Rituals - Revision history

David.moore: /* Wild Magic */

2025-01-13T09:10:21Z

Wild Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:10, 13 January 2025
Line 181:		Line 181:
	==Wild Magic==		==Wild Magic==

	Since the world was remade in 1123, the circles have started to awaken. At the festival of Renewal in 1124, the circles began flowing with '''wild magic''' that shifts and changes from one ritual to the next, '''aligning''' the circle to one or more random spheres of magic or aspects (such as Illusion or Number) each time they are used.		Since the world was remade in 1123, the circles have started to awaken. At the festival of Renewal in 1124, the circles began flowing with '''wild magic''' that shifts and changes from one ritual to the next, '''aligning''' the circle to one or more random [[Spellcasting#The Spheres\|'''spheres''']] of magic or '''aspects''' (such as Illusion or Number) each time they are used.

	Any ritualist can sense a circle’s alignment, either from inside or outside the circle, at any time from the '''beginning of their ritual’s time slot.'''		Any ritualist can sense a circle’s alignment, either from inside or outside the circle, at any time from the '''beginning of their ritual’s time slot.'''

David.moore: /* Performance */

2025-01-13T09:08:01Z

Performance

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:08, 13 January 2025
Line 125:		Line 125:
	==Performance==		==Performance==

	The ritual itself is a '''long''' (approx. 10 minutes) [[Rites\|'''rite''']], conveying the ritual’s intentions. How it does this is up to the ritual team: some rituals appeal to spirits or gods to ask for their favour, while some call power out of the circle themselves and wield it. Some physically make or shape the subject in the circle, while others place it in the centre and direct magic towards it. Some discuss, explain, teach or even ''argue'' about their intentions as part of the performance. Many performances include a trial or challenge, to establish why the ritual is needed, test the subject’s worthiness or prove the effectiveness of the ritual at the end.		The ritual itself is a '''long''' (approx. 10 minutes) [[Rites\|'''rite''']], conveying the ritual’s intentions. How it does this is up to the ritual team:

			:* Appeal to spirits or gods to ask for their favour
			:* Call power out of the circle and wield it directly
			:* Physically make or shape the subject in the circle
			:* Place the subject in the centre and direct magic towards it
			:* Discuss, explain, teach or even ''argue'' about their intentions
			:* A trial or challenge, to establish why the ritual is needed, test the subject’s worthiness or prove the effectiveness of the ritual at the end

	Most rituals begin by sealing the wards and cleansing the circle of magics (often in some form of the “calling the corners” formula, invoking the elements, cardinal directions or spheres of magic) and then end by cleansing the circle once more and leaving it ready for the next ritual (it’s not known whether this is necessary but, they say, better safe than sorry!).		Most rituals begin by sealing the wards and cleansing the circle of magics (often in some form of the “calling the corners” formula, invoking the elements, cardinal directions or spheres of magic) and then end by cleansing the circle once more and leaving it ready for the next ritual (it’s not known whether this is necessary but, they say, better safe than sorry!).
Line 131:		Line 138:
	The ritual performance is marked on three primary criteria:		The ritual performance is marked on three primary criteria:

	:*'''Expression:''' How persuasively did the ritualists convey their intentions? This isn’t necessarily about volume or passion (indeed, if the narrative of the ritual is passive or subtle, the expression should reflect that), or even acting skill, but about clarity of intent.		:* '''Expression:''' How persuasively did the ritualists convey their intentions? This isn’t necessarily about volume or passion (indeed, if the narrative of the ritual is passive or subtle, the expression should reflect that), or even acting skill, but about clarity of intent.
	:*'''Structure:''' How well did the ritual use the time and space of the ritual? Did the narrative of the ritual progress logically from a beginning, through a middle, to an end? Did they use the space well and fully? And if not, was that obviously deliberate and effective?		:* '''Structure:''' How well did the ritual use the time and space of the ritual? Did the narrative of the ritual progress logically from a beginning, through a middle, to an end? Did they use the space well and fully? And if not, was that obviously deliberate and effective?
	:*'''Cohesion:''' How well did the ritual team work together, and how clearly was the lead ritualist in control? Did they operate smoothly and with unity, and follow each other’s cues? If the performance was messy or chaotic, did that feel planned and deliberate?		:* '''Cohesion:''' How well did the ritual team work together, and how clearly was the lead ritualist in control? Did they operate smoothly and with unity, and follow each other’s cues? If the performance was messy or chaotic, did that feel planned and deliberate?

