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Congratulations and welcome to the fourth edition Guide to the Modern Supernatural.  In this complete barely-abridged guide, we’ll be going through a number of sections, highlighting all the information you’ll need to get through basic interactions with the nonhuman communities!  

Please note that while all of our entries are researched as well as possible, some will be longer or shorter than others- there is a wide variety of supplemental material available in other places and in other formats, and while we promise complete reports we do sometimes reference other texts to allow for our researchers and editors to be able to be more comprehensive on the things that do not have such supplementary resources.  All supplemental resources referenced remain available for purchase at any licensed distributary where this guidebook is sold, and there is a voucher for 20% off your first three selections in the back of each volume of this guidebook.  

This guidebook will cover many interesting topics, such as: 

• The general power hierarchy of the Realms and their leaders
• An understanding of Hell and its structure
• An exploration of the Endless, the most mysterious immortal beings out there
• Understanding what a mage is talking about: vocabulary involved in magic
• Basic overviews of some of the most common supernatural beings that can be encountered and what to do about it
• Who’s Who: Some of the notable immortals and where they can be found, along with significant humans and bloodlines

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Earth as we know it is the center of a nexus of planes.  It is the primary plane, the only one that is fully capable of sustaining life that meets all eight of the Gadsen qualities (birth, death, sleep, pain, love, lies, hope, and being sunsafe), in addition to being the one that accesses the rest of the universe directly rather than through pan-dimensional folding.  

Planes can generally be categorized into a few fairly distinct categories: Afterlives, Reflections, and Distinct Planes.  

Afterlife planes are fairly self-explanatory.  They hold the dead souls and organize and contain them.  Two of the larger ones, as they contain significant populations of other sentient beings who feel the need to get involved in other people’s business, are the Christian afterlives- Heaven, also known as the Silver City, home of the angels, and Hell, home to demons.  The Silver City tends to mostly stay out of extraplanar business.  Hell tends to be vicious to those realms on its borders, but demons are known to menace wherever they are summoned.  The largest afterlife plane is the Sunless Lands, containing most other afterlife planes and known as the most impenetrable plane- it is nearly impossible for souls to escape, and all that do eventually return.  

An explanation of Hell’s geography will be given later.  Heaven’s structure remains a secret, as nobody breaks into Heaven and those that do do not bring back maps.  For a greater understanding of the intricacies of the realms of Death, please consult your local religious leader or ‘What Happens After You Croak’ by Didi Anverj et al.

Reflection planes are not fully corporeal or capable of supporting life with all eight Gadsen qualities for a significant degree of time and are directly affected by life on Earth.  These planes are often the realm of beings who have a role relating to some part of life’s functionality.  Some planes comprise full worlds, others are significantly smaller to suit the needs of its ruler.  Planes comprising full worlds include Mount Olympus and its sister mountains and the Dreaming.  Planes that are smaller than full worlds include the Threshold of Desire, the Place that is Not A Place, the Champion’s Gauntlet, and the Pits of Despair. 

Distinct planes are other realms adjacent to the Earth we know, ones that can support life with all eight Gadsen qualities but are naturally home to life with seven or fewer of these qualities.  Many of these realms are prone to being traps for G-8 lifeforms or are used as prisons.  Examples include the Fae Realms, the Mirror Mazes, and the Labyrinth (which seceded from the Fae Realms in the year 16543 of their reckoning, which we have not been able to map onto any coherent Earthly calendar).  

For a more expansive list of planes and advice on traversing them, we recommend ‘The Eager Traveler’s Guide Vol. 2-17, Extraplanar Travel’.  Volume One is a guidebook to Earth.  Volume 2 provides an overview of the other fifteen volumes and their contents and significantly more complicated organizational system.  These books can be obtained through an exchange program, as they are quite hefty and can be a significant economic commitment.

