The Testaments of the Blessed Martyrs are the parables and sermons of legend. Anointed by Pyrodeus as the most devout in the darkest times, the divinity of the last giant was passed on to them. Through faith and good will, only those that truly believe in the virtues of the saints can partake of their blessings.
Packet color: Gold
Spell school notes:
In order to cast any spell from this school or perform most of its rituals, the caster must be Consecrated. Consecration is a spiritual effect that anoints the recipient in the name of Pyrodeus and the six saints. Most of the beneficial spells in this school require (or cause) the consecration of their willing recipients. Consecration has no other overt game mechanical effect as written, but worshipers of Pyrodeus and the Blessed Martyrs take it very seriously, and of course the effect may have other consequences to be found out in play. Consecration will persist indefinitely until it is broken.
A character who willfully kills someone (specifically using a killing blow, killing strike, or any effect that immediately kills the target), eats of the flesh of a sentient being, takes on Malefaction, binds themselves to a fell power, or other such actions as adjudicated by a marshal, will lose Consecration immediately. See plot at the earliest convenience when this occurs. Once Consecration is lost, it cannot be regained, through any means, for the remainder of the event. Those already bonded to a wicked power or bearing Malefaction may not be Consecrated until such time as they abandon their evil ways and atone for them.
This spell school consists of the 12 major testaments of the Saints, who in their fall bequeathed their powers to the church of Pyrodeus. The laity themselves may recite lesser prayers to Pyrodeus and the martyrs, but the Testaments are the province of the formal priesthood and strictly guarded by their authority.
Certain effects and spells from this skill must designate a target for their enchantments, meaning only the designated character can employ the item/enchantment and it cannot be “handed off” to others. Unless otherwise noted, the caster can designate themselves as a target.
Spells
| Periclinian’s Excoriation of the Slavers of Bal Vethrim | Readied (touch or packet) | staff (of any sort), wand, or sizeable stick |
| Periclinian’s Anointing of the Priestess of Falling Waters | Instant (touch) | None |
| Tryphoth’s Orisons to the Dustmen upon the Road to Lagash | Instant (touch) | a pinch of dust/dirt |
| Tryphoth’s Supplication Beneath the Gates of the Black Fortress | Readied (touch) | None |
| Origenia’s Benediction at the Raising of the Scoured Temple | Instant (special) | Holy symbol |
| Origenia’s Litany Before the Wretched, after the Fall of Aen | Instant (special or caster) | death shroud, burning censer and/or red and white candles, small bells, sizable bell |
| Anselvan’s Reckoning of the Thieves and Gemcutters | Instant (caster) | A sack of money or gems |
| Anselvan’s Approbation of the Tireless Apprentices | Instant (touch) | Red ribbon |
| Estarioc’s Enunciation of the Five Sacred Portions | Instant (touch) | Harvested item |
| Estarioc’s Forbearance at the Hanging of the Crones | Readied (touch) | Harvested herb |
| Metavar’s Castigation Before the False Relics of the Alethinites | Instant (special) | Holy or personal item |
| Metavar’s Beatitudes, Girded at the Battle of the Three Kings | Ward | Holy symbol |
Rituals
| In Flame Reborn (required) | 10 minutes |
| Oath of the Six | 1 minute |
| Blood of the Martyrs | 5 minutes |
| All that Burns Away | 5 minutes |
| Lantern in the Dark | 10 minutes |
| Tithing of the Ashes | 3 seconds |
| Retribution of Fire | 1 minute |
| Litany of Self Reflection | 5 minutes |
| Keeper of the Flock | 5 minutes |
| Tolling of the Bell | 5 minutes |
| Tears of the Divine | 5 minutes |
| Communion of Silence | 15 minutes |
Spells
Periclinian’s Excoriation of the Slavers of Bal Vethrim
Type
Readied (touch or packet)
Requirements
A recipient of the touch version of this spell must be Consecrated in order to take the effect. In order to cast and activate the spell, the caster must bear a staff (of any sort), wand, or sizeable stick, brandishing it in anger before intoning the casting verbal. In order to activate the touch version of this spell, the caster must place their hand on the forehead of the target before intoning its verbal.
Casting Verbal
“It came to pass that Periclinian upon the slavers fell and excoriated them, crying: ‘Let the name of Bal Vethrim be as sand cast into the wind; let your sin be as a (Mastery)-fold wound upon you: all that see it will pass by you like water, and you shall be dear to no just man.’”
