers, opening up many
diverse and eclectic tradition. new opportunities. The forward-thinking elements of
While the Verbena have always had their the Gardeners disseminated and promoted the Old
traditionalists and staunch conservatives of Ways among the Sleepers, leading to a rise in modern
the Old Ways, they have also had those able to witchcraft and neo-paganism. The Moon-Seekers
look beyond the bounds of their own ways and found fertile ground there for new ideas to take
see similarities in the ways of others, and find po- root and grow. While conservative Verbena were
tential in the differences. Indeed, it is unlikely the dismayed at the ways in which pop culture and
Verbena would even exist if not for those pagans, the New Age movement twisted, mangled and
wise ones, druids, rune-carvers and others who were transformed the Old Ways, the Moon-
able to see that the Old Faiths of Europe had a Seekers were delighted, sampling from
common cause and a common foe in the Order the vast offerings of the New Age.
of Reason. If such pagan visionaries had not Many modern Moon-Seekers
united their peoples, then the Old Faith might sprang from the seeds sown dur-
have died in the fires of the Burning Times. ing that time, heirs of the Age
Since the creation of the Verbena as a Tra- of Aquarius and the Summer of
dition, the Moon-Seekers have always sought out Love. The faction has grown
new ways to understand the wonders of life and tremendously with the influx of
new things to add to the Tradition’s diversity, new initiates and the new ideas
mulch and fertilizer for the soil of the Great they bring with them. It has led
Tree, as it were. Wandering Moon-Seekers to the popular image among
have found wisdom in places and the Verbena of Moon-Seekers
people all across the world. as the “nouveau witch.”
Some of it has become part of Conservatives and traditionalists
the Verbena Tradition as a whole, deride them as “crystal wavers” and
while some has appealed only to small “New Agers” (or worse terms), but
groups of Verbena, or to none other than the the Moon-Seekers faction is a force
individual who discovered it. The Moon-Seekers to be reckoned with in the Tradition,
don’t force their approach to magic on others, particularly since the Avatar Storm.
but they are willing to share what they have With the Verbena’s ancient masters
learned. What everyone else chooses to do closed off in the Seasonal Realms
with it is up to them. and other regions of the Umbra,
Moon-Seekers have been at the forefront youngsters like the Moon-Seekers
of incorporating new crafts and mystic paths have taken on the care of the Tradi-
into the Verbena Tradition. To them, the tion and have taken on the challenge
work begun with the Great Rite that unified of guiding the Verbena into the
the Old Faiths of Europe continues on. In future. They’re intent on bringing
their view, the pagan peoples of the world, the Tradition into the 21st century —
followers of the ways of their ancestors, those kicking and screaming if need be.
who feel the pulse of life and the dance Philosophy: “Honor the Old Ways,
of nature, are brothers and sisters to the but live in the present,” is the Moon-
Verbena. The efforts of Moon-Seeker Seekers’ credo. They firmly believe in
visionaries led to the incorporation of the way of life the Verbena
Native American, African espouse, but they think that
and some Asian crafts clinging to ancient tradi-
tions and outmoded ways

48 Verbena
of thinking will mean stagnation and eventual death for initiation into the Moon-Seekers is relatively easy — it’s life
their Tradition. Growth and change are vital elements of as a Moon-Seeker that can sometimes be difficult. They often
life — some say its very essence. For the Verbena to embody find their challenges in gaining acceptance and respect from
life, they must also grow and change. While there is much other members of their own Tradition, as well as in building
wisdom to be found in the ways of their ancestors, there is bridges between the Verbena and other Traditions and crafts.
also just as much to be found in the ways of other people and Members of the faction rarely perform their Seekings in soli-
cultures, and in the ideas of the young. The Moon-Seekers tude. Instead, they find enlightenment and understanding by
do not reject any idea out of hand, and most are willing to working with others.
try anything once. Cultures: If the Moon-Seekers partake of a particular
Moon-Seekers often find themselves struggling for culture, then it is modern culture, that is to say every culture
acceptance and acknowledgment from more conservative that they come into contact with. There are Moon-Seekers
factions such as the Gardeners and the Twisters of Fate. They from all walks of life and most nations and cultures around
consider their ways just as valid as the ancient bloodlines the world. They also do not limit themselves to the culture
and the primal workings of the Wyck, but other Verbena of their birth. There are European Moon-Seekers drawn to
do not always agree. Many Moon-Seekers don’t particularly Native American practices, South American Moon-Seekers
care what others think. Some even actively rebel against the working with Aborigine ways, and Asian Moon-Seekers who
traditionalists within the Verbena, claiming that their views practice Celtic druidry. There are a number of sub-cultures
are outdated and only hold the Tradition back from achieving within the Moon-Seekers as well.
its true potential. Techno-pagans are those Verbena who embrace technol-
Style: Always willing to try new things, Moon-Seeker ogy while holding true to the beliefs of the Tradition. They
magic is eclectic, to say the least. It typically blends more see no inherent conflict between the tools of science and the
traditional elements with the latest New Age trends or dis- ways of magic, and they often form covens with like-minded
coveries in a patchwork that yields some surprising results. Verbena or chantries with Virtual Adepts, Sons of Ether,
Much as the traditionalists among the Verbena look down Hermetics of House Verditius, Dreamspeaker techno-shamans
their noses at the magic of the Moon-Seekers, they are forced and so forth.
to admit that it is effective. A variety of New Age factions, such as the Society of the
The Moon-Seekers are the most likely to borrow foci and Inner Light and the Children of Aquarius, espouse the cause
mystic elements from other Traditions, and most cross-Tradition of peace, love and understanding. They are often pacifistic
mixing found within the Verbena comes from the Moon-Seekers and uninterested in any talk of the Ascension War. Ascen-
(along with some Lifeweavers and Fate-Twisters looking for sion is not a war, in their view, but will only come through
common elements in the roots of various Traditions). Factions enlightenment and love. Cross-cultural Verbena like the
like Clan Impossible, the Neo-Tradition Reformation Front Hearth-fire Circle, the World Tribe and members of the Neo-
and Voudoun draw some Moon-Seekers (see Guide to the Tradition Reformation Front work to promote understanding
Traditions, pp. 197-201 for details). among diverse cultures and belief systems, seeking common
In addition to their ability with the Life Sphere, Moon- ground between them.
Seekers often have a relatively easy time with the Sphere of Moon-Seekers reject any notion that the unity of op-
Mind as well. posites endorses the superiority of male-female couplings.
Organization: More than any other faction, the Moon- The so-called Fairy Folk of the faction (also known tongue-
Seekers are given to organizing themselves into groups, based in-cheek as the “Queerbena”) include many gay, lesbian,
on their common interests. Often when a particular trend or bisexual and transgender people. They explore notions of
idea takes hold within the Verbena, Moon-Seekers and some identity and the balance of masculine and feminine within
few others will cluster around it, either forming a coven or a themselves. They have likened their experiences with straight
less formal group to explore it further. Most of these groups society to the sort of acceptance the Moon-Seekers look for
are fairly short-lived. Either interest in the idea plays itself within the Verbena as a whole, and with the struggle of the
out, or personality conflicts break the group up. Some more Traditions against the apathy of the Sleepers.
enduring groups have arisen from such mystical experiments, Associations: The element of air, the east direction,
however, and they still pursue their own particular ends. the season of spring, the blade the colors yellow, pale blue
Initiation: A common expression among the Moon- and pale green.
Seekers is, “Initiation is an ongoing process.” In practice,

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 49

 Lifeweavers
There have always been Verbena who felt the lure of In the Mythic Ages they were hermits, wanderers and strange
the wild strongly in their hearts, and who understood that folk living out in the wilds. They had few dealings with civili-
the ways of life are neither good nor evil — they simply are. zation and little interest in their fellow mages. Even another
The strongest survive, and those who have Awakened to follower of the Old Ways was like a wolf entering the hunting
their power are among the strongest of all, provided they grounds of a potential rival — treated with respect, but
do not falter. The Lifeweavers make up the faction that also warned off in no uncertain terms. It was only when
most strongly identifies with the predators of the natural the noose of the Order of Reason grew tighter that these
world. In a world of predators and prey, they know which scattered mages came into the fold of the Verbena (and a
role they’d rather take. few other Traditions, like the Dreamspeakers).
The Lifeweavers faction of the Verbena was in Since then, Lifeweavers have regularly flouted or
many ways created by the other factions (particularly ignored the conventions of their Tradition, while more
the Gardeners of the Tree) so they could put a label on “respectable” Verbena have spent time apologizing for
those Verbena who did not fit into any other faction them or trying to correct the impressions they give others
or sect. Although they have adopted the name as their of the Tradition. Still, the Lifeweavers have provided the
own, the Lifeweavers still remain more of a scattered Verbena with an often-needed push and have given others
group of individuals than any sort of organized faction. reasons to respect (and fear) them.
They recognize each other If the Twisters of Fate are the Tradition’s primal past,
and their common beliefs, then the Lifeweavers are the force driving the Verbena for-
but otherwise mind their ward. Even more than the Moon-Seekers, they abandon all
own business, which is pretense of tradition and embrace the moment, seeking
just as they would have to push their limits and transcend them. They remind
others do. other Verbena just what they are capable of doing, and
Lifeweavers becoming, if they so choose.
have always ex- Philosophy: Body and mind are like clay to the
isted on the fringe Lifeweavers, the media they use to create something
of the Tradition. new and wondrous. They continually re-invent
themselves and, in so doing, come to better
understand who and what they are. They
experiment with shape, form and capabili-
ties, trying to improve upon what nature
has given them, but they do not forget
that they are a part of nature. While
many Verbena talk about empathy for
the natural world, the Lifeweavers find it by
wearing the skin of a wolf or the feath-
ers of an eagle. They even experience
life as trees, insects and other creatures
that can only be imagined.
Ritual and tradition are unimport-
ant to the Lifeweavers. Living is what is
important to them. Other Verbena touch
the sacred cycles of nature through seasonal
celebrations or working with their hands in
the Earth. Lifeweavers find the sacred in chasing
down their prey and tasting its blood, in running
or flying free beneath the open sky, in coupling in
the night under a full moon. The greatest sacrament
is living life to its fullest and experiencing all that
it has to offer.

50 Verbena
 While they believe in living in the moment, most Life- degree that they’re likely to go slightly (or dramatically) mad
weavers do not suggest abandoning reason altogether and from the grief of losing so intimate a companion.
living solely as beasts. They recognize the ability to think, There are some telling reasons for the intensity of inter-
question, understand and express new ideas as vital. Magic, personal connections among Lifeweaver circles. When form
after all, comes from enlightenment, not regression. Just be- and appearance are so easily varied, beauty becomes moot and
cause they can become other things does not mean they should character assumes a key position above all other elements.
abandon being human. Instead they have the opportunity to Lifeweavers, therefore, choose their associates very carefully,
expand the definition of “human” and therefore extend the judging their companions’ behavior over time more than any
boundaries of their experience. other factor. The stability provided by intimates also takes
Style: Lifeweaver magic is as primal and dynamic as they on great importance for these mages. When even one’s own
are, visceral and disturbing to outsiders. The Sphere of Life shape can vary so wildly, the assurance and reliability of true
is their primary focus, just like other Verbena, but Lifeweav- friends is invaluable.
ers tend to focus their Life magic inward, on transforming Lifeweavers are not necessarily anti-social, just inde-
themselves. They’re often skilled shapeshifters, capable of pendent. They don’t make friends easily, but they’re staunch
taking on a diverse range of forms, and as comfortable in a friends to those they choose. Likewise, they do join groups,
beast’s skin as they are in their own. They use Mind magic but only because they choose to do so, not because of the
both to understand the speech of beasts and to test the limits expectations of others. Lifeweavers are known to associate
of their own minds and perceptions. with other independent mages, particularly Dreamspeakers,
Lifeweaver foci most often come from nature or from and also with skin-changers.
their own bodies. They use blood (and other bodily fluids), Initiation: Lifeweavers choose whom they will as their
and many carry animal hides that they wear as part of their apprentices, and they don’t choose often. A potential ap-
transformations. Herbs and mushrooms fuel their Mind magic prentice has to have some talent or spark that impresses the
and many of their spells of healing, transformation and occa- mage, from a fierce and independent spirit to a hint of great
sionally cursing. A Lifeweaver rite might consist of stripping mystic potential to a deeply noble character that the Life-
naked, pissing in a circle on the ground and cutting bloody weaver respects. Would-be apprentices must be willing to cut
runes into his flesh to bring on a desired transformation. ties with their former lives, because it’s unlikely a Lifeweaver
There is concern among both the Verbena and the mentor will remain in one place for very long.
Traditions about the number of Lifeweavers who skirt peril- The initiation and instruction of a Lifeweaver apprentice
ously close to abandoning their own human nature entirely. is often direct and quite harsh, a “sink or swim” approach.
Certainly, some Lifeweavers do not care for human company, Such experiences serve to weed out those who don’t have
and rarely for human form, but surprisingly few of them have what it takes. Common initiation ordeals include teaching
gone over the edge into madness. apprentices to survive in the wild with little or nothing in
Organization: The Lifeweavers have no organization, nor the way of tools, stripping away the veneer of civilization to
do they feel the need for any. Each is independent, and they show them their true selves or changing them into a bestial
all fiercely resist efforts to get them to conform to anyone else’s form to appreciate the world from a new perspective.
way of doing things. They participate in the seasonal rites and Cultures: Whatever their origins, civilized culture holds
celebrations of their Tradition when it suits them, but no one little interest for Lifeweavers. They are most often associated
can predict their comings and goings. They do join covens with primitive cultures that understand and appreciate their
and cabals from time to time, but rarely for very long before way of life. Ironically, many Lifeweavers appear to come from
they decide to move on to something else. Some Lifeweavers comfortable, civilized backgrounds and revel in the act of
gather in groups likened to packs of wolves or flocks of wild casting away civilization and its discontents.
birds, remaining together for a while, then either going their Some Lifeweavers are drifters or social chameleons,
separate ways or breaking apart due to conflicts within the group. adopting different forms and attitudes as easily as other people
Some few circles of Lifeweavers, however, formed young and change clothes. They move through the “wilderness” of mod-
have stayed together for decades. In such cases, the members ern civilization, often choosing to experience what it’s like to
of these cabals are tied so closely to the other members that be a different race, sex or age — no experience is forbidden.
they are more like close siblings or soulmates than anything Associations: The element of fire, the south direction, the
else. The downside to such cabals, however, is that the death season of summer, the colors red and black and the wand or staff.
of one member frequently destabilizes the survivors to such a

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 51

 The Craft of the Wise: Magic
Among the Verbena magic is often known the present, the strength of the moment that the Ver-
as “the Craft” or the “Craft of the Wise” bena embrace. The spreading branches, each reaching
because magic is the first craft, the ulti- out to touch different worlds, represent the future, the
mate craft, learned by humanity. Their many different choices and roads that lie before us. To
knowledge of magic allowed the Wyck the Verbena the many worlds of the Deep Umbra lie
to plant the seeds of all other crafts in among the branches of the World Tree, as well as the
humanity: fire-making, metalworking, many possible worlds of the future.
building, weaving, brewing, cooking and The fruit and seeds of the World Tree represent
many others. Therefore, the Verbena see potential waiting to bloom into being. Even if the tree
their worldview resting on the existence itself dies, it does not mean the end, because new life
of a magical universe in many ways, rather than the will grow in its place. The World Tree, the Tellurian,
other way around. Mages who build up complex theories holds the seeds of its own death and its own renewal.
about the origin and nature of magic often mistake the
simplicity of the Verbena for a lack of sophistication, The Two Who Move as One:
when instead it is an understanding of magic’s primal The Great Rite
and immanent nature. Magic is everywhere and a part The Tellurian was born out of the union of oppo-
of everything; it’s just a matter of Awakening to see it. sites, the Goddess and the God, the Two Who Move as
One. Ever since the primordial chaos split to form the
The Spark of Life Two, the Tellurian has been made up of opposite forces
The driving force of magic is life, the vital essence existing in a dynamic balance: matter and energy, light
that makes living creatures what they are. This is Quin- and darkness, heat and cold, masculine and feminine
tessence for the Verbena. It’s not some disembodied and on and on throughout creation. The Verbena be-
essence or Platonic ideal, but the pulse of life that flows lieve that this balance of opposites is what drives the
through all things, the echoes of the great surge that great wheel of life and keeps it turning. Sometimes one
brought the Tellurian into being, like a heartbeat that principle is dominant over the other — as when the
sends blood roaring through the veins. heat of summer is at its apex or when the darkness of
The spark of life is also what gives mages the power night is at its most absolute — but such conditions are
to reshape reality. Matter and energy are passive, even only temporary states of being that eventually give way
at the most dynamic they are unfeeling and uncaring. to a shift toward balance. (Some mathematicians call
It is that primal essence of life, the deep down instinct this principle “regression toward the mean.”) Then the
to survive and exert control over one’s environment, wheel turns again and the balance shifts the opposite
that allowed the Wyck to reach out, take hold of the way, over and over.
fabric of reality, and reweave it into something more to Understanding the polarities of creation allows the
their liking. It is that primal need that empowers the Verbena to influence them. Changing them too much
children of the Wyck, the Verbena. one way or the other, however, can create imbalance.
When the Tellurian tries to right itself after magic has
The World Tree
shifted it too far out of balance, the result is Paradox.
A common Verbena metaphor for the Tellurian is That is why it is easiest and best to work with the flow
the World Tree, also known as the Great Tree or the and balance of creation.
Tree of Life. It stands at the center of everything, the
axis mundi, the point around which the world turns. The Craft vs. Art
World Tree’s roots deep in the earth represent the past The Verbena call magic a “craft” whereas other
and the foundations of the world. They reach into the mages, such as the Order of Hermes, refer to it as an
Underworld, the land of the dead, where death literally “art.” The difference for the Verbena is that a craft is
fuels new life by composting into the earth. They are the eminently practical and useful. Crafts make things that
dark recesses of the mind, the shadow side of creation, are a part of life and they help sustain it. Art creates
home to chthonian gods and goddesses. things of beauty and things to refine the mind, the soul
The World Tree’s trunk supports the cosmos, which and the senses, but art is not necessarily useful on a
turns around it. It connects the earth and the sky, serving practical day-to-day basis.
as a bridge between the worlds. The trunk represents

52 Verbena
 While the Verbena have a respect for art and art- not be used lightly. This is especially true with Prime’s
istry, they are ultimately pragmatic. They haven’t time destructive aspects. It is one thing to kill a creature or
for the ivory-tower theory and arcana of the Order of destroy an object and quite another to unmake them.
Hermes, the baroque scientific invention of the Sons of Tampering with the threads of the Tapestry can cause
Ether or the cutting-edge programming of the Virtual parts of it to unravel, if the weaving is not exactly right.
Adepts. The Verbena’s craft is a simple and effective Many Lifeweavers work for years to master the art.
one that cuts directly to the heart of the matter (some- The stuff of life is the main Prime focus for the Ver-
times literally), rather than couching it in a great deal bena. The ecstatic union of sex captures the divine spark
of theory and artistry. of creation. Blood and breath carry the Quintessence for
To outsiders, the Verbena might seem crude and infusing power into the unliving, from anointing runes
unsophisticated, even savage, but their craft has always to breathing life into statues. Clay, earth and soil are
accepted every part of life, not just the clean and pleasant the source for growing things.
ones. Their power comes from living life to the fullest
in any given moment. Spirit: The Blood Harvest
Samhain (pronounced SOW-een) falls on or about
The Eight-Spoked Wheel: the end of October. In some pagan traditions, it is the
Spheres start of the year, the beginning of the dark half of the
year and the descent into winter. It also marks the last
For the Verbena, magic is a cycle, an endless circle harvest of the year: the blood harvest. In times of old,
that can be likened to the turning of the Wheel of the the herds were slaughtered and the meat cured for the
Year, the cycle of life and death and rebirth. The Spheres coming winter. It is a time associated with death and
embody different crafts associated with particular parts mortality but, more importantly, with the connection
of the cycle. The exact interpretations vary somewhat between the spirit world and world of the living. It is
from one culture to the next within the Tradition, but a time when the veil between the worlds grows thin, a
since the Verbena all draw from primal associations with time for honoring those who have passed beyond, and
nature and her cycles, there are more similarities than an opportunity to speak with and learn from them.
there are differences. Feel free to vary these interpreta- Spirit magic, like many things, is dual-aspected for
tions as needed to suit the paradigm of an individual the Verbena. On one hand, it is associated with the
Verbena or group. spirits of the dead who have passed beyond the veil.
Note that although the Verbena specialize in the Because of their association with life, the Verbena do
Life Sphere, they do not ignore the importance of the not believe that death or the dead should be feared, but
other eight. They are all part of the greater whole and honored, making them reluctant to disturb those who
necessary to the turning of the wheel. Life simply best have passed on. Some Verbena keep altars devoted to
represents what the Verbena are all about. the spirits of their ancestors. Spirit magic associated
with the dead is primarily for speaking with them and
Prime: The Hub of the Wheel,
seeking wisdom. The raising and binding of ghosts is
the World Tree an unnatural and suspect practice at best.
Prime sits at the center of the wheel, the center The spirits the Verbena deal with most are the spirits
of creation, embodied as the World Tree, the life that of nature, the elements and growing things. Their magic
sustains the Tellurian and extends its branches and allows them to see and speak with the elementals and
roots everywhere. For the Verbena, Prime is the union primal beings of creation, appeasing them and seeking
of opposites: the meeting of earth and sky, day and favors from them. They manifest in all the myriad forms
night, masculine and feminine, summer and winter, described in the old tales and songs, including the little
life and death. From that dynamic balance springs all folk of the earth and the beautiful and terrible kings and
creation. It is the union of the Goddess and God in the queens of nature.
Great Rite, the moment of conception. Some Verbena
Spirit foci include the blade or athame, which
equate the Sphere of Prime with the godhead or Great
should not cut anything material, but can sever spiritual
Spirit, which is to the gods as the gods are to mortals,
bonds and direct the wielder’s will. The Verbena offer
the sun-source of divinity and life.
spirits sacrifices great and small to help sustain them
Prime magic for the Verbena is mainly creative, the and engender their goodwill. They draw or build circles
power to bring new things, particularly new life, into to hedge out unwanted spirits and to invite others in.
being. It is a power that the Verbena believe should Candle flame and incense smoke serve as media for the

