Character Creation Challenge: Day 11, Rána

Photo by Vanessa Pozos

Today's witch comes from a night of rolling up characters with my oldest a bit ago. We just sat down to roll up characters, he was doing the new Star Wars and I was making witches. I wanted to roll up a bunch and see if any came out as psionic. No, but we still had a great time. 

Rána was one of those witches. She began as a fairly basic elf witch. But as I tried her out she grew in complexity. She is a Twilight Elf, one of my new elf sub-species. It is a species of elf akin to the Shadow Elves, but live above ground and can tolerate light better. So I sat down to work on her. I set my my Spotify to Pagan Rock and listened to bands like Faun, S.J. Tucker, and of course Loreena McKennitt. Ok she is from Canada, but she counts. When I was done, Rána had become something different.

So who is Rána? She is Twilight Elf, but she is also alone and that is how she likes it. She has her familiar, a gray wolf named Circe. She is not just a Pagan, she is a militant pagan. She considers herself a Follower of Aradia (yes...I know Aradia is about as much Pagan as a Halloween mask, but this is a history blog, it is an RPG blog), and she feels all these new religions are a bad thing. And she is not really all that fond of humans either. So much so they she doesn't even know the Common tongue. She does know what she calls "the language of the forest" that is, sylvan, elven, and goblin as well as Primordial and a touch of Supernal. How did she learn this impossible language? Well, she won't be telling you.

Let's break up what makes her character.

Twilight Elf

Twilight Elves are another sub-species of elves that poped up after the Sundering of the Elves. When the elves split into Light and Dark factions, some elves stayed in the middle. The Free Elves, the Shadow Elves and the Twilight Elves. The twilight elves are the loners among elves, stoic and xenophobic. Their communities are small and hidden and of all the Elves they have the fewest numbers. Like Drow they gain some cantrips for free. Blur, Dancing Lights, and Minor Charm. They also get Infravision 60' and +2 to magic/spell saves. This is magic directed at them. 

Cantrips

I am using my new cantrip rules for her as well. I like these, they work well. I just want to work on some new cantrips.

Rána
11th level Elf (Twilight Elf) Witch, Chaotic Neutral

Secondary Skill: Herbalist

S: 12
I: 15
W: 16
D: 12
C: 14
Ch: 18

Paralysis/Poison: 9
Petrify/Polymorph: 9
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 10
Breath Weapon: 12
Spells: 11

AC: 1 (Bracers AC 1)
HP: 34
THAC0: 34

Weapon
Dagger +2 1d4/1d3
Staff +2 1d6

Familiar: Gray Wolf "Circe"

Spells
Bonus: Blur, Dancing Lights, Minor Charm
Cantrips: Ghost Sound, Mote of Light, Chill, Alarm Ward
First level: Charm Animal, Speak w/ Animals, Spirit Dart, Ghostly Slashing, Chill Touch, Endure Elements
Second level: ESP, Invisibility, Augury, Death Armor, Evil Eye
Third level: Scry, Tongues, Bestow Cure, Fly, Witch Wail
Fourth level: Analyze Magic, Moonlit Way, Tears of the Banshee
Fifth Level: Death Curse, Nightmare
Sixth Level: Moonbow

Theme Song: Running with the Wolves

It dawns on me how much Rána is like San of Princess Mononoke. For this reason I also give her the name of "Ghost of the Forrest." She protects her land from invading humans and orcs, who she sees as being the same thing.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 10, Esmé Valethorn and The Magus

Photo by RDNE Stock project

 Esmé Valethorn is a character I rolled up back in the summer of 2024. So no deep history with her here. I wanted a character that would have a special interest in portals and how the line up along ley lines. She began life as a Blue Rose Adept, moving on to ShadowDark, a little bit in Baldur's Gate 3, and finally Wasted Lands.

Now she is finally where I want her, in AD&D 1st edition. 

