Hi all,

One of my friends is starting up a new DH game with 5 of our other friends. I chose the background package for my Adept in the Radical's Handbook called,"Thy Name I keep". It's on page 37 for reference. My 6 page typed character history aside I have three questions regarding this background.

1. the background claims I, as a character have a portion of the name of a demon and that with that name I can command it to do my bidding. Under the "power of the demon" I chose the power of a "Knowledge Familiar". My question is, are the demon and knowledge familiar two separate entities? or if I ask the demon a question through my mind will the knowledge familiar respond?

2. In relation to the Knowledge Familiar itself, if they are in fact separate does the knowledge familiar need to be something of form around me? I have heard of familiars before they are usually small things that follow you. Is that the same in this instance? I would choose a small creature this knowledge familiar would represent only I have some type of mental connection with it as I do the demon itself? I would love to know how I am going to explain this random creature following me around places.

3. The knowledge in Daemonology and subsequent Talented in Daemonology as well. Is this knowledge gained from the demon itself? So if I as a character run in to a situation where I can use it I simply roll basically a +20 to my intelligence and I simply know that knowledge? even though I have not had any formal training in it through books or anything?

Thanks all

First, let me welcome you to the forums. In regards to your questions, let me address them to the best of my ability and understanding.

Aludian said:

In much of the background materials it is theorized that all lesser dæmons are tied in someway to those greater than themselves. Some have expressed this as them being minor fragments, increasing in power until you reach the four Chaos gods. Nothing is entirely definitive on the matter. In the case of your character's familiar, it could likely be a splinter of the more powerful entity, but with its limited knowledge and usefulness having been imparted upon its creation. Yes, the familiar should have some sort of physical manifestation; most likely a small, innocuous animal of some sort. Many of the points above would be best addressed by your GM so things would fit best into what s/he has planned for the campaign.

Aludian said:

I would personally say no on the above interpretation. The abilities represented in this case should be personal knowledge and ability. It would be the how to explaining some of the nuances of the background. Your character has dabbled in dark knowledge until they learned something wholey terrifying and used that power to gain a limited and tentative hold over something unclean and diabolical.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

-=Brother Praetus=-