	In addition, there are two elements that don’t ''have'' to play a part in your ritual, but which can improve your result.		In addition, there are two elements that don’t ''have'' to play a part in your ritual, but which can improve your result.

	:*'''Equipment:''' Specific outfits – not your usual costumes, but ritual robes, headdresses and the like – and props, musical instruments or other paraphernalia.		:* '''Equipment:''' Specific outfits – not your usual costumes, but ritual robes, headdresses and the like – and props, musical instruments or other paraphernalia.
	:*'''Cosmology:''' Correctly citing the proper spheres, celestial bodies, currents of magic and other cosmological or magical principles underlying the effect you’re trying to achieve and accurately describing how their magic behaves and relates to the desired effect.		:* '''Cosmology:''' Correctly citing the proper spheres, celestial bodies, currents of magic and other cosmological or magical principles underlying the effect you’re trying to achieve and accurately describing how their magic behaves and relates to the desired effect.

	{\| class="wikitable" id="Advice on Performing Rituals" style="background-color: #ECE2FF"		{\| class="wikitable" id="Advice on Performing Rituals" style="background-color: #ECE2FF"
Line 145:		Line 152:
	Much the same advice applies as to [[Rites#Advice for Performing Rites\|any rite]], except that the rite is longer and the stakes higher. Some advice specific to rituals follows:		Much the same advice applies as to [[Rites#Advice for Performing Rites\|any rite]], except that the rite is longer and the stakes higher. Some advice specific to rituals follows:

	*'''Planning:''' You’ve got 10 minutes to fill, so planning can be key to making sure the ritual doesn’t meander or lose direction. Many groups write scripts and rehearse beforehand, or at least outline and block their rituals out.		:* '''Planning:''' You’ve got 10 minutes to fill, so planning can be key to making sure the ritual doesn’t meander or lose direction. Many groups write scripts and rehearse beforehand, or at least outline and block their rituals out.
	*'''Structure:''' The three-part structure is your friend here, including an initial statement of intent, a brief narrative in which the ritual group carries out the working, then a closing summary of what they achieved (bracketed by initial and final cleansings). Use what you have: if you’re using certain spheres of magic, or creating an item with several parts, structure the ritual around those things.		:* '''Structure:''' The three-part structure is your friend here, including an initial statement of intent, a brief narrative in which the ritual group carries out the working, then a closing summary of what they achieved (bracketed by initial and final cleansings). Use what you have: if you’re using certain spheres of magic, or creating an item with several parts, structure the ritual around those things.
	*'''Participation:''' Use your group – every contributor should have some lines, or some job to do. If you have a large group, some of them can serve as a “chorus,” performing as a group. If the subject of the ritual is in the circle, incorporate them.		:* '''Participation:''' Use your group – every contributor should have some lines, or some job to do. If you have a large group, some of them can serve as a “chorus,” performing as a group. If the subject of the ritual is in the circle, incorporate them.
	*'''Props:''' Use any props or equipment you bring into the circle – try to avoid just showing something around and then forgetting it. Interact with them, move them around and tie them to what you’re doing.		:* '''Props:''' Use any props or equipment you bring into the circle – try to avoid just showing something around and then forgetting it. Interact with them, move them around and tie them to what you’re doing.
	\|}		\|}

David.moore: /* Performance */

2025-01-13T09:05:14Z

Performance

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:05, 13 January 2025
Line 125:		Line 125:
	==Performance==		==Performance==

