Rituals

Rituals are one of the most common kinds of active magic in the world. There are many, many rituals in the world with many, many variants. Each of them draws upon a wellspring of power, and so long as the well has not run dry the ritual will function, even diminished, as long as one performs its rite.

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 source is empowering it, but these aren't core aspects of the ritual.

Domain

Rituals have associations with domains, just like most things that draw on the powers of the Unseen. Rituals are unique in that when a ritual of a particular domain has been invoked, all things associated with that domain are aware of it, whether or not they are the source or even a contributor to the wellspring of power that the ritual draws from.

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 invoked, it is added to the character as a trait. They are now associated with the ritual, the act of invoking magic tying them to it. Their soul, for soulless cannot invoke rituals, is tied forever to the ritual's domain. When they die and their soul passes on, they will become another spirit in the Unseen associated with that domain.

If a ritual becomes widespread enough, its power begins to diminish. Too many people drawing on the well at once, and the well runs dry before it can replenish.

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 the domain of Death 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 Erudition of the invoker affects how powerful the lightning is. For every point of Erudition 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.