Esmé is a magus, which is something of a cross between a magic-user and a witch, but think of them as professors of magic. That really fits how I see Esmé to be honest. She loves to give people her opinions. Trouble is she is right far more times than not. I have described her as outwardly very serious, inwardly very ridiculous. She is very "buttoned down" and dare I say conservative, but inside she loves the absurd. For example she pretends other wise, but Doireann and Amaranth are two of her closest friends; but she would be appalled if anyone knew this.

She is a Magus, but what exactly is that? Short answer a magus is a magic-user that also studies the mysteries of the occult in addition to the arcane. Certainly there is overlap in these topics, which is why the magus is a sub-class of the magic-user. 

This is my attempt to fulfill the promise of the Holmes Basic witch class.

THE MAGUS

The magus is a subclass of the magic-user, distinguished by their study of occult correspondences, ceremonial magic, and metaphysical law. Where the magic-user (wizard) channels arcane force through long years of spellcraft, the magus seeks to understand the hidden structure of magic and reality itself.

Magicians of this kind are often associated with academies, arcane colleges, or invisible orders of esoteric learning. Some belong to ancient schools or urban universities, while others work independently but draw on shared traditions. Regardless of origin, the magus is more urbane than hedge wizards or wild witches, more structured than mere spell-slingers, and more systematic than druids or illusionists.

While not as versatile as the magic-user in destructive sorcery nor as instinctively gifted as the witch, the magus excels in prepared rituals, symbol-work, magical theory, and the reading of strange phenomena. They are highly sought after as scholars, ward-makers, spirit-binders, and astrologers.

Magus spells include both arcane and occult types, but never the most potent wizardly magic. The magus may cast up to 8th-level spells, but never 9th.

Requirements: 

Intelligence 13+, Wisdom 11+

Prime Requisite:

Intelligence

Hit Dice:

d4

Armor Allowed:

None

Weapons Allowed:

Dagger, staff, dart

Spell Use:

Arcane and Occult (limited list, up to 8th level)

Special Abilities:

    Occult Literacy: At 1st level, the magus knows Read Magic automatically and may attempt to decipher occult writings or witch-scrolls (50% base chance, +5% per level) and clerical scrolls (5% base chance, +5% per level). Failures may not retry until gaining a level.

    Esoteric Focus: The magus must use a ritual focus (wand, crystal, blade, or orb). While wielded, it grants +1 on saving throws vs. spells and illusions to the magus.

    Ritual Participation: At the 2nd level, the magus may substitute as a Ritual Participant as either a witch, warlock, or wizard. They can not lead a ritual or be its primary spellcaster.

    Ritual Theory: Beginning at 5th level, the magus may cast one known spell per day as a ritual (casting time: 1 turn), without expending a memorized spell. They must have their grimoire present. Unlike casting a spell from a spell book, this does not destroy the spell in question. They cannot do this with a spell unknown to them.

    Ley Line Sense: At 7th level, the magus may detect ley lines, magical loci, and planar disturbances with 90% accuracy after one turn of study. This allows the magus to sense active portals or rifts, locate nodes for enhanced rituals (conferring an additional -1 to saving throws), and interpret magical residue or psychic impressions. 

    True Name Hypothesis: At 11th level, the magus gains +2 to saves against any named extraplanar being, and those creatures suffer −2 on saves to resist dismissal or banishment.

Magi may create magical items and engage in magical research as magic-users. They may use any magic item permitted to magic-users and witches, except those limited to a specific class (staff of the archmage, broom of the witch queen).

Magi are considered part of the educated elite in many societies, often forming cabals within universities, temples, or ancient halls of occult knowledge. Even the self-taught magus is familiar with the structure and culture of these institutions, and is rarely mistaken for a common sorcerer.

Upon attaining 9th level, a magus may seek or be invited into the service of a noble, monarch, religious figure, or powerful lord. In this role, the magus serves as an advisor, astrologer, ritualist, and arcane consultant, often holding a place of prestige within the court or temple hierarchy.