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 53

denizens of the spirit world, and crystals, mirrors and still know truth, to see auras and to fool the senses. Glamour,
pools serve as windows into the Umbra (and sometimes illusion and enchantment are also workings of the mind,
doorways between the two worlds). Herbal potions or just as the play of shadows and light can sometimes fool
Verbena “flying ointment” helps loose the caster’s spirit the eyes into seeing things that aren’t there. The Mind
and strengthen contact with the spirit world. magic of the Verbena tends to be primal: dealing with
passions, emotions and the senses rather than the subtle
Matter: The Longest Night depths of the intellect.
Yule or the Winter Solstice (on or around December The candle flame serves as a focus for Mind, as do
21st) is the Longest Night, the peak of the power of dark- the shadows it casts. Crystals and gems that combine
ness over the land. It is also the turning point, after which the glimmer of light with the shadows of their depths
the nights grow shorter and the days longer as the light is can offer insight or ensnare the mind and heart. The
reborn into the world. In Verbena traditions, the light is mind is associated with dreams, so the Verbena seek
often seen as a child, newly born in the Underworld from visions in theirs. They can also affect the dreams of
the womb of the Goddess. It is a time of spirit descending others, either to send messages or portents or to cause
into the form and solidity of matter, represented by the nightmares and foreboding. The influence of the mind
stillness of the cold and frozen earth. It is also a time for is associated with the voice, so singing, chanting, speak-
crafting and repairing, working indoors to make and fix ing or music is used as a focus to influence the minds of
the tools needed for the coming year. others, harking back to the ancient bards.
So the Craft of Matter for the Verbena involves
infusing cold and unliving substance with spirit and life. Life: The Greening Earth
The ability to take and shape the raw stuff of the world The vernal equinox, also known as Ostara (a variant
into tools and things of beauty has always been a magical of the name of the goddess Ishtar), is a time of balance
art, and the Verbena hold to the view of smiths, weavers, and special significance for the Verbena, because it is the
carpenters and other crafters as practicing a sort of magic time of the year associated with Life, which comes burst-
of their own. By understanding how Prime has passed ing forth from the fertile earth in tender green shoots,
through Spirit to become Matter, the witch can see the budding from the branches of the trees, and squalling
essence or Pattern of matter and alter it to suit her will. from the wombs of beasts and women. It is a celebration
The foci of Matter magic are the tools of crafters and of the enduring power of life after the long time of dark-
makers, from simple kitchen utensils like knives, spoons ness. On the equinox, light and dark, day and night, are
and bubbling cauldrons to the hammer, the chisel and equal and the light triumphs over the darkness and grows
the anvil. Fire is a focus of the Matter Sphere, transform- stronger, bringing life back to the earth. Eggs, symbols
ing like the heat of the hearth, the oven and the forge. of life’s potential, are particularly associated with this
Verbena are known for “firing” or “forging” matter into festival, often decorated and hidden for children to find.
new forms, as one might fire newly molded clay to set Life magic is the Verbena’s specialty, their most
its shape or beat red-hot metal into a new form. beloved Sphere, since Life is at the heart of their beliefs
and their ways. They explore and wield the full range of
Mind: The Awakening Life’s power, from the ability to nurture it to the secrets
The festival of Imbolc or Candlemass in the first days of its transformation and changing it to suit their wishes.
of February is a festival of light. Although the light has Among the Verbena specialties in Life magic are the
been reborn into the world at Yuletide, the Earth still arts of healing (and harming) and their expertise in
slumbers and must be awakened. It is the time to begin shapeshifting and transformations.
stirring and throwing off the lethargy of winter, to awaken In all cases, the Verbena stress both the sacredness of
the Earth and call her back to her children. Candles are life and the importance of maintaining balance between
lit to light the way, and an image of the Goddess — wo- all living things. Theirs is a holistic view of life. Just as
ven of dried stalks — is placed in a bed so she may be the parts of the body must work together in harmony
awakened. Imbolc is also when the Sun Child, the young for complete health and well-being, so must the dif-
God, begins to awaken to the world around him, the first ferent creatures in an environment co-exist in balance
sparks of insight and awareness. The light represents the for the environment to remain healthy. Life cannot be
light of the mind, of sight and of understanding. sub-divided and treated separately from its other parts
Mind magic is a matter of sight for the Verbena. without creating imbalance. Though the greatest masters
Indeed it is often referred to as “the Sight” or “Second of the Verbena can create life, they exercise that power
Sight.” It is the ability to see into the minds of others, to with great care and treat the act with great reverence.

54 Verbena
 Verbena use the stuff of life as foci for their Life magic. sex, as well as alcohol and certain herbs or mushrooms
Blood is one of the most common elements, whether the that alter the sense of time. For visionary Time magic,
caster’s own or that of the subject or a sacrifice. Semen the Verbena may gaze into crystals, scrying mirrors or
and menstrual blood are considered particularly powerful pools, cast runes or Tarot cards or enter trance states
foci. Herbs and elixirs brewed from them are also potent using one of these methods until a vision comes to them.
Life foci. Verbena medicine is backed by the power of their
magic, allowing them to effect “miracle” cures with simple Forces: The Longest Day
herb-craft. Pure water is also a focus for Life, associated with The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or
the birth of all life in the seas, the feminine principle and Litha, occurs around June 21st. It is the height of the
the qualities of mutability and change. Indeed, Life foci sun’s power, the longest day of the year, and the peak
tend to be liquids for those reasons. of the light before it begins the long, slow journey into
darkness. It is a time of power and potency, of growth
Time: The Eternal Moment and expansion, but it is also one of balance and change,
Just as the seeds are sources of new growth, so is the as the Sun King gives way to the power of the Dark Lord.
moment the seed of the future, of what is yet to come. Midsummer is a time for harvesting herbs at their greatest
In the eternal moment is conceived and born all that potency. The druids harvested mistletoe on Midsummer
is and will be. That time which is not a time is Beltane, Night, and their modern Verbena continue to do so.
on or about the first of May, when the seeds of the future Midsummer’s Eve, the shortest night of the year, is
are sown in hope of a prosperous harvest. Beltane is a a time of magic and the unleashed forces of nature. The
festival of purification, planting, fertility and most of rules of the ordinary world do not always apply on this
all the promise of renewal. night. Elementals and faeries are active, and Verbena
Great fires are lit and livestock driven between them often gather to work their spells and enchantments. It
to purify them. The people also pass between the balefires is a time associated with dreams and illusions, where
and in the planting and seeding there is also much celebra- forces break their usual bounds.
tion and merriment, since the Verbena have long held For the Verbena, Forces have always meant the
the seeding of life as one of the greatest pleasures. The forces of nature: the heat and light of the sun, the win-
celebrants might stimulate and honor the fertility of the ter’s chill, the fury of a storm, the rushing river — the
Earth by coupling in the fields, a rite that the Verbena power of nature unleashed. Most Verbena Forces magic
have shared in the past with the Cult of Ecstasy (assisted involves shaping and directing these natural forces.
by their understanding of the Eternal Moment). Weather magic and wind-witching in particular have
The Verbena also share Beltane with the fae. Just long been crafts practiced by the Verbena’s ancestors.
as Samhain is a time when the veil between the world Forces are often manipulated through sympathetic
of the dead and the world of the living grows thin, magic: a candle flame to create an inferno, a whistled
Beltane is the timeless time when the world is close to tune to summon a wind and a scattering of water or
the eternal Springtime of Faerie. The fae are often about simmering cauldron to call forth a storm. The wand or
on Beltane Eve, and the Verbena use their magic both staff — an extension of the caster’s will — is the most
to welcome the Good Folk and to ward off any mischief common tool for directing the forces of nature.
they might intend.
Time magic for the Verbena is a matter of sponta- Correspondence: The Grain Harvest
neity, of finding and living in the moment. When the The festival of Lammas on the first of August honors
initiate understands that all moments are truly one, the first harvest and the sacrifice of the corn god. This
then time can be transcended. Verbena Time magic is when the grains of the fields are brought in and the
involves things like sensing when the time is right to god in the form of the vegetation dies so that his people
act (and when it is best to wait), foretelling the future may eat. Therefore, Lammas is sometimes known as the
through divination and altering the flow of time. With “funeral games” of the god, who descends into the dark
the power of Time, a night of revelry might take years of the Underworld.
or a perfect summer day might seem to stretch on for Verbena lore speaks of the Paths of the Wyck, their
ages. Time magic is also used for setting the “seeds” of primordial ancestors. It says that the Wise Ones walked
other spells, ready to blossom at a particular time. the hidden paths between the places of the world, cross-
Foci associated with Time magic tend to be tools ing great distances as easily as crossing a room. Therefore,
that help the Verbena capture the elusive moment and the craft of Correspondence (or Connection in the old
live in it. They include things like dance, music and reckoning) has always been the craft of roads, paths and

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 55

scrying for the Verbena. Like the God walking the path The tools of Entropy are those of fate and death.
to the Underworld, like the Wyck walking the secret Runes, cards and stones are cast to read the whims of
paths, the Verbena step between places. They cast their fortune, while other Verbena see them written in the stars
vision out across great distances, understanding that or in the entrails of a sacred sacrifice. Cords represent
distance is ultimately an illusion. the strands of fate that can be pulled or even broken,
Correspondence foci tend to involve places and while sacrifices, blood and weapons (including plants
things that are in-between: crossroads, gates, doorways, such as hemlock and deadly nightshade) are instruments
wells, caves, and beaches. Mirrors and pools are windows of the forces of death and decay.
(and sometimes doorways) between places. Verbena
walking into the mist or fog can leave one place and Self: As Above, So Below.
emerge in another far away or step through a doorway As Within, So Without.
and exit another elsewhere. The 10th Sphere for the Verbena is the unification
of all the others in the Divine Self, just as the Verbena
Entropy: The Wine Harvest and other mages embody all the different Spheres of
The final point of the year before the wheel turns magic. The Self refers to the unity of mind, body and
back to Samhain again is Mabon, the autumnal equinox spirit. It is the microcosm, a reflection of the Tellurian
(around September 21st). It is the time when day and in miniature. The Verbena see themselves (and all in-
night are once again in balance, except that night now telligent creatures) as the awareness of the cosmos, the
overtakes the day and the darkness grows longer while Tellurian looking back at itself in an effort to understand
the light fades. its own being. From the moment that the One became
Having been sacrificed at Lammas, the God has Two, Creation has reflected upon itself and grown more
descended into the Underworld. Now the Goddess goes complex in its understanding.
there seeking her beloved. She leaves the sunlit world Therefore, the perfection and understanding of the
behind and willingly walks into darkness. Along the way Self is the Verbena path to Ascension. It is recognizing the
she must shed her accoutrements, leaving everything immanence of divine nature within each of us, that unity of
behind. She and her beloved are united once more on the Self with the All. It is not merely self-glorification, but
Samhain when the worlds of the living and the dead recognition of the Self as a divine part of creation. Unlike
touch. Through their union, the god of light is reborn some Traditions that seek to transcend or abandon the
on Yuletide, and the cycle continues on. But for now body, the Verbena consider the physical a vital element
Mabon is a time of darkness and seeking, of stripping of the Self and its experiences. Perfecting the Self means
away everything except the bare essentials. embracing the body as well as the mind and spirit and all
Mabon is the fruit or wine harvest, when the last the experiences they have to offer.
produce of the fields is taken in and dried, preserved
or fermented. It is a time of drying and of dying as the Tools of the Wise — Foci
fields wither. Death takes its hold on the land and the The Verbena have used a variety of tools, potions,
darkness grows, but it is not a time of despair. The dy- talismans and symbols in their magic since the earliest
ing of the land is part of the cycle, and the quest of the days. Although stories say that the Wyck once worked
goddess will bring forth new life in time. magic with nothing more than the power of their wills,
Entropy is the natural counterpart of Life for the Verbena since the ancient times have required and used
Verbena. As each strand of fate is measured, it must also tools to focus their wills and weave their spells.
be cut. As the flower blossoms, it must inevitably wither. Blades, ranging in size from daggers to swords, are
As a man is born of woman, so must he one day die. Decay used in Verbena rites and rituals. The blade traditionally
provides the soil in which life grows. These things cannot represents the masculine energy and is associated with
change, but with knowledge and insight they can be in- the element of air for its clarity and ability to cut to the
fluenced. The Verbena know how to tug at the strands of heart of a matter. Some Verbena also associate blades
fate, how to offer both blessings of good fortune and curses with the element of fire for its martial qualities and their
of ill luck. More than most other Spheres, the Verbena role as a focus for the wielder’s will. Two blades are used
tread carefully when dealing with the craft of fate-weaving in traditional witchcraft. The athame is double-edged,
and death-dealing. Too much can easily upset the delicate with a black handle. It is a symbol of the witch’s will,
balance and have terrible consequences for the mage and used to direct power in ritual and to “cut” connections or
perhaps others. Life and death exist in balance, and the bindings, but not anything material. The white-handled
wise ones must not tip the scales too far either way. boline is typically single-edged and used for such things

56 Verbena
 over the years. Some truly ancient books of shadows have
The Common Craft: been handed down from one generation to another, with
Verbena Sorcery others kept by covens over the years, containing their
The Verbena have always had sorcerers, hedge- collected wisdom. Books of shadows are often written in
magicians, country witches and the like among their code, mystic secrets concealed in seemingly innocuous
ranks. Indeed, there were so many when the Tradition recipes and journals. Some modern Verbena write their
was founded that some believed that the Verbena books in ancient languages of their ancestors, and some
should not even be recognized as an enlightened even keep a book of shadows on a computer.
Mystic Tradition at all. Only the presence of power- The Broom has long been associated with witches
ful mages like Nightshade and William Groth (and and witchcraft. Although few Verbena actually fly on
their predecessors known to other members of the broomsticks, they do use brooms as foci for their magic.
Council of Nine) convinced them otherwise. Most often brooms are used to sweep away energies
The Verbena make little distinction between and influences, to cleanse a space both physically and
sorcery and Sphere magic. For some, Sphere magic spiritually. A broom laid across a doorway can be part
is the power wielded by the Wyck (though at a truly of a powerful Verbena ward, and the use of a broomstick
enlightened level), and Verbena who possess it are to swat unruly spirits should not be underestimated.
considered to partake of the essence of the First Ones. Cauldrons and Chalices are symbols of the divine
More status-oriented Verbena like the Gardeners see feminine, the generative principle and the source of life.
this as a sign of a strong bloodline and heritage, but Verbena use cauldrons — iron pots, often suspended from
the truth is that magical power often pays no heed to a tripod — to brew up a variety of potions or elixirs.
lineage or background. Some raised in the Old Ways They range in size from less than a gallon in capacity
never truly Awaken, while others whose only knowl- to 20 times that volume. Chalices contain potions and
edge of the Old Ways is what they’ve read in some other sacred fluids. One particular use of the chalice is
fantasy novels or seen on television are Awakened in the Great Rite ritual, where a blade is immersed in
and called to become Verbena. the liquid in a chalice, representing the union of the
Sorcerers among the Verbena follow the same god and goddess and infusing the liquid with their es-
paradigm and generally use the same tools and rituals. sence. Some Northern European sects of the Verbena
While not quite as spectacular as Sphere magic, the substitute drinking horns for chalices in their rituals.
power of their paths and spells is subtle and often Charms of various sorts, typically little cloth bags,
far-reaching. A coven of Verbena hedge-witches is carved tokens, feathers, candles and items of jewelry,
still a power to be reckoned with, all the more be- appear in Verbena magic. Typically a charm carries the
cause their magic does not incur the risk of Paradox. power of a spell to grant it to the charm’s owner or to
Ironically, Verbena sorcerers can be some of the most place the spell upon whomever takes the charm. Charms
Tradition-bound, dedicated to the rites and rituals are sometimes known as “amulets” or “talismans” (though
they learn as the source of their power. Therefore, such terms are in more common use among the more
they’re most common among the Gardeners of the ritualized factions of the Verbena).
Tree and the Twisters of Fate, though there are a fair Circles are symbols of eternity, perfect and unbro-
number of Moon-Seeker sorcerers as well. ken. Verbena rituals are often conducted within the
Verbena sorcerers most commonly use the paths bounds of a “magic circle” which defines the boundar-
of Cursing, Divination, Herbalism and Shapeshift- ies of the ritual space. This serves to both keep the
ing. For more information see Sorcerer, Revised. mystic forces contained and to protect against outside
For MET, see Laws of the Hunt. interference and influences. Movement within such a
circle is traditionally deosil or “sun-wise” (clockwise),
as cutting herbs (or flesh…) and other practical tasks. except when banishing or negating, when movement
Some “kitchen witches” conceal their magical knives is widdershins or counter-clockwise. Circles and spirals
among common household utensils, as their ancestors are also common Verbena symbols.
did to hide them from prying eyes. For larger and more Cords of various sorts play roles in Verbena rites. The
formal rituals, some Verbena are known to wield swords, weaving and knotting of a cord represents the weaving
and larger blades are particularly common among the and fixing of a spell, while other cords store spells that
northern paths of the Tradition. are released when their knots are untied. Some covens
Books: The “book of shadows” is a traditional Verbena and circles “take the measure” of each new initiate with a
grimoire, a repository of spells, recipes and secrets gathered white, black or red cord, which the mage wears thereafter

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 57

as a belt in ritual. Threads or cords represent the strands the Verbena often study and use the ancient languages
of fate that the Verbena can manipulate, and cat’s cradle of their ancestors in their magic. Common tongues
arrangements may be used in spells of fate-working. They include Gaelic, Old English, Scandinavian, Finnish,
also symbolically bind the subjects of a witch’s spell. Greek, various Slavic tongues and the tribal languages
The Elements play a major role in Verbena magic. of Africa. Some Verbena preserve the languages of tribes
Earth, air, fire and water are the fundamental essences and peoples long since forgotten by the modern world.
of creation (with Quintessence as the literal “fifth es- Mirrors, ranging from silvered glass to still pools,
sence”). Verbena use the elements as both symbols of are instruments of seeing and reflection for the Verbena.
the literal forces they embody for sympathetic magic and They are used for scrying and as gateways or windows
of the various spiritual qualities associated with them. between the worlds of matter and spirit. Crystals fill a
The flame of a candle can be fanned into an inferno similar role.
and water sprinkled on the ground can become a del- Performance: Singing, chanting, dancing and play-
uge. Among the Verbena, the elements are associated ing music — all the various performance arts are sacred
with the four directions, typically earth in the north, to the Verbena, harking back to the performances and
air in the east, fire in the south and water in the west, dramas of their ancestors. In pre-literate cultures, all
though some are known to reverse air and fire, or to knowledge was preserved through chants, songs, and
assign completely different directions. epic poems, and Verbena bards, skalds and singers learn
Fluids of different sorts, especially the fluids of and maintain these traditions. Verbena rituals often
life, feature prominently in Verbena magic. Blood is a feature chanting and dancing to raise the energy of the
powerful Verbena focus, particularly the blood of the participants to a frenetic level, focusing the will on the
mage or of a sacrifice. Female Verbena use the blood of magical work. Ancient folk dances and melodies are
their moon-cycle in their magic. Blood carries the es- common, though some Verbena fuse them with modern
sence of life, nourishing and supporting the body. Blood musical styles and techniques. Norse Verbena chant the
is a powerful connection to its source, and a few drops ancient eddas, the sagas of their people. Bards entrance
of the target’s blood added to a potion or talisman can and enchant with song.
make it that much more effective. Blood sprinkled on an Runes are symbols that make up words but, more
inanimate object can impart to it a kind of pseudo-life. than that, they are ancient magic, the ability to capture
Runes and other sacred writing are sometimes empow- the essence of things in abstract, the origin of the term
ered with the blood of their maker. The Verbena also “spell” in the times when witches and magicians truly
use other bodily fluids, such as spitting on the ground spelled out their magic using runes. Various ancient
to seal a spell. Seminal fluid is a powerful carrier of life alphabets and symbol systems are in use among the
energy, and the act of release raises power. The sap of Verbena. The Norse Futhark is the most common (with
various plants is analogous to blood, and the two mixed its elder and younger versions), along with the ogham
together represent the union of the two sides of nature, alphabets of the Celts, ancient Greek and some African
animal and vegetable. languages. Runes may be carved into wood, stone, metal
Herbs and Potions are among the Verbena’s most or even flesh. They are sometimes drawn in the air or
common tools. Since time immemorial, they have been upon the ground or simply chanted to invoke their power.
the keepers of the lore of plants and their various uses. In the Northern paths, runes are often empowered with
Mundane herbal lore has many applications, even more the blood of their maker.
when backed by the power of Verbena magic. There are Sacrifice: One of the most powerful tools of the Ver-
herbs for healing and harming, blessing and cursing, bena is their willingness to sacrifice, their understanding
drawing or warding off certain influences. There are also that life feeds on death as part of the natural cycle. The
herbs that can cause intoxication or states of ecstasy or release of life force through the sacrifice lends power and
heightened awareness. For the Verbena it is not just the potency to their magic. Sacrifice is not something the
chemical or medicinal properties of herbs and plants, Verbena do lightly. In the ancient days, even the sacrifice
but their spiritual significance and symbolism. Whereas of a beast to the gods was a momentous thing, because it
the Progenitors and their fellow technomancers focus on meant one less animal to support the community. Some-
designer drugs and biochemistry, the Verbena see herb times the flesh of the sacrifice went to feed the people,
lore as a combination of the medicinal and the spiritual. made sacred by its dedication to the gods. Mages read the
Language: Many cultures come together to make future in the blood and entrails. Sacrifice also includes
up the Verbena Tradition, and respect for the past and self-sacrifice, either denial through fasting and abstaining
one’s ancestors is important among them. Therefore, from worldly needs or enduring ordeals of pain.

