Christianity

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Christian Theurgist

Street Grimoire, pp. 44–45

Christianity made its transition to the Sixth World in fits and starts. For some people, it was easy. The supernatural had always played a role in their stories and beliefs, so they simply accepted magic as part of the belief framework they’d always held. Others, however, identified magic with the witchcraft and satanism they’d been warned about for years, so they put up walls (the Catholic Church in particular erecting some strong barriers). The Imago Dei encyclical helped break down those walls, but it also transitioned people away from the belief that magic was a manifestation of godly power. Christian Theurgists in general see magic as a tool they can use to perform God’s work, rather than a direct channel to the divine. Spirits often make Christian Theurgists uncomfortable—they’re not sure if they should treat them like the souls of the dead, angels, devils, or something else, so they’re often more comfortable just leaving them alone.

Christian Theurgists are as organized as their particular branch of Christianity is. Members of the clergy, such as mages in the Order of St. Sylvester, have stricter controls on their behavior, while members of the laity of any denomination who happen to be Awakened may have some guidelines or principles to help them in their use of magic, but the degree to which the follow those guidelines is up to them.

In its ideal form, Christianity is about helping others and relieving their pain where possible, and there are Christian Theurgists who attempt to live up to this ideal. Throughout history, however, there have been all sorts of acts done in the name of Christianity, and that remains the case today. Depending on what part of Christian teachings they emphasize or how they choose to interpret them, Christian Theurgists may be involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from the charitable to the reprehensible. But whatever they do, it will have that certain tinge of a holy crusade.

Christian Theurgists of all stripes can be found throughout the Western Hemisphere, though they become less common in the Eastern (where they tend to be spellcasters). Their conjuring skills are often subpar, and their experience giving instructions to spirits is limited. If you want someone who can clearly word a task without leaving loopholes for the spirit, look elsewhere. They can be potent spellcasters and adepts, particularly when they feel they are advancing the cause of righteousness.

Orders

Forbidden Arcana, pp. 63–65

Christian Theurgists, in their perspective, are those gifted by God with the ability to wield the natural energies of magic and devote their skills to the service of the congregation of the faith. While the public version of Christian Theurgy didn’t officially get sanction by Pope John XXV until 2024, secretive orders kept mystical practices alive since first century Gnosticism. A few of these orders are listed below.

Order of St. Sylvester

Also known as Sylvestrines, this is an order of mostly Awakened metahumans that investigates magical phenomena for the Church. This order is also publicly known for promoting magical awareness and beneficial magic such as the healing arts and exorcisms. A few of the order are not Awakened but have done much research into Awakened subjects such as parazoology and parabotany. The Order started in 1841 as an honorary title for those who exceed in their duties in various arts, but then was reformed in 1905 with their present agenda of investigating magical phenomena. The Knights and Dames of St. Sylvester only became publicly known in 2025 after an official sanction from the Pope.

New Knights Templar

The Knights Templar were originally accused of practicing dark magic and were almost completely destroyed in 1307. While publicly disbanded in 1312, the Knights were reestablished in 1910 after hearing the visions of Dame Grace, a young Sylvestrine. New Knights Templars are Awakened followers supported by the Vatican and are actively involved in the affairs of the church. They are sworn to protect the world against the dark forces, though some have taken to interpreting the visions as protecting the Church. This has caused some factions to have alternate goals, leading to conflicts. With the exception of Westphalian Theurgists, the NKT are the most confrontational of the orders.

Vigilia Evangelica

This is not an order, but rather a secret clerical organization with a motivation to safeguard the world from magic too dangerous to be known. It was created in 1274 by Pope Gregory X following the death of Thomas Aquinas. Since that time they have hidden libraries and collections of magical artifacts deemed too dangerous to mankind. There are, as far as observers of the order can tell, four of these Aquine Vaults to secure the largest and most dangerous collections. Vigilia Evangelists also work behind the scenes, supporting other orders with intel and magical supplies. The order includes more than just Awakened individuals, there are also deckers who scour the Matrix for magical works and rituals, hoping to isolate or remove the most dangerous ones.

Westphalian Theurgists

Rooted in Germany, the Westphalian Theurgists are the most restrictive and aggressive of these orders. In 2014, when Imago Dei reversed previous church stances on metahumans, this group split from the rest of the church. They believe in restrictive rules of magic; only Christian Theurgy is acceptable, and all others are heresy and must be destroyed.

Orthodox Exarchs

When bug outbreaks were discovered in Eastern Europe, the Orthodox Exarchs gathered the strength of the Awakened from their churches and proved decisive against the invading spirits. They had the advantage of early preparation—after the Awakening, they were on the leading edge (at least as far as church members went) in diving into magical research. Members of the order originally consisted of Church members who were friendly to mysticism, so their mental adjustments to the Awakening were not exceptionally difficult. They are the oddest of groups in the Sixth World—individuals focused on fighting evil and not bringing any reward, or even attention, to themselves. Sure, there are power struggles sometimes—that’s part of having power—but for the most part, the Exarchs do their research, learn their secrets, then use what they’ve learned to keep magic from being abused. Simple, but also quite rare.