The power struggles of the realms are complicated.  The Silver City could overpower most other realms, but cannot take over many that have a function.  The realms ruled by the Endless are extensions of themselves, and cannot truly be destroyed or overtaken, yet many seek to try, and some damage can be done.  The relevant politics are mostly based on interference in Earth and attempts to interfere in the interplanar boundaries- the former is a significant display of influence, while the latter is mostly petty power struggles as ‘size’ cannot truly be conceptualized in such terms of extraplanar space.  

In addition, the question of ‘power’ is complicated by the fact that many of the most powerful beings either cannot or will not use their power or are otherwise restricted by oaths that they have made, and others have natural weaknesses.  The Endless can never move directly against each other as they have rules against spilling family blood, but hold each other in check.  Similarly, the Silver City will move against Hell’s offenses as soon as they have cause, but demons will almost always divert from other tasks to assault an angel, holding each other in a tenuous balance.  Hell has numbers and ever-increasing power, but the Silver City has more potent weapons and centuries of faith to draw upon.  In general, neutrality is upheld, and people do their best to avoid combat- after all, there’s always work to be done, and with over 7.8 billion humans on the planet, people are busier than ever!  

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Honestly, a lot of Dante’s commentary on the structure of Hell was either correct or became so fixed in the public consciousness that it became correct.  

So instead of rewriting his work, here’s the differences: 

(Note: His editorialization and discussion with various souls was, obviously, exaggerated.  We are not commenting on his accuracy in regards to Purgatory and Heaven at this time.  Thank you)  

The Fifth Circle, the city of the demons, is mostly a functional city home to many of the legions.  

Hell is also full of pocket dimensions in various circles, also full of legions of demons.  Any random summoning is likely to pull from one of these.  Any discrepancies of the depictions of hell are likely either describing a pocket dimension or are the result of Hell’s slightly fluid nature.

The center of the Ninth Circle does not contain Lucifer frozen in a block of ice; they do NOT take kindly to expectations that that is so.  They have their palace there, and there is space for every demon in hell in the plazas before it.  

(Again, please do not ask how.  It’s Hell and Lucifer was a star-creator before the Fall.  Things can be a bit weird.)  

Do not reference the Fall in Hell.  Do not insult Lucifer to their face unless you are prepared to deal with the consequences.  If you do not have an escort, you’re up for grabs.  

For a more in-depth explanation of the structure of Hell, please read Dante’s Divine Comedy, specifically the first section, the Inferno.  Copies in the original Italian, in Latin, or in English with and without annotations to explain the references and humor are available.  A briefer depiction has been filmed by Johanna Constantine, and is available upon request.  We do not claim responsibility for any fire damage you may suffer for said request.

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The Endless are the children of Night and Time, seven of the oldest beings in the universe.  They control important aspects of life and will be the last beings in the universe when all has drawn to an end.  Despite their limitless power, they generally restrain themselves based on their functions and obligations.  

Destiny is the eldest of the seven.  He lives in the Garden of Forking Ways, a vast maze with his palace in the center.  Like many magical mazes, it can be accessed through any maze with proper intention, though we do not recommend this.  Destiny is draped in robes at almost all times and is blind, with his Book chained to him.  All that he can see is his Book, in which is written all things that are and that will come to pass.  Though Destiny is generally a passive observer, they will occasionally interfere through informing people of prophecy or through direct action- though the latter is solely in regards to his siblings.  He will not tell you the future.  Please stop asking.  

Death is the second of the seven.  She walks the earth, collecting the dead and bringing them to the Sunless Lands.  Death is kind, though this has not always been the case, and she can sometimes revert- though she generally does not.  Death has most recently been seen dressing in the goth fashion.  She bears an ankh symbol.  While Death prefers to take a passive role, she knows she will be the last of her siblings to pass on and can push others along their mortal coil- though that is only in cases of emergencies, as it provides her more work.  She has occasionally withheld her gifts, though that is generally seen as a curse rather than a blessing.  Many have attempted to capture her, though none have succeeded for centuries.  