58 Verbena
 The greatest of all sacrifices is that of a human life. tribal cultures. Symbols can be drawn, painted, made
The Verbena hold that the best human sacrifice is a will- into jewelry or even tattooed.
ing one, but they acknowledge that their ancestors did The Wand or Staff is a common symbol of Verbena
sacrifice the unwilling, and that such sacrifices still hold power and authority. Wands are associated with the ele-
power. The more radical elements of the Tradition would ment of fire and with the will of the wielder. They are
gladly see the blood of technomancers and other foes feed most often carved from wood (particular the wood of
the living Earth, but most Verbena believe that human sacred trees like the oak, ash, apple, willow or yew), but
sacrifice must be used sparingly, or else it loses its potency. wands are also made from bone, ivory, metal and even
Sex is a power the Verbena understand and embrace, crystal. A wand may be decorated or plain, elaborate or
where other Traditions (save for the Ecstatics) may shy simple. For some Verbena it is little more than a carved
away from it. The union of lovemaking is a uniting of stick. Among the elders, a walking stick may serve as a
opposites, regardless of the couple. It is a powerful gen- wand or staff. Some wands are ancient heirlooms, passed
erative force, associated with the forces that brought the from one generation to the next, from as far back as the
Tellurian into existence. Sex magic creates a change in Burning Times, or even beyond.
consciousness, away from the mundane, and focuses the
will. Even solitary acts of pleasuring can grant the Verbena Life Magic
the power that they need for their magic. The fact that Verbena specialize in the Sphere of Life, the study
such sexual rites dismay and horrify more conservative and understanding of life in all its many forms, and the
Traditions is merely a fringe benefit for the Verbena, who ability to shape and control it as they will. This gives
take a certain delight in shocking their fellow mages. them many and far-reaching powers. The most basic
Symbols: The Verbena use many symbols of their applications of the Life Sphere are discussed on pp.
craft. Among the most prominent is the pentacle, a 168-171 of Mage: The Ascension. This section looks
five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. It represents both at the Verbena uses of the Sphere in more depth.
the human figure embodied as the universe and the bal-
ance of the elements (earth, air, fire, water and spirit or Healing
Quintessence). Other symbols include sun and moon The most common Verbena uses of Life magic include
symbols, particularly the crescent moon or the triple- healing injury, eliminating disease or poison and promot-
moon (waxing, full and waning). Spirals, particularly ing health. The Verbena are the most renowned healers
the triskelion or triple-spiral are well known, and abstract of the Traditions, and their ancestors have been the wise
patterns of lines, spirals and dots appear among more women and medicine men of their people for millennia.

Life Rating Effects

• Healer’s Sight: A simple spell allows the Verbena to know the general health and physical
condition of any living creature. Additional successes provide information about the subject’s
condition, any maladies or imperfections present, and the source of any disease, infection, or
toxicity. Although this level does not allow the Verbena to heal directly, it can aid Medicine rolls,
reducing their difficulty by one per success to a minimum set by the Storyteller, based on the
severity of the problem. Sometimes knowing the problem is only so much help.
•• Self-Healing: The Verbena follow the motto, “Physician, heal thyself.” The first sort of healing
a student of Life learns is self-healing. Each success on a healing spell restores two levels of damage
(bashing or lethal). Successes do not need to be allocated to duration, since the healing occurs
instantly and is sustained by the mage’s own natural life Pattern.
••• Heal Simple Life: The mage can heal simple Life Patterns (plants and small animals), as well
as bashing damage on a human target.
•••• Heal Complex Life: The mage can heal any manner of damage to any Life Pattern, including
aggravated damage inflicted on other humans, as with Self-Healing. Healing aggravated
damage is, of course, vulgar.
••••• Restore Life: Verbena at this level of mastery can even restore life to the recently dead, provided
there is still some spark of life left in the subject’s Pattern and it has not reverted entirely to Matter.
Generally, the subject cannot have been dead for longer than a number of hours equal to the caster’s
Arete, though the time may vary depending on the conditions.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 59

 Healing Effects, like other Life Effects, can be ap-
plied to a target only once per scene. The target’s living
Pattern must undergo some natural change before the
mage can attempt to repair or reshape it again.
Healing Aggravated Damage: Healing aggravated
damage is always vulgar magic and only half as effective
as other forms of healing (restoring one health level per
success rather than two).
Healing Defects and Deformity: The healing arts are
capable of overcoming almost any sort of injury or malady.
Repairing or correcting things like congenital defects
is more difficult that healing a cut or a broken bone.
Still, Verbena adepts of Life can reshape the Patterns of
other creatures to eliminate everything from multiple
sclerosis to Down syndrome, even restoring or replacing
deformed or missing limbs. This requires a permanent
Pattern alteration, as described under “Enhancement.”
Verbena can also perform a simple Life 2 Effect on an
unborn fetus to eliminate such defects and ensure that
the child grows “tall, straight of limb, and well-favored”
(a common blessing on the unborn).
Harming
Knowledge of how to repair life Patterns also brings a
balancing knowledge of how to damage or destroy them.
The Verbena can use their magic to virtually snuff out the
life force of another creature, though their workings are
often more subtle. They can interfere with the body’s vital
systems, inflict disease and other maladies, and generally
destroy the delicate balance needed to sustain life.
Harmful Life Effects require at least the third dot in
the Sphere, and inflict the standard amount of damage
(two health levels per success). They can-
not be dodged and do not require an attack
roll. If the spell is successful, then the target
suffers the damage. Bashing damage from Life Effects
can be soaked with Stamina (representing the body’s
inherent resistance to injury), but lethal and aggravated
damage cannot. Only countermagic can protect against
it. In either case, physical armor and similar forms of
protection provide no soak bonus against Life Effects,
which work directly on the subject’s body.
A bashing Life Effect may be a build-up of fatigue
toxins, bruising and bursting of capillaries, the exhaus-
tion of the target’s stored cellular fuel (a kind of rapid
starvation), or temporary restriction of breathing or
blood-flow. Lethal Life Effects involve direct damage to
organs, muscles and bone, as well as heart attacks and
similar damage. These Effects can be coincidental or vulgar
depending on when and how they are cast. Aggravated
Life Effects are always vulgar, and inflict damage directly
to the target’s Pattern, ripping away its life force.

60 Verbena
 If a caster chooses, a harmful Life Effect need not Embodied Paradox: Although it is possible to trans-
inflict all of its potential damage at once. Instead, the form a normal human being into a virtual super-human
target may suffer damage over a period of time, suffering using magic, such things are not a part of accepted
progressively from a disease, slow toxin, internal bleeding reality. Life magic that enhances a subject beyond the
and so forth. The caster sets the time interval, ranging normal limits of its species is always vulgar. Permanently
from one round to a year or more, and the target suffers enhanced creatures engender Paradox by their very
one health level of damage for each interval that passes existence. For each dot of an Ability above 5, and for
(or two per interval, or however else the caster wants each additional permanent enhancement, the subject
to divide it). Once the interval is set and the spell cast, gains a permanent point of Paradox, causing Paradox
it cannot be changed. The caster can choose to end effects to be that much more severe for the subject. This
the spell before it has run its course, and Verbena have is one of the reasons many powerful Verbena masters
been known to use death curses as a means of coercion. lived in Horizon, the Seasonal Realms or other places
in the Umbra. Their super-human levels of perfection
Enhancement could barely exist on Earth.
An understanding of Life often springs from a desire Enhancements and Modifications: The following
for self-improvement, or improvement of the human are guidelines for the sorts of enhancements and modi-
species in general. The Verbena are capable of using fications a mage can create using Life magic. Note that
Life magic to reshape and improve their own bodies in at least a scene (perhaps longer) must pass before the
diverse ways. They tend to do so with care, however, mage can cast another enhancement spell on the same
since such magic is both difficult and dangerous in the subject. The effects of multiple enhancement spells are
long term. Enhancement Effects require Life 3 when cumulative (and can result in some startling transforma-
used on the caster, Life 4 for enhancing others. tions), but keep close track of successes assigned to the
Pattern Bleeding: Short-term enhancements — spells’ duration and the effects of Pattern bleeding for
those lasting for less than a day or so — are relatively long-term enhancements.
harmless, though they can cause the caster to accumu- • Abilities: A one-dot increase to an Ability re-
late Paradox, depending on their nature. Longer-term quires one success.
enhancements, those lasting for more than a day, place MET: The target receives a free level of a single
a tremendous strain on the subject’s living Pattern. In Ability for the duration of the magic, which can be spent
essence, the Pattern is forced into a difference shape and regained normally. Grades of Success: No effect.
and kept there against its nature. This causes the Pat-
• Health Levels: A success can grant an additional
tern to begin to break down, literally unraveling and
Bruised health level or two additional Maimed health
feeding on the Quintessence within it to sustain itself,
levels. Note that if or when these additional health levels
a process known as “Pattern bleeding” or “unraveling.”
lapse, the subject’s condition might worsen to Incapaci-
Pattern bleeding causes the subject of an enhancement tated or even Dead as a result of accumulated damage.
to suffer an unsoakable level of lethal damage per day.
MET: One additional Bruised health level is
This damage cannot be healed until the subject’s Pattern
granted, which can be lost and regained normally.
is restored to its natural state. A mage — either the caster
Grades of Success: Each additional grade allows for an
or the subject — can spend a point of Quintessence to
extra Wounded health level, up to a maximum of two
offset this damage, feeding energy into the life Pattern to
additional Wounded levels.
maintain it. This sometimes leads radically enhanced or
transformed creatures to become thaumivores, parasites • Natural Weapons: One success can grant claws,
with a constant hunger for Quintessence to sustain them. sharp teeth or similar natural weapons that inflict
Strength + 1 lethal damage. Each additional success
Pattern Alteration: It is possible to avoid Pattern
can increase the natural weapon’s base damage by one,
bleeding by creating a permanent alteration to the sub-
up to a maximum of Strength + 3.
ject’s life Pattern, reshaping it into a new “natural” form
so that it doesn’t suffer from any strain. This requires a MET: The target gains a natural attack that deliv-
vulgar Life 4 Effect with a minimum of five successes, ers one level of lethal damage. Grades of Success: Each
and the caster must spend half the normal amount of additional grade adds one level of lethal damage to this
experience points needed to raise the affected Abilities attack, to a maximum of three levels of damage.
naturally, even if he’s not casting the Effect on himself. • Natural Armor: One success can grant the
For modifications other than Abilities, the subject suf- subject an additional die of armor against bashing and
fers Paradox. lethal damage.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 61

 MET: One level of natural armor (that is, a health
level with no wound penalties) may be added with a Age and Mortality
successful casting. Grades of Success: No effect. Verbena Masters (or even Adepts) of Life magic
• Adaptations: Adaptations generally allow the are free of disease and largely immune to any poi-
subject to better operate in a particular environment, son that does not immediately kill or incapacitate
they include things like gills (for breathing underwater), them. They can heal almost any injury, stave off
a coat of fur (protection from the cold), sunburn-resistant the effects of aging, eliminate congenital defects
skin and so forth. Each adaptation requires one success. and grant themselves complete and total health. It
MET: Largely narrative, though Trait modifiers would seem that the Verbena Masters are capable
may be assigned in particularly appropriate (or adverse) of living forever, but that is not so and, in truth,
conditions for the modified organism. the Verbena are grateful for it.
• Modifications: These changes in the subject’s Although Life magic is capable of vastly pro-
appearance are largely cosmetic. Modifying minor longing life, and many elder Verbena are more than
qualities such as eye, hair and skin color, or even major a century old, it cannot grant true immortality in
ones like gender, height or weight, generally requires that its subjects will not live forever. The impulse
only one success (two or three for really extensive to die is built into all living Patterns, and no magic
modifications). Unlike enhancements, modifications known is able to eliminate it entirely. Even the
do not cause permanent Paradox if made a part of the Masters of Entropy can only reduce the risks, not
subject’s Pattern. remove them. Sooner or later, the body begins to
MET: Again, largely narrative, though any such give out and die, and no magic can prevent it. The
changes should be indicated with costuming or descrip- end might not come for centuries, perhaps even
tion cards when necessary. Grades of Success: No effect. longer, but mages do die sooner or later.
The Verbena have no objections to prolonging
Shapeshifting life. After all, they love life and understand the
Shapeshifting is one of the best-known powers of the desire to continue to enjoy it. They do so, however,
Verbena, who consider themselves kin to bird, beast, fish with the knowledge that their lives will end at some
and all the other creatures of nature. For those skilled point, passing their Avatars on to others as part of
in the Sphere of Life, the body is like clay, to shape as the turning of the Wheel of Life.
they wish. Shapeshifting requires Life 4 What the Verbena fear most is prolonging life
Identity Loss: One of the hazards of shapeshift- long after it has ceased to be worth living. This is
ing is that the mage truly becomes the assumed form. the work of the Progenitors, and it’s an abomina-
Those who have not yet mastered the art may lose their tion against everything the Verbena believe. This
own identity, becoming the new form in mind as well is why even the eldest Verbena are so vital and
as body. Mages with Life 4 who shapeshift must spend vibrant, because those who lose their vitality and
a point of temporary Willpower each day they remain zest for life know it is their time to die. Of course,
in an altered form. Otherwise, their true personality is it is not always so easy to let go of life, especially
subsumed beneath the nature of their new form. With when there are other options. The Verbena tell
forms like animals or trees, the mage forgets her former cautionary tales of those who grew too attached
life and loses the ability to return to her normal shape. to their supposed immortality, to the point where
Masters of Life are not affected by identity loss. They they willingly sold themselves to the Nephandi so
can transform into any creature while retaining their they could continue to live.
normal identity.
Size: Mages using Life 4 can assume only those easily discarded clothing like robes (or going skyclad)
shapes of roughly the same mass as their own. Masters for this reason. If the mage shapeshifts while wearing
of Life can assume the shape of any living creature, as clothing, it will most likely be shredded if the new form
small as an insect or as massive as a whale or even a is significantly different, and it can entangle the mage
dinosaur (or a dragon, for that matter). if the new form is smaller (like a crow, cat or mouse).
Accoutrements: Life magic has the power to re- Verbena can use Prime 1 to magically attune certain
shape only living tissue, not inanimate matter. So a possessions; effectively making them a part of the mage’s
shapeshifting mage must either discard clothing and own Pattern. These items then change form along with
other accoutrements or take them into account as part the mage, melding into the new form and reappearing
of the transformational spell. Verbena often favor loose, when the mage assumes her normal shape. Verbena

62 Verbena
attune important items, but they do so sparingly, since considered “vulgar with
those items become a part of them, and can potentially witnesses,” even if no one
be used against them magically, just like a lock of hair or sees the mage transform,
a few drops of blood. Wonders belonging to the mage are simply because reality is
already attuned as part of their magical nature. hardened against such crea-
A conjunctional Matter 3 Effect allows any matter tures even existing. This is why Verbena tend to assume
on the mage’s person (clothing, jewelry and other ac- animal forms more often than those of Bygones. Mages
coutrements) to vanish when the mage changes shape also do not acquire the innate magic of any form they
and reappear when she returns to her normal form. assume, though they can use conjunctional Effects with
Familiarity: Moving around as a wolf, dolphin or other Spheres to grant the new form similar powers, such
falcon is considerably different from walking on two as a Forces 3 Effect so a dragon form can also breathe fire.
legs as a human, and it takes some getting used to. At Multiple Forms: With Correspondence 4 and
the Storyteller’s discretion, Adepts of Life might suffer Mind 2, an Adept of Life can even split into multiple
a slight increase in difficulty for physical actions (+1 or creatures, each a separate living entity, but possessing
+2) while in another form. Masters of Life are comfort- a common mind and spirit (that of the original mage).
able in any form and do not suffer this penalty unless Verbena Masters have the power to transform into a flock
the new form is particularly unusual. of ravens, a school of fish, or even a cloud of stinging
MET: Those suffering unfamiliarity in their new insects. Individual members of the group can even be
form incur a one-Trait penalty to all Physical Tests until killed, but as long as one survives, the mage’s life force
they have had sufficient time to master their new shape endures. Any surviving creature can transform back into
(Storyteller’s discretion). the original form; the other remaining forms disappear.
Bygone Beasts: Verbena are not limited to transform- If the group suffered losses, then the mage suffers from
ing into earthly animals. They can also become mythic commensurate injuries in normal form. Some Verbena
beasts such as unicorns, dragons, griffins or even flying speak highly of the experience of existing as a flock of
monkeys, if they like. These transformations are always birds, for example, though some find the experience
difficult to assimilate.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 63

 MET: With an appropriate conjunctional rote (made
possible only if the optional rules for conjunctional magic Life Magic and Shapeshifters
are in play), the mage can split into several common Without adding Spirit magic to the mix, trans-
creatures. Needless to say, several props and possibly a few formational Life magic has less of an effect on natural
Narrators might be required to avoid confusion in this shapeshifters like the Fera. Anything less than a
situation. Damage taken in this form is up to the Narra- complete and permanent re-weaving of the subject’s
tor to adjudicate, but as a rule of thumb, the destruction Pattern does not take hold. The mercurial nature of
of every 10% of the group past the first 30% equals one the Fera asserts itself, and they can instantly shift back
health level lost. Grades of Success: Each additional grade into one of their natural forms. Therefore, casting
of success allows for a longer time spent in “swarm” form, a spell to turn a werewolf into a toad is ultimately
or further division into a larger number of animals. ineffective. It takes considerable time and effort to
Transformation: The guidelines presented here also effect changes in a shapeshifter’s form and spirit, and
apply to uses of Life magic to transform other creatures it’s not likely the Fera will sit still for it.
into different shapes. Identity loss is a particular threat A mage using Life 4 can cast a spell to lock a
for creatures transformed into another shape, since they shapeshifter into its current form and prevent it from
will eventually forget their original identity. The Verbena changing shape for the spell’s duration, or force a
are well known for turning those who offend them into shapeshifter into one of its other natural forms and
frogs, dogs and pigs (see Circe’s Enchantment, p. 66). keep it there. Needless to say, Fera do not care to
They can also transform beasts into humans, giving be manipulated in this way, and most will savagely
them human-level intelligence (although not necessarily attack any mage who does so.
experience). Such former beasts can even become fully
human after a time, and they might not want to return Shapeshifting and Identity
to their former lives. Verbena who master the art of shapeshifting
often develop very fluid ideas about identity. Hav-
The Book of Shadows: ing existed as beast and bird, able to take on the
Verbena Rotes
shapes of other people (including the opposite sex),
they tend not to associate identity with physical
The following rotes are well known among the form, but with spirit, personality and sense of
Verbena, many of them dating back to the Mythic Age, self. They alter their physical appearance at will,
passed down through covens and books of shadows over much like others change clothes, and they often
the centuries. have a broad range of experiences, making them
exceptionally open-minded and empathic. They
Adder’s Tongue (Mind ••) have literally walked (and run and flown and
The Verbena have long been known for their ability swam) in others’ shoes.
to understand the natural world, in particular the speech
of beasts and birds, and to speak to them in return. The Dark Ages: Witches of the Old Faith cast this spell
language of animals is not overly complex (though some using Spring ••.
creatures have very refined understanding of certain
concepts). Animals are generally well disposed to Ver- Arrest the Flight of Arrows (Forces ••)
bena who choose to speak to them, provided they’re In the Norse Hávamál, the god Odin proclaims,
not hungry or threatened in any way. Even then, the “If I see hurled arrows hard at my horde; though rapid
beast may speak, if only to communicate those feelings. their flight I arrest them in air.” Since ancient times,
The creature is under no compulsion to obey the caster, rune-workers have known charms for warding off the
but it could be persuaded to help, particularly if offered flight of arrows and similar such weapons, and they have
something it wants. passed this knowledge on to the Verbena. The spell
System: A single success is enough to allow the creates a ward that robs all sorts of missile weapons of
mage to speak with and understand any creature within their motive force, causing them to hang suspended in
earshot. The animal’s vocalizations don’t change, the mid-air for a moment before dropping harmlessly to
mage simply understands their meaning. the ground. A mage protected by this enchantment is
MET: Initiate Mind. Generally speaking, this rote is shielded not only against hurled spears and arrows, but
largely a roleplaying exercise, though the Narrator may modern ballistic weapons as well.
rule that it allows for a free retest of certain Animal Ken
or Survival tests as well. Grades of Success: No effect.

