The Medieval Bestiary (2e)
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By the thirteenth century¸ the bestiary was one of the most popular books available in Europe after the Bible. The bestiary was both morality play and encyclopedia. The emphasis was on morality play¸ since most bestiarists were monks or other Christian scholars. From their point of view¸ the habits of animals provided insight into how we humans should be living our lives as Christians.
The Medieval Bestiary: Revised Edition is an Ars Magica supplement for player and storyguide alike. You should have this book if you plan to seek a familiar¸ play a shape-shifting Bjornaer¸ or tell stories that involve animals and fantastic beasts. The creatures described in this work are presented from a medieval point of view to help set the mood of your game.
The creatures described within this bestiary are ones known to the people of Mythic Europe¸ the setting of Ars Magica. Thus¸ there are familiar animals -- horses and hounds¸ cats and cows -- and exotic creatures -- dragons¸ gryphons¸ and sirens. Each creature is presented with a description written by Caprea of House Bjornaer¸ which reflects her views as a maga and scholar in the Order of Hermes. Statistics are presented for creatures when appropriate¸ and are compatible with Ars Magica Fourth Edition.