Activation Verbal (packet)
“Thus you are rebuked in the Wayfarer’s name!”
Activation Verbal (touch)
“And so those in subjugation were freed, their scars borne as signs of righteousness thereafter.”
(after 3 seconds of concentration)
Description
This spell grants the caster a number of activations equal to their Mastery. They may expend an activation and intone the activation verbal in order to grant a willing target (who is themselves Consecrated) 1 point of magical protection. Alternately, they may expend an activation and intone the secondary activation verbal to throw a packet that causes Rebuke as a mental effect to anyone it hits. While Rebuked, a victim may not call Feats of any kind—from any source—until they get 10 minutes of standard rest or the condition is removed. A relevant feat may be expended to resist or avoid a Rebuke (Will, Attuned, Agility), but once a target is under a Rebuke effect, no feats may be called for any reason.
Periclinian’s Anointing of the Priestess of Falling Waters
Type
Instant (touch)
Requirements
A recipient of this spell must be Consecrated. The caster must ask the target if they have received the fire of Pyrodeus, and if they have not, the caster may explicitly ask them if they wish to receive it. If they refuse, the spell may not be cast upon them. If they accept, the caster may use this spell to Consecrate the subject over 1 minute of concentration before intoning the spell’s verbal. During the 1 minute of concentration, the caster must intone prayers to Pyrodeus or St. Periclinian while the target kneels in front of them, then proceed to cast the spell as normal. If the target is already Consecrated, the 1 minute of concentration and prayer is not needed.
Casting Verbal
“Beyond the falling waters, Periclinian came upon a priestess of the land. Though not of the fire, yet still she in (Mastery)-fold mercy laid her hands upon the sick and the dying. Seeing this, he bid that she kneel before him, and thus was anointed in the Wayfarer’s name, forsaking all false gods and powers.”
Description
For a number of hours equal to the caster’s Mastery, a recipient of the touch version of this spell increases their Aid ability (healing) by one degree (Basic->Intermediate, or Intermediate->Advanced). Those who naturally have Advanced Aid do not receive an immediate benefit from this spell, but those who have at least Advanced Aid may burn the enchantment at any time to use an instance of Perfect Aid on a patient (“Invoke: Perfect Aid”).
Finally, a healer who naturally has Perfect Aid and receives this enchantment will add 3 to their Treatment level for its duration. Note that targets must still have and use Healer’s Kits to employ Aid of any sort, as normal, and this spell will have no effect upon a target without at least one level in the Healing skill. A target may not receive this enchantment more than once per day, regardless of source.
Tryphoth’s Orisons to the Dustmen upon the Road to Lagash
Type
Instant (touch)
Requirements
In order to accept this spell, the willing target must be Consecrated. The caster must sprinkle a pinch of dust/dirt upon both of the hands of the recipient before the verbal is intoned.
Casting Verbal
“The journey to Lagash was a (Mastery)-fold trial, and Trypoth was driven from the road by a terrible storm. Seeing his waywardness, the Dustmen brought him to their tents to rest, and he this Orison gave: ‘I was lost, but to me you have shown the way. When the storm clears, you are evermore set upon the true path.’ Thus they became of the flame.”
Description
This spell grants a target +2 Explore for a number of hours equal to the caster’s Mastery. In addition, those under the effects of this spell may burn the enchantment to pull a Medium or Uncanny tag just as if they had those abilities. Finally, those under the effects of this spell may burn the enchantment during a Vigilant investigation in order to spontaneously generate a free FoLearning and FoPerception for that investigation. A target may receive this spell only once per day, regardless of source. Note that a target must have at least one level in the Survival skill for this enchantment to have any effect.
Trypoth’s Supplication Beneath the Gates of the Black Fortress
Type
Readied (touch)
Requirements
In order to cast this spell, the user must kneel in an aspect of prayer, concentrating for one minute with eyes closed before intoning the verbal. Any potential recipient of this spell must be Consecrated for it to have an effect.
Casting Verbal
“By terrible strife the armies of the faithful were rived beneath the walls of the black fortress. In arrogance, its chieftain drew the gates and called for their final champion. Yet then to him appeared but an old man with a broken sword. Shamed, the chieftain in (Mastery)-fold supplication fell, casting off his spear and birthright, swearing to the fire. By Trypoth he was thenceforth known.”
