Nagual


Nagual (pronounced “nah-wal”) embody a powerful concept in the folklore and beliefs of the Mesoamerican peoples, particularly the Aztec. In one definition, Nagual refers to the idea that all people have spirit companions that take on the form of animals – personal totems, if one will. This idea has filtered into certain New Age religions, too, and is often referred to as nagualism. However, the Nagual is also told as a person (typically some kind of a witch doctor or magician) that can take on the form of an animal, and does so to cause problems and harm to society. The Nagual are not as simple as regional fiends.

Among the Aztecs, the tonalpohualli was a system of astrology used to determine the animal aspect of a person. Most people were born with an animal considered to have weaker attributes, such as a dog or fish. Some were born instead with strong tonal (animal aspects), such as the jaguar or eagle. These were the Nagual, representatives of the powerful gods. Many Nagual live as accepted practitioners of magic in some indigenous communities in Mesoamerica. They are respected and feared for their ability to remove the curses of other demons and witches. Such Nagual also use their influence to prevent modernization in their communities, and even keep mestizo relations at bay. They are most commonly found on the Yucatan peninsula and in parts of Central America today, involved with surviving remnants of Aztec and Mayan cultures.

Nagual are typically solitary changelings and rivalries between individual Nagual are common. They saturate themselves with Patli and stake out an area, be it among mortals or in the wilderness, and become akin to fearsome hermit-wizards. They are the most talented sorcerers of all Nahuani (and perhaps of all the Great Families) and they definitely know it. It’s up to the Nagual to decide when and where to throw their support, for one day they may eventually help reshape the destiny of Gallain. Unfortunately, their remote lifestyles make it easy for their enemies (such as Sabbat vampires) to divide and conquer.

Appearance


Nagual appear like natives of Aztec or Mayan descent, though they can be mistaken for mestizo. Many wear the colorful robes of indigenous priests, but those who dwell in the wilderness are likely to be found naked except for the body paint. In both mortal Seeming and fae mien, a Nagual can often be picked out by the deep and resonating power in his darker than usual eyes. In his fae mien, a Nagual will definitely exhibit signs of his tonal (like Pooka).

Seemings


  • Conetzin are little know-it-alls, and even as such willful children they make it their business to do “know it all”.
  • Tlacatl accept their powers as their royal birthrights and act as intermediaries between mortals and gods – for hefty fees and favors. Tlacatl Nagual often travel while they’re young, seeing more of the world and learning more of its mysteries.
  • Huehueintin tend to settle down in one place, be it a village or atop a mountain or the like. There they develop a reputation as a hermit witch doctor, commanding fear and reverence for miles even among the mestizo population.


Lifestyles


Nagual make their living as a purveyors of ancient ritual and custom. If they live among mortals, their wisdom is rewarded with shelter and food. If they live in the wilderness, they command a reputation not unlike that of yogis and Shaolin mystics, thought to live off the air itself and dirt of the earth. That isn’t true – such Nagual just learn how to live off the land. Either way, their careers are simple even though the beliefs they espouse are complex.

Affinity: Fae

Spirit Wrath: Nagual gain a –1 difficulty to summon the Spirit Wrath whenever drawn into a duel of magic and sorcery.

Birthrights


  • Blessing of Tonal -- A Nagual has a chosen animal form he can assume at any time when not viewed by mortals (in view of other fae is permissible). This animal can be of any sort, and is often one viewed as strong and powerful. Jaguars, eagles, coyotes, and even sharks are common. This Birthright functions the same as it does for Pooka – it requires one Patli (Glamour) to transform into the animal, but it’s free to revert back to human shape. Unlike Pooka, a Nagual is not much of a playful faerie, and even in his animal form he exudes authority, pride, and primal power.
  • Witchcraft -- Nagual have a knack for magic. All Raymi (cantrips) are cast at –1 difficulty regardless of Banality.


Frailties


  • Anachronism -- Nagual are so enmeshed with their traditional cultures and the magical powers with which they were born that they find the concept of European technology to be totally irrational and villainous. They will not use any technological devices excluding those native to Mesoamerican culture (such as bows and sundials). They will walk and are willing to ride horseback (animals are okay even if the Europeans imported them, too) before ever stepping foot into a car. If forced to suffer the use of such technology (for example, a Nagual is kidnapped and stuffed in the trunk of a car), he suffers one point of temporary Banality per scene of use. Note that “use” does not mean “injury”, so while a Nagual would not use a firearm, he suffers no additional Banality just because one might shoot him.


Quote: “Ah, smart gringo. So might you have guessed how the jaguar will want to be appeased?”

Outlooks


    Xipil Nochtli steeples his fingers and stares into your eyes as if he could convey his opinions telepathically. Maybe he can.
  • Alux -- They have so much potential but they waste it on salt.
  • Aycayia -- Tramps.
  • Chasa -- They can’t run and hide from our enemies forever.
  • Curapira -- Though accomplished tricksters, they cannot fool my clairvoyance.
  • Encantado -- They are so like children.
  • Kithain -- They have accomplished sorcerers, but are like delicate leaves in a raging storm. We will outlast them.