Duties typically include:

• Casting horoscopes and natal charts to guide decisions of state, marriage, or succession.
• Performing divinations and rituals to protect the realm or improve the fortune of their patron.
• Advising on magical threats, relics, and omens.
• Overseeing or suppressing occult phenomena, magical uprisings, or rogue spellcasters.
• Occasionally, educating heirs or clergy in magical or philosophical matters.

While some magi serve faithfully and benevolently (as did John Dee for Queen Elizabeth), others may grow manipulative, arrogant, or dangerously entangled in prophecy, such as Rasputin with the Romanovs. A magus need not be evil to wield significant influence, though political entanglements carry great reward and greater risk.

A magus in such a role may receive room, board, access to libraries, laboratories, and a modest stipend, or even noble titles and land at the GM’s discretion. Such positions may attract rivals, enemies, or factions fearful of arcane influence.

A 9th-level magus may also found a philosophical lodge, occult college, or private sanctum where students and adepts gather to study ritual magic and Hermetic principles. These may serve as centers of learning, intrigue, or esoteric power. These worthies often take on the title of Grand Magus.

Unlike other wizards, Magi pursue magic as a sacred science. They seek harmony between the celestial and terrestrial, invoking the axiom "As Above, So Below." Their art is not mere spell-casting but the weaving of correspondences: colors, metals, stars, and numbers. Though their rituals are longer and more demanding, they wield powers that align with cosmic order. In ancient courts, kings turned to Magi to chart the stars, bind spirits, and inscribe seals of protection.

Esmé Valethorn

10th level Human Magus, Lawful Neutral

Secondary Skill: Scribe

S: 11
I: 18
W: 12
D: 12
C: 14
Ch: 15

Paralysis/Poison: 13
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 9
Breath Weapon: 13
Spells: 10

AC: 8 (no armor, ring of protection +2)
HP: 25
THAC0: 19

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3

Spells
Cantrips: Fire Finger, Hide, Knot, Clean
First level: Read Magic*, Burning Hands, Shocking Grasp, Unseen Servant, Light
Second level: Knock, Wizard Lock, Deep Pockets, Locate Object
Third level: Blink, Dispel Magic, Protection from Evil 10' Radius
Fourth level: Dimension Door, Minor Globe of Invulnerability
Fifth level: Teleport, Avoidance

Theme Song: Seven Wonders

I like Esmé. She is a fun character to play. She acts all serious, but really isn't or doesn't want to be.

I am using my new cantrips rules, but cantrips from the Unearthed Arcana. A magus, as a subclass of the magic-user does not get any bonus spells though like the witch or cleric. Still, she does have quite a few already.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 9 Aisling (Dreamer), Nida and The Shade

 I have been going through stacks of notes, character sheets, and just "stuff" from the days when I was playing AD&D all the time. Some things I find are fun, others are the typical gamer junk you expect from a 16-17-year-old. But sometimes I find something from a time long ago that makes me laugh out loud and wonder how on Earth I ever forgot it. The time was June (or so) 1989. The character was, is, Dreamer.

Dreamer was, is, an AD&D 2nd Edition character that I never played or really finished. That's not what makes her special. What makes her special is how much she reads like a rough draft of my Warlock character, Taryn. 

Dreamer, named after the movie "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors," was going to be a character who moved through dreams. She was Larina's daughter, but not from her husband, but my assassin character, Nigel. According to my notes, she was going to take some spells from the Dreamer class from Dragon #134. My thoughts were that she could invade people's dreams to kill them. But it never really worked out.

Taryn came much later. She is what I call my iconic warlock. She is Larina's daughter as well, but from a Shadow Elf Cavalier/Knight Scáthaithe, The Umbral Lord and Knight of Swords. She is a warlock, not a dreamer, but in both cases, Dreamer and Taryn are very specifically "Not Witches." They share some overlap, but only enough to make the differences more pronounced. Both live in a liminal world. Dreams for Dreamer (naturally) and shadows for Taryn. I take Taryn's liminality even further by making her a half-elf. Taryn is also named for Jennifer Rubin's character Taryn from Nightmare 3. Dark hair and a fondness for knives, yes, 10-inch mohawk, not so much.