Dream is the third of the seven.  He rules the Dreaming, the space where sleeping minds go, creating Dreams and Nightmares and influencing the sleeping minds of all that can dream to whatever purposes he chooses, typically their betterment.  He has no cohesive physical appearance, though he generally prefers to dress in gothic or emo styles, and has often chosen to push forwards the facet of another form or change his physical appearance at a whim.  Occasionally, he meddles, though most of his meddling is in the form of his own love life, which ends in tragedies every time.  While dramatic, he has recently undergone a moral shift (while the shift was brought about in part due to the Burgess Incident, where Roderick Burgess managed to summon and bind him, this shift would have come about eventually; please do not bring this up in front of him if you wish to sleep well for the next few years) and is generally less harsh than he has been in the past.  He will not stop your nightmares, they’re important for your mental health.

Destruction is the fourth of the seven.  His Realm is known as the Fulcrum.  In the seventeenth century, he chose to abandon his function, having looked at science and warfare and wanting no part of it.  His typical physical form is tall, muscular, and redheaded, commonly described as ‘Viking-like’.  There have been few to no sightings of Destruction since his abandonment.  Either he is continuing his duties or his siblings have taken on some of the burden.  Business regarding Destruction is the business of his siblings and not our concern.  

Desire is the fifth of the seven.  Their realm is the Threshold of Desire, a vast structure of themselves.  Their physical form can be affected by the perceptions of others, but they have some control over their presentation.  They have no gender, having chosen to take parts of both without the fuss of everything, unlike their siblings.  They are clever and vicious, often walking the Earth to meddle.  Though they have been feuding with Dream recently, the feud is settling down into what may be the coolest state it has been in since before there were humans on Earth.  They are often partaking in flings with mortals, technically not violating the rule that the Endless may not love mortals.  They are twins with Despair and deeply protective of them.  

Despair is the sixth of the seven, slightly younger than Desire.  Their realm is the Pit of Despair, a complex shape full of fog and mirrors making it impossible to identify its true size and dimensions, though preliminary mapping suggests that it is smaller than expected and larger than comfortable.  It is also one of the few that supports native inhabitants, in the form of rats- both for direct misery and because their nibbles expose people’s despair.  She wields a hook, often hurting herself with it when there is no other misery to find, and delights in misery and people’s sadness.  She meddles as much as her twin does, though she often does not feud with her siblings as much and has some restraint, while her sibling does not.  She is deeply protective of her twin, Desire.  

Delirium is the seventh and youngest of the seven.  Her realm is the Kaleidoscope, though its name is more of a placeholder than a true title as the true name is as ever-shifting as Delirium herself.  Long ago, she was once Delight, but for reasons unknown, she became Delirium and rules madness instead of her former function.  She generally has bright hair and ever-shifting heterochromic eyes, and dresses in various wild styles, though her appearance is ever-shifting.  She speaks in riddles and often drifts off course.  She is as dangerous as her siblings, however, and while she is the baby of the family is often more prone to darts and barbs than others as she knows she can get away with them.  She is generally harmless if you treat her well, though she can be a danger to others simply through existing and should not be trusted with things such as motor vehicles and large amounts of technology or machinery.  

None of the Endless are on good terms with their parents and will not get in contact with them.  

To contact the Endless if it is time-sensitive, either think strongly about it while attempting to partake in one of their functions or contact a mage that has been accredited by the International Magical Confederation as being skilled in interdimensional contact of level 7 or above.  Another option is attempting to contact their emissaries, as they are aware of many things.  If it is not time-sensitive, leave a message with the name of the Endless you are attempting to contact at the bar of the New Inn in London.  The address is listed in the directory of notable locations behind the Who’s Who.

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While this is not exhaustive, these are generally accepted definitions.  Like all literary definitions, they have some overlap and gray area. 

