Here we have a short chapter poking at some of the weirder parts of the canon: the True Black Hand, the Inconnu, constructs, and Caitiff “spontaneous magic.” Most of my comments to Ree were suggestions to dig deeper into some of these topics and pull out a few more rituals.
As a note, in the outline I namedropped “inceptors,” Caitiff that could spontaneously develop Disciplines. Ree didn’t do that, and in rereading the material I feel that it’s really a nudge to Gehenna-era thin-bloods, so I agree that it’s the right call. Plus, I think doing that topic justice would take more space than this chapter could allow, considering there are other topics here. I did suggest putting some mechanics on how Caitiff Thaum (and maybe even Necromancy) can go bad, though.
I didn’t notice that the time to give comments on the Sabbat section was up, but still I think that I have something to contribute if not there, maybe in this section.
In the Caine’s Chosen: The Black Hand book, which deals with this subsect within the Sabbat, it is said that the Black Hand has developed something called “Aljusuri”, which permits to bridge the gap between separate Blood Magic Paradigms (e.g. A practitioner of Thaumaturgy may be able to use a ritual created for Dur-An-Ki or Wanga, even Necromancy, etc. and vice-versa).
This might seem like a tremendous advantage for the Black Hand, but please bear in mind that Aljusuri is only available to a precious few within the Black Hand and it is not really widespread, even within the sub-sect.
Also, I believe that it would be pretty feasible that Aljusuri actually started with the Tal’mahe’ra, and some members of the Black Hand learned it from individuals in both sects. However, since the Tal’mahe’ra was mostly wiped out by wraiths and the Sixth Maelstrom this ability may be even rarer.
PS. I love what you guys are doing, keep up the good work!
Every time I see you guys write up new material for the Tal’Mahe’Ra it fills me with so much joy. You’ve taken this group from the bastard child it was to something truly terrifying and ominous. Thank you guys so much, I loved reading their take on magic and the new material about the Aralu was great. I know it’s off topic, but any chance we’ll see a book about the Tal’Mahe’Ra?
Justin has mentioned that he’d like to do a full Tal’Mahe’Ra book someday.
Rastafario should be Rafastio?
The few Necromancy Rituals are right up any Naga Raga’s alley. Preserve a Corpse or making sure no one can take you over, Kindred of Wraith, is rather useful in the Shadowlands. The Aralu are 4 now? I think they used to be 3..