64 Verbena
 System: Successes scored from the spellcasting Dark Ages: Rarely used before modern times, this
are subtracted from successes rolled to hit the subject spell required Autumn ••, Summer ••. Most practi-
with a missile weapon, from a thrown rock to an arrow tioners of the Old Ways preferred more forceful means
or even a bullet. If the attack roll is reduced to zero or of eliminating those they disliked, however.
fewer successes, then the missile drops harmlessly to the
ground a short distance away from the target, robbed of Blood of the Sacred King (Prime •••)
its momentum. Even if the attack still has one or more Verbena understand well the power of sacrifice, the
successes, the hit is somewhat blunted by the spell (since energy bound up in living Patterns, that is released at
fewer successes mean fewer damage dice). The caster the moment of death, merging back into the weave of
must allocate successes to duration to maintain the the Tapestry. That power can be captured and channeled
spell, and he can protect multiple targets by assigning toward magical ends, particularly if the sacrifice is will-
successes to increase the Effect’s area. ing (and even if he is not). The emotional resonance
MET: Initiate Forces. A successful casting allows of a willing sacrifice works in harmony with the magic,
one ranged attack to be negated without apparent effect, whereas the emotions of an unwilling sacrifice may taint
as the bullets or arrows fall harmlessly to the ground the spell with an unexpected or unwanted resonance
shortly before they would have struck the target. Grades (of death, fear, pain or vengeance).
of Success: No effect. Among the Verbena, the most common sacrifice
(apart from Self Sacrifice) is that of the Sacred King,
Banishing Blessing (Entropy ••, Mind ••, who gives his life for the land, or the May Queen, who
possibly with Correspondence •••) does the same. The health of the land is the duty of its
Verbena who hold to the tenet of “harm none” find ruler. When the land falters, the ruler must perish to
other means to deal with problem people in their lives. make it grow strong again.
One such is to “release with love” as some Moon-Seekers A Sleeper sacrificing himself can release a remark-
say. Using some connection to the target (such as a photo able amount of Quintessence. A mage who willingly gives
or a lock of hair), the Verbena sends good fortune, along up his own life, however, can achieve truly remarkable
with the subtle mental suggestion to seize the opportunity, things through his sacrifice.
with the intention that the subject’s blessings will take System: For each of the Sleeper sacrifice’s health
him away (preferably far, far away) for some time. For levels (bashing and lethal) the caster gains one point
example, the subject might get a new job opportunity on of Quintessence, so a human sacrifice yields 14 points
the other side of the continent (or even the other side of of Quintessence, which the mage may use as desired.
the world), win a trip or vacation, hear for distant relatives If the subject possesses any innate Quintessence, it is
she didn’t even know she had and so forth. added to the above total. The subject’s state of mind
System: At least three successes are needed to send at the time of death applies a strong Resonance to the
the target away for at least a day, with additional suc- harvested Quintessence, which the Storyteller should
cesses extending the duration of the subject’s absence take into account when it is used.
once the blessing has taken hold. Four successes suffice An Awakened mage who sacrifices himself (or allows
for a month or so, five successes for six months, and himself to be sacrificed), on the other hand, provides
six or more successes can cause the subject to be gone the vital Quintessence, but does far more in addition
for a year or more (perhaps even permanently, at the — he can renew a dying Node by sacrificing his life and
Storyteller’s discretion). his Avatar to open up the Node. If the mage channels
MET: Initiate Entropy, Initiate Mind, optional his death to this purpose, he increases the rating of the
Disciple Correspondence. Success indicates that the Node by one dot per every two dots of his Arete rating
target receives some stroke of good fortune, which (rounded up if the player rolls any 10s; rounded down
in order to properly obtain requires her to leave the otherwise).
area for the rest of the next scene/hour (whichever is This rote cannot be fast cast. Furthermore, if more
longer). The subject is inclined to follow up this good than one mage performs such a sacrifice at a Node in
luck unless pressing business comes up. The nature of the space of one year, the Node may become unstable
this blessing is up to the Storyteller to determine, but and begin behaving erratically (varying drastically in
it should be genuine. Awakened targets may spend a its Quintessence output, for example, or by becoming
Willpower Trait to ignore this rote, though their good a shallowing or the like).
luck is likewise lost. Grades of Success: One additional A mage who sacrifices herself in this way cannot
hour/scene per success. be brought back by any means. She does not become

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 65

a ghost of any sort, nor can she be contacted in any Dark Ages: Spring •• and Summer •••• are
way. Her Avatar and spirit are both invested entirely required for mages of the Old Faith to cast this spell.
into the Node she is rekindling. Nothing remains of Valdaermen cast a similar spell using Galdrar •• and
the mage’s personality, except possibly some tendency Hjaldar ••••.
of the land to manifest her personality traits in some
vague, symbolic way. Curse of Macha (Life ••)
MET: Disciple Prime. Due to its potentially disturb- In ancient Ireland, the goddess Macha was forced,
ing nature in live-action play, it is recommended that while pregnant, to run a footrace against the swiftest
this rote be kept entirely descriptive and used only at horse in the kingdom to prove her prowess. She won and
suitably dramatic moments or in order to further the immediately went into labor thereafter, to be delivered
chronicle’s overall plot. of her child. She laid a curse upon the men of Ulster that
Dark Ages: The practice of sacrifice was well when they were in need of their strength, they would
known among the followers of the Old Faith and the feel the pangs of labor upon them, just as she suffered
Valdaermen, who used Autumn •••, Summer •••, them. This curse allows a Verbena to cause the victim,
and Forlog •••, Galdrar •••, respectively, to gather male or female, to feel labor pains clutching at them.
its power to them. Verbena women most often use it to teach men a lesson
about “the weaker sex.”
Circe’s Enchantment (Life •••••) System: Each success on the spell is treated as two
The legendary sorceress Circe used her magic to levels of bashing damage for purposes of determining
transform men into beasts. The Verbena have long dice pool penalties due to the terrible pain. Targets In-
practiced the art of transformation, though it is a dif- capacitated by the spell are incapable of doing anything
ficult one to master. The mage must touch the subject other than moaning and writhing in agony. Successes
or subjects of the spell with a wand or sprinkle them must be assigned to duration as normal, though the
with an elixir of distilled herbs to begin the process of mage can also choose to consciously maintain the spell.
transforming them into whatever sort of beast is desired. MET: Initiate Life. The targets suffer wound penal-
Some particularly infamous uses of this enchantment ties as though they suffered two levels of bashing damage,
include turning some targets into predators and others though no actual damage is inflicted. This pain lasts for
into prey, restoring the former only after they have 10 minutes or until the caster wills it to stop. Targets
hunted, killed and eaten the latter. Another is trans- Incapacitated by this pain are helpless to do anything
forming some subjects into male animals and others but write in agony, and those pushed beyond that limit
into females, allowing them to experience mating and pass out for the duration. Grades of Success: No effect.
childbirth before they are restored. Dark Ages: This curse was known to women of the
Verbena do also use this spell as a blessing of sorts, Old Faith, who cast it using Autumn •••.
allowing others to experience life in beast form; soaring
as an eagle or swimming as a dolphin, for example. It is Lay of the Land (Correspondence ••, Life ••)
a rare gift, and not one given lightly. Oneness with nature has long been a deeply held
System: Five successes are required to transform Verbena belief, one that this magic makes a reality. The
the target completely. Fewer successes might result in caster weaves a web of enchantment that connects her to
only a partial transformation (such as giving the target all life within a particular area, both plants and animals,
the head of a donkey or the lower body of a horse). allowing the mage to become aware of the nature of a
Each additional target requires another success, and at place and everything that is happening there. Generally,
least one success must be assigned to duration (for the the more sophisticated and plentiful the life in an area is,
spell to last more than a moment). This makes Circe’s the more the Verbena learns. This spell is more effective
Enchantment a taxing spell for even a skilled mage. in an old-growth forest or a jungle filled with numerous
MET: Master Life. A successful casting transforms creatures, less effective in a barren desert, and all but
the target into a normal beast of the caster’s choosing for useless in a blasted and barren landscape. Information
one turn/minute. Targets accepting this rote of their own comes filtered through the life of the land, so it might be
free (including the caster) will may spend a Willpower somewhat distorted by the different perspectives.
Trait to enhance this duration to 10 minutes. Grades of System: One success is needed to create the con-
Success: Each grade of success allows for an additional nection between the caster and the life of the land.
target to be transformed, or an additional minute added Additional successes expand the range of the caster’s
to the duration. senses as follows: an area 100 yards in radius with one

66 Verbena
additional success, up to a mile with two, 10 miles with Self Sacrifice (Prime •)
three, 100 miles with four, and 500 miles with five. At The Norse god Odin hung himself from the branches
greater distances, the information the mage receives of the World Tree to gain knowledge of the runes. So
becomes increasingly vague simply because there is must the Verbena sometimes sacrifice for their magic.
so much. The Storyteller may require a Perception + Rituals of pain and endurance — as simple as cutting
Awareness roll (difficulty 1 + total spell successes) to runes into flesh or scourging or as complex as hanging
sort out specific information. in imitation of Odin’s sacrifice or the Native American
MET: Initiate Correspondence, Initiate Life. For Sun Dance — fuel Verbena magic. Other mages consider
the rest of the scene, the mage receives a free retest such primitive and painful rituals unnecessary, but the
on all Awareness tests related to the surrounding area, Verbena understand that sometimes pain is the best
and may receive flashes of information gleaned from way to know that you are alive, and the willingness to
the local flora and fauna at the Storyteller’s discretion. sacrifice is one of the greatest strengths.
This rote does not function in areas without plentiful System: For each level of bashing damage that she
natural surroundings. Grades of Success: Each grade of suffers, the mage gains a point of Quintessence she can
success adds another scene to the duration. use for a particular spell. For each level of lethal damage,
Dark Ages: Witches and druids of the Old Faith the mage gains an additional point of Quintessence.
cast this spell using Autumn ••, Spring •••. This damage is done directly to the mage’s Pattern, so
it cannot be healed using magic, only time and rest. In
Magic Circle (Prime ••, Spirit ••) essence, the Verbena is drawing upon her own life force,
Verbena often perform their rites within the bounds breaking down the Quintessence of her own being, to
of a circle that is warded to protect them against all fuel her magic.
unwanted influences and spirits, intended to keep in the MET: Apprentice Prime. Each health level of bash-
power that they raise until the time is right to release it. ing damage suffered adds a Quintessence Trait that can
Traditionally, they create the circle by walking or tracing only be used for a single rote named when this rote is
its bounds with wand, staff or blade three times. The cast. Lethal health levels add Quintessence Traits at the
spirits of the four elements and the four directions are same rate, but they can be used for any rote. No form
then called upon to consecrate and enforce the circle’s of magical healing can repair damage done by this rote,
boundaries until the Verbena release them. only natural rest. Grades of Success: No effect.
System: A Magic Circle can have a radius up to Dark Ages: Old Faith mages cast this spell using
the caster’s Arete in yards; each success allocated to the Autumn •, while the Valdaermen cast it using Galdrar •.
radius increases it by a yard. A circle cast for a specific
ritual lasts until that ritual is complete. A circle cast Strains of Laughter, Sleep and Sorrow
for general purposes must have successes allocated to (Mind ••)
its duration. The remaining successes from the casting The Celtic god Dagda was said to possess a magi-
provide dice for countermagic. These dice are rolled cal harp that played certain songs that could enchant
automatically against any spell cast on a subject within all those who heard them. These haunting melodies
the bounds of the circle. Make a Willpower roll (difficulty caused uncontrollable laughter or weeping, or they
6) for any spirit attempting to cross the boundaries of the sent listeners into a deep and peaceful sleep. The
circle. A number of successes equal to the spell’s casting bards and skalds of the Verbena have long practiced
are necessary for it to do so. Spirits cannot affect those the art of influencing and enchanting listeners with
inside the boundary with their powers. their music and can produce similar effects. Tradi-
MET: Initiate Prime, Initiate Spirit. Spirits attempt- tionally it is the melody of a harp, pipe or flute that
ing to cross the boundaries of the circle must first best produces the magic, but some Verbena accompany the
the caster in a Willpower Test, with the caster adding instrument with a song or even sing unaccompanied.
her Arete rating to her Willpower for the purposes of Some casters have been known to achieve the same
ties and overbidding. Additionally, spirits cannot tar- effects with modern instruments.
get those within such a circle with their powers unless System: The caster weaves a powerful strain of
they break through, and mages receive a free retest on emotion with his music. The successes from casting
all countermagic tests while standing inside the circle. the spell determine the strength of the emotion. Two
Grades of Success: No effect. or three successes are enough for the listeners to feel
Dark Ages: This spell originated in the rituals of whatever emotion the caster projects. Four or more cause
the Old Faith, which used Autumn •• to cast it. the subject to feel it intensely, and even act upon it.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 67

At this level of success, subjects laugh or weep openly Threefold Return
or drop off into a deep and peaceful slumber. A target (Entropy ••••, Time ••••)
can spend a point of temporary Willpower to shake off Many Verbena believe in the Law of Threefold
the Effect briefly, but as long as the caster plays, it will Return, which says that what you do returns to you
return. The effects of the spell end within a minute after threefold in the fullness of time. Some Verbena are not
the caster stops playing or singing, though listeners who willing to wait for the fullness of time, so they choose
have fallen asleep will remain so for at least an hour or to help things along a bit, providing a touch of “instant
two, unless they are awakened before then. karma” where others get exactly what they deserve.
MET: Initiate Mind. After casting this rote, the The Verbena prepares a suitable charm as a focus
mage must defeat his target in a Social test of either for the spell, which must be worn or carried. The most
the Performance or Expression Ability, as suits his chosen common charm is a small mirror or other reflective
medium. If successful, the target immediately begins item, though metal rings (representing the circular
feeling the specified emotion for the rest of the scene. nature of the Law of Three), symbols connected with
Those sent to sleep do so peacefully, though they are fate and woven or knotted cords (particularly of three
instantly roused if attacked. The performance also must colors) are also common. The Verbena chooses when
continue, or the effect fades a minute later. Grades of to activate the charm, releasing the power of the spell.
Success: Each additional target requires another grade System: The caster must achieve at least one suc-
of success. cess to prepare the charm. When the spell is released,
Dark Ages: The Pillar required for this spell de- the total number of successes determines its effective-
pended on the emotion the caster wished to provoke: ness. It magnifies the actions of the subject performed
Summer •• for laughter, Winter •• for sleep and sorrow. for or against the caster and returns that fortune (good
Strength of the Earth (Life •••) or ill). So someone who did the caster a good turn
might gain some small benefit (for one success) to a
For the Verbena, the living Earth is a source of great
great windfall (for four or more successes). Someone
strength, spiritually and magically. Using this spell, it
who did the caster harm might suffer a similar harm
is also a great source of physical strength, investing the
(for one success) to a terrible series of misfortunes (for
caster with the power that raises mountains and directs
four or more successes).
the course of mighty rivers. To cast the spell, the Ver-
bena must be in contact with bare rock, soil, sand or MET: Adept Entropy, Adept Time. This rote relies
dirt. Pavement and wooden floors will not do, though largely on the Storyteller to adjudicate, but they are
solid stone floors set firmly into the ground might, at the encouraged to make the results suitably dramatic, for
Storyteller’s discretion. The caster needn’t be barefoot, better or worse — after all, the target is only getting
though some Verbena prefer it when using this magic. what’s coming to him. Grades of Success: Each grade
The spell also ends if the caster loses touch with the of success allows for a longer length of punishment (or
earth for any reason. reward), or a more severe result.
System: Each success on the spell’s casting adds a Dark Ages: Masters of manipulating fate, the Val-
dot to the mage’s Strength. The caster must also assign daermen cast this spell using Forlog ••••.
successes to duration for the spell to last for more than a Waters of the Well of Life (Life •••••)
moment. The spell is coincidental as long as the mage’s
Although the masters of the Verbena can create
Strength remains within human bounds (five or fewer
life, it is a power they rarely employ. The same is true
dots). Greater levels of strength require vulgar magic
for the power to restore life to the dead. Therein lay the
to achieve. A similar rote exists that uses oak trees to
hubris of Asclepius and Hippocrates, they say, which led
augment the mage’s Stamina.
to the creation of the Cosian Circle and their modern
MET: Disciple Life. This rote grants the mage the heirs, the Progenitors. Such power over life and death
following Physical Traits: Brawny and Ferocious. This is necessarily limited, because without death, life has
rote is coincidental if these Traits do not boost the mage no meaning.
over normal Trait maximums, but it is vulgar if they do.
The Verbena do possess mystic secrets for holding
Otherwise, these Traits can be bid and lost normally.
death at bay for a time, however. This enchantment
Grades of Success: No effect.
has been found (in one form or another) among many
Dark Ages: Mages of the Old Faith cast this spell different branches of the Old Faith, from the druids to
using Summer •••, while Valdaermen cast something the witches of Thessaly to the spae-wives of the North.
similar using Hjaldar •••. The caster infuses a bath — often in a great cauldron

68 Verbena
— with sacred herbs and magical power, transforming
it into the waters of the Well of Life, which can restore
life to the recently deceased.
System: A minimum of four successes are needed
to effect the spell, which is only possible if the subject
has been dead no more than a number of hours equal
to the caster’s Arete. The deceased is restored to life
with a single health level, and she must recover nor-
mally from that point (though magical healing can
assist in this as well). This spell is always vulgar, since
tampering with the forces of life and death in this way
is no small thing.
MET: Master Life. Success restores a corpse to life as
described already, and subject to the same limits. At
the Storyteller’s discretion, this rote may become
more difficult or even outright impossible depend-
ing on the condition of the corpse and the nature
of their death. This effect is always massively vulgar,
and even successful castings frequently result in visits
from Paradox spirits. Worse still, the mage might be
taken on a harrowing trip to the Underworld to learn
the value of life and death. Grades of Success: No effect.
Dark Ages: The mages of the Old Faith once cast
this spell using Spring •••••.
Willful Binding (Mind ••••)
Although they are believers in the tenet, “An it harm
none, do what thou wilt,” the Verbena also believe that
using magic to enjoin others from doing harm (essentially
binding them to the same credo) is entirely fair and
just. Sometime rather than calling down a curse upon a
wrongdoer (which could invite similar harm to return to
them), Verbena use this spell to bind that person’s will
and prevent any further transgressions.
The spell requires that the caster be in the presence
of the subject and pronounce the binding upon him,
or else have some personal connection to the subject
to cast the binding from afar. The subject is thereafter
unable to violate the commands that the caster has
specified — be it as broad as “do no harm” or as specific
as troubling a specific person no more.
System: The caster requires Correspondence 2 and
a personal item (picture, lock of hair, etc.) to cast this
spell on a target she cannot see. Otherwise the binding
must be done in the target’s presence. Successes deter-
mine how long the binding lasts (as given on p. 209 of
Mage). While under the effects of the Willful Binding,
the subject cannot take any action contrary to the mage’s
prohibitions, though the Storyteller may permit the
subject to spend a point of Willpower to momentarily
overcome the binding for a round. Countermagic can
also undo a Willful Binding.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 69

 MET: Adept Mind. Targets affected by this rote are miliars are common among members of the Tradition,
incapable of aggressively harming others in any way, more than in most others.
including ordering allies or underlings to harm their Verbena familiars normally appear as fairly mundane
enemies, though they may defend themselves normally animals, but they possess powerful, mystical spirits that
if need be. This rote lasts for the remainder of the ses- make them more than just beasts. Most Verbena prefer
sion. Grades of Success: Each grade of success allows for familiars that inhabit a living form rather than disem-
an additional target to be so influenced. bodied spirits. Familiars are, in essence, living Fetishes,
Dark Ages: Although less common in the past, this forms for powerful spirits that serve the Verbena as allies
spell could be cast using Winter ••••. (see the Forged by Dragon’s Fire for more information
about familiars).
Familiars Common animal forms for Verbena familiars include
Witches of legend are well known for their familiars: crows, ravens and cats (perhaps the most common) along
spirits (or demons) in animal form that do the witch’s with dogs, wolves, toads, snakes, ferrets and even more
bidding and serve as her eyes and ears. Although the exotic animals such as owls, swans or cranes.
legends are as distorted as any about the Verbena, fa-