Dreamer never got very far. I mean, she doesn't even really have a proper name, just a description and a couple of sentences of backstory (edit: A family tree suggests "Tarani," which is interesting, in one place, and "Belladonna" in another), BUT she does have something else. Notes. I know she was going to have some thief skills, not the whole set, but some. She was going to have some witch magic. I never got the dreamer class to work well for me, but I was going to use some of the spells.  I am taking all of this, along with some unused ideas for Taryn, and putting them into a blender.

For a class, well, the dreamer won't work, and this character is also not a warlock. She is not a witch, not completely anyway. I'd like to keep some aspects of the witch, but apply it to the thief class. Much like my Gallowglass is to Fighters. 

The Shade

Operating in the liminal places between light and dark, between law and illegality, and between the seen and occult worlds lies the Shade.  Subclasses of the thief they use the same to-hit and saving throw tables. They possess a sub-set of the thief's skills and a few unique to their profession.

Shades are those individuals who dwell at the margins of witchcraft, moving unseen between the powers of the Craft and the unknowing world beyond. Neither initiated into the mysteries of witches nor wholly ignorant of them, a Shade survives by caution, agility, and an instinctive understanding of forbidden boundaries. It is said that Shades are drawn to witchcraft as are witches, but never actually hear the Call of the Goddess (God).

Many Shades serve covens or lodges as messengers, watchers, scouts, or attendants, trusted to act where a witch’s presence would draw too much notice. Others arrive at this role by accident, having lived near old places, survived a failed rite, or been spared by powers that marked them but did not claim them.

Shades possess an uncommon familiarity with occult dangers. They learn where circles are drawn, which paths are watched by spirits, and when to flee rather than fight. Their talents lie in stealth, balance, swift movement, and the reading of subtle signs, and they often excel at tasks requiring silence, precision, and nerve. Witches value Shades not for their power, but for their discretion and survivability. Warlocks seek them out for services that a normal thief would shun. Even Magic-users, Druids and Clerics value a professional with an eye for magical artifacts and items.

Shades operate like thieves but lack some of their key skills.

Shades have the following thief skills: Climb Walls, Find/Remove Traps, Hide in Shadows, Move Silently, Open Locks.

Additionally they have the follow skills unique to their class: Catwalking, Detect Magic, Sleight of Hand.

Shades do not have a sneak attack as do thieves and assassins. They can learn the Thieves Cant, but they must learn it as per any other language (not a free option). Shades of an evil sort can use poison. 

At 6th level a Shade also has limited spellcasting ability. They make cast witch spells from their own list of spells. 

(obviously a lot more to detail here. But that is my one cup of coffee so far effort.)

To test this out lets bring back Dreamer aka Belladonna aka Tarani, but as someone new. For a name? Well, when in doubt use Irish Gaelic! I also think to properly compare this new class I should use a thief with some magic, thankfully I have one on hand.

Aisling Rinceoir
9th level Human Shade, Chaotic Good

Secondary Skill: Performer (Dancer)

S: 12
I: 16
W: 12
D: 17
C: 12
Ch: 16

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 10
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 10
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 11

AC: 1 (Bracers AC 1)
HP: 36
THAC0: 16

Weapon
Dagger +1 1d4/1d3
Baton +1 1d4

Shade Skills
Cat Walk: 85%
Climb Walls: 94%
Detect Magic: 85%
Find/Remove Traps: 50%
Hide in Shadows: 53%
Move Silently: 60%
Open Locks: 62%
Sleight of Hand: 65%

Spells
First level: Detect Invisibility, Glamour
Second level: Invisibility

Theme Song: Sweet Child O' Mine (First to Eleven cover)

Aisling (Irish for Dream or Dreamer) is no longer Larina's long lost daughter. She is a girl she rescued from in my playtest run of "A Barbarian in Hell" and adopted her as a "little sister." This way she is part of the West Haven Coven without being a full member. Plus I never gave Larina a sister before and I am kinda wishing I had done that.

Now to compare and contrast. I believe you all know Nida.

