Wargrunt: Magical Magi

Cleric (Magi priest) @ 3 AP x 1 - May not be used with any gods (including the god Verethragna)

This post is a companion piece to:

A Cleric is the obvious HOTT element for a Mythological Achaemenid army. I mean, everyone’s heard of the Magi - the three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem.

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The Magi were the official priests of the Achaemenid kings. According to Herodotus, Xerxes did not make any important decisions without the advice of the Magi.

They performed many important roles at the royal court, as well as in religious, legal, administrative and economic activities.

And, in direct relation to HOTT, they accompanied the Persian army on campaigns with the sacred fire.

For HOTT purposes, I’ve interpreted the Magi as being strict followers of Zoroaster who believe that there was only one god, Ahura Mazda. This means a Mythological Achaemenid general may have either a Cleric or a god (including the god Verethragna), but not both.

All very well, but how do Magi fit in with the idea of a HOTT Cleric who defies and daunts heathen gods? Allow me to illustrate their potent priestly powers by referring to an incident from Zoroaster’s life.

A “Harmful Spirit” spotted Zoroaster as he returned to earth after visiting Ahuramazda. The demon mobilised his troops and assailed Zoroaster with a retinue of demon-invoking priests chanting sorcerous incantations.

In response, Zoroaster recited holy verses causing a wave of Ahuramazda’s power to flood the priests, killing many on the spot. The earth started to tremble, it opened up and swallowed the demons into the Netherworld.

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Ahuramazda had also given Zoroaster holy stones which he could throw causing even arch-demons to flinch.

Now, Zoroaster was clearly a special prophet, but an ordinary but devoted and holy Magi certainly might expect spiritual aid in fighting daivas (demons).

Zoroaster

Zoroaster is a historical figure who reformed aspects of the polytheistic Iranian religion into a dualistic one where Ahuramazda became the preeminent god.

The mythology behind Zoroaster’s life story is very apt in fantasy terms. He was the son of a priest who had miraculously received the essence of an angel inside of him. At the age of thirty, Zoroaster was honoured with divine revelation and visions coming directly from god (Ahuramazda).

However, his new theology was not popular and he suffered persecution and fled his homeland. Eventually, Zoroaster converted a local Iranian ruler named Vishtaspa after healing Vishtaspa’s horse in a miraculous way. The new faith spread gaining many followers.

Zoroaster was assassinated at the age of 77, while he was praying in an altar, by a priest of a rival cult. He ascended into heaven in the form of a flash of light.