Description
This spell provides a willing, Consecrated target with an enchantment that increases their maximum (not current) prowess by 2 until sunset. If a recipient of this spell calls an attack tagline of any sort, from any source, the enchantment is immediately lost and the user loses all current prowess, though the attack itself is still valid. Packet-based spells do not involve attack taglines. The caster must inform the recipient of this restriction of the time of casting, and the recipient must formally agree to it before the spell is cast. A character may be the recipient of this spell only once per day.
Origenia’s Benediction at the Raising of the Scoured Temple
Type
Instant (special)
Requirements
The dwelling must be adorned with holy symbols from the church of Pyrodeus, such as red and white candles, gold-embroidered red cloth, symbols of Pyrodeus and His Saints, and gold/brass goblets and ewers. The house must also have a prominent altar featuring a brass bowl surrounded by candles. Before intoning the verbal, the caster must sweep and tidy the space within the house.
Casting Verbal
(after 1 minute of concentration)
“By the hand of Origenia the old temple was stripped of blasphemies and fetishes to the false god. Into its (Mastery)-fold depths she sent the Consecrated, who scoured all remnants therein that dwelled. To the faithful, she gave this benediction: ‘Let sacred things live now within this place restored, and here all appeasement raised to fire renewed in the Wayfarer’s name.’”
Description
This spell may only be cast once per event. It enchants a cabin so that it is exalted and sanctified by the Six in the name of the Giant. During the concentration requirement for this spell, the caster must carefully tie with a red ribbon a number of slips of parchment (up to their Mastery), each bearing the following:
This appeasement is a remission of the temporal punishment for sins the guilt of which has already been forgiven, which a properly Consecrated member of the Faith shall hereby obtain under the decree of the Church and from its sovereignty as the minister of redemption, which dispenses and applies authoritatively the treasury of the satisfactions of Pyrodeus and His Saints.
Each Appeasement must then be added to the altar bowl. Anyone within the house who is Consecrated may, after the caster formally invites them by making a sacred gesture and speaking the name of this spell reverentially, receive one (and only one per event) of the Appeasements for themselves. At any time during the remainder of the event, they may open and read the appeasement over 3 seconds of concentration, then tear it in two. Doing so immediately confers upon its subject their choice of one of the following enchantments:
- If the bearer would lose Consecration for any one act, this act is void and Consecration is maintained. Lasts for one event or until used.
- Gain two levels of enhanced healing for the next time that event the bearer is healed/stabilized.
- Gain a basic FoAttunement. Lasts until used or for one event.
- Gain a free Etiquette usable only for dealing with a dark power, fell entity, or spirit being. Lasts until used or for one event.
- Gain Audience of One (Performance) for the next inspired performance, assuming it involves preaching the faith or rallying the faithful. Lasts one event or until used. Requires Performance skill.
- Gain 2 points of Magical Protection. Lasts until used or for one event.
The caster of this spell is responsible for explaining these effects to any who take up an Appeasement (having the mechanics printed on one side of the Appeasement is recommended). Note that a character may only gain an appeasement once per event, regardless of source.
In addition, while this spell is up the caster may (discretely or otherwise) ask anyone in the house if they are Consecrated in the name of Pyrodeus. Anyone asked this question must answer truthfully within 3 seconds, with no exceptions. After answering, they may not be asked again until they leave the house and return. Finally, anyone may perform the primary ritual “In Flame Reborn” while within the confines of the house in 5 minutes, rather than 10, for the event.
Origenia’s Litany Before the Wretched, after the Fall of Aen
Type
Instant (special or caster)
Requirements
The dead must be laid upon a sheet, covered in a red or gold death shroud, and displayed before a burning censer and/or red and white candles. Small bells must be placed around their hands and feet during the concentration requirements for the spell. Upon completion of this spell and intoning the verbal, the caster must ring a sizable bell three times in slow succession.
Casting Verbal (special)
(after 5 minutes of concentration)
“From fallen Aen, by plague ravaged, the wretched were driven, and death followed them. Before the great pyre, Origenia sat unafraid and she this litany spoke: ‘Fire does not torment, nor destruction unto ash disturb the dead; no mortal flame purifies like the (Mastery)-fold touch of His hand, which renews and makes whole beyond all indignities of flesh.’”
Casting Verbal (caster)
(after 1 minute of concentration)
“As the last of the ashes were scattered, Origenia stooped to reach into the embers; the heat did not burn her nor the fire blacken her skin, and she therein found and drew forth a shining light, a piece of His flame, and with it raised above led the rest into darkest night.”
