Will o' Wisps

Will o’ wisps are ethereal balls of light that guide travelers away from the safe paths in the Hedge.

Overview
"This way… Just a bit further…"

These wisps are certainly not physically dangerous to changelings traveling the Hedge. They rarely come closer than ten yards and have no physical form besides. They do not feed on those who follow them, unlike many hobgoblins, nor do they seem to bear any kind of ill will. This does not mean they cannot lead another to harm, however. Will o’ wisps project tempting stimuli to those who perceive them, inducing the weak-willed or uninformed to follow. Other, more predatory hobgoblins have thus taken to using the wisps to lure their prey for them; so, too, have the Gentry.

Character Sheet
Note: These stats do not reflect an actual personality, which these “beings” lack; instead, they represent the ability to lure creatures.

Mental Attributes: Intelligence 1, Wits 5, Resolve 3 Physical Attributes: Strength 0, Dexterity 5, Stamina 5 Social Attributes: Presence 4, Manipulation 5, Composure 2 Mental Skills: None Physical Skills: Athletics 5, Stealth 3 Social Skills: Empathy 4, Expression 4, Persuasion 4, Subterfuge 4 Merits: Fast Reflexes 2, Fleet of Foot 3, Fresh Start Willpower: 5 Initiative: 9 Defense: 5 Speed: 18 (flight only — species factor 10) Health: N/A (see “Intangible,” below)

• Mirroring: Will o' wisps have an empathic mirroring ability that allows them to “reflect back” the appearance or sound of that which will be most likely to tempt an individual into following. The effect affects only the perceptions of those who see the wisp, not the wisp itself. The wisp does not actually take on the image or sounds thereof, and another person witnessing the same wisp will perceive it differently, projecting their own personal temptations onto the wisp.

• Intangible: Will o' wisps have no physical form, existing solely as a manifestation of Hedge weirdness. They cannot be affected by physical or mental attacks, and aren’t susceptible to Contracts or other supernatural powers. Wisps are, essentially, Hedge window dressing, having no impact on the world around them, unless individuals are foolish enough to follow them.