*Magical* Side-Effects
Since Potnia is a Bronze
Age goddess- a time when the role of priest(ess) and magician was even more
blurred than with Iron Age divinities- Magical
Side-Effects occur every time her priestesses cast a spell, not just with healing
magic. Roll 1d12.
1. A Sacrifice! The Great Goddess gives
and takes away. Depending on the
level of the spell, either goods worth 1d20 gold pieces (1st-2nd level), an
animal (3rd-4th level), a slave, criminal, or even a normal person (5th-6th
level) must be given to Potnia (killed) for the spell to work, with the highest
level ones (7th level spells) requiring the person be also given to the priestess’s belly. Woe unto those that she
might have over for dinner in that case!
2-3. Worship of the Land. Many natural places show
the many sides of Potnia. The spell requires that the priestess be at or at
least be in view of the sea, mountains, caves, or a labyrinth. Using only representations
of such places (frescoes, carvings, symbols, etc.) reduces all the spell’s effects
by 25%.
4-5. Civilized Magic. No shirt? Great service!
Or at least, bare one’s breasts! Any recipients of a beneficial spell with this
side-effect must be dressed (or undressed) as such. On the other hand, those
who would receive a harmful spell must be wearing such barbaric garb (i.e.
shirts or other chest coverings), much as with the priestess’s
Turn ability. Otherwise, all the spell’s effects are reduced by 25%.
6-8. Snake and Bull. The magic now requires
animals sacred to the Great Goddess: whether snakes or bulls. Symbolic forms
will do, including a labrys, though having the actual animal present or even creatures
that are at least part snake or bull (e.g. gorgons or minotaurs), grants a 50%
bonus.
9-12. Potency of Potnia: The recipient is either
blessed or cursed by the spell, depending on whether it was a helpful or
harmful one, automatically receiving its full effects (a save still negates, if
applicable). What is more, those so affected and who would honor Potnia’s
tenets gain a +1 to all rolls for the next 1d6 rounds, while those who would be
so abominable as to cover their chest would receive the opposite!
Next week: Priestesses of Potnia, Part III!