Types of Mage

Mage: Somebody capable of casting magic

Witch: A mage with a focus on potions and herbal work; frequently but not exclusively with a focus on medicine.

Hedgewitch: A low-level witch, either in terms of ability or accessible power.  

Wizard: A mage with a focus on research and magical theory

Sorcerer/Sorceress: A mage with inhuman heritage; a mage whose power comes from a source other than themselves.  

Warlock: A mage whose focus is in and magic comes from alternate dimensions and/or planes of existence.

Caster: A mage who is actively using magic that is not in runes or objects.  

Cursemaker: A mage whose focus is in laying harmful magic into objects.  

Enchanter: A mage whose focus is in laying magic into objects without ethical bias or with positive or neutral ethical bias.  

Necromancer: A mage whose focus is in working with the dead and dying.  

Exorcist: A mage whose focus is in working with spirits, demons, and beings from alternate dimensions and/or planes of existence while their magic comes from our own dimension and plane of existence.  

Words about Magic

Spell: The use of magic to affect the world in some way

Charm: A spell without a permanent affect and positive to neutral ethical bias.  

Hex: A spell without a permanent affect and neutral to negative ethical bias.

Curse: A spell with or without a permanent affect, tied to a physical object, with negative ethical bias.  

Enchantment: A spell with or without a permanent affect, tied to a physical object, with positive to neutral ethical bias.  

Necromancy: A spell regarding or related to the dead and/or dying, or a spell powered by the energy of the dead or dying.

Witchcraft: Spellwork done by witches; items made by witches with magical qualities; how many witches refer to the act of using magic.

Wards: A spell anchored in a physical object formed and shaped by runes or writing of some kind.  Often can be externally powered.

Exorcism: A spell relating to a spirit, demon, and/or being from an alternate dimension and/or plane of existence using magic from the caster’s home plane that is not the aforementioned being’s home dimension and plane.  Typically used to return said being to their home plane and dimension.  

Potion: A spell in liquid form, often but not exclusively drinkable.  

Ritual: A spell cast through an extended procedure of actions, often including unusual or magical items and/or artifacts.  While they can be difficult, they can allow for multiple casters to take part in one spell, help focus wild or uncooperative magics, and/or allow for more complicated, specific, or long-lasting results.  

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Supernatural beings of all kinds roam this Earth, and while there are many that are unique and terrifying (angels, Endless, Lucifer, the fae, to name a few) there are many more that are commonplace and only occasionally terrifying.  For your safety and so we can sell more of these, we’re providing you with some of the more common entities and basic precautions you can take.  

Vampires: There’s many varieties of vampires, each with their own specific weakness.  In general, garlic, symbols backed up with faith (holy symbols, crosses if you believe in vampire lore, something with personal meaning for protection or to ward away evil), and stabbing in the heart if they are out of control are good ideas.  Like most beings, they can be stunned by a solid punch in the face, and if you can get away and make noise you’ll likely be passed on for an easier target.  Most are not hostile in and of themselves, and will leave you alone as long as you do the same.  American vampires do tend to be more hostile.  When in doubt, check your regional lore.  

Werewolves: There are equally many varieties of were-creatures, though wolves are one of the more common variants.  Again, specific weaknesses cannot be identified in such a general guide as this, but basil, silver, and being willing to run like hell are always good options.  Regional folklore will often provide help, and it is good to remember that your weres are likely very hungry and can be distracted by calories.  

Fae: While the High Fae are very difficult and individually terrifying, the lower fae can be quite helpful.  To ward them off, try iron.  Do not give them your true name.  Be polite, but feel free to leave if you’re scared- this advice also applies to many other conversations.  Do not directly thank them.  If they provide a service, you must pay off your debts- if in doubt, fresh bread, cheese, and milk are all good options, either organic or in the form of pizza.  

Shapeshifters:  Most shapeshifters are not harmful.  If one steals your face without permission, try confronting them peacefully.  If you feel the need for defense, bring rowan wood- contact will start reverting the shifts.  