	The ritual itself is a long (10+ minutes) [[Rites\|rite]], conveying the ritual’s intentions. How it does this is up to the ritual team: some rituals appeal to spirits or gods to ask for their favour, while some call power out of the circle themselves and wield it. Some physically make or shape the subject in the circle, while others place it in the centre and direct magic towards it. Some discuss, explain, teach or even ''argue'' about their intentions as part of the performance. Many performances include a trial or challenge, to establish why the ritual is needed, test the subject’s worthiness or prove the effectiveness of the ritual at the end.		The ritual itself is a '''long''' (approx. 10 minutes) [[Rites\|'''rite''']], conveying the ritual’s intentions. How it does this is up to the ritual team: some rituals appeal to spirits or gods to ask for their favour, while some call power out of the circle themselves and wield it. Some physically make or shape the subject in the circle, while others place it in the centre and direct magic towards it. Some discuss, explain, teach or even ''argue'' about their intentions as part of the performance. Many performances include a trial or challenge, to establish why the ritual is needed, test the subject’s worthiness or prove the effectiveness of the ritual at the end.

	Most rituals begin by sealing the wards and cleansing the circle of magics (often in some form of the “calling the corners” formula, invoking the elements, cardinal directions or spheres of magic) and then end by cleansing the circle once more and leaving it ready for the next ritual (it’s not known whether this is necessary but, they say, better safe than sorry!).		Most rituals begin by sealing the wards and cleansing the circle of magics (often in some form of the “calling the corners” formula, invoking the elements, cardinal directions or spheres of magic) and then end by cleansing the circle once more and leaving it ready for the next ritual (it’s not known whether this is necessary but, they say, better safe than sorry!).

David.moore: /* Power, Skill and Sacrifice */

2025-01-13T09:03:55Z

Power, Skill and Sacrifice

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:03, 13 January 2025
Line 119:		Line 119:
	Going into a ritual, three factors significantly affect the likelihood of success: the '''power''' of the circle, the '''skill''' of the ritualists, and any '''sacrifice''' they may offer.		Going into a ritual, three factors significantly affect the likelihood of success: the '''power''' of the circle, the '''skill''' of the ritualists, and any '''sacrifice''' they may offer.

	*'''Power:''' By default, the circle operates at '''base''' power, regardless of the circle’s size. Ritualists can increase the circle’s power by expending '''[[#Ether Spheres\|ether]]''' in the circle; up to 1 ether sphere in a '''lesser''' circle, 2 in an '''average''' circle and up to 3 in a '''greater''' circle. This can also serve to control the circle’s [[#Wild Magic\|wild magic]].		*'''Power:''' By default, the circle operates at '''base''' power, regardless of the circle’s [[#The Ritual Circle\|'''size''']]. Ritualists can increase the circle’s power by expending '''[[#Ether Spheres\|ether]]''' in the circle; up to 1 ether sphere in a '''lesser''' circle, 2 in an '''average''' circle and up to 3 in a '''greater''' circle. This can also serve to control the circle’s [[#Wild Magic\|wild magic]].
	*'''Skill:''' Every ritualist provides one or more levels of '''ritual skill''', depending on their skills. No '''contributor''' can provide more skill than the '''lead ritualist''' (i.e. if the lead ritualist is a [[Greater Ritual Magic\|greater ritualist]], with a skill of 2, each contributor may contribute no more than 2 levels of skill, even if they have more skill). No ritual team can wield more than 9 levels of skill in total, regardless of the skill of the lead (although this means that a more skilled lead can hit the limit with fewer contributors, allowing them to plan tighter, more dynamic performances).		*'''Skill:''' Every ritualist provides one or more levels of '''ritual skill''', depending on their skills. No '''contributor''' can provide more skill than the '''lead ritualist''' (i.e. if the lead ritualist is a [[Greater Ritual Magic\|greater ritualist]], with a skill of 2, each contributor may contribute no more than 2 levels of skill, even if they have more skill). No ritual team can wield more than 9 levels of skill in total, regardless of the skill of the lead (although this means that a more skilled lead can hit the limit with fewer contributors, allowing them to plan tighter, more dynamic performances).
	*'''Sacrifice:''' A ritual can sacrifice something of worth in the circle for more power, destroying an item of value, giving up a power or skill or accepting a painful restriction. A sacrifice should have a meaningful game effect or value in coin, ''and'' should have some personal importance to someone in the circle.		*'''Sacrifice:''' A ritual can sacrifice something of worth in the circle for more power, destroying an item of value, giving up a power or skill or accepting a painful restriction. A sacrifice should have a meaningful game effect or value in coin, ''and'' should have some personal importance to someone in the circle.