Marks of the Craft: Merits and Flaws

The following Merits and Flaws from Mage: First Ones. Among mages (particularly Verbena) who
the Ascension are common among the care about matters of lineage, reduce the difficulty of
Verbena and particularly appropriate for your Social rolls by two (but not to less than 2). You’re
Verbena characters: also likely to receive a measure of deference and respect
Merits: Green Thumb, Unaging, Orac- from these people, though others will also expect great
ular Ability, Cyclic Magic (particularly tied things of you and could be disappointed if you don’t
to the cycles of the moon or the seasons), Fae live up to your heritage.
Blood, Shapechanger Kin, Sphere Natural
(Life) and True Faith (the Old Gods) Cloak of the Seasons (3-pt. Merit)
Flaws: Primal Marks, Berserker, The Bard’s Tongue, You are magically protected from the effects of the
Devil’s Mark and Geasa weather and the natural environment. You are perfectly
comfortable in winter’s chill or summer’s blazing heat
Physical Flaws like Disfigured, Deformity, Defective
regardless of your clothing (or lack thereof). You do
Sense and Lame are fairly uncommon among the Verbena,
not suffer from sunstroke or exposure. You’re not even
given their expertise in using Life magic to correct them.
bitten by insects or other vermin. Your senses are still
Verbena who have such Flaws are either inexperienced,
limited by the elements (including fog, rain and snow),
ill-favored, cursed or have chosen to retain their physical
and you’re not protected from either hunger or thirst.
imperfections for whatever reason (which might offer a
potential story hook for the character). Natural Shapeshifter (3-pt. Merit)
Long-Lived (1-pt. Merit) You are a natural and talented shapeshifter when us-
ing Life magic (not necessarily related to the Fera, though
Whether through heredity, the blessings of the gods
you may also have the Shapechanger Kin Merit). You are
or just good, clean living, you are especially long-lived.
never in danger of losing yourself to the identity of your
You age, but gracefully, retaining both your vitality and
beast-form, and any new shape you adopt is as comfortable
your faculties. You can easily expect to live to see your
to you as your own. Moreover, the difficulty of Arete rolls
first century, and possibly another beyond that. Note
to change your own shape is two less than normal.
that adepts of the Life Sphere can achieve this Effect
through magic. This Merit grants it naturally (and does MET: You are two Traits up on all tests involving
not incur the possibility of Paradox). changing your own shape, and you need not worry about
ever losing your identity while in another form.
Honored Lineage (2-pt. Merit)
Touch of Life (3-pt. Merit)
Your bloodline is descended from one of the oldest
and most respected families among the Verbena, and you Your Avatar and your Pattern are filled to overflow-
can trace your ancestry back to the Burning Times, if not ing with the energies of life. You are especially vital
farther. You are a true scion of the legendary Wyck, the and vivacious, and others find your presence uplifting

70 Verbena
and energizing (and possibly annoying, for those who MET: For the three-Trait Flaw, opponents holding
don’t care for such things). You recover from injury as cold iron receive a free retest against your magic, or iron
if your condition was one health level less serious. (A inflicts one level of bashing damage per turn of contact
Wounded character recovers as if he is only Injured, tak- to your skin. For four Traits, it does both, or weapons
ing a week rather than a month.) Reduce the difficulty of cold iron inflict lethal damage regardless of type. For
of your Stamina rolls to fight off diseases and poisons five Traits, it grants foes a free retest, and you suffer a
by one. More importantly, your liveliness tends to rub level of lethal damage per turn of contact.
off on others. Plants thrive under your care (much like
the Green Thumb Merit, p. 294 of Mage). Injured Bound by the Law of Three (5-pt. Flaw)
people under your direct care recover as quickly as you For whatever reason, you are more than just a
do (treating their condition as one health level less believer in the Verbena ideal of the Law of Threefold
serious for purposes of recovery). Return, you are a living embodiment of it, in that
The downside of this Merit is that your blood is whatever harm you do to others using magic eventually
particularly rich in life force, meaning vampires gain returns to plague you.
twice the normal amount of blood points when drinking The exact definition of “harm” is up to you and the
from you. This might make you a target of bloodsuckers Storyteller to decide, but it definitely includes inflicting
and similar life-draining creatures. injury, pain, illness and bad luck, as well as influencing
others against their will. Using magic to achieve any of
Witch’s Bane (3- to 5-pt. Flaw) these ends is always considered “vulgar with witnesses”
The touch of cold iron is anathema to both you and for you (you and the gods are witness to it, if no one
your magic, or both. This may be due to some faerie else). This means you accumulate more Paradox for it
heritage or the like (and is most common among Verbena (possibly much more), and you’re more likely to suffer
with the Fae Blood Merit). As a 3-pt Flaw, the touch Paradox Backlashes because of it.
of cold iron either provides three dice of countermagic You can still use magic on others against their will, as
against your spells or inflicts a health level of bashing long as doing so does not cause harm. Examples include
damage per turn it’s in contact with you. As a 4-pt. binding someone to prevent them from doing harm to
Flaw it does both, or inflicts lethal damage. As a 5-pt. themselves or others, and using rotes like Banishing
Flaw, it provides both three dice of countermagic and Blessing (p. 65) to gently guide unwanted people out
inflicts a health level of lethal damage each round it is of your life for a while.
in contact with you.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 71

72 Verbena
 Chapter Three:
Children
of the Wyck
Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong.
—Winston Churchill

The devastation caused by the Avatar Storm This is fortunate, because the Traditions are sorely
and the consequences of the Ascension War in need of the vitality that the Verbena represent. The
have had their impact on the Traditions, others see darkness all around, despair and those who
barring many elder mages from the world have lost hope, clinging to memories of past glories or
and leaving a younger generation without railing uselessly at the cruel whims of fate. To the Ver-
guidance. Where some Traditions have bena, far too many of their fellow mages have forgotten
foundered, the Verbena have blossomed how to live and that life itself is the greatest mystery
under these hardships, like a sudden frost and the greatest gift.
causes a tree to flower in an effort to scatter Even though winter lies deep upon the world and
its seeds and ensure the survival of its kind. all magic is falling into its chill embrace, the Verbena
The ranks of the Verbena have increased con- know that such cold and darkness is always followed by
siderably over the past few decades, and the younger a new spring and the return of life and light. Seeds wait
generation has taken up the cause of the Old Ways in the frozen ground for the first warming rays of the
from their elders, hardly missing a step. They know sun, and the keepers of the Old Ways are the gardeners
that life endures and that the Verbena have seen such who tend to them. It’s not over, the Verbena say — it
dark times before. As long as they remain true to their can’t be. If it is, then all their efforts won’t matter one
beliefs and live their lives to the fullest, then hope is way or another, but it’s not just the result that matters,
not yet lost. The one Divine Self that awakens to its it’s the effort and the effects of a life lived true to what
own nature might yet secure Ascension for all. The you believe. Even if that is all the Verbena achieve —
Ascension War is not over. It’s merely being fought on to remain true to the Old Ways and the legacy of the
a different plane than before. Wyck until the end — then it is enough.

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 73

 Notable Verbena
The Verbena are a diverse crop, sprung from Hector knew of magic was self-taught. He had to start
the scattered seeds of the oldest mystical out at the bottom again, and there was a lot to learn.
heritages. Their tremendous diversity is He spent several years learning all that his master had
both their greatest asset and their greatest to teach him before he was ready to return home as a
potential weakness, since the Verbena lack man and a true priest of the Orixá.
unity and are in greater need of it. Verbena In his mid-20s, Hector went back to Rio, where he
belonging to different factions and differ- became a pai de santo, head of a house, with students
ent cultures are respectful of each other, of his own. It didn’t take long for the community to
but only as respectful as they are of related welcome him back or for Hector to feel at home again
Traditions such as the Dreamspeakers or the Cult of among them. For the past 10 years, he has divided his
Ecstasy. Deep divisions still cut through the Verbena, time between Rio and Miami, working with his fellow
between traditionalists and New Agers, between the Verbena and their allies to further the cause of the poor
Old and New World, between factions, covens and communities in those areas. He has also made several
cultures. At their best, the Verbena represent the ideal trips to Africa to meet and study with masters of the
of diverse mages working together toward Ascension, Ifa tradition that is the root of Santeria and Voudoun,
a microcosm of the Traditions. At their worst, they are deepening his experience with the Orixá. Now in his
a squabbling, barely united group suffering the effects mid-30s, Hector is recognized as a talented and capable
of infighting and arguing over semantics. adept and a teacher in his own right.
The following are a few Verbena who have made Image: Hector de Xangô is a dark-skinned Brazilian
names for themselves through their heroism, skill or man in his mid-30s with an intense glare that seems to
otherwise exemplary behavior. extend right into the soul. He has a broad nose, sharp
cheekbones and somewhat wild hair with a short beard.
Hector de Xangô He tends to dress simply in a short-sleeved button-down
Background: Born in poverty in Rio De Janeiro, shirt, a T-shirt or a tank top and a pair of loose-fitting
Hector grew up in a shantytown, learning how to pick drawstring pants. He often goes barefoot (preferring to
pockets and bilk tourists out of their money so that he feel the earth under him), but he wears sandals on oc-
might have enough to eat. He was barely 12 years old casion. He dislikes wearing shoes. He typically wears a
when an ialorixá, a Candomble priestess, recognized a necklace of cowry shells and a beaded bracelet or anklet.
spark of magic in him. She encouraged the boy to come The foci for Hector’s magic are primarily the trap-
and talk with her and eventually told him that the Orixá pings of the Ifa tradition, including rum and cigars
had chosen him and that Xangô, the Orixá of thunder and
lightning, ruled his head. Hector became her apprentice,
and the first time he attended a ritual of her santo (house),
Xangô entered into him to dance. Hector felt truly alive
for the first time in his young life, and he Awakened.
Hector quickly outstripped his teacher, becoming
a babalorixá, or priest of the Orixá, before he turned 16.
Respected throughout the community for his strong
connection with the spirit world, his good advice and
his gifts for healing, Hector spent a fair portion of his
time interceding with the Orixá on behalf of the people.
Many came to him for advice and blessings, and word
of him eventually reached other ears.
When Hector was 18, a Verbena Santeria master
contacted him and recognized his potential. She offered
to teach Hector about the true nature of reality, but he
had to come and join her house in Miami. He agreed
and found his new apprenticeship a humbling experi-
ence. Although he was a talented mage, most of what

74 Verbena
(favored by Xangô), drums, knives and cowry shells or
kola nuts for divinations. Important rituals call for a
Hesha Morningshade
blood sacrifice, usually of a rooster or goat, which Hector Background: Hesha Morningshade was destined to
offers up to the Orixá to call on their aid. be one of the great teachers and leaders of the Verbena,
though not even she expected that her time would come
Roleplaying Hints: You are a fierce advocate of
so soon. The Verbena Primus and master Nightshade
the good of your people, whom you consider to be all
recognized Hesha’s potential, however, and took her
those in need of spiritual guidance. You do not believe
as her student and apprentice. This choice stirred up
material success is the key to happiness. A full belly is
considerable speculation and jealousy, particularly since
meaningless with an empty spirit. The poor don’t need
Hesha was not from a known bloodline or sympathetic
money, they need something to believe in and hold on
to the Gardeners of the Tree. She was a simple country
to. If they have that, then the rest will come. If they
girl who first learned the Old Ways at her grandmother’s
don’t, then all the charity in the world won’t make a
knee and made no claims of any ties with the ancient
difference. You believe that people should make it on
Wyck. Her interests lay much more with the Moon-
their own, but that there’s nothing wrong with offering
Seekers, and she looked forward to the future rather
guidance along the way.
than back toward the past.
You are a man of deep and abiding faith in the Orixá,
Hesha proved herself a capable student. She was also
and you accept their guidance. Unlike many Verbena
a talented teacher and quickly became a high priestess
santeros, you do not see a need to purge the Christianized
and mentor in her own right, seeking out and guiding
elements from the Way of the Saints. They are a part
potential initiates onto the paths of the Verbena, all
of your tradition and your beliefs, and they show that
the while showing them how to find their own way in
all faith springs from the same root source. Although
the world. Hesha has always believed that teachers only
you have your beliefs, they don’t invalidate anyone
plant the seeds of knowledge into their students — the
else’s, and you’re not threatened that others believe
students must grow and mature in their own way. They
differently from you.
should take care to weed their gardens, but not to prune
You’re an earthy and practical man. You have slaugh- their charges overly much. Each must take her destined
tered chickens and goats as offerings to the Orixá since shape and path. This made her a sought-after teacher
you were a boy, and you wield a butcher knife without among the Moon-Seekers and many modern Verbena,
squeamishness. Consequently, you have little patience and it only brought her more into question as far as the
for squeamishness in others. Your hands are always dirty traditionalists were concerned.
or bloody — callused hands that have done hard work
She lived simply, traveling the world to share her
and never shy away from it.
knowledge and insight with other circles, seeking out po-
Faction: Twisters of Fate tential students. This meant that she was on Earth when
Essence: Primordial
Nature: Caregiver
Demeanor: Traditionalist
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina (Tireless) 4,
Charisma (Primal) 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3,
Perception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits (Visionary) 5
Abilities: Alertness 2, Athletics 2, Awareness 4, Cosmol-
ogy 2, Dodge 2, Leadership 3, Linguistics 2, Medicine 2,
Occult 4, Performance 2, Stealth 3, Streetwise 3, Sur-
vival 2
Backgrounds: Avatar 4, Dream 3, Mentor 2, Node 2
Arete: 4
Spheres: Entropy 3, Life 4, Matter 2, Mind 1, Spirit 4
Willpower: 8
Quintessence: 6
Paradox: 0
Resonance: (Dynamic) Vital, (Dynamic) Energetic,
(Static) Spiritual, (Entropic) Visceral

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 75

the Avatar Storm closed off the spirit realms to the masters
of the Traditions and when Horizon fell. Although she
Other Verbena
The Verbena (like most Traditions) claim many
was saddened by those events, Hesha believes that they
noteworthy mages among their number, stretching back
showed a deep flaw in the Traditions’ thinking that the
to the Aeduna and the legendary Wyck. To the Verbena
Ascension somehow lay beyond Earth and humanity. Since
all primordial mages are ultimately a part of their lineage.
the Avatar Storm, she has found herself in a leadership
role even more, now one of the eldest and most respected Medea
Verbena still accessible to the Tradition’s initiates. The witch Medea is one of the most infamous an-
Image: Hesha Morningshade is truly handsome cestors of the Verbena. Born to a royal family, Medea
woman, classically beautiful and a serene mother figure. possessed the blood of the Wyck and a strong talent for
She has straight, flaming red hair that falls to her waist, magic. As a girl she studied the craft. By the time she was
usually tied back with a colorful ribbon (a silver diadem a young woman, she was already a formidable sorceress.
or crown of flowers in ritual). Her eyes are deep blue, Then she met the dashing Jason, a prince from Thes-
reflecting a youthful passion and vigor. Although she’s saly, who came to her land with a crew of heroes known
in her 40s, she has an ageless quality about her. as the Argonauts, searching for the legendary Golden
Roleplaying Hints: You disdain any sort of formal Fleece. Medea fell in love with Jason immediately and
leadership position, and you are not a member of any offered to help him claim the Fleece if he took her and
one circle. Instead, you continue to travel the world, her younger brother with him back to his homeland.
seeking out potential students, teaching and maintaining Jason agreed, and Medea prepared the sleeping draught
contact with the many “gardens” of Verbena you have that lulled the dragon guarding the Golden Fleece. When
helped to plant. More than ever, you are convinced that the Argo was unable to escape her father’s ships, Medea killed
the hope and future of the Tradition (and perhaps all her brother, cut his body into pieces, and scattered them
humanity) lies with these young initiates who are still behind, forcing her father to stop to collect his son’s body
filled with wonder, life and vigor, and not yet bowed by for a proper burial. Medea continued to aid Jason with her
age and cynicism. They may try your patience sometimes, magic after his return home. She went to Jason’s usurping
but they also help keep you young and honest about uncle in disguise, claiming she could restore his youth and
yourself and your path. You learn at least as much from vigor. To prove it, she cut up a sheep, then boiled the pieces
them as you teach them in return, and that has become in a pot with magical herbs. A young lamb sprang from
your own personal path toward Ascension. the pot. When the King’s daughters attempted the same
Faction: Moon-Seekers on him, they got nothing but a cauldron of boiled flesh.
Essence: Questing Jason assumed the throne, and Medea gave him two
Nature: Visionary sons. Eventually, however, the king’s eye wandered. He
Demeanor: Pedagogue
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina (Vigorous) 4,
Charisma (Passionate) 4, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3,
Perception (Insightful) 4, Intelligence (Knowledge-
able) 4, Wits 3
Abilities: Academics 3, Alertness 2, Awareness 3,
Cosmology 4, Enigmas 3, Etiquette 2, Expression 3,
Leadership 4, Linguistics 3, Medicine 2, Meditation 3,
Occult (Verbena Lore) 5
Backgrounds: Avatar 3, Destiny 3, Dream 2
Arete: 5
Spheres: Correspondence 2, Entropy 1, Life 5, Matter 2,
Mind 3, Spirit 2, Time 1
Willpower: 8
Quintessence: 10
Paradox: 0
Resonance: (Dynamic) Bountiful, (Dynamic) Vigorous,
(Static) Cyclical

76 Verbena
became enamored of a princess of a nearby country and
offered to take her as his wife, cementing an alliance
between the two lands. Furious at being set aside, Medea
arranged to send the new queen the gift of a fine cloak.
When this queen clasped it around her, it burst into
flames and burned her to death. Medea then murdered
her own children as a final strike against Jason before
fleeing Thessaly in a chariot drawn by dragons.
Medea fled into the Umbra, where she sought to
create the life that eluded her in the mundane world.
She refined her mastery of Life magic to a tremendous
degree, creating new lovers, new children and a new
family to replace those that she had destroyed. Some
Verbena elders were able to treat with her from time to
time, but she was well known as a dangerous ally and an
even more dangerous enemy. Still, she was recognized as
one of the greatest masters of the Verbena and eventu-
ally considered an Oracle for her vast powers. There
was a time when Medea ruled as a queen over worlds
of her own making, and she sought to be a benevolent
ruler — though a jealous one.
supported his dream of Camelot, serving as his advisor
As Medea’s world became more and more expansive,
and counselor. Unfortunately, the dream of Camelot
she sank deeper and deeper into her own creation and
failed, betrayed by love and trapped by its own ideals.
into the depths of Quiet, becoming a Marauder. In recent
years, the Verbena grapevine has been full of talk of Medea. Even before Arthur fell at the hand of his son Mor-
Some have said that the Avatar Storm shocked her out dred, Merlin left the world behind. Legend has it that
of her Quiet and into an awareness of the modern world he was sealed within a tree or stone by his student and
and the grim condition it’s in. While a handful of Verbena lover Nimue, although there is some question whether
elders have tried to corroborate these tales, none have or not she betrayed Merlin or did this at his request.
been able to do so. But if they are true, it remains to be Some Verbena maintain that Merlin foresaw the end
seen what role so powerful an Oracle of Life might play of Camelot and, powerless to prevent it, chose to sleep
in the Ascension War — even assuming that she can away the ages until the time of Arthur’s return, so that
reach Earth or that other mages can find her. he could once again advise and aid his protégé.

Merlin Nightshade
Legends say that Myrrdin, or Merlin as he is known The woman known only by her craft-name of
in the modern world, was born the child of a mortal Nightshade was the co-founder and first Primus of the
woman and a spirit or devil. The Verbena maintain Verbena Tradition. Without her efforts, it is quite possible
that Merlin’s father was one of the legendary Wyck and that the Old Ways of the Verbena would never have
Merlin’s extraordinary power was a result of the blood of survived the struggle against the Order of Reason (and
the First Ones running so strongly in his veins. Certainly, its misbegotten child, the Technocracy). They would
Merlin was extraordinarily gifted, able to foretell the now be as dead as the unicorns and other Bygones they
future even as a boy. The Verbena claim that he was once protected.
trained and initiated into the Old Ways by one of the Nightshade was born in England in the late 14th
surviving Aeduna, and that he performed many of the or early 15th century (history is unclear as to her exact
great feats of magic attributed to him (although not the birth date). Her parents were pagans, keepers of the Old
building of Stonehenge, which the Verbena attribute Faith, and Nightshade was raised to honor the old gods
to the Wyck themselves). and their ways. She was a natural priestess and leader,
Perhaps Merlin’s greatest deed was arranging the and she trained with a coven. In adulthood, she was a
birth of Arthur, the young chieftain-king who served prominent member of the pagan community in England.
as a leader to unite the pagan and Christian peoples of Nightshade was the sole survivor of the massacre
Britain under one rule. Merlin educated Arthur and at Harrowgate, when the forces of General Wyngarde

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 77

 So Nightshade supported the formation of the Council
of Mystic Traditions. Moreover, she sought to unite the
diverse pagan paths of Europe into an alliance. Such an
alliance could not only withstand the onslaught of the Order
of Reason, but it could also take a position of strength on
the new Council without having to answer to the whims
of the Order of Hermes or the Celestial Chorus. Her efforts
led to the creation of the Verbena, and she is honored as
the mother of the modern Tradition.
Nightshade walked the Paths of the Wyck and trav-
eled the world gathering allies for the new Tradition.
She also avenged her family and friends by burying
Wyngarde’s army in a blizzard and slaying the general
with her own hands. She was recognized as one of the
most formidable members of the Council of Nine, al-
though she exercised her power carefully.
As the centuries passed, Nightshade spent increas-
ingly more time in Horizon, although she visited the
earthly realm on occasion and even continued to teach
descended upon the pagan celebrants at a Midsummer students and attend seasonal rituals. After the fall of
ritual. The cruelty and the sheer hatred she witnessed Horizon and the Avatar Storm, Verbena circles and
that night marked Nightshade for the rest of her days. covens lost contact with their Primus, and some fear that
It became quite clear to her that there would be no ac- Nightshade is dead, either at the hands of the Technocracy
cord between the Old Ways and the Order of Reason, or torn apart by the Avatar Storm. Still, those who knew
that the Burning Times would consume all pagan folk her point out that she has literally walked through fire
unless something was done. and death many times before and survived.

