The Codex of Gelatin Desserts
A resource for GURPS Illuminati University by Jacob Williamson,
spottylogic@occultmail.com
(c)1996

To: Lord Fred, Dean-mon of Metaphysics
From: Pooshka Basilwitz, MpD, Professor of Thaumaturgy
Date: 3/8/96
Re: Acquisition of The Big Book of Kitchen Fun

May this memo find you in good health, lord. By our contract I am bid to relate to you all sources of great Magic, and our latest find was close enough. As a combined effort the departments of Temporal Metaphysics and Thaumaturgy have been panning the timestreams for concentrations of mana -- spellbooks and the like -- and bringing them to the University for study. Our own Kirk MacDouglan won the ArchDean's Most Profitable Student award for his second-hand Powerstones alone: research has been self-sustaining. Thursday's dredge of the future brought forth the Liber Undulatus, the Codex of Gelatin Desserts. If this is the direction of future magical studies, I resign.

After less than a week the Codex has spawned two bloodfeuds. The department of Weird Science and Culinary Studies are preparing strike teams of grad students to take the tome, and only our successful casting of Hodgekin's Explosive Evolutionary Reversal staved off the forces of Madame Curry. Ideally the students won't notice the monkey fur in Borgia Center. Two of our professors have declared themselves jellomancers and are working to create a new department. The College of Zen Surrealism is demanding the book and all our futon mattresses. Your intervention is respectfully requested.

-----

Mages are an individualistic lot. Some might go so far as to call them downright bizaare. Magical research progresses by leaps, bounds and in the department of Elemental Fire, aerial delivery; and research wizards, well, "adventuring" mages are strange enough for any two characters, but at least they get plenty of fresh air, sunshine and excercise.

The subCollege of Elemental Gelatin is by no means the most absurd department in Illuminati University's School of Metaphysics -- that position is held by Inept Enchantments, hands down. In the tides of Academia all kinds of utterly useless flotsom gets tossed ashore, left in the sun, and institutionalized. Thirty years from now, who knows? The founders of the Department of Elemental Gelatin will have tenure, and the way will be paved for even more useless courses of study.

The Liber Undulatus

The sourcebook of the subCollege of Elemental Gelatin does not resemble a typical ''tome,'' but is instead a sturdy, three-ring binder containing 300+ pages of thaumanutritional text, brightly illustrated with sketches and glossy color photographs. Its spine and frontplate bear the title ''The Big Book of Kitchen Fun,'' the latter displaying a beautiful woman working at a stove, wearing a wizard's conical hat. Its pages are stained with chemicals and grease. The loose-leaf pages can be easily removed or torn from the book, though of course no properly respectful mage would desecrate an arcane tome in such a manner...

The text of the Big Book of Kitchen Fun is even more arcane than most magical resources. Spell incantations and rituals are encoded within recipes, which themselves use jargon so esoteric that only characters with a Cooking skill of at least 12 and a Weird Magic skill of at least 15 can hope to decipher them. Example: ''Frappe' 2 millibushels eggs at high speed -- but not too high -- for 1/500 local lunar period unless at altitudes exceeding 1000' above sea level during neap tide, at which point the ingredients must be whipped. Do not add ice until ice is added.'' Besides containing the founding spells of the subCollege of elemental Gelatin, the book contains a number of useful recipes for the production of festive desserts. The spellbook neither contains nor acknowledges spells from the other Colleges of magic.

History: Unknown. The Liber Undulatus was summoned by complicated ritual sorcery, pulled from some unguessable future period. It may or may not represent the direction of magical research over the years to come. The book has been in the custody of the Department of Metaphysics at Illuminati University for several months now, and its owner has made no attempt to retrieve his or her text.

The Big Book of Kitchen Fun goes by many names, the author(s) and the book's various owners apparently hoping one of them will give the text and the research it has spawned a touch of dignity.

EGS 101: Basic Ingredients (Sidebar Material)...