David.moore: /* Ritual Bonds and Maintenance */

2025-01-13T09:02:31Z

Ritual Bonds and Maintenance

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:02, 13 January 2025
Line 101:		Line 101:
	:*A ritualist with the [[Higher Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain a further 3 levels, for a total of '''9 levels'''.		:*A ritualist with the [[Higher Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain a further 3 levels, for a total of '''9 levels'''.

	Every year, the bound Ritualist must maintain the enchantment with the ''[[Appanage]]'' rite, expending [[#Ether Spheres\|ether spheres]] equal to the level of the enchantment, to remain bound to the enchantment. A bound ritualist can deliberately sever the bond at any time as an act of will, and must inform a referee (ideally one that plays a [[#The Watchers\|Watcher]]) as soon as possible after doing so.		Every year, the bound Ritualist must maintain the enchantment with the ''[[Appanage]]'' rite, expending [[#Ether Spheres\|'''ether spheres''']] equal to the level of the enchantment, to remain bound to the enchantment. A bound ritualist can deliberately sever the bond at any time as an act of will, and must inform a referee (ideally one that plays a [[#The Watchers\|Watcher]]) as soon as possible after doing so.

	If a maintained item becomes unbound (because the ritualist has died, deliberately severed their bond or missed an ''[[Appanage]]'' rite) the enchantment becomes '''dormant'''; the enchantment will cease to function (although any enchanted item remains immune to lesser and greater magics) until the enchantment can be bound to a skilled ritualist in a new ritual.		If a maintained item becomes unbound (because the ritualist has died, deliberately severed their bond or missed an ''[[Appanage]]'' rite) the enchantment becomes '''dormant'''; the enchantment will cease to function (although any enchanted item remains immune to lesser and greater magics) until the enchantment can be bound to a skilled ritualist in a new ritual.

David.moore: /* Ritual Bonds and Maintenance */

2025-01-13T09:01:31Z

Ritual Bonds and Maintenance

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:01, 13 January 2025
Line 96:		Line 96:
	Any enchantment created with a '''maintained''' duration (i.e., not temporary, charged or permanent) will need to be '''bound''' to a ritualist. By default, the enchantment is bound to the lead ritualist, but the ritual group can assign it to any ritualist in the circle, if they consent.		Any enchantment created with a '''maintained''' duration (i.e., not temporary, charged or permanent) will need to be '''bound''' to a ritualist. By default, the enchantment is bound to the lead ritualist, but the ritual group can assign it to any ritualist in the circle, if they consent.

	The Watcher will assign the enchantment a level, with most enchantments falling at level 3 or lower.		The Watcher will assign the enchantment a '''level''', with most enchantments falling at level 3 or lower.
	:*A ritualist with the [[Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain '''one level 1 enchantment'''.		:*A ritualist with the [[Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain '''one level 1 enchantment'''.
	:*A ritualist with the [[Greater Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain a further 5 levels, for a total of '''6 levels''' of enchantments (e.g. six level 1 enchantments, or two level 3 enchantments, or any combination).		:*A ritualist with the [[Greater Ritual Magic]] skill can maintain a further 5 levels, for a total of '''6 levels''' of enchantments (e.g. six level 1 enchantments, or two level 3 enchantments, or any combination).