Nida
Human 4th level Thief / 9th level Witch, Chaotic Neutral

Secondary Skill: Herbalist

S: 11
I: 16
W: 13
D: 17
C: 16
Ch: 18

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 12
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 13

AC: 6 (leather armor, ring of protection +2)
HP: 21
THAC0: 18

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3

Familiar: Owl

Spells
First level: Bad Luck, Spell Dart, Minor Fighting Prowess, Blindness, Consecration Ritual (Ritual Spell)
Second level: Alter Self, Evil Eye, Hold Person, Rite of Remote Seeing, Weaken Poison
Third level: Bestow Curse, Dispel Magic, Toad Mind
Fourth level: Mirror Talk, Cloak of Intangible Shadows, Phantom Lacerations
Fifth level: Teleport

Theme Song: Spellbound

So Aisling is thief who has some witch powers and Nida is a witch with a thief's background.

Both characters have been fun in their respective games.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 8, Bess

Today I want to talk about demi-human witches. Witchcraft, at least as it is typically portrayed is the the practice of witches, and human witches at that.  Yes there is "Faerie Witchcraft" and there are some ideas about elven witchcraft, but very little on others.

I have talked about goblin witches and I have mentioned gnome witches before. But I want to come back to the idea of Dwarven Witches. I introduced these WAYYY back in 2012 as, the Xothia, or the dwarven word for witch and witchcraft. Since then I have talked about one xothia, Roryn the Xothia of the Rock.

Xothia

The dwarven witch feels isolation from her normal community due the distrust of occult magic among dwarves. This distrust seems to date back in time to the first recorded appearance of dwarven witches, a coincidence that seems too strong to ignore.

In dwarven society, men and women are regarded as equals.  The dwarven witch is seen as contrary to this established reality.  Most dwarven witches feel deep fear when they first hear the Call and either leave their communities or try to suppress what they now know and feel. Dwarven witches often become Solitaries, learning their art and faith directly from the Mother of Dwarves herself.

The social stigma of being a magic-using dwarf is tough to bear; and due their nature, dwarven witches tend to be far more chaotic than the normal dwarf population. While some find content with this life, others are constantly reminded that they will never truly belong, either as a dwarf or as a member of a clan.  Dwarven witches are the rarest form of witch one will encounter. 

Dwarven witches are often described as being more "elf-like" than other dwarves. This is in regard to their manner and their magic. 

Curious note, while many dwarven women grow beards, a female dwarf witch cannot. It seems the magic of witchcraft does not allow them to grow a beard. Consequently a dwarven woman without a beard is often accused of being a witch.

Bess is the grandaughter of Roryn. She is not quite powerful enough to take over for her august ancestor, but maybe in a century she can. Bess sings her spells, so I thought Performer (Singing) was a good choice. 

She is good friends with Doireann (who tries to dance "the Goblin Stomp" anytime Bess sings) and Aisling (who appears tomorrow).

Bess
8th level Dwarven Witch, Chaotic Good

Secondary Skill: Performer (Singing)

S: 12
I: 14
W: 13
D: 11 
C: 16
Ch: 17

Paralysis/Poison: 
Petrify/Polymorph: 
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 
Breath Weapon: 
Spells: 

AC: 8 (leather armor +1)
HP: 
THAC0: 

Weapon
Hammer 1d6

Familiar: Rabbit, "His Eminence, Lord Fuzzlelump the Second"

Spells
Cantrips: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Sound
First level: Blindness, Charm Person, Comprehend Languages, Glamour, Silver Tongue 
Second level: Calm Emotions, Enthrall, Head Strong, Hold Person, Scare
Third level: Danse Macabre, Aphasia, Scry 
Fourth level: Charm Monster, Hallucinatory Terrain 

Theme Song: Gold Dust Woman and The Chain (for her coven)

I used cantrips as I described them yesterday and stuck with bonus spells for her. 

Speaking of singers. You may have noticed that every character has a "theme song." I listen to a lot of music while writing and creating. Some songs stick to characters and other characters come fully formed while I am listening to a song. 