The Physics of Gelatin

Gelatin is derived from collagen, a substance which provides elasticity in skin, ligaments and other connective tissues. The substance is a complex protein capable of absorbing great amounts of liquid; in its crystalline form gelatin is at least 15% water. When dissolved gelatin can take a range of forms from a thin liquid to a semisolid gel. The gel is formed at a temperature of between 0°C (32°F) and 20°C (68°F), and cannot exist in a gel state beyond about 35 to 38°C (95-100°F). Beyond this range of temperature it loses viscosity and gradually thins. Impurities from the gelatin's origin affect setting temperatures and other properties. High levels of acidity and certain enzymes inhibit ''gelation'' still further.

One gallon of gelatin weighs eight pounds. A hex of gelatin 1 foot deep contains about 60 gallons, or 480 pounds of material. A single gallon of material fills roughly .13 cubic feet of space.

You may use this information to liven parties at your discretion.

The Metaphysics of Gelatin

Some uncertainty exists regarding the place of gelatin in elemental cosmology. Proponents of gelomantic thaumaturgy point to the existence of gelatin elementals as proof that gelatin ranks with Water and Earth in the prime elements from which all matter originates. Opponents of the cause argue that gelatin is merely a subclassification of the Colleges of Water, Ice and Food magic; theirs is the dominant viewpoint, and Gelatin Purists are regarded almost universally as eccentrics, except by themselves.

Gelatin Elementals
Downright weird spirits, gelatin ''elementals'' are the embodiment of their substance given motion and humanoid form (a vague man-shape of cubed gelatin or, more frequently, a molded form with smooth edges and pronounced features) . They are hyperactive, but tend to tire quickly during extended activity--that is, they jiggle. They are not "native" to any known region, except perhaps kitchens. Gelatin elementals suffer at -1 on any attempt to resist control (no backbone). They abide by all the normal restrictions of elementals (B154, M114).

Reactions: +1 to "kitchen" people (chefs, housewives and gourmands), but a -4 reaction to individuals with the Gluttony disadvantage. Otherwise, neutral in general. Gelatin elementals have poor memories, and do not make long-term enemies. Each reaction roll is made without reference to the elemental's previous experiences.

Statistics: DX no greater than 14, IQ no greater than 8, with unlimited ST and HT. They average about 5 in each score, but as gelatin elementals do not typically occur in nature, their statistics depend largely on the summoning mage and therefore vary widely.

Combat: Unaffected by cutting and slashing damage. Attacks by striking with hands, as a normal human. Can use the Gelatin Strike spell, no roll to cast, skill of 16 to hit. The elemental takes double damage from Fire spells, and normal damage from Dehydrate and Destroy Water. The elemental may merge with large volumes of gelatin, instantly regaining 1 HT for very 10 pounds if absorbed material. Effects which freeze or melt the elemental will not affect its activity.

EGS 225: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN PROJECTIVE ASPIC SORCERY (AN OVERVIEW COURSE)

SUBCOLLEGE ELEMENTAL GELATIN, TRADITIONAL SOURCE MATERIAL EFFECTS. MAGERY STATUS REQUIRED. CONTAINS A SUBSTANTIAL WRITING REQUIREMENT AND FULFILLS AREA IV REQUIREMENT FOR ESOTERIC OVERVIEW STUDY. MEETS WITH WSCS 855, EWS 225.

Seek Gelatin -- Information
This is the basic Gelatin spell. It lets the caster determine the direction, distance, flavor and general nature of the nearest source of gelatin. Long-distance modifiers (B151) apply. Any known source of gelatin may be excluded if the caster mentions them before casting. Requires a forked spoon; -3 to skill if this is not available.
Cost: 1
Prerequisite: At least two spells each from the Colleges of Ice, Water and Food.
Item: A forked spoon. Must be made of silver. Cost: 30 energy, $250 spell materials.

