                                PETRIFICATION



   * Speak with Earth: allows simple communication with inorganic natural
   objects such as stone, metal and soil. Earth is neither unintelligent
   nor unobservant, but perceptions of y time and a ephemeral events are
   ignored, unless of long duration. Senses are limited to vibration,
   heat and motion. Ex: a granite building could communicate the presense
   of people, and where, but not how many. A ceramic vase could tell for
   how many years it has been in the same room. Any presense of silver
   prevents the operation of this Discipline.

   ** Earth Defense: allows the telekinesis of inorganic objects, up to
   limits similar to the Path of Telekinesis found in the Discipline of
   Thaumaturgy. Flight is possible as per that same Path. However,
   limiting the weight moved when greater is possible, allowis the
   hurling of projectiles. Again, any silver precludes this discipline.
   Ex: if able to move 20 pounds, one pound of sand or gravel could be
   hurled so as to blind an opponent. A pure iron knife coulfd be thrown
   with deadly force.

   *** Earth's Blanket: this is exactly equal to the Earth Meld of the
   Protean Discipline in all respects.

   **** Stony Armor: with this ability the Hellene becomes, in all
   respects, a stone statue. A peice of the desired type of stone must be
   in contact (as held in the mouth or hand, or stood on barefoot). This
   form is impervious to sunlight and most fire, and is almost impossible
   to stake. While in this form the Hellene is limited to perceiving
   vibration, heat and motion. Sun can be detected, and this form is
   sometimes used to spend the day protected. One blood point is used in
   both entering and leaving this state, with a botch resulting in being
   "stuck" another day before emergence is again attempted. Multiple
   botches may have a geometric effect, storyteller's option. (i.e. 2 = a
   week, 3 = a year, etc.) While in this state, "speak with earth" may be
   used, and will allow communication with other Hellenes within one
   mile.

   ***** Petrification: here a Hellene may preserve a human in stone who
   is not wothy of the Embrace. An ugly, unathletic poet or warrior, or a
   great philosopher are likely candidates. The target is drained, then
   the Hellene expends 5 blood points and turns them to immortal stone.
   The resulting statue can be spoken to with "Speak with Earth". It may
   also be returned to flesh for one hour per kindred blood point. It is
   said Helen of Troy preserved her lover Paris in this fashion, giving
   her interesting erotic possibilities throughout the ages. Note, a
   decapitated head could form a bust, allowing one to have Homer or
   Aristotle on ones desk, available for poetry readings or philosophic
   debate. Some Hellenes that reach this level may also be able to have
   limited movement in their own statue forms. This would allow some
   voluntary movement while affording the protection of stone.

   Reference: The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers
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