The Arch-Magus of the Stars: Aedus Adstrum
Species:Wolf
Ability: Mastery of Magic
Category: Mortal, Magician; Threat: Very High; Malevolence: Low
Usual location: The Sanctuary Where Stars Fall
Written by Chief Archivist Thurisaz
Aedus is what you expect from old[1] magi, generally see the full picture slightly off centre and often with their nose too far in a book to notice the world change around him. He has lived through wars and rumour has it has seen with his talents how the Riftmaker created the rift[2]. Unlike most magi however, he seems to choose to dress in a less overly flashy fashion.
If you are ever lucky enough, or possibly unfortunate enough, Aedus’ magic is in such a fashion that it is said to be spectacular and almost like watching the sky on a clear night from our inner sanctum’s garden.
The Heart of Magic
The Heart of Magic is the very source of magic in the world, perhaps even universe. It is said that possessing it would drive a mortal insane, a demon to death, and make the immortal mortal[3].
With this in mind, it was a greater surprise that Aedus was the cause of this incident to say the least, and fittingly was defeated by a fellow magician. Attempting to seal away the very Heart of Magic, the almost omnipresent gift of magic that surrounds us every day, and the very reason The Order can conduct it’s work could be perhaps the most destructive thing that could ever happen. Which could possibly make his entry of “Low malevolence” an odd choice but destructive as the consequences would have been, Aedus had no truly evil intent and was perhaps passing judgement on the world a little too harshly.
Generally, even from my own encounters with the magus, Aedus is polite and only followed down the path of magic under the belief he could use his innate arcane talents to help people. As such in his old age he felt the abuse of magic was too harmful for the world and chose to seal away magic to stop the problem at the source. Somehow, JOS of all people managed to convince him otherwise[4].
Eyewitnesses
“Aedus seems to specialise in magic concerning celestial bodies, but he threw fire and rock spells with the same skill” (Jamie Oliver Shears)
Just because a magician specialises in a certain kind of magic, a magus like Aedus can clearly use more than that kind.
“He comes in my shop and buys all my junk, it’s great! He pays me in things that are worth much more than he thinks they are!” (JunkAntiques Shop Owner)
As with most old magi, they seem to place incorrect value in objects. However be careful, it is quite possible that any such objects are enchanted, even unintentionally.
“He buys dog food off me once a week, yet I’ve never seen him with a pet before… he doesn’t eat it does he? I mean he is a wolf…” (Pet Shop Owner)
I somehow doubt that. Magicians have to feed animalistic summons somehow.
Countermeasures
If you are reading this and are mortal, there is very little you need to do, Aedus never directly attacks mortals. However be careful not to anger him, be respectful and polite[5] and all should be well.
If you are not mortal and you have had the misfortune to enrage him, make your peace now, he will hold nothing back and you will be ultimately destroyed with the rage of a thousand stars.
Alternatively, invoke the spellcard rules be you mortal or not for an impressive show.
Usually seen
- Star’s Soul “Ferris Supernova”
Rarer spell cards
- Supermassive Black Hole “Galactic Rotation”
- Raining Terror “Great Meteor”
- “The Heart of Magic”
- Divine Sign “Celestial Rotation”
Co-owned spell cards
- Sky Crash “Stars on Earth” (with JOS)
- Star & Earth Sign “Cooling Celestial Bodies” (with JOS)
- Star, Earth & Metal sign “Asteroid Mining” (with JOS)
- Celestial Elements “Philosopher’s Stone of the Stars” (with JOS)
Last Word spell cards
- “Primordial Magic, Hawking Radiation”
- “Primordial Magic, Birth of Stars”
[1] It is often impossible to tell how old a Magician is. Mortal or Demon, they almost always appear the same, and both kinds seem to have extended their lives unnaturally by magic. Whether this is on purpose is another matter…
[2] Of course the question is if he knows how the Riftmaker managed to create the rift, why hasn’t he sealed it?
[3] Conjecture.
[4] I find it questionable the young elementalist managed such a feat, but on the other hand, I can still case heat runes to keep my tea warm…
[5] As you always should be to your elders.