Rites
Rites
Rites are magical ceremonies with longer or more dramatic effects. As well as taking rather longer than spells – all rites are at least two minutes long – rites always require the expenditure of some material resources as well as Magic Points, and the ceremonial preparation of a space in which to work the magic.
Invocation, Ritual Magic and the various Greater Spellcasting and Conjunctional Magic skills all provide knowledge of a number of rites.
Detailed descriptions of all rites can be found in the Rites List.
Rite descriptions include the following details.
- Rite: The length of the rite; short rites should last 2 minutes, while long rites last 5 minutes.
- Range: The maximum range at which the rite can be performed. Unless otherwise specified, the subject of a rite must remain within range for the whole length of the rite.
- Duration: The length of time that the rite’s effects last. Instantaneous rites deliver their effects immediately after the rite is complete.
- Cost The cost in magic points (p. 76) that the caster must pay upon completion of the rite. Note that some rites have variable casting costs depending on the effect the caster wishes to achieve.
- Material Cost: The minimum cost in materials. More powerful versions of rites may add more ma-terials, including candles, incense and other objects.
Preparing the Space
The caster must prepare an area as part of the rite, marking it with appropriate lines, patterns or symbols using the materials below. This can include drawing an unbroken circle, especially when raising a ward.
| Sphere / Skill / Effect | Minimum Material Cost |
|---|---|
| Corporeal | One unit of ash |
| Elemental | One unit of sand |
| Spiritual | One unit of chalk |
| Fundamental | One unit of powdered gemstone |
| Demonology | One unit of powdered dye |
| Necromancy | One unit of powdered bone |
| Thaumaturgy | One unit of powdered metal |
| Invocation | By sphere of effect |
| Ritual Magic | One unit of powdered gemstone |
The cost for ritual magic rites is for rites performed outside the ritual circle; the ritual circle itself already has a permanent boundary and does not require preparation (although ritualists usually make a point of ceremonially “cleansing” the circle in lieu of preparing a space).
The material costs for invocation rites depend on the sphere of the effect, e.g. investing a wand with the corporeal spell Fumble requires a circle of ash.
More powerful or complex rites may require other materials, including candles, incense, ink, scroll paper or other items.
The Performance
The Rite itself is an improvised performance, expressing the caster’s intention and describing how they are achieving the effect (e.g. where they’re drawing power from and channeling it to, what form it will take and what it will do).
Rites should strongly reflect the caster’s magical method, showcasing their personality and beliefs.
There are three lengths of rite, reflecting the power and complexity of the intended effect. Rites should begin and end in sight of a referee.
| Type of Rite | Length | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 2 minutes | Most blessings and enhancements and simple invocations |
| Average | 5 minutes | Major summoning and binding rites and complex invocations |
| Long | 10 minutes | Rituals |
A rite must as a minimum include the relevant sphere indicator and state the desired objective in order to take effect. Rites can incorporate music, movement, props and participation by the subject and audience.
By default, short and average rites are performed by one magician alone; some rites may be performed by multiple magicians pooling their power, or magicians may research group versions of existing rites. A Ritual is a long rite performed collaboratively by a group of magicians in a place of power.
Advice for Performing Rites
Some players may feel overwhelmed by the thought of performing a minutes-long rite, but with practice it can become second nature. Keep these tips in mind:
- Planning: Make a mental list of what your rite needs to include: preparing the space, expressing your intentions, describing how you’re achieving them, mentioning the relevant sphere(s), etc.
- Structure: Have a rough outline in mind. Three-part “beginning, middle and end” structures are always helpful; one common approach with rites is, “Say what you’re going to do, say what you’re doing, say what you’ve done.”
- Participation: If the rite has a subject, get them involved: add question-and-answer elements or simple choreography. Discuss with them what you’d like them to do in advance.
- Props: Be sure to incorporate the required materials into the performance. Consider using ceremonial tools (staves, rods, knives or masks), musical instruments, candles or incense or other props, even if not required.
The Outcome
At the end of the rite, the attending referee will administer any effects, including handing over an effect card to the subject if needed. The standard effects of a rite are automatic (provided the caster meets the minimum requirements for the rite and spends the required magic points), but based on the strength of the caster’s performance and the quality of their cosmological knowledge, the referee may grant additional benefits.