I am grabbing most of these from my two public playlists, Witch Songs and Daughters of Darkness.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 7, Skylla

I am going back to another old favorite today, Skylla. My girl here has had something of a popularity resurgence since I began talking about her in 2013! She has a new action figure, a mini, appearances in a D&D adventure and the cover of the new D&D 5.5 Dungeon Master's Guide. That's quite an achievement for a character no one but me seemed to remember.

I did stats for Skylla for the 2024 Character Creation Challenge, but I wanted to do her again because there were some ideas I wanted to jell together and she was the perfect choice to try them.

For starters while many of my builds on her are based on my original 2013 post about her, this one is a little closer to her appearance in The Wild Beyond the Witchlight D&D 5e adventure.

Why? Well to be honest I think my version has drifted a bit from the original and I wanted to work off of something others would find more familiar. 

The second reason I picked her is I wanted to try out more "Advanced" ideas found in my Basic-era Witch book. I am also cribbing some ideas from my older AD&D 2nd Ed Witches & Warlocks Netbook. I figure some alchemy of the two will give me some insight on what I would have done circa 1986.

One of the bigger issues I want to tackle is Cantrips. I have a system that works well for "Basic" and most OSR games. There are the rules in Unearthed Arcana. But neither of those sit well with me for an Advanced game.  I want system that works well for all spell casting classes AND represents learning that apprentice spellcasters would have. That is, the minor spells they learned in magic school before having to go out as an adventurer to earn money for more lessons.

Personally I would like the number of cantrips gained be a function of the spellcaster's prime ability. When it gets right down to it, the only thing abilities do that are spellcasting class specific are set a threshold for entry and given an XP bonus. Fighters do get bonuses for high strength in their class functions; hit things and damaging things. Thieves can gain bonuses for their skills due to higher dexterity. Yes, there are limits and maximum spells and spell levels for magic-users and bonus spells for clerics. But for magic-users that does not effect low level characters. So instead of a bonus it is a limit. 

Option #1: Languages = Cantrips

This is the most straight forward approach. The issues here are a character with 18 in their spellcasting ability ends up with 7 Cantrips. I mean I can live with that, but some might think this is high. Another issue is a character with Intelligence of 9 can learn one cantrip. I am fine with that, but the minimum Int for a magic-user is 10.

Option #1.5: Henchmen = Cantrips

Similar is Charisma for number of henchmen. But this is 1 at ability score 3 and 15 at ability score 18. Way too much. 

Option #2: Magical Attack Adj = Cantrips

This uses the Magical Attack Adjustment for number of cantrips learned. This means 1 at ability score 15 and 4 at 18. Sure that works, but I want cantrips as a "magic school" style learning. 

Option #0 The Basic Witch Option

This is the one from my Basic Witch book. 

I would like to see at least 1 for ability score 10, the absolute minimum starting spellcaster, and maybe 5-6 for ability score 18. I like the idea of seven "spells" 6 cantrips and 1 first level spells at 1st level. Bearing in mind that cantrips are simple little spells. If I do this I might drop the bonus spells for high charisma that witches have, or change the bonus structure to include spells and cantrips.  

Maybe a progression like this:

Ability Score	Num. of Cantrips
10-12	1
13-15	2
16-17	3
18-19	4
20	5

That would certainly work. It doesn't over load the character with a lot of spells at first level, it reflects learning apprentice wizards would have (and clerics and witches), and still gives starting spell casters more to do.

I would still say Cantrips can be cast whenever the caster wants. "At Will" to use the modern parlance. 

For Skylla here, I am going to use this new cantrip plan but still my older bonuses for witch spells. Again I am going for a closer version to Witchlight than my version which has "drifted" a bit.