All-Verbena Chronicles
The Verbena are a diverse lot, but they have the same, and the Verbena wouldn’t have it any other way.
certain things in common that bind them In addition to the four major factions within the Tradition
together as a Tradition, not the least of which (described in Chapter Two), the Verbena enjoy a diverse
are their love of life and their respect for the range of cultural and mythic backgrounds. A circle might
Old Ways. Since the founding of the Council consist solely of Celtic descendants of the ancient druids
of Nine, Verbena have often been suspicious and bards, but it is just as likely to include a druid, a rune-
of outsiders. In the past they suffered at the worker, a New Age “kitchen witch,” a ceremonial Wiccan
hands of the ancestors of the Celestial Cho- and a priestess of Santeria. Storytellers can make Verbena
rus and the Order of Hermes as well as the chronicles as focused or as broad and diverse as they wish,
Technocracy. They understand the need for since the Tradition is one of the most inclusive of all.
unity within the Traditions, but such old grudges are not
so easily set aside. Moreover, mages of other Traditions Themes
often find Verbena ways and rites disturbing, even barbaric, A number of themes common to the Verbena can
making them less likely to work with the followers of the show up in an all-Verbena chronicle to enhance the story.
Old Ways unless the Verbena are willing to modify and Chronicles can include some or all of these themes. Although
tone-down their traditional practices. Some Verbena are they might not necessarily be in the forefront of every story,
willing to do so, but others aren’t. Therefore, Verbena these basic themes underlie much of the Verbena Tradition,
circles and covens often consist solely of initiates of their and they tend to show up in one form or another.
Tradition, perhaps with an ally or two from a sympathetic
path such as the Dreamspeakers. Vitality
All-Verbena chronicles still offer plenty of opportunities The Verbena believe in living life to the fullest
for variety. No two followers of the Old Ways are entirely by embracing all the many joys and experiences that
it has to offer. They are not ascetic mystics who lock

78 Verbena
themselves up in their ivory towers to contemplate the Cycles
nature of reality. They’re all about getting out into the The Verbena recognize cycles in all aspects of
world to experience reality firsthand. Their emphasis on creation: life and death, the beating of a heart, the
doing rather than just being makes the Verbena appeal- rhythm of sex, the seasons, the tides, the sun and the
ing to young mages, who might find the philosophies of moon. Everything has its cycle, and all things change
the Akashic Brotherhood, the Celestial Chorus or the while ultimately remaining in a state of dynamic bal-
Order of Hermes too dry or austere. ance. These cycles can express themselves in a Verbena
Their vitality also makes the Verbena an active chronicle in various ways.
part of the world, which can be a boon for a chronicle One way is to base the narrative arc of the chronicle
since there isn’t likely to be as much “downtime” with on the progression of cycles, such as the seasons or the
the mages off on their own performing experiments or Wheel of the Year. A chronicle can start out with the
research. While the Verbena do feel the need for soli- circle in spring, representing new relationships and
tude, they’re more likely to do things that are easier to opportunities. The world is fresh and the mages are
incorporate into the cooperative storytelling of the game newly Awakened to their potential. In the summer of
rather than solo activities that require little narration the chronicle, the mages grow into their power and
and don’t involve the other characters. place within the Tradition. They achieve great things
In addition to their joie de vivre, the theme of vital- and pursue their own passions. In the autumn of the
ity can also show up in Verbena stories by confronting chronicle things stabilize, mature and perhaps become
the characters with challenges to their liveliness. The somewhat routine. The characters might have achieved
World of Darkness is often not a vital place, and it can many of their goals and passed on their knowledge
be difficult for even the Verbena to maintain their sense and experience. In the winter of the chronicle, things
of life and hope in the face of so much despair and apa- decline. The mages lose some of the vitality they once
thy. It also offers opportunities to raise issues about the had. Perhaps they’ve become set in their ways. The world
quality of life. For the Verbena it’s not just enough to is darker, colder and less filled with opportunities than
be alive; they also want to feel alive. That colors their before. The chronicle might end with a slow decline,
reactions to lingering illness and infirmity. or perhaps the cycle comes around again and there is a
renewal of hope with the coming of spring.
Tradition
Cycles can also appear in an extended chronicle
For centuries, the Verbena and their ancestors have through history. For example, a historical chronicle that
held fast to cultural beliefs (and even cultures), keeping progresses through different eras (see pp. 81-82) can
them alive in a world that increasingly doesn’t care about highlight both the small cycles found within individual
the Old Ways of thinking, believing or doing things. characters’ lifetimes and the much larger cycle of the
They’ve suffered and been persecuted for their beliefs, but rise and decline of magic that can be seen only over a
they have remained faithful despite it all. They are strong long period of time.
believers in tradition, though exactly which tradition
can be a matter for debate (or even heated argument). Transformation
The Verbena Tradition consists of a diverse number Although they are devoted to the Old Ways, there
of pagan traditions and beliefs, and it is balanced between is a strong strain of transhumanism among the Verbena,
dedication to those ways and the need to accept others an interest in becoming more than they already are.
and forge ahead into the future. Conservative elements Many Verbena rituals are rites of passage, and there is
of the Verbena fight to maintain tradition and to keep an underlying theme of transformation in their Tradi-
the Old Ways pure as their ancestors knew them. More tion and their magic.
progressive elements try different combinations of the The progression from birth to youth to maturity
Old Ways and are always looking for new innovations, to old age and finally death is one of the prime trans-
which the Tradition as a whole might be slow to adopt. formations and cycles among the Verbena. It is found
The Technocracy promotes a kind of homogenous cul- in many of their gods, who are dual- or triple-aspected
ture that is anathema to the Verbena, who struggle against to reflect the different stages of life. The Awakening
the loss of their individual cultural identities. At the same and initiation of a mage is a prime transformation, as
time, they are aware that theirs is a living Tradition, which are the Seekings a mage embarks upon to gain greater
changes and develops over time. How the Verbena are enlightenment and understanding.
changing, and how parts of the Tradition react to such The Verbena also experience literal transformations.
changes, can be an important theme in a chronicle. With Life magic, they can become entirely different

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 79

creatures, experiencing what it’s like to be a tree, fish
or bird. They can also re-invent themselves, shaping Sex and Sexuality
their bodies to suit them and even creating permanent The Verbena try to have very few hang-ups when
changes in their Patterns over time. Exploring the uses it comes to sex and sexuality. For most members of the
(and shortcomings) of this power can become a theme Tradition there is nothing wrong with recreational sex
in the chronicle. (simply for pleasure and enjoyment) and any sexual
Finally, the Verbena are transforming as a Tradition expression involving consenting adults is fair game
by incorporating new ideas and new initiates, adapting the (including homosexuality, bisexuality and various
Old Ways to serve the needs of the modern world. This polyamorous arrangements).
ongoing evolution and development can become a part Of course, most Verbena live and were raised
of the chronicle as the Verbena struggle to continuously in the real world, so they bring with them whatever
redefine their identity and place in the world. sexual mores their society and upbringing instilled in
them. Some Verbena believe that sex is a sacred act
Sacrifice that should be kept within the bounds of a handfasted
The Verbena believe strongly in sacrifice — not or monogamous relationship. Some Verbena think
just bloody-handed animal sacrifices, but deep personal that anything other than free and open sexuality
sacrifices as well. While it is a theme that should be is hypocrisy, or at least self-imposed oppression. A
explored with care, it can create powerful stories as well. handful of stodgy traditionalists insist that the “polar-
Sacrifice is the willingness to give up something (or ity” between male and female makes heterosexual
to give up everything) for a particular cause. The sacrifice couplings the only “natural” ones.
of produce and livestock among the pagan traditions Just as the Verbena have a broad range of
represented a true gift from the people to their gods, since sexual mores, so do people in the real world, and
they were so dependent upon the land and its bounty. The the Storyteller and players should be aware of that
Verbena also sacrifice their time, their security and even when dealing with sexual issues in the context of
their lives to safeguard their beliefs and their traditions. a Mage chronicle. Some players might find it fun
They have willingly suffered condemnation, imprison- and interesting to deal with the sexuality of their
ment and death for what they hold sacred. characters in the game, while others might be
In many ways, sacrifice is the ultimate expression of uncomfortable with some issues (or any talk of sex
Verbena vitality, because it represents a willingness to within the context of the game). The Storyteller
give one’s self over to a cause or belief completely. The should make an effort to find out what the players
sacred priest-king gives his life willingly to restore the are comfortable with and respect their boundaries,
land because it is his duty and responsibility to do so. and ask the other players to do the same.
The Verbena give of themselves to maintain the cycle While a Mage chronicle can serve as a safe
of life and to preserve the Old Ways because they see place for players to explore topics of sexuality and
themselves as the chosen guardians. The realization of identity, be aware that these topics can stir up very
the importance of sacrifice can make a fitting climax powerful emotions that can be uncomfortable for
to a story or even an entire chronicle. some players. Decide in advance what is an accept-
able level of talk and portrayal of sexuality in the
Including Non-Verbena Characters chronicle and enforce it during the game. It’s still
It’s fairly easy to include mages from other Traditions quite possible to deal with sexual issues without
in a mostly Verbena chronicle or as part of a Verbena becoming overly explicit.
circle. The Verbena Tradition is a diverse group with
respect for many other mystic Traditions. Some Verbena
view the other Traditions as offshoots of their own, House Ex Miscellanea have also been known to join
although some apples have fallen farther from the tree Verbena covens, and the might even trace their lineage
than others. Verbena factions such as the Moon-Seekers back to common ancestors in the Dark Ages. Those
look for things they can learn from other Traditions and members of the Euthanatos and Celestial Chorus who
are the most likely to work with them. are pagans worshipping old gods might actually find
The Dreamspeakers and the Cult of Ecstasy are the themselves more comfortable among the Verbena than
Traditions most likely to be found working side-by-side they are among members of their own Traditions.
with the Verbena, particularly among characters who Technomancers such as the Virtual Adepts and Sons of
come from a similar cultural background. Hermetics of Ether are relatively infrequent associates of the Verbena, but

80 Verbena
a circle of “techno-pagans” might welcome them, particularly of Fate along the East Coast and the deep South, the
if they have the Dual Traditions Merit (Mage, p. 298) or Moon-Seekers spread out across the Midwest and up and
if they trained as Verbena (before or after deciding to down the West Coast and the Lifeweavers pretty much
become technomancers). The same is true of the Akashic wherever they damn well pleased. In modern times, the
Brotherhood, though there are Moon-Seekers who find factions are not so geographically divided, though they
wisdom in Eastern philosophy. They note that Taoism, in remain slightly more common in those regions favored
particular, has a great deal in common with the Verbena by their elders.
concept of the Goddess and the God. Areas like the Pacific Northwest (stretching from
Santa Cruz to Vancouver, BC), New England, the North-
Verbena Around the World ern Plains states and the Mississippi Delta in particular are
As befits one of the oldest Traditions, Verbena are home to Verbena circles and Nodes in North America.
found nearly everywhere, and their love for the living South America: South America’s vibrant magical
world has kept many of them close to Earth when other styles, derived from African traditions blended with
mages departed for the depths of the Umbral Realms and native beliefs and Spanish and Portuguese Catholi-
Horizon. The shrinking of the wilderness and the loss cism, are among the newest additions to the Verbena.
of old cultures and ways have had their impact on the Moon-Seekers and Lifeweavers are among the most
Verbena, however, forcing them to adapt to the modern common here. A number of Twisters of Fate also recall
world as they have for centuries. They blend in among the earliest and most primal ways of their ancestors,
the people they live with, sometimes adopting their ways as do some Gardeners who fiercely resist any effort to
outwardly while keeping their own traditions in secret. homogenize their culture or ways for the comfort of
Europe: The Old Country is still the heartland for others in the Tradition.
many Verbena. There they can feel the spirits of their Africa: The mother continent of the Ifa tradition
ancestors among the rocks and the trees. They feel the that is the root of Voudoun and Santeria, Africa has
power flowing through the land, the waters and the sky, become a home for Verbena who have returned seeking
and they can almost touch the lives they once knew as their roots and an understanding of those primal Wyck
sacred guardians of these places. Although the Burning who once walked the jungles, hills and grasslands of this
Times decimated the Verbena in Europe, they have since place. These seekers have met and shared with Dream-
sprung back, like new growth from the remains of a forest speakers and disparates in Africa and have brought some
fire. Europe is now one of the strongholds of the Tradition of them into the Verbena in turn.
and home to the greatest number of Verbena-controlled
Asia: The Verbena don’t have much of a presence
Nodes, some of them ancient and truly powerful.
in Asia, apart from a few individuals and isolated covens
The Verbena in Europe tend to be secretive, hiding here and there. The majority of Asian Verbena are found
in plain sight. While many people know of a local wise in and around Russia and the Balkans, following the
woman or man with the Second Sight, they think fairly ancient traditions of their ancestors. Russian Verbena
little of it, and the Verbena go about their business quietly. have long lived in the shadow of the hag-witch Baba
Old habits instilled by the Burning Times have been slow Yaga, but recently tales of the “little grandmother’s”
to change, and the practitioners of the Craft in the Old demise have come from Mother Russia, leaving some
Country keep a low profile for the most part. This is at of Baba Yaga’s followers in a struggle with the Verbena
least partly because Europe is also strongly influenced by guardians of the land.
the Gardeners of the Tree, who hold to the Old Ways of
Australia: Verbena presence in Australia tends to
the Craft. Many of the secrets of the traditions are passed
be limited to the cities and outlying farms, though some
down along family lines, though even the Gardeners have
Verbena do seek out the Dreamspeakers of the Outback
begun adopting initiates from outside their bloodlines.
as allies and teachers. Verbena have supported efforts
North America: North America has proven fertile to protect the environment and the sacred places of
ground for the Verbena to put down new roots. From Australia and the surrounding region.
Colonial New England, the Tradition spread slowly
out across the continent, meeting and mingling with Historical Chronicles
practitioners of other similar paths such as the ways of One option for a Verbena chronicle is to make use of
the Native Americans, the Voudoun of New Orleans some of the material from Chapter One to set the game
and the Santeria of the South and Southwest. sometimes in the Tradition’s long history, perhaps even
The Gardeners of the Tree were most common in and before the founding of the modern Verbena Tradition
around New England for some time, with the Twisters in the 15th century.

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 81

 A chronicle set in the Mythic Age could focus on A historical chronicle may take place entirely in
the deeds of the legendary Wyck or the Aeduna, inter- a particular era, or it may progress through several dif-
acting with figures and creatures and legend. Players ferent eras, possibly culminating in the modern day.
can experience the split between the Greek Aeduna Since the Avatars of mages reincarnate from one life
and the Cosian Circle or the Lighting Scourge of the to the next, the characters in each different era might
Roman magi against the Celtic druids and fae. Story- be linked by possessing the Avatars of their “ancestors,”
tellers might want to either use the rules and systems giving them past-life memories and karmic ties to other
from Dark Ages: Mage for such chronicles or adapt the characters in the group.
modern-day Mage rules as needed. Such a chronicle can serve as an in-depth prelude
For chronicles set during the Renaissance, Mage: to a modern Verbena chronicle, giving the players a
The Sorcerers Crusade is an invaluable resource, strong sense of the Tradition’s history, since they have
allowing players to experience the early years of the been a part of it. It can also provide ready-made plot
Tradition. Perhaps starting with the founding of the hooks for the characters, since their Avatars might have
Verbena and struggling to incorporate many diverse connections with certain past events and other charac-
paths and cultures under a single aegis represented on ters in the setting. Perhaps the ancient rivalry between
the Council of Nine. an Aeduna mage and a Cosian physician is played out
Finally, the schism between the Iron Circle and again between a modern Verbena and her Progenitor
the Verbena during World War II and the turbulence counterpart. (Or perhaps it is the Cosian Avatar that
and new hope of the 1960s make interesting settings has incarnated as Verbena in this lifetime and the former
for Verbena-centered Mage chronicles. Aeduna who is now a Progenitor!)

Cabal: New Hope Farm

In a rural area not far from a major city is support of their friends and, with a little magical help,
one of many cooperative organic farms found found the ideal location for New Hope Farm.
throughout North America. This particular The loss of many of the Traditions’ Masters and the
farm is distinctive because it is the home of ultimate end of the Ascension War spelled trouble for
a circle of Verbena dedicated not only to New Hope Farm. The farm became a haven for Tradition
properly harvesting the bounty of the land mages in need of shelter, but that also endangered the
while living in harmony with it, but also farm’s safety. Magic was fading from the world, smothered
finding and teaching potential new members by the apathy of the Sleepers. So Jon Fairmont made a
of the Tradition. They do what they can to decision to preserve his dream and that of his friends and
help protect the environment while keeping the Old Ways family, at the cost of his own life. His sacrifice dramatically
alive in the face of the growing power of the Technocracy. rekindled the Node beneath the land, and since then,
New Hope Farm has been not only a bastion of magic in
History an increasingly mundane world, but also truly sacred to
The seeds of New Hope Farm were planted when the other members of the New Hope Circle, who honor
six potential initiates were gathered and trained by the Jon’s sacrifice by carrying on his dream.
Verbena, initiated into the Tradition after their Awaken-
ing. Although they came from diverse backgrounds, they Mission
all became friends during the trials of their initiation New Hope Farm’s purpose is manifold. It is a success-
and their experience as new members of the Tradition. ful organic farming co-op that uses modern and ancient
Two of them became particularly close. ecological techniques in harmony with the land and
Jon Fairmont and Kameria Shula became lovers at the nature. It helps provide an example to others of a more
first Beltane ceremony they attended together, embodying ecologically sound way of living in addition to support-
the young God and Goddess in their union of the Great ing the community of people who live there. The farm
Rite. Their relationship blossomed into love, and they also serves as a home base for the New Hope Circle, a
were handfasted a year later in a ceremony conducted training ground for Verbena initiates, and a safe haven
by their friends and chantry-mates. Jon, a student of for Verbena (and, to an extent, any Tradition mage) in
ecology, suggested the idea of starting a new Verbena need of shelter. The circle wants the farm to serve as a
chantry based around an organic farm co-op, something symbol of hope to their fellow mages and a place where
he’d often thought about doing. The couple gathered the the Old Ways are still practiced and honored.