Description
This spell, which must be cast in the presence of a marshal, enchants the body (which must be mostly intact) of someone who is Dead and has had their soul pass on. The recipient’s soul must also be present for the spell to take effect, and the character must be willing to return to the living. Once the caster begins the concentration requirement for this spell, the recipient’s passing time is halted until the spell takes effect or its concentration is interrupted. In order for this spell to be viable, the recipient cannot have been dead more than the caster’s Mastery in hours.
Once completed, this rite of the dead will Consecrate the body and allow the spirit to pass into Pyrodeus’s flame. If they should be found wanting, however, the Giant will reject them and return them, alive, to their body, indicating their profound unworthiness, which is signaled by the pealing of the bells which have been tied to them.
If the recipient is resurrected, they are considered to have been Coaxed for the purposes of healing, meaning they must heal for one hour.
This spell cannot be used as a Coax Life directly. Note that any character whose soul has passed on must seek out plot out-of-play before they may be resurrected through any means. Being resurrected by this spell will Consecrate the recipient upon the spell’s completion.
Alternately, the caster version of this spell will generate a magical light, which must red in color. As long as the caster bears this light upon themselves, tying it with a gold ribbon, they gain a +1 Mastery bonus. This bonus lasts until the light goes out/is turned off or until Sunset, whichever comes first. The light is treated as a standard magical light and may be handed off or used as normal, but note the caster loses their mastery bonus if the light is not on their person (this does not end the enchantment: if they gain possession of the light again, the bonus returns).
Anselvan’s Reckoning of the Thieves and Gemcutters
Type
Instant (caster)
Requirements
This spell requires a plain canvas or other rough cloth sack and an amount/value of dregs and/or cut gems equal to the Mastery of the spell as it is cast.
Casting Verbal
(after 1 minute of concentration)
“The gemcutters gathered at the temple well, each in turn with great clamor throwing (Mastery)-fold coins of many hammerweight. An old woman, humbled and silent, cast then but a single copper. Anselvan remarked: ‘You are not great men, but thieves entire, stealing the honor of your sacrifice; this woman’s offering is worth all your fortunes, and He shall reckon it as such.’”
Description
This spell enchants a simple sack filled with currency and/or cut gems whose value must be equal to or less than the Mastery of the caster. In order for this spell to be cast, the caster must hold the sack during the intonation of the verbal. Once cast, they gain a number of stackable Feats of Will equal to the Mastery of the caster or the value of the contents of the sack, whichever is lower.
In addition, the caster may “burn” the enchantment to call a free “Invoke Force Lance X” as a packet-based effect, where X is twice the value of the sack. The enchantment must have at least one feat remaining in order to employ it in this fashion. Do note that burning the enchantment in this way will immediately consume the dregs/gems within the sack; they must be handed off to a staff member as soon as is convenient.
The enchantment will persist on the caster for one event or until used, but note they may not call its Feats of Will or use its burn effect unless they have the sack prominently displayed upon them.
Anselvan’s Approbation of the Tireless Apprentices
Type
Instant (touch)
Requirements
The recipient must be Consecrated and have a red ribbon tied around their wrist upon the spell’s completion, else it will have no effect.
Casting Verbal
“At the crafting-house, Anselvan found the apprentices working (Mastery)-fold hours past the setting sun. Though he bid them rest, none would speak, nor move save for their hands. Admiring them, he spoke: ‘Truly you are diligent, and so I offer you this approbation so that tireless your hands will be, and the faithful shall not want of your creations.’”
Description
This spell enchants a willing target for a number of hours equal to the caster’s Mastery (indicate this by the number of knots in the ribbon). During this duration, if the recipient successfully repairs an object, disarms a trap, or calibrates a railcaster, they restore 1 point of Vitality or Prowess. The recipient of this spell may “burn” the enchantment to repair an object or suit of armor, calibrate a railcaster, or count as a use of Contrivance for the purposes of picking a Mad Tinker’s Lock. The burn effect takes 3 seconds of concentration and the user must intone: “Tireless Apprentice” in order for the effect to be successful, and note that the user must have a repair kit/tinker’s tools in hand while doing so. A target may not receive this enchantment more than once per day, regardless of source. Note that this enchantment does not grant levels of Craft or Tinkering, and using it in any fashion requires those skills, where applicable.
Estarioc’s Enunciation of the Five Sacred Portions
Type
Readied (touch)
Requirements
The caster must hold the harvested item during the activation verbal for this spell.