Gelatanic Conversion -- Special
Lets the caster convert water (or any water-based fluid) into gelatin in a thin syrup state. The caster may specify the gelatin's flavor. Unusual chemical properties of the original liquid are retained -- poisons are not neutralized by this spell! Acidic liquids are not affected by Gelatanic Conversion. The fluid to be converted must be passed through a ring of some kind, and it is generally a good idea to use a container as the syrup can be messy. (Note: The container favored by nine out of ten Illuminati University students is the classic ''swimming pool.'' Given the volumes and mana involved this is inconvenient to say the least. Even so, during the Spring Break of 1996, mages joined forces in an unprecedented interdepartmental effort to transform the Main Building fountain into the multiverse's largest parfait...)
Duration: Permanent
Cost: 1/4 per gallon converted
Time to cast: Usually between 6 to 12 seconds per gallon, unless a large ring is being used.
Prerequisite: Seek Gelatin
Item: A hoop of metal or plastic. Energy cost to create: 75

Create Gelatin -- Regular
Lets the caster create gelatin out of nothing. This gelatin may appear in any flavor or consistency. The caster may elect to have the gelatin appear within a container or mold, or as a cluster of tiny cubes in midair (it falls immediately). The caster can cause the gelatin to appear within a creature's stomach. This may be surprising, but never damaging or fatal -- there's always room for gelatin. The created material is permanent.
Duration: The created gelatin is permanent.
Cost: 3 per hex created
Prerequisite: Gelatanic Conversion
Item: Staff, wand or ladle. Energy cost to create: 300

Shape Gelatin Regular Lets the caster sculpt gelatin into various forms, cause it to congeal or liquefy, or force the substance to jiggle violently or even move about. Once given a shape the gelatin will hold it indefinitely, without concentration, until the spell's duration ends. Structurally stable creations of congealed gelatin will maintain their shape for many hours after the spell expires. Gelatin moved with this spell travels at only 2 hexes per turn. A useful shape is a Wall of Gelatin to reduce the damage of projectile attacks. Projectile weapons passing through a Wall of Gelatin inflict damage at a -2 penalty. Missile spells passing through a Wall of Gelatin are weakened as if their caster had spent 1 fatigue less during their casting. A Wall of Gelatin will collapse after the spell expires.
Duration: 1 minute
Cost: 2 per hex of gelatin shaped; 1 (for the whole shaping) to maintain
Time to Cast: 2 seconds.
Prerequisite: Create Gelatin
Item: Staff, wand or ladle. Energy cost to create: 450

Gelatin Strike -- Missile Lets the caster create a mass of small cubes of gelatin and fire it from his finger. Possibly the least damaging of the Missile spells, but with an excellent range. When it hits, it does crushing damage and melts. The spell has SS 13, Acc +2, 1/2D 75, Max 150. In addition, the spell may cause ''knockback'' (B106). Roll 1 die for each energy point put into the spell. If the total is at least 8 and the missile successfully strikes, the target is knocked back one hex. If the die roll totals 16 or above, the target is knocked back two hexes!
Cost: From 1 to 3; the missile does 1d-3 damage for each energy point spent.
Time to Cast: 1 to 3 seconds
Prerequisite: Magery, Shape Gelatin
Item: Staff or wand. Missile is fired from end of item. Can be used only by a mage. Energy cost to create: 500

Essential Gelatin -- Regular Quite similar to Create Gelatin, except that the gelatin created is the magical essence of Elemental Gelatin. Essential gelatin congeals instantly in room temperature and liquefies instantly if brought over 100°F. If struck it will vibrate indefinitely under its own power (a property exploited in electrical generators by masters of the Gelatin College). A pound of Essential Gelatin provides all the nourishment needed by an adult human for a full day of heavy activity (two pounds are necessary to provide the same for a young child); people so nourished will still feel hungry afterwards. Essential Gelatin may be created in any of its natural states.
Duration: Permanent until consumed.
Cost: 4 per gallon created.
Prerequisite: At least 6 other Gelatin spells.
Item: Staff, wand or ladle. Usable only by a mage. Energy cost to create: 800.