82 Verbena
 The practical day-to-day work of the farm takes up Ascension warrior leading a squad of HIT Marks to their
much of the New Hope Circle’s time. Everyone living doorstep. By the same token, the circle tries not to turn
on the land, including the circle members, students and away allies in need. A measure of discretion and a willing-
consors, works to support the farm by performing various ness to follow the rules is usually enough to gain the New
tasks. Those tasks range from cultivating and weeding Hope Farm’s hospitality, at least for a short while.
to mulching, harvesting, food preparation, cleaning and
other routine chores. The farm sells produce and herbs Organization and Politics
in excess of its subsistence needs to local markets and New Hope Farm is a cooperative, meaning that it
restaurants. The farm uses organic growing techniques is jointly owned and operated by the members of the
and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Fairly little New Hope Circle (who are full members of the coopera-
actual magic is used in the growing process, other than tive), and by their students and consors (who also have
the simple magic of hard work and care. a voice in how the cooperative is run), though only full
Everyone living full-time at the farm is aware of members of the circle have a vote.
the existence of the New Hope Circle and the fact that The New Hope community gathers at least once
they are mages, though they know little else about the a week to discuss business on the farm and handle any
Traditions or even the Verbena as a whole. They’re issues that arise. These meetings generally go smoothly,
aware of the Ascension War but, fortunately, haven’t though they have been broken up by personal conflicts
been overly affected by it. The farm is too far out of the in the past. Community members are allowed and ex-
way to be much concern to the Technocracy, particularly pected to speak their minds at meetings and gatherings,
since the start of the Avatar Storm. The circle is careful so things can sometimes get a bit heated.
to maintain the security of the farm; its existence as a The tasks on the farm are regularly divided up among
Verbena chantry is not widely circulated. the members of the community, including the circle,
The New Hope Circle takes on a small number of which is not exempt from performing chores. The circle
apprentices each year, but it rarely has more than nine members tend to have more fixed roles and tasks, but
of them on the farm at any one time. These potential they pitch-in wherever and whenever they are needed.
mages are taught how to work the land, and they study The farm’s by-laws say that most decisions can be
with the members of the circle in their particular areas passed with a simple majority vote of the members of the
of expertise. Some of them Awaken and are initiated circle, but adding a new member to the circle requires
as Verbena, but others do not. They either find their a unanimous vote, as does removing a member from
path elsewhere or remain as consors of the farm. Some it and making any significant changes to the by-laws
new students are already Awakened, in which case the themselves.
circle takes great care to see that they get training in
how to deal with their newfound awareness and ability. The Circle
The Verbena of the New Hope Circle are relatively The core of the New Hope Circle consists of the
young and inexperienced themselves (compared to five remaining Verbena founders, who were initiated
masters who have practiced the Craft for decades, even and studied together. They’re all considered equals in
centuries). They’re also well aware that most of those running the co-op, though each has a particular role
experienced teachers are no longer available and that it’s within the organization and the circle. Debates among
up to them to carry on the Verbena’s traditions. They do the circle members can sometimes get heated, but they
the best they can with the time and resources available are close friends first and foremost, and their bonds run
to them, but there is some concern whether they’re do- deeper than simple friendship or partnership.
ing neophyte mages a disservice by training them. Thus Kameria Fairmont: Born a hunchback with a mal-
far, none of the circle’s students have complained that formed spine, Kameria was taken from her home village
their education is lacking. (They complain freely about in Africa when she was six years old. Missionaries cared
many other things, but not that.) for her and eventually placed her in an adoptive home,
New Hope Farm also serves as a “safe house” of sorts but Kameria never felt at home with her new family. She
for Tradition mages in need of a haven or simply a place always felt out of place, a freak, self-conscious about her
to get away from the outside world for a while, provided deformity. Her training as a Verbena truly transformed
they’re willing to do their fair share of the work. The circle her. It awakened primordial past-life memories and a
is careful about who it allows to stay, since maintaining talent for shapeshifting in Kameria, and anyone who
the secrecy of the farm and the safety of the students and saw her today would never recognize her as the shy,
consors is the primary concern. Nobody wants some rogue

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 83

awkward girl she once was. Now through Life magic new family. In the mid-’90s, Teague contracted HIV and
she stands straight and tall, a stunning African woman developed AIDS, not long before the Verbena found
with long black hair usually worn in beaded cornrows, him. His training as a mage has allowed him not only
with a passionate fire smoldering in her dark eyes. Ka- to heal himself completely of his infection but also to
meria has changed in spirit as well, with the passing of fulfill his lifelong dream. Teague is New Hope’s resident
her husband and the birth of their child, she has gone bard and keeper of lore. He’s a tall, willowy man with
from the passionate and innocent maiden to the fierce long, straight brown hair that falls past his shoulders.
and powerful mother-figure of the New Hope Circle. He’s fond of wearing a cloak out of doors rather than a
Teague O’Connel: Teague was another wounded jacket or coat whenever he can, and he’s rarely far from
soul healed by the Verbena. Teague always felt that he’d his hand-made Celtic harp.
been born centuries too late. He dreamed of being an Irish Takoda Walking-Bear: Takoda’s grandfather Ko-
bard in the days when such poets were sacred keepers of hana was Verbena, and he hoped to teach his grandson
lore, yet he had to settle for being a harpist at various to follow in his footsteps, sensing the potential within
Renaissance Faires. He was estranged from his family him. But Kohana passed on before he was able to teach
for being gay, so his Ren-Faire friends became Teague’s Takoda, so he arranged for a friend to initiate him in the

Using New Hope Farm

Storytellers can use the New Hope Farm in a farm, but they won’t turn away those in need. If the
number of ways, as suits the needs of the chronicle. characters’ enemies do follow them to the farm, then
The farm can be a home base for different sorts of the mages should feel honor-bound to help defend the
Mage games, a place of refuge or just somewhere for farm — at the very least.
the characters to visit from time to time. Finally, New Hope Farm can simply be a place the
An all- or mostly Verbena chronicle can be set characters visit for any number of reasons. Perhaps
at the New Hope Farm quite easily. The players can they are acquainted with one or more of the New
take on the roles of members of the New Hope Circle, Hope Circle and show up for a visit. They might need
either using the existing characters or replacing or the advice or insight of one of the Verbena at the
supplementing them with new characters. Any rela- farm, or they might be asked in to “guest lecture” on
tively young and largely Verbena circle could run the a particular topic for the circle’s students. If the circle
farm, and the Storyteller can allow the characters to encounters trouble (magical or otherwise) beyond its
control a Node located on the property as a resource. ability to handle, it might call on the characters for
Alternatively, the players could portray students at aid, especially if it did them a good turn in the past.
New Hope Farm, allowing the Storyteller to introduce The farm exists to safeguard a particular way
them to the Verbena and the world of Mage as their of life, and Jon Fairmont’s sacrifice has made it a
characters learn from their mentors and teachers. The profoundly magical place. The farm’s land offers
students might be adults from various walks of life the Storyteller the opportunity to introduce various
brought together to learn, or they might be youngsters wondrous or magical things into the chronicle for
(teenagers or even younger), allowing for a different the characters to encounter. A shallowing into the
sort of chronicle. For example, the farm might offer Umbra could form somewhere on the farm, allowing
a “summer apprenticeship program” for high school the unaware to step into the spirit world. (Perhaps
and college-age students aimed at particularly “gifted” some mundane trespassers or visitors to the farm do
youngsters. This allows the Verbena the opportunity to so, and the mages have to rescue them.) Likewise,
mentor them and possibly guide them toward Awaken- Bygones might appear on the farm’s land from time
ing, as well as aiding those who have already Awakened. to time, and it could attract faeries or other spirits,
Tradition mages friendly to the Verbena might both benevolent and mischievous.
know about the existence of New Hope Farm and use Note that the farm’s exact location has been left
it as a refuge if things get too hot in the characters’ deliberately vague, allowing the Storyteller to place
usual stomping grounds. It makes a good place for it wherever is needed to suit the chronicle. Ideally,
Tradition mages on the run to hide, rest and recover it should be in a rural area some distance from any
their strength (particularly with Takoda’s healing large cities, but it can easily be set anywhere, includ-
ministrations). The New Hope Circle will be cautious ing a location outside North America (though some
to make sure the characters don’t lead anyone to the adjustment might be necessary in that case).

84 Verbena
Old Ways. Takoda’s inability to experience visions led (though it’s doubtful they will ever entirely fade). Her
him to perform the Native American Sun Dance, where anger has been transformed into confidence, though she
he saw a vision of his grandfather. Thereafter, he was still has a caustic wit and a vengeful streak. She’s not
initiated as a Verbena and has become a skilled healer. squeamish about doing what needs to be done to protect
Takoda is in charge of the farm’s medicinal plants and herself and her circle, and she doesn’t apologize for it
herbs, and he regularly communes with their spirits. He’s to anyone. Deborah is a thin, somewhat pale woman
also the chief healer of the circle, adept at treating many with a pinched look to her face and straight black hair
ills with herbalism, homeopathic remedies and magic. that she usually wears back in a ponytail.
Takoda is a tall, broad-shouldered Native American Aileen Wilkinson: Aileen grew up in a strict middle
with long black hair. He usually dresses in comfortable class Protestant family. When her twin sister, Kathy, was
work clothes like jeans and a flannel shirt. raped and murdered, Aileen found no sympathy from her
Deborah Gray: Deborah (“Deb” only to her close stern father. (He blamed Kathy for going out alone and
friends) admits that she came to the Craft seeking power dressing in a “provocative” manner.) Alone and filled with
and that it is still important to her. Deborah always felt grief, Aileen stumbled upon a pagan celebration and took
powerless, angry at the world, so when an acquaintance some comfort in it. Later the man who killed her sister
offered her a chance at power, she took it. Deborah’s stalked and attacked her, but she fought him off. When
initiation into the Verbena was not easy, and she soon her father’s sole concern was how it would all look, Aileen
unearthed past-life memories of being burned at the decided to leave home and seek out the pagans who had
stake, which haunted her visions and dreams. Her Ava- helped her. They introduced her into the Verbena, where
tar was deeply scarred by the experience, but Deborah she sought to claim her own power and become a role model
claimed her power and has healed many of those scars for women, young and old, who felt powerless.

Legends of the Old Faith

The roots of the Verbena are ancient in- Various stories associate Lilith with the spawning of
deed, and many stories have been handed monsters, though these tales might be misunderstood.
down from generation to generation of the (Then again, they might not, as some Verbena point
Old Faith, existing throughout history to out.) Lilith might have ties with the ancient ancestors
the modern day. Some Verbena believe of the Fera, the changing folk, and with the creation
that these tales are the literal truth, while of vampires. Legend has it that she took pity on Caine
others consider them either metaphors for and taught him to survive and use the power inherent
a deeper truth or simple folk tales that offer in his blood, granting modern vampires their powers.
wisdom and insight. Whether the events Verbena often honor Lilith as a dark aspect of the God-
and people they describe really existed isn’t as important dess, associating her with Hecate, Kali, Macha and other
to those Verbena. Dark Mothers who are honored for their strength and
feared for their power.
Lilith Moreover, some Verbena believe that Lilith is
Some Verbena consider the Witch Mother Lilith immortal and that she dwells still in the dark reaches
one of the Wyck, the First Ones. Certainly, Lilith is an of the Umbra, where she watches over and guides her
embodiment of dark feminine energies that the Verbena many children. The Dark Mother is certainly a power
honor, a paragon of empowered womanhood, which the to be reckoned with, although her purpose may not
Verbena claim is why she has been maligned so often necessarily be universal Ascension. Some believe the
by history. Possessing enlightened free will, Lilith chose Nephandi have corrupted Lilith (or perhaps vice versa),
not to remain servile to Adam in the Garden of Eden, while others say she is beyond good and evil as most
striking out on her own instead. Deprived of paradise, understand it. Although some claim to have encountered
Lilith had to create her own, working her will upon the the Dark Lady, or her works, no one can say for sure if
world. Among other things, Lilith carved out realms she still walks among the living. If she exists, and if she
within the Umbra, some of which are still known to is a mage, Lilith is surely one of the most powerful of
the Verbena today. the Oracles by this point.

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 85

 Leaves from the World Tree
The Verbena are among the most diverse of Europe. The Verbena’s diversity is a source of both
of a diverse lot. Despite the best efforts of strength and tension within the Tradition, and the
traditionalists, the Verbena have included following pages offer only a small sample of the many
a variety of people and magical paths over different willworkers who follow the Old Ways, in one
the centuries since the Tradition’s own form or another.
formation from the diverse pagan faiths

86 Verbena
Eco-Activist
Quote: Fuck with the planet, and the planet will fuck with you.
Prelude: You have always had a deep love for the natural
world. Even as a child you liked to walk in the woods and
camp. As a teenager you developed a strong sense of right
and wrong and of conservation of the precious
wilderness. In college you decided to
major in environmental studies, even
though your parents considered it a
waste of time. You also got politically
involved, joining protests against the
destruction of the rainforest, the poi-
soning of the earth and the extinction
of so many species. It awakened you
to a totally different way of living, in
harmony with the planet rather
than as just another parasite
slowly killing it.
Your eco-activism
also brought you into
contact with a lot of
neo-pagans: Wiccans,
modern shamans,
Celtic restoration-
ists and so forth.
Through them you
found a spirituality to match your social and political beliefs, a deeper and more
spiritual connection with the living Earth. Not all of your connections were necessar-
ily spiritual, however. Some of your friends were pretty radical, and although you were
against using violence to get your message across, you have spiked your share of old growth
trees and done some monkey wrenching in your time.
It was at a protest when cops used tear-gas to disperse your group that you really opened
your eyes to the cries of the Earth and to your own power and potential. Things happened
around you that protected you and your fellow protestors and caused the cops to retreat.
Some of your neo-pagan friends said that you needed to meet some people, who taught you
about the ancient times when your ancestors lived as true children of the Earth. Now it’s up
to you to help save Her.
Concept: You’re very much a part of the modern world, and you’re well aware of its problems.
You don’t necessarily want things to revert back to that Golden Age that once existed, because
you know that innocence cannot be reclaimed. Yet you do firmly believe that something has to
change, or the Ascension War won’t matter a damn because the world will be dead. That’s the
greatest threat the Technocrats pose, not to magic, but to life itself. They won’t be happy until
everything is sterile and all life comes from a lab. You’re not going to let that happen.
Roleplaying Tips: You’re passionate about what you believe in. Maybe a little too pas-
sionate sometimes for other people’s comfort, but you’re all about shocking people out of their
complacency and making them aware of what’s really going on in the world. You try to teach by
example as well, living the kind of life that you think is necessary to be at peace with the Earth.
Magic: Your magic calls upon the Earth Mother and the forces of nature for aid. You prefer
natural tools like herbs, branches, twigs, water and soil, and you’re not afraid to get your hands
dirty. You’re sensitive to the ebb and flow of life.
Equipment: loose cotton clothes, hemp sandals, shoulder bag of spell components and
foci, beaded necklace

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 87

88 Verbena
Storm Witch
Quote: Weather’s lookin’ a mite ugly tonight. You better go
before it gets much worse.
Prelude: You grew up in the Catskills in rural New York. You
don’t remember a day in your life when you didn’t know magic
was real. When you were a child, your parents used it regularly.
It was never in question if you were going to become a mage, but
when. Your family — a rambling extended
mob — is descended from a long line
of witches, and they practically
owned the town. That’s why
it, out of all the towns around
it, is the only one not to show
the tell-tale signs of a rust-belt
decay and degeneration. Your
ancestors made sure that the
“wonders of industry” never got
a foothold, regardless of the money
that was being waved in their
direction. Now, some 70 years
later, your family might not be
wealthy, but neither does
your town suffer from the
birth defects, the liver
and kidney failure and
the long litany of can-
cers that other towns
around you are dealing with. Thanks to foresight and just a little spellwork, the apples
from your family orchards are the tastiest and healthiest fruit in the state of New York.
Your Awakening took place when you were just 17. Some kids from a neighboring
town had driven in to cause trouble. They’d heard that your family was a little weird
and maybe had some self-professed witches among its number. When they found out who
you were, they were only too eager to show you what good upstanding Christians did to
witches. You, in turn were only too happy to show them what good, sensible witches did to
lowlife hypocrites like them.
The coroner (your second cousin once removed) and the editor of the town paper
(your great uncle) reported the two fatalities as death by natural causes. “Those freak spring
thunderstorms, after all, can sneak up on you pretty suddenly, and the kids must have had
something on ’em made of metal…” And that was the end of it.
Your initiation into the family craft took place the very next week.
Concept: You are a storm witch from a long and illustrious line of Verbena witches. Your
family made you the guardian of the orchards. It’s your duty to see that the rains are plentiful
and the frost is not. You stir the clouds when you need to and nudge the winds in the right
direction for pollination. You feel your place in the great cycles, and it is good.
Roleplaying Tips: You’re all about having a good time, living life to the fullest and
showing other people how to do the same. You don’t believe in moderation, but you do
believe in quality of life, and you know from bitter experience that overindulging can some-
times diminish that. You use your abilities to know what other people want, discover what
makes them tick and to influence them subtly.
Magic: Your magic is largely made of rituals to affect the weather.
You whistle for winds, spit three times for rain and hiss for snow. Your
entire family is lining up to teach you more rotes, but so far your
interest is solely in feeling, shaping and causing the weather.
Equipment: pruning sheers, small iron cauldron, a fresh
apple (or two)

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 89

Voodoo Priestess
Quote: Hate to ruin your day, child, but the Loas are about
to kick your ass.
Prelude: Your grandmother used to spend
hours telling you stories about the Voodoo
queen Marie Laveau. Your mind was so
full of Marie Laveau that you used
to beg your mother to take you in
to New Orleans, but your mother,
despite her own occasional dabbling
with magic, considered it best to
keep you as far from “that crazy horse
shit” as possible.
It did no good. Grandmama
would take you in to New Orleans
during the day when your
mother was working. She
felt it very important to
keep the family’s magi-
cal talents honed. You
went to every lame
Voodoo shop in the
French Quarter and
then a few. You saw
every single tomb
reputed to be Marie
Laveau’s and then saw
the one that nobody knew about that was the real thing. You saw an old friend of Grand-
mama’s raise a zombie in the full light of day.
And you knew what you wanted to be when you grew up.
In time, your mother found out what had been going on (as she couldn’t help but do),
and she decided that the only way to protect you from your grandmother’s influence was to
move. And move you did. To Seattle.
Grandmama still sends you letters from time to time, and she visits you in dreams, but
you haven’t seen her in years.
Your Awakening was particularly traumatic. You were about to be the victim of a rape,
but instead of being there in your body as it happened, you invited the Loas to take your
body instead. And they did. The Loas, it seemed, had a reach well beyond the outskirts
of New Orleans. You were kicked out of your body, and Loa of vengeance, Erzulie Toho
took over your body. When it did, your attacker began suffering from terrible, wracking
convulsions. His back muscles clenched up until his spine snapped, and when the Loa
departed, you were left to call the ambulance.
Concept: You are Seattle’s only Voodoo priestess. It’s fate as much as anything that
makes you Verbena. In slightly different circumstances, the Bata’a would certainly have
claimed you as one of their own. You have studied Afro-Caribbean witchcraft since you
could read. Your grandmother trained you as best she could, and you’ve educated yourself
since then on the Loas. You’ve even let the Loas ride you as a horse from time to time.
Roleplaying Tips: You have inherited your magic through your grandmother.
The ways of Voodoo stretch back to Africa, and you are the student of these ways.
Soon, you even hope to be the teacher of these ways. While you are easygoing most
of the time, you take your role as guardian of the knowledge of Voodoo very seriously.
Magic: You see spirits. Moreover, you see how the spirits work through people
and animals, and to some small degree you have learned to channel the spirits. You can see how the
spirit world works and how spirit affects the flesh. And when you need to, you can summon the Loas
to make things happen.
Equipment: Bowie knife, cigar, bottle of rum, live chicken

90 Verbena
Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 91
New Age Witch
Quote: My Goddess gave birth to your uptight little God.
Prelude: When you were a kid, you believed in things like Santa
Claus, the Tooth Fairy and magical fantasy worlds. By the time you
were an adult, you didn’t believe in anything, least of all yourself. A
friend invited you to attend a pagan festival, and you felt something
there. It was a real connection, like something you didn’t even know
was missing until you had it back. You talked to some of the people at
the festival, and they pointed you toward some books to learn more.
You devoured the information and quickly discovered that only
some of what the books had to say worked for you. (The rest of it was
crap.) You were particularly drawn to the idea of Goddess-worship, of
honoring the divine as feminine as well as masculine.
When some Christian acquaintances of yours found out, they
felt the need to “rescue” you. Their ignorance
seemed to know no bounds, but neither
did their excessive zeal. Not only did they
pray for you, they pushed tracts into your hands
and tricked you into going to church. When those
tactics didn’t work, they began actively harassing
you. Eventually they gave up, but their response left
you with a strong dislike of Christians from then on.
You wanted some more guidance, so you sought
out a real teacher. You took some classes at a local
bookstore and joined a discussion group on the Internet.
You attended more festivals, and it wasn’t long before
you declared yourself a full-fledged witch even
though you didn’t really know what it was
to be a witch then. You found out when of them. You learned to overlook it and deal with it
you joined a coven, only to discover when necessary, realizing that it doesn’t change
that it was full of pettiness, who you are or what you believe.
big egos and catty bitch- Roleplaying Tips: You strive to be a true
ing. Disillusioned, witch in your heart, regardless of what anyone else thinks
you quit the group, that should mean. To those who say that lineage matters,
resolving to pursue you counter that only the Goddess and the God can
your path alone. make someone a true witch, and they’re never
Then, one night, as you praised wrong when they choose. You want to learn
the Goddess beneath the full moon, from your peers, but you have no patience
the Goddess actually spoke to you and with arrogance or pretense. If it works, you
told you that you were not alone, that use it, if it doesn’t, then at least you tried
you were never truly alone. For some it with an open mind. That’s your greatest
time after that, you reveled in your virtue, and perhaps your greatest flaw.
new power. You sought out overzeal- Magic: You describe your style
ous Christians and argued with them as “eclectic” (though others call
and, sometimes, did things to make their it “flaky” or “scattered”). You
lives just a little more miserable. make use of the traditional
Eventually, the real meaning of the tools (wand, athame, chalice
Wiccan Rede sank in, and you stopped and such) but also your share of
persecuting Christians (for the most part). crystals, essential oils, herbal rem-
You still think of yourself as being on the edies, teas, chimes, Tarot cards and
front lines in a great battle between the Old pretty much whatever else comes along.
Ways and this pushy new religion that’s not even a full Equipment: long, sweeping
two millennia old, though. dresses and casual clothes,
Concept: After your Awak- ceremonial cloak,
ening you discovered that there wand (decorated with
were others like you and that they crystals), Tarot decks
were a diverse group, even if the (several different
pettiness you encountered in your styles), athame (cer-
first coven was still there in some emonial dagger)