Casting Verbal
“At the feast of Summer Dawning, Estarioc his (Mastery)-fold counsel gave, and he was heard to say this: ‘The Wayfarer passed by the beasts of the field, and tamed them, giving to the people the meat of their flesh to eat, their skins and fur for clothing, and their teeth and bones to make into useful things.’”
Activation Verbal
“And thus enunciated were the five sacred portions.”
Description
This spell enchants an item that has been harvested from a monster/animal this game. Until sunset, the enchantment and item may be expended over 3 seconds of concentration while holding the item to have a variable effect based upon the type of item itself. In order to activate an Enunciated item, the user must be Consecrated. None of the enchantments/effects generated by this spell will stack with themselves or other sources of similar enchantments.
Acid Sac
Grants a disease resist.
Bone Fragment
Grants +1 Mastery for the next divination spell cast.
Decayed Coral
Immediately restore a FoToughness.
Elebear Tusk
Grants 3 magic protection for the event or until expended.
Familiar Remnant
Grants Uncanny until sunset or immediately restores a natural FoAttunement.
Fur/Skin Patch
Grants 1 magic protection for the event or until expended.
Golden Scale
Grants +2 Artifice until sunset. Must have Occult skill.
Golden Feather
Grants 1 FoAgility.
Phantasm Eye
Grants Medium until sunset or immediately restores a natural FoEmpathy.
Poison Sac
Grants a poison resist.
Sahagin Scale
Immediately restore a natural FoLearning or Perception.
Stonewolf Hide
Grants +1 to Melee/Thrown Power Strike damage until sunset.
Viscera
Grants a level of enhanced healing and +1 Maximum Vitality until sunset. The item must be “eaten” during the concentration requirement.
If cast on a unique/unknown harvested item, this spell requires the presence of a marshal. Once an item has been enchanted, it lasts until used or until sunset, whichever comes first, meaning the item is expended (turned in) in either case.
Estarioc’s Forbearance at the Hanging of the Crones
Type
Readied (touch)
Requirements
The herb must have been foraged from the wilderness or harvested from a garden during the current game or the spell cannot be cast upon it. At the end of the event, the herb is lost and must be turned in. Each enchantment type has its own requirement for the phys-rep and target, and most of the effects require a Consecrated recipient. Some effects only work for the user designated at the time of casting. Note that the caster may designate themselves if they so choose.
Casting Verbal
“A great drought came and the people despaired, laying blame upon a circle of crones and calling for their death, though all once sought their craft. Estarioc chanced upon the gallows and saw the women bound for hanging, and he was by (Mastery)-fold rage overtaken. At his fury, the crowd was shamed into forbearance, and guilt was heaped upon them.”
Activation Verbal
“For all secret powers of the earth, though strange, still are of the flame.”
Description
This spell enchants an herb such that it provides an enchantment for the remainder of the event or as long as its individual requirements are met. Effects are defined for common, uncommon, and rare herbs. Enhancements for more unusual herbs may be discovered during in-play investigations or downtime research before the spell may be effectively cast upon them. Note that the effects and requirements for common and uncommon herbs are grouped such that either one of the listed herbs will suffice for the enchantment. Rare and unusual herbs have a singular effect.
Common
Mothers Bloom or Soothing Bloom
After activating the spell, the Mother’s Bloom or Soothing Bloom must be prominently hung over the doorway of a dwelling. Anyone who is currently Consecrated may, once per day, gain a level of enhanced healing as long as they remain in the building itself. This effect lasts until they are fully healed, but if the target leaves the building at any time, the bonus healing is lost. In order to activate this effect, the target must touch the herb directly or say a brief, 3 second prayer to Pyrodeus out loud.
Royal Gem or Black Moss
This effect may only be activated on a sprig of Royal Gem or patch of Black Moss that is prominently hung or pinned on a willing target, who must themselves be Consecrated in order for the spell to be cast. As long as they bear the herb, the user reduces the level of any subsequent persistent condition they suffer by 1. Persistent conditions that would be reduced to level 0 by this enchantment have no effect on the target. If the target is currently suffering from a persistent condition when the spell is cast, it will not affect that condition. If the herb is removed for any reason, the enchantment is lost and the herb must be turned in, otherwise it lasts for one event, maximum.