Ghosts: If a ghost is friendly and/or willing to communicate, try doing so!  If not, contact your local exorcist.  Many advertise in local phone books, are known in the community, and/or can be contacted through the location where you procured this guide.  

Demons: Most demons are very dangerous.  Do not try to negotiate unless the demon is clear about what their goals are and that they are not harmful.  There is one demon in London that is not harmful and far trickier and stronger than you can deal with; most demons wish harm to humanity.  If you are faced with demons, call your local exorcist and possibly your local branch of the Catholic Church- they have a long history of dealing with demons and can contact your local exorcist as well.  

If you seek more specific advice, check your local folklore or speak to elders in your local community.  The more opinions you find, the better the decisions you can make.  Local guides are often published at distribution locations where you can find this volume.

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The list of true immortals- those who cannot die and have exceeded a natural human lifespan- is significantly shorter than expected.  Many can be killed but have not been so as of yet.  Many more gain an extended, but not infinite, lifespan.  Many more gain a semblance of immortality through non-human blood, making them hybrids or marking them as nonhuman themselves, and thus removing them from this list.  Nonetheless, there are several human or mostly-human immortals, as well as some significant bloodlines with truly remarkable staying power, that are worth being aware of.  

The Guard: A team of immortals who travel the world, helping out.  They maintain mostly closed relationships, only trusting a few mortals.  While they can be contacted with difficulty, they generally go where they will.  Highly dangerous, and slow to trust.   They have been around in some form since Ancient Greece, though several members are more recent.  

*There are many lines of those who hunt the supernatural and non-human creatures.  For the specific lines that are native to your region, please contact the elders in your community or distributors of this volume.*

The Constantine family has passed down a significant talent for magic and an entanglement with the forces of darkness for several hundred years.  There is generally only a small number of Constantines at any given time; the current one at time of publication is primarily based in London but will travel as-needed.  They tend to be exorcists and battle-mages.  

‘Mad’ Hettie is publicly open about her immortality, earning her her moniker.  She is an information broker, and while her mood is another reason for her moniker, she remains almost completely accurate.  She has been around for approximately two centuries.  

Robert Gadling keeps quiet about his immortality, but runs an inn that caters to the supernatural.  He is quite secretive, but is the best form of non-immediate contact to the Endless out there.  We have records of him dating back to the sixteenth century, though some suggest that he has been around for longer.  Regardless, he prefers to be let be, though he provides good advice.   

While the one we do not name has been in one place for quite some time, they have resumed their wanderings and thus we find ourselves unable to provide a location.  

There are many more immortals, but they have made requests not to be included at this time, as they seek solitude and privacy.  Please respect their wishes.  

If you seek more information on important local bloodlines, please refer to A History of Blood volumes 1-49, which breaks down by volume various locations and regions of bloodlines.  The Enhanced Edition is self-updating for the newer generations, including marriages and accomplishments.  Please note that we do not sell the full edition, but we do offer a trade-in deal for those who need to update their books or who have moved.  Trade-ins do not ensure the full price if your edition is damaged.  

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Thank you for your purchase of this volume!  We hope that you find yourself edified, educated, and entertained.  Please direct all complaints to the distribution location, and rest assured that you will find yourself a response in a timely manner.  We claim no responsibility for any damage taken as a result of advice from this book.  We claim no responsibility for any damage caused by using this book as a weapon on either side of the interaction.  The distributor claims no responsibility for the quality of the book after it has been sold.  Purchase of this book from a source other than the licensed distributor invalidates any and all quality, honesty, and safety guarantees.  Any financial obligations attached to this book expire a hundred years from their invocation, unless the invocation specifically ties them to a shorter length of time.  The invocation of the deals marked in the back of this book goes into effect when the purchase has been completed, marked by the acceptance of the receipt or book, whichever happens first.