Rituals

Rituals are one of the most common kinds of active magic in the world. Magic that is performed deliberately and with intent. There are as many rituals in this world as there are lesser gods who empower them: for that is what they are, invoking the power of a god. Or demon, or spirit, or so on. Because these terms are all interchangeable (calling something demon, devil, or divine is a matter of perspective), and because god is the shortest word, this page will refer exclusively to these things as gods when mentioned.

The Anatomy of a Ritual

Rituals have three parts: the ritual's domain, the ritual's rite, and the ritual's effect. There are some other things that can be learned about the ritual, such as what specific god is empowering it, but these aren't core aspects of the ritual.

Domain

The domain is quite simple. As the gods hold domains, so too do the rituals invoking their collective power. When a ritual is performed, it takes the power of a specific god of that domain, or a well of power that has been set aside for the use of this ritual. When the ritual is invoked, however, it attracts the attention of other gods who have claim over that same domain, regardless of their involvement or not.

Rite

This is what must be done to complete the ritual. This can also include information on how to target the ritual, if the ritual indeed has a target.

Effect

The fun part of the ritual. Just what the ritual does, how, and so on.

Learning A Ritual

When a ritual has been learned, it is added to the character as a trait. They are now part of the ritual, the act of invoking magic tying them to it. Their soul, the god they become when they die, will be tied to the domain of the ritual they incontrovertibly linked themselves to in life by invoking its power.

Example Ritual

Here's two example rituals.

Deathward

Domain: Death Rite: Pray to the Second Hour for protection. Light a candle. Effect: Any spirit associated with Death's domain cannot enter the candle's light. They will instead linger just at the edge of its light, for as long as the candle remains lit or until they lose interest.

Dance With Lightning

Domain: Lightning, Thunder Rite: Hold one hand aloft toward the open sky, and direct the other toward the point of impact. Know your intent. Effect: The Willpower of the invoker affects how powerful the lightning is. For every point of Willpower above three, they reduce their own Prowess and the Prowess of everyone within a three meter radius at the point of impact. This effect is doubled in stormy conditions.