Frosted Nightcap Mushroom or Sunshade Flower
In order for this spell to be activated, the Nightcap Mushroom or Sunshade flower must be solidly tied to an active magical light, which itself can be from any source that generates such. For as long as the light persists and the arrangement remains tied, the herb counts as a Healer’s kit for anyone who is Consecrated.
Uncommon
Blood Claw Bloom or Fireweed
In order for this spell to be activated, the herb must be securely attached to a melee weapon and the designated user must hold the weapon during activation. As long as the herb remains attached, the designated wielder, who must be Consecrated, may add 2 to the damage of a single Power Strike (or P.S. derived ability) they call with that weapon. Once the enhanced tagline is called, the effect may not be used again until the wielder gets 10 minutes of standard rest.
Kings Cape or Tainted Nightcap Mushroom
In order for this effect to be activated, it must be securely attached to a hat or helm in an ostentatious, “fancy” way, and the designated (Consecrated) user must be wearing the headpiece. If the designated wearer responds to an inspired performance (of any level) in a really, really excited fashion, instead of restoring a feat, they may opt to gain a single Magic Resist as a non-stackable enchantment effect. This resist persists until expended or the headpiece is removed for any reason, or for one event, whichever comes first. Note that the spell itself will remain on the hat if it is removed: only the resist is lost.
Wintervine or White Poinsettia
In order for this effect to be activated, the wintervine or white poinsettia must be securely attached to a shield or buckler, and the designated user must be wearing/holding the item. As long as the herb remains attached and the designated user is holding/wearing the item, they may call a single Block for zero prowess or a single Deflect for 1 prowess. The user must be Consecrated in order to activate this effect. Once they have used either of these maneuvers, the effect may not be used again until the wielder gets 10 minutes of standard rest.
Rare
Bloody Nightcap Mushroom
In order for this effect to be activated, the mushroom must be prominently displayed at a place of power that is not dedicated to a dark or fell entity/concept, or is otherwise “clean” enough to receive the effect. The first time a caster employs a particular place of power for this spell, the presence of a Marshal is required. After activating the effect, anyone who is Consecrated and uses the place of power as normal will also gain a free FoEmpathy as a non-stackable effect each time it is used. The spell effect will remain on the Place of Power for one event or until such time as someone or something fouls or otherwise desecrates the place of power or simply removes the herb. If the Mushroom is removed from the place of power, it must be immediately turned in and is lost.
Painstern Cone
In order for this spell to be activated, the Cone must be ceremoniously laid on the body of a person who has died but not had their soul pass on. As long as the herb remains on them, they extend their passing time to 1 hour and, if they do pass on, the character will receive a Boon effect. A character may benefit from this spell only once per event. After the character is Coaxed or they pass on, the effect is expended and the herb must be turned in.
Widows Rose
In order for this spell to be activated, the herb must be securely attached to a sizable symbol of
Pyrodeus (a seven pointed star with a larger southern point). The designated user must also hold the symbol for this effect to be activated. As long as the user has at least one level in the Healing skill, they may invoke the tied symbol for a single use of Battle Chirurgery. Once this effect has been used, it may not be employed again until the designated user gets 10 minutes of standard rest. If the herb is removed from the symbol, the effect is lost and the herb must be turned in, otherwise it will persist for one event.
Metavar’s Castigation Before the False Relics of the Alethinites
Type
Instant (special)
Requirements
For each casting, the caster must have a holy artifact or religiously significant personal item to serve as the focus for the spell. Note that a particular item may only be used for this spell once per event, meaning another caster cannot use an item if it has already been used for this spell during the same event.
Casting Verbal
(after 5 minutes of concentration)
“Though they were proscribed, the Alethinites kept for themselves profane relics of an age before, using them in false and secret rites. But Metavar the knowing had of arcane things and found their treasury, and she gathered up the idols, throwing them into a pit of flame. There they were destroyed, though wicked curses from them arose, but these fell to her (Mastery)-fold castigations, and still were burned away.”
Description
This spell calls upon the power of revelation, imbuing a sacred object with the power of St. Metavar as she called down Pyriodeus’s judgment upon the faithless Alethinites. As with all divination spells, this casting requires a staff member’s presence. Once present, that staff member will guide the caster through their visions, which will manifest as items of power and significance, with the caster being required to declare an important religious truth or revelation at the presentation of each artifact. Including the focus used for this spell, the number of artifacts manifested will be equal to the Mastery of the caster. The original focus itself will act as the first challenge of faith. Any spell may be “cast down” at a lower Mastery if the caster wishes, of course. If the caster does not make a strong enough declaration of faith or express a powerful enough insight about the symbolism and meaning of an artifact, the spell will end prematurely. Note that the artifacts may represent negative or heretical principles that the priest must overcome. After declaiming on each artifact, the marshal will give the caster an important insight directly related to its nature. Like all divination spells, Castigation may only be cast once per event.
