Certain bodily functions occur in response to various
stimuli in natural situations. With this spell, the
normally autonomic functions are triggered regardless
of stimuli, bringing about various physical states that
may be incongruous with the outside situation.
Sudden movement can send adrenaline jolting
through a subject’s veins, eliciting a startle or alert
response well before the mind has time to identify
the incoming stimuli as a threat or not. Appetizing
smells cause the stomach to begin producing extra
acids and the salivary glands to start functioning,
even if the individual knows that the source of the
stimulus is inaccessible. Dark, quiet settings or repetitive
gentle motion can trigger a body’s sleep reaction,
producing melatonin to lull it into a restful state.
These physical reactions are autonomic functions to
external or internal stimuli, brought about by neural
or chemical reactions without need for thought or
emotion. By using Trigger Autonomic Function, the
mage is able to trip his target’s body’s functions in
such a way as to elicit these responses without the
need for outside stimuli.
With a touch, the mage triggers a chosen body function
in the target. Examples include sleep, sneezing,
coughing, elimination, arousal/orgasm and “fight or
flight.” This reaction is simple, physical and immediate,
but with the addition of Time 2, this spell can be
used on a delay of up to an hour, allowing the mage
to cast it and then remove themselves from the area.
Unlike “Trigger the Lizard Brain” (Life 4), this spell
triggers only physical (bodily) responses, rather than
instinctive emotional reactions.
Any living target capable of the chosen body function
can be targeted. A guard dog could be put to sleep, a
visiting dignitary made to soil themselves, or an attacking
werewolf affected with a sneezing fit. Vampires or
other undead creatures without autonomic functions
are not affected by this spell. Supernatural functions,
such as frenzy or Death Rage cannot be triggered by
this spell, although successfully causing a “fight or
flight” reaction may, at the Storyteller’s discretion,
prompt a test for supernatural functions.
Mysterium Rote: Inattentive Guardian
An inattentive guardian has made more than one
Mysterium Reclaimant’s job much easier to complete.
Putting an individual to sleep by means of this rote
is less dangerous (for the target) than the stereotypical
blow to the back of the head, and is much more
effective for the mage as well. With a touch (or at
sensory distance if Life 3 is used) the mystagogue
can put one target life form to sleep. The target will
remain asleep for a minimum of one scene, regardless
of circumstances; however, after one scene the target
may continue to sleep or be awakened normally by
external stimuli (uncomfortable positioning, loud
noises, etc.)