Skylla
7th level Human Witch, Chaotic Evil

Secondary Skill: Alchemist

S: 9
I: 12
W: 14
D: 11
C: 14
Ch: 17

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 12
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 13

AC: 6 (leather armor, ring of protection +2)
HP: 21
THAC0: 18

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3

Familiar: Raven "Raven"

Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound,  Knot
First level: Faerie Fire, Cause Fear, Detect Invisibility, Glamour, Silent Image
Second level: Invisibility, Hold Person, Phantasmal Spirit,
Third level: Fly, Ghost Ward, Witch Wail
Fourth level: Elemental Armor

Theme Song: Daughters of Darkness

Ok, so a lot of spells for 7th level, but I find I am not that concerned about it. I think this is the cantrip system I can use. I'll try it out with some other characters. 

Oh she has the secondary skill of "Alchemist" because I am performing some strange alchemy here.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 6 Amaranth & Moria

 Moving on with my witches and witch types, I want to experiment with a couple more ideas. Namely tieflings. Now I know your average die-hard AD&D 1st ed fan doesn't care for tieflings despite the existence of alu-demons, cambions, and a host of other half-demon types. Tieflings can work well in AD&D, I just have to be clever on how I use them.

Now, since I don't have AD&D rules for tieflings, or even witches, really, written yet, I am going to borrow some ideas. For this set, I am using the Advanced options in my Basic era witch book, the Daughters of Darkness book, my Demon & Devil book, and my Warlock rules for Swords & Wizardry. I am also going to use some characters I have been using for a bit, Amaranth Lilis and Moria Zami.

Both are "tieflings," but I am experimenting with different kinds. Moria has a diabolical heritage, so she has the blood of devils in her veins. As she levels up, she takes on a more and more diabolical appearance. It began with yellow eyes and skin turning blue. Amaranth is a demonic tiefling. Her bloodline comes from succubi. For her, this manifests a little differently. She is not an alu-demon, but she does have wings.

Both characters are part of my current Forgotten Realms run, and both made appearances in my Baldur's Gate III runs. Technically, they are from different eras, so they would not interact, but for today, they are together.

Tieflings

For AD&D 1st ed, I am saying that Tieflings get +1 to Intelligence, +2 to Charisma as bonuses. For penatlties they get -1 to Wisdom and -1 to Constitution. Now, why a bonus for Charisma when they are clearly inhuman? This is Charisma as a force of personality. If I were using Comliness, then I'd have rules on that, but I don't use it. For psionics? Well, I am inclined to give them a -1 or -2% penalty to be honest. I see psionics as a human feature, and they are not human. I also allow tieflings to take one first level Magic-user spell for free. Typically, chill touch, darkness, magic missile, or burning hands. In the case of magic missile, it is always cast as if the tiefling were a 1st-level magic-user.

I am also toying with the idea that Tieflings get Diabolic or Demonic as a bonus language depending on their ancestry. 

Most of the other species distrust Tieflings, humans and half-orcs are neutral, and even other tieflings have a mild distrust. Tieflings only prefer other tieflings if they are from the same ancestry or bloodline. As for class restrictions, I am leaning towards tieflings not becoming paladins or rangers. but I have not made up my mind yet.

Amaranth is a witch, Moria is my playtest magus. I'll detail what that means later on.

Amaranth Lilis
6th level Tiefling (Demonic) Witch,

Secondary Skill: Performer (Dancer)

S: 9
I: 15
W: 15
D: 11
C: 12
Ch: 17

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 12
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 13

AC: 6 (Leather armor +2)
HP: 13
THAC0: 18

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3
Staff 1d6

Familiar: Raven "Lucifer"

Spells 
First level: Darkness*, Bewitch I, Blindness, Glamour, Silver Tongue, Black Fire
Second level: Bewitch II, ESP, Invisibility, Hold Person
Third level: Abyssal Shield, Aura of Fire

Theme Song: Amaranth

Amaranth was a dancer in a pleasure house in Baldur's Gate on the Sword Coast. That is until she discovered her magic. Now she is a member of the West Haven Coven.