92 Verbena
Rune-Crafter
Quote: The runes show me the shape of the future. There’s not
much left to yours.
Prelude: When you were a child, the One-Eyed Man came
to you in a dream and taught you how to tie a proper hangman’s
noose from a length of rope. He whispered certain ancient names
in your ear and said they were important, though you didn’t know
why or how. He taught you how to spell those names, in a crude,
angular alphabet that no one else recognized — the runes. You
knew certain things by listening to the squawking of crows. You
knew what they were saying to each other, and
your insights disturbed people, including you.
You learned not to talk about your dreams
or the things you knew. You did your best
to ignore them, but they just
wouldn’t go away. You were
diagnosed as schizophren-
ic, and doctors prescribed
anti-psychotic medication for
you that dulled your brain but made
getting along with others a little easier.
If you still had the dreams, you
didn’t remember them.
One night, you ran out
of Clozaril, the medication
you were told to take, and
you went to the all-night
pharmacy to get more. You
picked the night that it was held up. Four people were shot that night. You lost your right eye
in a bright, explosive moment of pain, and as you lay on the floor watching your blood spread
out around you with your remaining eye, the One-Eyed man was with you again. He looked
down at you from the shadows under his broad-brimmed hat and said, “It’s time.” Suddenly,
in the spilled boxes, floor tiles and smears of blood, you saw things — meanings, patterns,
connections — that you had never seen before. You smeared bloody rune words across the
floor tiles — old words of great power. Words of healing. Words of vengeance. The paramedic
said it was a miracle that you survived. He thought it was pretty funny that you lived while
the robber who shot you only made it two blocks before losing control of his car and burning
to death in the resulting explosion. You both had a good laugh over the irony of it all.
You stopped taking your Clozaril — or any medication — after that. You didn’t need it
because you weren’t crazy. Then someone came to your door and showed you the runes he’d
carved into his chest, telling you that he’d had a vision, too.
Concept: Since your Awakening, you’ve learned the secrets of the runes. You know how
to draw forth their power by carving them or chanting their names. You’ve learned the history
and lore of the great rune-crafters, and you have embraced what others call madness (which
you call understanding).
Roleplaying Tips: You are a product of a bygone age and tradition. Some call you mad, but
you have merely seen a greater truth, and you embrace life with the fierceness and dedication of
one who has spent too long in the waking death of mood-stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs. Your
experience has filled you with newfound conviction and unshakable confidence. You are fierce and
forceful. While you are truly kind and generous to your friends, you are terrible to your enemies.
You fear nothing, except perhaps the sort of slow suffocation you endured before your Awakening.
Magic: The runes are your source of magic. You chant their names. You carve them into
wood, stone or even flesh. You draw them in ink, paint or blood. You use stones carved
with their images. You have only begun to explore their depths, and you intend to master
all of their secrets.
Equipment: long coat, broad-brimmed hat, pouch of runestones, Bowie knife, glass
eye (subtly etched with rune words)

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 93

94 Verbena
Scion of the Wyck
Quote: I am descended from the Wise Ones. Their blood
and power flows through me.
Prelude: Other Verbena, other mages, Awakened to
their power and learned of magic and Ascension after living
mundane lives, but not you. Your bloodline stretches back to
the dawn of Verbena history with the legendary Aeduna and
Wyck of the ancient world. Your family has followed the Old
Faith and maintained the Old Ways for centuries, through
the rise and fall of empires and the dangers of the Burning
Times. Many of them suffered for their beliefs, and many
of them died. You were taught all of this when you
were only a child, and your parents showed you
many wonders. When other kids took vacations
in Disneyland, you visited the Horizon Realms and
saw real faeries and unicorns.
Your family always expected great things from
you. After all, you had a noble heritage to live up
to. More than anything else, you wanted to make
them proud of you, so you worked hard to
study magic and learn all that you could
about the Old Ways. There was a time
when you feared you would never truly
understand, that you would be consigned
to the life of a humble sorcerer, but your
blood was true. You Awakened to your
power in the middle of an otherwise
unremarkable family argument. Your necessar-
use of magic was considered such an ily give up
excellent omen that the fight stopped on them. Of-
and a celebration began. ten it takes time
The loss of Horizon and many of the for understanding to seep
great masters of the Traditions makes it through for those not raised in the magical life.
all the more important that people like It can be difficult for some to let go of their
you remain true to their heritage. The mundane preconceptions. Be patient but firm
Verbena have seen times like this before in dealing with them. Never forget that yours
and survived, and so will you survive. Your is an honored and noble bloodline (and don’t
heritage and all the sacrifices of your ances- let anyone else forget it, either).
tors depend on it. Magic: You perform magic the way it has
Concept: You are a true Verbena, born always been done, using ritual tools and spells
and bred. Magic is your birthright but also a passed down to you in your family’s book of
great responsibility. It is your duty to uphold shadows. You recite your spells in languages
the Old Ways and to teach others about them; hardly ever heard in the modern world, and you
to nourish the roots of the World Tree to keep it wield your wand and athame with great author-
strong and vital. It is a heavy responsibility, but ity. You’ve studied many old recipes for brewing
you know that you are capable of shouldering it potions and elixirs in your great cauldron.
for as long as necessary. You are proud to do so. Equipment: magical tools
Roleplaying Tips: You never miss an op- (wand, athame, cauldron, pentacle,
portunity to educate, since it is through teaching chalice, etc.), collection of dried
that the Old Ways survive. If others are not herbs, family book of shadows
open to what you have to offer them, you won’t (hand-copied, of course)

Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 95

Shapeshifter
Quote: There’s more to all of us than meets the eye.
Prelude: You grew up in an upper-class suburb on Chicago’s
North Shore. Your parents had very high expectations of you.
You were to be cultured, educated and, of course, pretty.
You never felt you quite managed that last one.
Even as you studied, even as you attended dance classes
three times a week, you wanted to cut loose. You wanted to be
someone else — someone less staid and more vital — but you
were stuck.
You graduated from your boring and prestigious high school
and went to a boring and prestigious university, and from there
you entered the work force as one more yuppie drone. You tried
dating, but the guys you met were all dull and things never quite
worked out. You feared you simply weren’t pretty enough ever
to meet a man who would turn you around or really love you.
One night, you went down into Chicago to explore the
neighborhood around the corner of Belmont and Clark. That’s
where the wild kids hung out. The ones with tattoos and pierc-
ings. The ones who wore leather jackets that said things like
“Gutter Girl” or “Pain Is Just Weakness Leaving The Body.”
You met a guy who had to be in his early 30s, and you liked
him a lot. He was radically different from anyone you’d ever met,
and you were enthralled. There was something magnetic about
him. Maybe it was his long eyelashes or his big brown eyes or the
taut muscularity that showed through his clothes. He took you
to dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant (you’d never had Ethiopian
before) and told you stories of hiking through Nova Scotia as really means. You’re
the leaves were turning fiery orange and about bathing in hot constantly trying
springs in Oregon while snowflakes drifted lazily out of the sky out new shapes
and dissolved as they hit the rising steam. and identities, and
you’ve started work-
You began driving down into the city more regularly. He
ing on permanently
never quite seemed to look the same when you saw him, but
modifying your Pattern
you knew who he was. You felt you knew his soul. When you
in different ways to suit you better.
rebuffed his sexual advances, you thought you’d never see him
again, but you were wrong. Roleplaying Tips: You blend in anywhere. You
can be the strikingly beautiful culture
He told you he was leaving soon to go west. He asked if
maven, or you can be so feral that
you wanted to go.
you scare even brave men. You find
A month later, you were camping in the desert outside Santa joy in your freedom as in nothing
Fe and he said he had some things to show you. You thought he else. There may be a day when
meant sexual things, but instead he turned into a wolf. Then an you settle down into a routine,
eagle. Then he turned into you. but for now, you’re happy sinking
“You can do this too,” your double said to you. your teeth into life and taking all
He became himself again, and he was on you like an animal it has to offer.
in human form. The whole time he was undressing you, he was Magic: Your magic is focused on shaping and
whispering strange, exciting things in your ear. The moment molding the Patterns of life. You use various Talis-
he took your virginity, you felt something in you change, and mans, articles of clothing, even totems like feathers
not just in a symbolic way. Your body became fluid and moved or animal hides, to transform yourself into different
with his body, and you made love as panthers, as minks, as foxes. shapes. Mirrors, once your bane, have become your
And nothing about you would ever be the same again. windows of insight, and things like dance and move-
Concept: Like a house pet gone feral, you appreciate freedom like ment — once a duty done to please others — are now
few others. There is nothing in life that you won’t play with, including a pleasure and source of power for you.
your own form. You’ve learned to take your own Pattern and reshape it Equipment: leather jacket, wide variety
in nearly any way you wish. Now you understand what the word “wild” of clothing and accessories

96 Verbena
Chapter Three: Children of the Wyck 97
Wise Healer
Quote: Relax, it looks a lot worse than it really is.
Prelude: You always had a knack for taking care of things,
from the first time you found a wounded bird and nursed it back
to health. When you were a kid, you always knew that you
wanted to be a doctor and help people get well. You worked
hard for the opportunity, too, since college and medical school
were expensive. Unfortunately, you found that the reality of
becoming a doctor didn’t match up to your expectations. There
were so few doctors or even med-students really interested in
helping heal people. They were all more interested in how much
money they would make and how to protect themselves against
potential legal liabilities. Med-school seemed designed to take
the humanity out of the process of treating patients, and you
got sick and tired of hearing about how you had to be objective
where your patients were concerned.
You also didn’t care for the restrictions placed on you, so
you decided to run a little free clinic on the side for people who
needed your help but couldn’t afford it. You even recruited a few
fellow students to help out there. When the school administra-
tion found out, you were expelled and charged with practicing
medicine without a license. The charges were eventually dropped,
but you were blackballed from attending medical school. Your
dream of becoming a doctor was over, or so you thought.
You began looking into alternative forms of healing: herb-
alism, holistic healing, acupressure, aromatherapy and others.
Among them you found what you were looking for, an approach
that focused on compassion and treating the patient as a whole Concept: You’re not a doctor, yours is a sacred calling. You’re
person. You also found a connection to ancient and honored part physician, part counselor and part therapist — whatever your
healing techniques and folk remedies that went back centuries. clients need to help them on the road to recovery. You’ve learned
Through your studies, you encountered someone who said that a great deal about how the mind and spirit influence the body
you had a great deal of potential. You would make an and vice versa, as well as how to use simple and time-honored
excellent healer, if you were up to the challenge, methods for bringing them all into alignment and harmony to
but your results were still mixed. treat disease and maladies on a deeper level.
One night, you were opening your own doors of Roleplaying Tips: You’re compassionate and car-
perception (with the help of psilocybin mushrooms), ing, with a need to help others who are suffering.
when two young parents brought in their kid, who’d You’re disdainful of Western medicine for what you
been hit by a car. You recognized severe shock when you see as its shortcomings and blind spots. Helping
saw it, and you didn’t think the kid had much of a chance. people become truly healthy in body, mind and
Worse, you were just about peaking on the ’shrooms and spirit is your calling in life, and you attend
not in any state of mind to be dealing with any kind of to it with considerable zeal and pleasure.
healing work (or so you thought). Then all of a sudden, Magic: Herbal mixtures, teas, infusions
all of the theories — the spiritual healing techniques and similar brews are a primary focus of
and the like that you’d been reading up on — fell your magic. You also use sound, medita-
into place. The necessary course of action was tion, scent and massage to stimulate
suddenly clear as good air. A few herbs and the body’s many hidden
some carefully channeled energy later, the properties.
kid was sitting up and laughing. Equipment: medi-
In time, the effects of the psilocybin cine bag (containing
passed, but the understanding you herbs, salves and oth-
arrived at that night did not. er remedies), research
Now you’re becoming the healer notebook
you’ve wanted to be
since the very start.

98 Verbena
 Epilogue:
Circle
Unbroken
Tom was packing when Kameria came into the “That’s why it had to be me.”
room, so wrapped up in his thoughts that she simply “How can you be so calm about it?”
stood and watched him for a moment before he “I’ve known this would happen for some time,” Kameria
realized she was there. He paused in the midst of replied, “and I’ve had the chance to make my peace with it, like
putting some folded clothes into a duffel bag, like you will.” She blinked back tears of her own and smiled. “It’s
a child caught doing something he shouldn’t be. what Jon had to do.”
“I hear that you’re leaving,” Kameria said. “But why?” he pleaded.
It wasn’t a question. “For us, for the farm, the circle, the Verbena… For you.”
“I can’t stay,” Tom said, shoving the clothes Tom jumped to his feet, throwing the T-shirt aside. “Don’t
into the bag and looking idly around for anything even try to tell me he died for our sins.”
else he needed to take with him, anything not to have to meet
“No,” Kameria said. “Jon’s not a martyr, Tom. He didn’t
Kameria’s dark-eyed gaze, to have to think about…
die to redeem anyone. He died for what he believed in. He died
“If there’s something we can do to help…” she offered, but to give this place and us a chance. He did what true Verbena have
Tom just shook his head. always done, sacrificed for the good of his people and for life!”
“No, that’s fine. It’s just… I… I just can’t deal with this.” Tom started to say something but Kameria cut him off, taking
“With what?” she asked innocently. a step closer until she was almost face to face with him, looking
“With what? Kameria, he’s dead! Jon’s dead, and you…” up at the taller young man.
Tom bit his lip as tears welled up in his eyes and he twisted an old “And I’ll tell you this: If you can’t handle it, if this life isn’t
T-shirt in his hands. for you, then you should go and find whatever it is that you need,
“And I killed him,” Kameria said. “Is that what you were but don’t blame Jon’s sacrifice for that. Don’t casually throw
going to say?” away what he’s given you. If you really cared about him and his
“How could you do that?” Tom whimpered, sinking down sacrifice really matters to you, then honor it by helping us carry
on the edge of his bunk, looking up at Kameria looking very much on his work!”
like a sad and lost little boy rather than a recent college graduate. “I… I don’t know if I can,” Tom said quietly. Kameria laid
“You were his friends. He was your husband.” a gentle hand on his arm.

Chapter Two: Blessings of the Moon 99

 “If he didn’t think you could, Jon wouldn’t have invited you Kurtz, Katherine, Lammas Night. A novel about a coven
to join us.” of English witches in the 1940s, working to coordinate a grand
“I’m afraid,” he said, beginning to tremble under her coven and ritual to keep the Nazis (backed by their own rune-
touch. She took his face in her hands, forcing him to look deep mystics) from invading England. Useful for insights into the
into her eyes. Gardeners of the Tree, the idea of sacrifice and as inspiration
“Life is scary, Tom,” she said. “Life is risk. Don’t run away for a World War II-era Verbena chronicle.
from your feelings, don’t live your whole life being afraid. Jon is Lackey, Mercedes. The Diana Tregarde Mysteries. The
gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live.” main character of these occult detective stories could easily
Sobs wracked the young man’s body, and his knees buckled. be Verbena. The three books in the series are Children of the
Kameria guided him gently to the floor, holding him in her arms Night, Burning Water and Jinx High.
and letting him cry, like a mother holds her child. She thought Starhawk, The Fifth Sacred Thing. This novel features a
of the child, hers and Jon’s, growing within her, and she stroked totalitarian government versus a neo-pagan ecotopia. Good
Tom’s hair. She felt the tears wash his eyes, and his spirit stretched inspiration for the Technocracy/Traditions conflict, particu-
its wings. She felt him Awaken, and she smiled as her own tears larly where the Verbena are concerned.
came. The “waters of life,” Jon had called them.
“It’s not over, my love,” she whispered. “It’s only beginning
Non-Fiction
again.” Adler, Margot, Drawing Down the Moon. A survey of
paganism in America, covering many different traditions
Paganism is alive and well and thriving in the modern
and backgrounds. Although it’s a bit dated, it provides a good
world. Real covens of real witches meet in small towns in
idea of the kind of diversity the Verbena Tradition includes.
every state in the US, in England, New Zealand and places
even farther flung. Like the bumper sticker says: The Goddess Cunningham, Scott. The Truth About Witchcraft Today.
is alive and magic is afoot. Probably the simplest and most accessible guide to the Craft
available for non-pagans.
Obviously, the Verbena Tradition is based on the practices
and traditions of modern pagans. Those practices and tradi- Frazer, James. The Golden Bough. If you like your pagan
tions, however, are enhanced with fictions for your gaming history a little on the mytho-poetic side, this is the book for
pleasure. Those seeking an alternative to the patriarchal — you. Frazer wrote the book (initially spanning 13 volumes)
some might say authoritarian — religions of the West might in 1922, intending it to be a historical study of the myths
want to look into paganism in more depth. While reading a and folklore of pre-Christian Europe, and he inadvertently
game book won’t make a witch of you, some of the following wound up promulgating the notion of a continent-spanning
titles might. witch-cult. The Verbena as presented in Mage have far more
to do with Frazer’s view of witchcraft than, say, Cunningham’s.
Suggested Resources Starhawk, The Spiral Dance. One of the best-selling
books on paganism, Starhawk’s perennial classic, now in print
Storytellers and players will find the following resources
for almost 25 years, has been an introduction to Wicca for
useful in providing information and inspiration for Verbena
many people. She covers the history, deities and festivals of
characters and chronicles in a Mage: The Ascension game.
paganism and makes some very sensible recommendations
Note that there are many, many additional resources out
for incorporating witchcraft into daily life.
there for those looking to find out more about paganism,
witchcraft and related topics. A visit to your local witch Film
shop or New Age store will expose you to more books than
The Wicker Man. This brilliant 1973 film is the remark-
you would ever need to read on the subject. For clarity and
able tale of a police officer who finds himself on an island off
directness, however, we recommend the non-fiction titles
the English coast that turns out to be controlled entirely by
we’ve listed.
pagans. The people of Summerisle represent the Gardeners
Fiction of the Tree well and the film as a whole gives a great feel for
what an all-pagan town might be like. And Christopher Lee
Bradley, Marion Zimmer, Mists of Avalon. A lengthy novel
does an excellent job portraying the island’s high priest. The
that offers a sympathetic view of Morgan Le Fay (“Morgaine”
ending is pretty cool, too.
here) as a pagan priestess struggling with the rise of Chris-
tianity (represented and championed by King Arthur). The Online
television movie adaptation (starring Julianna Margulies as
The Witches’ Voice (www.witchvox.com) is one of the
Morgaine) is also worth watching.
largest pagan and Wiccan websites and online resources.

100 Verbena
 ™

Name: Nature: Faction:

Player: Essence: Concept:
Chronicle: Demeanor: Cabal:

Attributes
Physical Social Mental
Strength______________
OOOOO Charisma______________
OOOOO Perception_____________
OOOOO
Dexterity_____________
OOOOO Manipulation___________
OOOOO Intelligence____________
OOOOO
Stamina______________
OOOOO Appearance____________
OOOOO Wits__________________
OOOOO

Abilities
Talents Skills Knowledges
Alertness______________
OOOOO Crafts_________________
OOOOO Academics______________
OOOOO
Athletics______________
OOOOO Drive_________________
OOOOO Computer______________
OOOOO
Awareness_____________
OOOOO Etiquette______________
OOOOO Cosmology_____________
OOOOO
Brawl_________________
OOOOO Firearms_______________
OOOOO Enigmas______________
OOOOO
Dodge________________
OOOOO Meditation_____________
OOOOO Investigation___________
OOOOO
Expression_____________
OOOOO Melee_________________
OOOOO Law__________________
OOOOO
Intimidation___________
OOOOO Performance____________
OOOOO Linguistics_____________
OOOOO
Leadership______________
OOOOO Stealth________________
OOOOO Medicine______________
OOOOO
Streetwise_____________
OOOOO Survival________________
OOOOO Occult________________
OOOOO
Subterfuge_____________
OOOOO Technology_____________
OOOOO Science________________
OOOOO

Spheres
Correspondence________
OOOOO Life__________________
OOOOO Prime_________________
OOOOO
Entropy_______________
OOOOO Matter________________
OOOOO Spirit_________________
OOOOO
Forces________________
OOOOO Mind_________________
OOOOO Time_________________
OOOOO

Advantages
Backgrounds Arete Health
_______________________
OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O Bruised -0
_______________________
OOOOO Hurt -1
_______________________
OOOOO Willpower Injured -1
_______________________
OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O Wounded -2
_______________________
OOOOO Mauled -2
_______________________
OOOOO Crippled -5
_______________________
OOOOO Quintessence Incapacitated
Resonance
Other Traits Dynamic______________
OOOOO
_________________________
OOOOO • Entropic_______________
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO Static________________
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO
_______________________
Experience
OOOOO
_______________________
OOOOO Paradox
 ™

Merits & Flaws

Merit Type Cost Flaw Type Bonus
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Magic
Preferred Effects Rotes
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Combat
Maneuver Roll Difficulty Damage/Effect

Weapon Difficulty Damage Range Rate Clip Conceal

Armor:___________
 ™

Expanded Background
Allies Library
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Contacts Mentor
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Destiny Node
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Influence Resources
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

Possessions
Gear (Carried) Equipment (Owned) Foci
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ ___________________________ ____________________________
Wonders Familiar
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

Past Incarnations
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
 ™

History
Awakening
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Goals/Destiny
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Seekings:__________________________________Quiets:___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Description
Age:_________________________________________________________________________________
Apparent Age:________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth:__________________________________________________________________________
Age of Awakening:_____________________________________________________________________
Hair:________________________________________________________________________________
Eyes:_________________________________________________________________________________
Race:________________________Appearance/Nature of Avatar:_______________________________
Nationality:__________________________________________________________________________
Height:_________________________________________________________________________________
Weight:__________________________________________________________________________________
Sex:________________________________________________________________________________

Visuals
Cabal Chart Character Sketch
Note s
Note s