Prestidigitator
Some spell casters put their abilities to work for personal gain. Commonly known as Prestidigitators, they are feared and reviled.
Magic Abilities of the Prestidigitator:
1. Determining P.P.E.: Use P.E. as the base and add 1D6x10. The character gains an additional 1D6 P.P.E. per level of experience. P.P.E. can be restored at the rate of five points per hour of meditation or sleep.
2. Understanding the Principles of Magic: Prestidigitators know and understand the main principles of magic and sorcery, including rituals, symbols, incantations and paraphernalia. This allows them to distinguish between fake "occult" materials from the real thing, as well as determine the general purpose of specific items and even which supernatural forces are involved. Base Skill: 60%+2% per level of experience. A failed roll means the character does not realize or misunderstands the significance of the evidence, dismissing it as fake, or maybe thinking a forgery or charlatan's scribblings are authentic.
3. Sense Magic: Prestidigitators are attuned to the forces of magic. Most magic, magical items, or magic forces can be detected. Range: 120 feet plus 10 feet per level of experience.
4. Recognize Magic & Enchantment:
Recognize enchantment: Just as a doctor can recognize flu symptoms and disease, the prestidigitator can recognize the influence of magic that charms, hypnotizes, or otherwise causes mind control (including trances, domination, compulsion, quest, etc.). This ability also includes identifying magic sickness, curses, the effects of faerie food and faerie magic, and supernatural or magic possession. Illusions, metamorphosis, and psionic powers do not count as enchantment. Base Skill: 35%+5% per level of experience.
Recognize magic: The prestidigitator has a certain percentage chance to recognize a magic item by shape, inscription, magic symbols or intuition (gut feeling). It's important to understand that while the character may know something has magical properties, he does not know what powers the item may have or how to use it. Base Skill: 20%+5% per level of experience.
5. Initial Spell Knowledge: Because the prestidigitator studies magic used for personal gain, they learn how to cast spells certain spells. At first level the prestidigitator starts off with Cloud of Smoke, Decipher Magic, See the Invisible, Befuddle, Chameleon, Darkness, Breathe Without Air, Invisibility: Simple, Sense Traps, Charismatic Aura, Shadow Meld and Swim as a Fish.. At each new additional level of experience, roll on the Shortcut to Gaining New Spells table on page 151 of HU2.
6. Read/Acquire Magic: Through intense study of scrolls or books of magic lore, prestidigitators can attempt to learn a new spell or ritual. Once the spell has been deciphered, the prestidigitator can attempt to cast it. Casting a new spell in this fashion requires and additional roll against the caster's skill. Base Skill: 35%+5% per level of experience.
Attribute Requirements: A high P.E. is recommended but not necessary.
Starting Age: 16
Base S.D.C.: 10
Martial Art Forms: None. Choose either Hand to Hand Basic or trade one secondary skill for the Hand to Hand Expert or trade two secondary skills for Hand to Hand Martial Arts.
Educational Level: Special Training
Superspy Modifications Available: None.
Base Minimum Skills: Basic Math, Speak Native Language, Literacy: Native Language.
Available Skill Programs: Automatically receives the Prestidigitator skill program (New). In addition, select any three (3) Rogue/Criminal skill programs. Also, select two (2) Basic skill programs.
Secondary Skills: Select any eight (8).
Money: $8000
Income: Base pay is $400 a week when working for a crime group.
Level Advancement Bonuses: Receive one new Secondary Skill at 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 13th levels.
Social Contacts: The character has served time in prison. Roll for country and roll 1D20 for number of years (and add to age). Character can also easily pass for an underworld criminal (60%+5% per level). The prestidigitator has a chance of finding a former friend, accomplice; or acquaintance in most criminal hang-outs or organizations (20% in country of origin, 31% in country where the character was jailed, and 7% everywhere else). This cuts both ways, since other criminals have a 7% chance of recognizing the character.
Prestidigitator Skill Program
Streetwise or Yarrow Stick Counting (+10%)
Streetwise: Wierd (+15%)
Select two (2) Lore skills from the following list, with a +5% bonus for each: Demons & Monsters, Entities & Ghosts, Faerie & Creatures of Magic, Geomancy/Lines of Power, Magic, Magic Arcane, Mythology, Paranormal & Psionics, Religion, and Superstitions.
Take two (2) Weapon Proficiencies from the following list: W.P. Knife, W.P. Axe, W.P. Crossbow, W.P. Flamethrower, W.P. Black Powder, W.P. Dart Pistol, and W.P. Shotgun.