Barátrū

Form of Animals

“The wizards gathered in a circle, conferring about the magnificent piece. It had the head of an ass, the tail of of a serpent, its forward legs were canine, its hind legs were the fins of some large fish, and the torso remained of a young woman. More wonderful still, it breathed.” – Notes of Taldus Erwy’yr, Lōdun manuscript, cir 230 DR

Barátrū is the study of beasts and the way that magic interacts with them. Those that master the Form stereotypically seclude themselves in deep wilderness areas to learn from the animals they yearn to imitate or control. Most that pursue this calling, develop a deep-seated love and respect for their animal subjects. It is rare that those that study and learn the Form, use it to the detriment of animal-kind. Some have guessed that the highest, most challenging levels of Barátrū, must be taught by the animals themselves; who will only divulge their secrets to those they trust. Most masters of Barátrū are students of Druidic arts.

Similar to Or Kàntrū, the energies needed to cast Barátrū spells cannot be found in crystals and stones. The power to cast these spells must be derived from the caster, from willing animals, or from the latent organic energies of a wilderness area.

  • Nôrn. A limited sub-Form of Barátrū magic is that of Nôrn, or “false beasts”. The pursuit of Nôrn magics are considered abominable by most magicians, both Channelers and Weavers. Nôrn magicians occupy themselves with the workings of variant anatomies, and how those differing organic systems might work together. These same practitioners are believed to be responsible for such aberrations as: Kengrūlar, Shūl, Werrid, and Zrū to name a few. More fantastic creations have also been fashioned, but few of those (thankfully) have proven to be procreative.

Notable Nôrn magicians include: Ergur of Muründor.

Spells

Dragàmyr

Vornàmyr

Foci

  • Animal Companion. Many students of the Barátrū Form are adopted by an animal companion that can help them pursue their studies. These animals are often of higher intelligence than is standard for their species and can often communicate at a primitive level with the Channeler. Although Arcane Weavers may also gain animal companions, they do so by binding a summoned animal to themselves. Channelers on the other hand, are typically approached by the animal and given terms for a bond. Both bonds are lasting unto death, unless the bond is freely forgiven by both parties.

Resources

  • Barátrū Wod. An over-sized folio, the Barátrū Wod requires at least two people to carry it from the Iron Library shelf. Bound between two heavy wooden doors, the giant tome is wrapped in quilted skins and furs from a hundred different animals native to the North Coast. Lifting the cover, the reader is soon overcome by the enormous amount of information contained within the prodigious volume. Though the book is giant in size, the script and illustrations are modestly scaled. Not much is known about the author Arkèdyen of Taldàna, but it is believed that he headed a monastery in the northern reaches of the Crescent Kingdom toward the end of the 2nd century DR. To this day, the high-walled ruins of Dalsybeð Kdar stand amid the forested wilds of that country, much as they probably did 400 years passed. Visitors to the abandoned monastery cannot help but wonder how the place must have appeared with the immense pages hanging from the walls of the place. The Barátrū Wod is a treatise on the nature of wild beasts. It seeks to explain the ecological roles of animals within a larger picture. The book is a great and important resource for students of Barátrū and the Cult of Kændlan.
    • Author: Arkèdyen of Taldàna
    • Language/Script: Old Taldànic G: 17+, WoD: 3; High Davar
    • Written: Dalsybeð Kdar, Taldàna, bet 168-195 DR
    • Published: Dalsybeð Kdar, Taldàna, cir 195 DR
    • Copies: 1; Iron Library (Oð<)