Metavar’s Beatitudes, Girded at the Battle of the Three Kings
Type
Ward
Requirements
The caster must bear the sacred symbol of Metavar upon their person or this spell cannot be cast.
Casting Verbal
“At the site where three Kings gathered for war, Metavar was seen to gird herself not in armor, but faith alone, and by flame warded was she. In their hatred for each other, the lords spoke the names forbidden, and dark monstrosities descended upon the battlefield, and all but she were vanquished. Dying, the fallen called for her to forgive their sins, and it was so.”
Description
With this spell up, a caster may “burn” a Testaments charge to resist the effects of any single packet-delivered, magical effect. Such a resist is called as “Ward” when activated. The caster may “burn” the ward for a free instance of such a resist or to Consecrate an appropriate, willing character after 1 minute of concentration. This effect is called as “Metavar’s Beatitudes”. Ward spells last for one event or until expended, whichever comes first.
Rituals
In Flame Reborn
Duration: 10 minutes
Initiate up to six willing participants into the faith by anointing them with ash in the name of Pyrodeus and the six saints. Make prayers to the Wayfarer during the ritual and highlight the nature of a chosen Saint, discourse on a divine principle, or give a thoughtful sermon. At the end of this ritual, the subjects are Consecrated. The user is also Consecrated at ritual’s end, if applicable. This ritual may be performed alone, with the user anointing themselves.
Note that this ritual must be the first one chosen by anyone initiated into this school. Unlike the other rituals, the user need not be Consecrated in order to perform this one.
Oath of the Six
Duration: 1 minute
Sonorously recite the titles and aspects of each of the six Saints, from memory. If you finish before the allotted time, concentrate for the remainder in an attitude of prayer.
Blood of the Martyrs
Duration: 5 minutes
Recite with fevered intensity the nature of a particular saint for 5 minutes, noting their virtues, principles, and other unique qualities. This ritual must be done loudly and with great animation.
All that Burns Away
Duration: 5 minutes
Privately confess to another member of the faith. This conversation may satisfy the ritual for both participants, but both members must be Consecrated. Alternatively, you may privately take the confession of another outside the faith, but they receive no benefit. The confessions must be genuine.
Lantern in the Dark
Duration: 10 minutes
Light a candle, censer, or incense and conduct a ritual of remembrance for those who have passed. Speak at length about the nature and deeds of someone, though now departed, asking for guidance from the saints if appropriate; you need not have an audience for this.
Tithing of the Ashes
Duration: 3 seconds
“Burn” 3 dregs or the equivalent in tagged items as an offering to the saints, stirring them into the ground as one would douse a fire. Dispose of the tags or hand off the currency to a staff member at earliest convenience.
Retribution of Fire
Duration: 1 minute
With great rage and determination, declaim against immediate foes who would bring harm to you and your allies, calling forth the righteousness of the Saints and Pyrodeus himself. This ritual must be performed before or during a pitched battle, and the foes immediately a present threat.
Litany of Self Reflection
Duration: 5 minutes
In your journal, describe your journey towards personal enlightenment guided by the saints. Write out the hopes, prayers, and aspirations that you hold for yourself and those around you.
Keeper of the Flock
Duration: 5 Minutes
Relate a parable or story to an audience of at least 3 people. The story may be of your own inspiration, but it must relate some tenet of the faith in a way relevant to the audience or current events. If anyone leaves your presence during the ritual, it fails.
Tolling of the Bell
Duration: 5 minutes
Walk around outside and around buildings ringing a bell, warding off the Desecrated. The bell for this ritual must be a sizable hand bell, not one that is enclosed (jingle bells).
Tears of the Divine
Duration: 5 minutes
On a bare patch of ground or stone, intermittently pour out a large container of water, with each draught wishing good fortune on someone who may soon be in danger, and why.
Communion of Silence
Duration: 15 minutes
Sit upon the floor of a dwelling or temple, or upon bare stone. Meditate while chanting lowly or offering prayers for the duration of the ritual. Prayers do not have to be audible nor is an audience required.