David.moore: /* Duration of Enchantment */

2025-01-13T09:00:50Z

Duration of Enchantment

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:00, 13 January 2025
Line 86:		Line 86:
	:*'''Charged:''' Like items created by [[Invocation]], a charged effect is created with a duration (by default, one year) ''and'' a set number of charges, which are held over from one day to the next. Once the last charge is expended or the duration elapses, the enchantment ends (and the item, if any, returns to being a mundane object). Charged items cannot usually be recharged, renewed or extended, unless they were initially enchanted with a method of recharging.		:*'''Charged:''' Like items created by [[Invocation]], a charged effect is created with a duration (by default, one year) ''and'' a set number of charges, which are held over from one day to the next. Once the last charge is expended or the duration elapses, the enchantment ends (and the item, if any, returns to being a mundane object). Charged items cannot usually be recharged, renewed or extended, unless they were initially enchanted with a method of recharging.
	:*'''Maintained:''' Particularly cherished enchantments may be created to be preserved from year to year. The requires the enchantment to be [[#Ritual Bonds and Maintenance\|bound]] to a ritualist, who must perform the ''[[Appanage]]'' rite once a year, expending [[#Ether Spheres\|ether]] to extend the enchantment.		:*'''Maintained:''' Particularly cherished enchantments may be created to be preserved from year to year. The requires the enchantment to be [[#Ritual Bonds and Maintenance\|bound]] to a ritualist, who must perform the ''[[Appanage]]'' rite once a year, expending [[#Ether Spheres\|ether]] to extend the enchantment.
	:*'''Permanent:''' [[Character Progression#Special Characters\|Special characters]] can be enchanted so as to alter the subject’s very pattern, making the effect '''permanent'''. As well as being harder and more taxing than the above durations, this adds to the subject’s point total, bringing them closer to their [[Character Progression#Points Cap\|points cap]].		:*'''Permanent:''' [[Character Progression#Special Characters\|Special characters]] can be enchanted so as to alter the subject’s very pattern, making the effect '''permanent'''. As well as being harder and more taxing than the above durations, this adds to the subject’s point total, bringing them closer to their [[Character Progression#Points Cap\|points cap]]. Items can never be permanently enchanted.

	'''Note:''' Items can never be permanently enchanted.

	The duration of any item enchantment is limited by the item’s [[Equipment and Resources#Equipment Quality\|quality]]:		The duration of any item enchantment is limited by the item’s [[Equipment and Resources#Equipment Quality\|quality]]:
	:*'''superior ~~items~~''' can hold temporary or charged enchantments,		:*'''superior''' items can hold temporary or charged enchantments,
	:*'''mastercrafted''' items can hold maintained enchantments.		:*'''mastercrafted''' items can hold maintained enchantments.

David.moore: /* Ritual Objective */

2025-01-13T08:33:50Z

Ritual Objective

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 13 January 2025
Line 49:		Line 49:
	What can rituals do?		What can rituals do?

	The short answer is “almost anything,” with the possible exceptions of reversing time or restoring the dead to true life. In practice, ritual magic is most often used either to turn a willing subject into a [[Character Progression#Special Characters\|special character]] with additional abilities, to enchant a [[Equipment and Resources#Enchantment and Investment\|magic item]] with special properties or powers, or for divination of obscure knowledge.		The short answer is “almost anything,” with the possible exceptions of reversing time or restoring the dead to true life. In practice, ritual magic is most often used either to turn a willing subject into a [[Character Progression#Special Characters\|'''special character''']] with additional abilities, to enchant a [[Equipment and Resources#Enchantment and Investment\|'''magic item''']] with special properties or powers, or for divination of obscure knowledge.

	Other ritual outcomes are possible. ~~Imaginative and interesting ideas are welcomed!~~		Other ritual outcomes are possible, including:

			:*Changing the conditions of a battlefield
	:'''Examples'''
	:*~~changing~~ the ~~conditions~~ of a ~~battlefield;~~		:*Awakening the spirits of a forest
		⚫	:*Opening a portal to another plane
	:*awakening the spirits of a forest;
		⚫	:*Inflicting curses on one’s enemies
⚫	:*~~opening~~ a portal to another plane~~, or~~

⚫	:*~~inflicting~~ curses on one’s enemies.
			Imaginative and interesting ideas are welcomed!

	Enchantments can be balanced with limitations or drawbacks. Ensure that limitations and drawbacks have meaningful game-mechanical effects; roleplay effects and requirements can add considerable flavour to an item, but won’t significantly reduce the difficulty of an enchantment unless they meaningfully limit a character’s choices.		Enchantments can be balanced with limitations or drawbacks. Ensure that limitations and drawbacks have meaningful game-mechanical effects; roleplay effects and requirements can add considerable flavour to an item, but won’t significantly reduce the difficulty of an enchantment unless they meaningfully limit a character’s choices.

