Description :
The Saci are a curious South American kith, sharing an unusual
trait with the Selkie and Swan Maids, in the fact
that their Glamour is contained within an object, in this case their caps.
However, they are not skinchangers.
Their caps
contain their very fae essence and Glamour. If lost,
stolen or destroyed it proves a terrible tragedy. A Saci
can use no magics if it is lost or stolen until it is
recovered, and if destroyed his fae nature dies also.
Small wonder that the Saci were often held to ransom
by anyone who stole their cap.
The cap
itself is surprisingly resilient, and may only be destroyed by cold iron or
fire. In fact, cold iron does no damage to the fae
aspect of the Saci unless it damages the cap,
although it can still cause physical damage to the mortal body.
When a Saci approaches death, his cap (and the
Glamour it contains) are passed on to a suitable recipient. Sadly, they
cannot create a new cap if one is destroyed, nor can they change its
appearance. Saci epitomise the spirit of the
prankster, and are infamous for their elaborate (and often utterly tasteless)
practical jokes. Unfortunately, the Saci don't know
when to quit, and they can make a victim's life thoroughly miserable. Needless
to say, this doesn't endear them to others, and makes their company unbearable
but for the shortest of periods. They don't really mean to cause abject misery,
but are innocently self-centered, considering little
beyond their own humourful gratification.
Superstitious
in the extreme, the Saci are fearful of breaking
taboo, terrified should they break a mirror, or walk under a ladder etc., as
well as being bound by many of the ancient bans that supposedly affected the fae, such as being repelled by religious symbols. Once
every year, the Saci gather at a predetermined
location for the Prankster's Party, where they vie for the honoured title of
Supreme Trickster. For two days the Saci strive to
create the most convoluted, elaborate and disgusting prank possible, causing no
end of chaos for the local human population. In recent years this gathering has
steadily grown, as notorious fae tricksters from
around the globe have begun to enter themselves. It's only a matter of time
before the event attracts the full attention of local fae
leaders, which could result in a clamp-down, and possible backlash of epic
proportions from many infuriated tricksters.
Appearance :
The Saci are of singularly unique appearance, striking even
among fae. Their skin is dark ebony, their and faces
impish, but most astounding is the fact that they only have one leg. It isn't
that they have had a leg amputated however, but that their legs have merged
into a single leg in their fae seeming. Needless to
say, most who see them as mortals simply assume the Saci
is some poor fool who hops everywhere with their legs together. Saci are never seen without their red cloth caps, and they
also show a marked weakness for tobacco, many smoking pipes or cigars.
Seemings :
Childling
Saci are fidgety, loud and
vociferous. Hyperactive, noisy and incredibly curious, they can be guaranteed
to stick their noses where they aren't wanted, creating havoc in the process.
Wilder Saci slowly grow to realize that
few people appreciate their twisted sense of humour, and derive a certain
perverse pleasure from this fact.
Grump Saci live up to the stereotype of a grump, 'retiring' to
settle down, and gathering with friends to reminisce about the 'good old days'
and grumble loudly about 'the youth of today'.
Lifestyles :
Traditionally,
the Saci enjoyed the rural domain of small villages,
living among (and plaguing) the local peasantry, but with the growth of the
vast, overpopulated South American cities, they have adapted rapidly. They can
easily hide in the urban jungle, and there are oh so many potential victims.
Unfortunately (for other kithain) they have also
spread with South American emigration, and now plague the fae
of
Affinity :
Actor
Birthrights :
Twister :
With the
expenditure of one Glamour, the Saci
can assume the form of a miniature whirlwind, spinning rapidly, flying through
the air, and passing through any obstacle the wind itself could. This form is
largely immune to all forms of damage, although it only has the strength to
lift dust and leaves. The Saci cannot manipulate
anything in this form, but it does have many uses. They must call upon their Wyrd when using transforming in front of a mortal.
Riddle Me
This, Riddle Me That :
The Saci are extremely fond of convoluted pranks, jokes,
riddles and enigmas. They may never botch an Enigmas rolls, and gain an
additional success on any successful roll.
Oogah Boogah! :
The Saci are particular adept at scaring animals, causing
horses to buck their riders, cows to stop producing milk etc. They roll Manipulation
+ Animal Ken (diff. 6). One success is all that's needed, but each additional
success increases the effect or lengthens the time.
Frailties :
Hop Scotch :
With only
one leg, the Saci suffer some severe physical
problems. Firstly, while they can hop with the same competency a human can
walk, they are still slightly slower, moving 5yds, 8yds + Dex,
and 10yds + (3 x Dex) respectively. Secondly, they
cannot perform any task that requires the use of both legs (such as driving a
manual automobile). Finally, they suffer a +2 penalty on all the difficulties
of actions that involve the use of their legs (such as swimming, climbing,
fighting etc.).
Echoes :
Exactly
like the 3pt Supernatural Flaw of the same name (CtD2 pg 159-160, CtDPG pg 24), the Saci are barred
by many ancient bans. In addition, they must make a Willpower roll (diff. 8) in
order to break any superstitions.
Quote :
"Woohahaha!
Boy, do you look stupid!"
Peculiarities :
Without
their cap they cannot perform any magic except Kenning and their Riddle
birthright. However, their life-bond with the cap is powerful indeed, and they
can sense its location with a Wits + Kenning roll (diff. 7), or tell whenever
it is touched or damaged.
Outlook :
Of all
the South American kiths, the Saci have the most
contact with foreign fae (much to the dismay of the
foreigners).
Boto: I'm
glad they stayed in the wilds. They were never much fun anyway, and stealing
their cap always became monotonous.
Now they've gone, maybe we can enjoy a
little peace.
Curupira:
You should have see them dance when you set their fur
on fire! Whoowee!
Their pranks were often foolhardy and
dangerous.
Eshu:
Great tales to tell, although they don't appreciate a good whoopee cushion
under their storyteller's chair.
They'd make a fine audience if only they'd
shut up and stop messing around.
Sidhe:
These posing nobles truly inspire you to heights of trickery, and boy, do they
make great targets.
Gah! And we
thought the Pooka were annoying!?