Agar -- Regular
One of the least popular spells of the subCollege of Gelatin; Agar is a time-consuming method of magical healing and is usually bypassed in favor of more rapid methods. The spell creates a nutrient-rich bath of gelatin; creatures placed within are brought into a state of suspended animation. During this time they automatically regain an additional 1 HT each day (characters with the Rapid Healing gain 2 HT). There is a non-cumulative 10% chance per day that the subject will recover from normal diseases, and a 5% chance that normally terminal diseases such as cancer will be healed. If lycanthropy or another magical curse is considered a "disease" it may be cured by Agar at the GM's discretion.

Only a willing subject can be placed in the Agar bath. Unwilling creatures may escape and are not forced into suspended animation. A container of some kind must be provided to hold the gelatin bath.

A hole dug in earth or sand will suffice.

Duration: 1 day
Cost: 4 to cast; 2 to maintain.
Prerequisites: Essential Gelatin, Breathe Water
Item: A bathtub carved from marble, set with silver, worth at least $5000. Energy cost to create: 1,000

Animate Gelatin -- Regular
Lets caster summon a minor friendly spirit (IQ 4, DX 10, Move/Dodge 6, PD/DR 0/0, Damage 0, Reach --, Size, Weight variable) to animate an existing amount of gelatin. The spirit can control its own substance by a form of permanent Shape Gelatin. The ''creature'' possesses 3 HT and 1 ST for every hex of gelatin used in its creation. It cannot be damaged by normal weapons. Fire, acid and magical attacks inflict normal damage. The animated gelatin may ''heal'' itself by consuming normal gelatin, gaining 1 HT for every 20 gallons consumed, up to HT equal that at its casting. It behaves in the general manner of a friendly, stupid dog; the spirit is very protective of itself and its caster, and happy to play with anyone else. Note that sword thrusts and direct hits with catapults do not harm the creature and will be interpreted as ''play.''
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 2 per hex animated. Smaller amounts of gelatin may be animated but the cost is unaffected. 1 to maintain total animated creature.
Casting Time: 10 seconds. Caster must whistle and make friendly noises.
Prerequisites: Create Gelatin Elemental and Essential Gelatin or Summon Spirit and Shape Gelatin
Item: The gelatin may be permanently animated for 50 times the energy cost required to animate it initially.

Body of Aspic (VH) -- Regular; Resisted by HT
Subject becomes an animated gelatin sculpture, smooth-lined and fresh from the very large mold. Clothes (up to 6 pounds) are also transformed, but lose any magic powers they previously had. The subject may still speak (though with a thick, quavering voice), cast spells, and so forth. He does not need to breathe.

The subject's Speed slows to 3, except in bodies of water where it increases by +1 or to 7, whichever is higher. He may also merge with any large amount of gelatin, wherein he regenerates 1 hit point per minute and has a Move of 1.

If the temperature is hotter than 95°F, the subject will lose 1 Fatigue every minute as he loses solidity. If he reaches 0 Fatigue he is rendered unconscious and reverts to his normal form (with his lost fatigue restored). In 1d6 rounds the victim is allowed a HT roll to regain consciousness; roll again ever 1d6 rounds until he revives. If the temperature is brought below 95°F he will no longer lose Fatigue, but will not regain the lost points until the spell's duration ends.

He acquires PD 2, DR 1. Bludgeoning attacks ignore this DR. His punches and kicks do -2 damage, he is at -4 to grapple or be grappled due to his bizaare texture.

Fire attacks do double damage, but Ice spells do none. Spells which affect only elemental water (such as Shape Water and Destroy Water) have no effect, while Dehydrate inflicts 2d-2 damage per point spent. Shape Gelatin hinders him by 1 point of Move and Dodge for every 2 fatigue spent.
Duration: 1 minute. The spell expires if the subject loses consciousness.
Cost: 6 to cast, 2 to maintain.
Time to Cast: 3 seconds
Prerequisites: Magery 2, Agar and Animate Gelatin
Item: Staff, wand, jewelry or measuring spoons. Wearer only. Energy cost to create: 1,200.

Additional Elemental Gelatin spells: Summon/Control/Create Gelatin Elemental