David.moore: /* The Ritual Circle */

2025-01-13T08:28:58Z

The Ritual Circle

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:28, 13 January 2025
Line 22:		Line 22:
	The wards around a ritual circle are among the strongest barriers in existence, to contain the vast powers within, and few beings (not ancient demons, nor fierce giants, nor even the avatars of gods) can lightly cross the bounds. The leading ritualist in the circle can raise or lower the wards at will, but for anyone other than a Watcher to lower them from without requires the concerted effort of many ritual magicians working together.		The wards around a ritual circle are among the strongest barriers in existence, to contain the vast powers within, and few beings (not ancient demons, nor fierce giants, nor even the avatars of gods) can lightly cross the bounds. The leading ritualist in the circle can raise or lower the wards at will, but for anyone other than a Watcher to lower them from without requires the concerted effort of many ritual magicians working together.

	In total, opening a circle from outside requires at least three times as much [[#Power, Skill and Sacrifice\|ritual skill]] as the group inside the circle, and the expenditure of one more [[#Ether Spheres\|ether spheres]] than the circle is using. The group opening the circle must stand in contact with each other (like a [[Banishing as a Wedge\|banishing wedge]]), with the leading ritualist at the edge of the circle and handling the ether. All Ritualists in the attempt must chant or recite together to show their intent.		In total, opening a circle from outside requires at least '''three times''' as much [[#Power, Skill and Sacrifice\|'''ritual skill''']] as the group inside the circle, and the expenditure of '''one more [[#Ether Spheres\|ether spheres]]''' than the circle is using. The group opening the circle must stand in contact with each other (like a [[Banishing as a Wedge\|banishing wedge]]), with the leading ritualist at the edge of the circle and handling the ether. All Ritualists in the attempt must chant or recite together to show their intent.

	Once the circle is open, there will be an immediate release of magic from the wards, including damaging effects and various [[Calls#Mass Calls\|mass effects]]. The circle itself will be affected by the damage for a time, although it can be repaired and rebalanced again by a ritual for the purpose.		Once the circle is open, there will be an immediate release of magic from the wards, including damaging effects and various [[Calls#Mass Calls\|mass effects]]. The circle itself will be affected by the damage for a time, although it can be repaired and rebalanced again by a ritual for the purpose.

David.moore at 08:27, 13 January 2025

2025-01-13T08:27:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 13 January 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	==The Ritual Circle==		==The Ritual Circle==

	Magic is in constant flux in the world, scattered over the Land by the celestial spheres and returning to the poles; and the balance of magics is maintained, in part, by [[#Leylines\|leylines]], underground channels of raw magic flowing from place to place. Where leylines meet is a nexus of power called a '''ritual circle''', bound within a ward (~~below~~) and governed by a spirit. Ritualists can open the ward, address the spirit and call upon it to weave the leylines’ power at their direction.		Magic is in constant flux in the world, scattered over the Land by the celestial spheres and returning to the poles (see ''[[Cosmology]]''); and the balance of magics is maintained, in part, by [[#Leylines\|'''leylines''']], underground channels of raw magic flowing from place to place. Where leylines meet is a nexus of power called a '''ritual circle''', bound within a '''ward''' (see box) and governed by a spirit. Ritualists can open the ward, address the spirit and call upon it to weave the leylines’ power at their direction.

	Where possible, Ritualists must book the ritual circle for use in advance. Each faction is allocated a number of slots each event, and the ranking ritualist in each faction generally coordinates with all ritualists to book their rituals onto the timetable and to lodge their objectives with the [[#The Watchers\|Watchers]]. A few slots are kept back every event for unscheduled rituals, but they fill up quickly.		Where possible, Ritualists must book the ritual circle for use in advance. Each faction is allocated a number of slots each event, and the ranking ritualist in each faction generally coordinates with all ritualists to book their rituals onto the timetable and to lodge their objectives with the [[#The Watchers\|Watchers]]. A few slots are kept back every event for unscheduled rituals, but they fill up quickly.