Moria
6th level Tiefling (Diabolic) Magus, Lawful Evil

Secondary Skill: Initiate

S: 14
I: 17
W: 12
D: 15
C: 13
Ch: 20

Paralysis/Poison: 13
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 9
Breath Weapon: 13
Spells: 10

AC: 9 (No armor, Dex -1)
HP: 19
THAC0: 19

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3

Familiar: Hell puppy "Mesphitofleas"

Spells
First level: Darkness*, Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Sleep
Second level: ESP, Ray of Enfeeblement
Third level: Fire Ball, Hold Person

Theme Song: Year Zero

Moria's concept is a very easy one. What if any of those demon-spawn babies born in the 1970s ("Rosemary's Baby", "It's Alive", "The Demon Seed", "The Omen") lived to adulthood. Even as a child she was a baby seed, now she is only going to get worse and I can't wait to see how that goes.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 5, Céline

Photo by Lance  Reis

Something a little different today. While I have been picking at some ideas for "Occult D&D," I've been thinking about how D&D 5 handles its subclasses. I like their method for a lot of reasons and it does remind me a bit of AD&D 2nd ed. I would not want to do exactly that for AD&D 1st ed. 

But I can try a few ideas here.

One of these is the Gallowglass.

Gallowglass

Fighter Sub-Class
 "Let the witches weave. I’ll stand at the threshold."

The Gallowglass (from Irish gallóglaigh, "foreign warriors") is a grim, oath-bound warrior of ancestral blood, forged in the crucible of war and old magic. He serves no king, no creed, only the covenant of blood, clan, and circle. More than a mercenary, the Gallowglass is a symbol of protection and fate, often standing as the chosen defender of sacred groves, covens, or matriarchal bloodlines.

Oath-Bound Duty (2nd Level)

The Gallowglass may swear an Oath of Protection to a person, place, cause, or object. When acting in defense of that charge:

• Gains -1 bonus AC, +1 to hit, and +1 to saving throws
• Only one oath may be sworn at a time; takes 1 turn of solemn ritual to invoke
• Breaking an oath causes −2 to all rolls for 24 hours, and disqualifies use of the Aura (3rd level) during that time.

Aura of Awesome Presence (3rd Level) 

The Gallowglass radiates a heavy, eerie stillness in battle—an echo of ancestral power. This functions as a continuous aura out to 10 feet.

• Allies within the aura gain +1 to attack rolls and saving throws vs. fear and charm against enemies of their charge.
• Enemies of their charge within the aura suffer −1 to attack rolls and −1 to morale checks.
• This aura does not stack with Bless or similar effects, but counts as magical for dispelling purposes.

Witch-Blessed Steel (5th Level)

The Gallowglass may undergo a ritual bond with a single weapon (usually a great axe, claymore, or great spear ("gae bolg"). But any medium or large-bladed melee weapon will suffice.

• That weapon becomes +1 magical when wielded by the Gallowglass.
• Once per day, the weapon may deal double damage to undead, spirits, or extraplanar foes.
• This is not spell-based (so can not be dispelled), but a result of binding rites, tattoos, and blood oaths.

Typically, a gallowglass receives these blessings from a patron witch. If there is no witch in the party or where the gallowglass calls home, a witch will appear at the appropriate time to grant the blessings.

Céline
5th level Human Gallowglass (Fighter), Neutral Good

Secondary Skill: Alchemist

S: 16
I: 12 
W: 14
D: 15
C: 12
Ch: 16

Paralysis/Poison: 16
Petrify/Polymorph: 12
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 14
Breath Weapon: 15
Spells: 12

AC: 6 (leather, magic)
HP: 25
THAC0: 16

Weapon
Long sword (Witch Blessed) +1 

Theme Song: Which Witch or Old Religion

 Céline wanted to be a witch. Or, more to the point, she hears the same call that led her older sister to become a witch. But Céline was drawn more to the sword than the book or crucible. Her ancient bloodline included witches, but also grim warriors charged with protecting these witches. Céline took to her role as sword-wielding protector of witches with more enthusiasm than even she thought she would.  Her charge is to protect her older sister Émilie.  

Maybe I should have used a Fighter sheet for her, but this is fine.