Details

Forbidden Arcana, pp. 63–65

Related Mentor Spirits

Aside from Sacred Text, there usually is no mentor/ totem to directly guide Theurgists on their journey, but some will choose a patron saint and adjust their life to follow the virtues of that saint.

Ideals

The ideals of Christian Theurgists are far more varied than might be initially thought. While all practitioners would swear that they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, the church, or some particular saint (not necessarily in that order), what that looks like in practice can vary greatly. Due to the prominence of Christianity in the West for over 1,500 years, many branches have developed, which means it is not uncommon to find Christian Theurgists who are pacifist, militant, accepting, judgmental, giving, hoarding, and every position in-between. One could spend years untangling how Christian theology snaked off in so many different and often opposing directions, but examining how the doctrine became what it is is perhaps less important than acknowledging that this variety exists.

Sorcery

Pope John XXV has said that Awakened abilities are not, by nature, evil. Rather, like any other human abilities, they may be used for good or evil. The use of spellcasting is an approved practice by a majority of churches. Ritual spellcasting is questionable due to its possible ties to paganism.

Conjuring

Pope John XXV also goes on to say that spirits are living manifestations, which means conjuring is not in itself evil. Since it touches on so many questions of faith and morality, however, summoning spirits is generally frowned upon, especially when attempts to bind them are involved. Traditional Theurgists are forbidden to summon or bind spirits except under permission from Rome, which only comes in unique circumstances. The banishing skill is allowable, relating to the role of banishment of evil spirits, including modern examples of insect and toxic spirits.

Enchanting

Theurgists frown on the use of the whole enchanting skill group as it ties to witchcraft and paganism—many witches in media are associated with wands and amulets. The use of reagents is permissible, unless you attempt to make them.

Rules

Street Grimoire, p. 45

Combat
Fire
Detection
Water
Health
Air
Illusion
Earth
Manipulation
Guidance
Drain
Willpower + Charisma
Preferred Spells
Detect Life, Heal, Increase Inherent Limits, Influence, Lightning Bolt.
Preferred Adept Powers
Astral Perception, Danger Sense, Empathic Healing, Mystic Armor.

Forbidden Arcana, pp. 63–65

Traditional Theurgists follow strict rules for their practice of magic:

Traditional Theurgists

  • Cannot use the Enchanting skill group (Vigilia Evangelica does not follow this limit).
  • Gains the Exorcism metamagic for free.
  • Cannot use the Binding skill.
  • Summoning can be done, but only through special dispensation by those of higher authority. A geas prevents the Theurgist from summoning without it.
  • Cannot practice magic on the Sabbath (geas).

Vigilia Evangelica (additional restrictions)

  • Practice a Vow of Silence (geas), though the written word is acceptable.
  • Swear an oath of secrecy to not reveal any of the knowledge learned in the vaults.
  • Gain the Pacifist quality (in exchange for the ability to use the Enchanting skill group).

Westphalian Theurgist (additional restrictions)

  • Can only learn Combat and Health spells.
  • Can use the Disenchanting skill.
  • Gain +2 dice pool modifier for Banishing skill tests.
  • Gain Vexcraft for free (note: skill requirement must be filled to use secondary ability).

Notable teachers

Nathaniel de Leon

Street Grimoire, p. 45

He led a small group of Sylvestrine monks during the Aztlan-Amazonia War, but his responsibilities essentially ended when all of his underlings were killed during the final purge of Amazonian elements from Bogotá. He is still considered a member of the Order, but his exact assignment is unclear. He has taken it upon himself to find new recruits to serve under him, and that means he is quite willing to pass on Christian Theurgist teachings and ideas to those willing to learn.

Father Pietro Rinaldi

Choose Your Enemies Carefully and Find Your Own Truth

Forbidden Arcana, pp. 64–65

A Catholic priest of the Order of St. Sylvester, who has been in and around the shadows for decades. Now an old man, he finds purpose in teaching others what he knows of Theurgy and magical theory in general. Rinaldi isn’t a full mage—in fact, he can’t cast spells—but he has shown himself to be a capable teacher, and many well-known pupils of his have risen quite far in the Order. Seekers, even non-faithful ones, will find Father Rinaldi a willing professor. When he is not in Rome, he can be found at one of the various monasteries he frequents in Seattle.

  • Brother Paulus: soldier-monk of the Order of St. Sylvester.FYOT
  • Brother Mark: mage-monk of the Order of St. Sylvester.FYOT

Archbishop Timothy Stemple

Forbidden Arcana, p. 65

If you are looking for a less traditional mentor, you can head to Bavaria and knock on the door of a Westphalian monastery. Bishop Stemple spends his time there, away from the extravagant trappings that normally accompany an archbishop. He demands strict adherence and utter servitude, but he is kind-hearted and willing to teach. He doesn’t back down on his beliefs, though, so if you are a shaman or some smart-ass hermetic, be prepared for lectures about the scriptures and your heathen lifestyle.

>: Any truth to the rumors that Bishop Stemple is Unseelie?
—Chainmaker
>: He certainly has an extreme hate-on for the Tírs. But Westphalians are pretty rigid. I can’t see how the two mix.
—Axis Mundi
>: They don’t mix. As Bishop Stemple himself would say, you can’t serve two masters. Stemple’s as religious as they come. But he ain’t Westphalian.
—Rose Red
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