[✗] [WIP #2] [MAGIC SUBMISSION] CANON ADHERENCE

[Xarkly 17299]

 

Spoiler

 

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“I don’t know if anyone’s listening.”

 

Before the altar, the Soldier knelt on the polished tiles with his hands clasped in prayer. He braced himself for the darkness, and closed his eyes; it was in that darkness that the memories lurked, and where they haunted him unbidden. “God, or … my ancestors … anyone.” 

 

“But if you can hear me,” whispered the Mother from the corner of her firelit’s hut as she clutched an oaken cross, and the northern wind rattled the shutters. “Then please …” 

 

“ … Help me,” muttered the Knight, slouched before a fresh-cut marble headstone. The gilt lettering of the name he could not bear to read on the stone shone in the moonlight. 

 

The memories swarmed the Soldier - clawing his way free from the mound of corpses, the butchered remains of his kinsmen draped in flags, and the look on his daughter’s face when she proudly proclaimed she had enlisted in the King’s army. “It all keeps happening …” 

 

“ … and I can’t stop it.” The Mother’s voice trembled as she forced herself to look to her bed across the cottage, and the cot beside it. They were both empty, robbed of the smiling faces they once sheltered. “I can’t forget …” 

 

“ … and I can’t forgive.” The Knight glared through budding tears at the grave, and then the scabbarded sword at his side. For all his training, for all his prowess, he had been powerless when it mattered - powerless when she had needed him. “So what …” 

 

“ … is the point?” The Soldier quelled the surge of grief with a shaky breath. The one memory he feared most, his daughter’s trampled corpse atop a mass pyre, burned in his mind. Battle to battle, war to war; it was always the same. “So, if you are really there …” 

 

“ … if you are really listening,” The Mother gripped the cross until her knuckles bled; it was not fear that roiled in her now, but rage - rage towards the demon, with scales as red as hell and horns as twisted as sin, they had spirited away her newborn daughter, and guttered her husband when he tried to save her. 

 

“ … if you truly do care,” Dejected, the Knight unbuckled his scabbard, and let the sword clatter to the ground. He could never have fought the illness that too his sister-in-arms; that was a foe steel could never fell. “Then, I ask you of you … please ..”

 

“Grant me your aid.”

 

Within the Soldier, something bloomed.

Within the Mother, something burned.

Within the Knight, something blossomed.

 

Their prayers had called out.

 

And something had answered.

 

 

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Canon Adherence is a Holy Magic.

 

This niche, broadly defined as roleplay and themes associated with the ‘greater food’ and competing with their Dark Magic counterparts, benefits from a new approach in Canon Adherence, which is designed to interface with larger human playerbases who are traditionally estranged from the magical side of the server. 

 

With that in mind, the goal of this submission is to foster a roleplay climate where this Holy Magic has a tangible presence within communities. In the most fundamental terms, Canon Adherence aims to (1) serve as a ‘mainstream’ Holy Magic, whose impact is widely felt, (2) foster a dynamic rivalry with Dark Magic groups, and (3) provide substantial lore & magic outreach into some of the Server’s traditionally non-magic communities. 

 

What is Canon Adherence?

Spoiler

‘Canon Adherence’ (practitioners of which are called ‘Canon Adherents’ or just ‘Adherents’) is a Holy Magic that builds on fantasy religious roleplay (with inspirations such as the Whitecloaks from the Wheel of Time series or Elden Ring’s Golden Order), and to promote and explore these fantasy themes, such as virtue, order, and collectivity, in contrast with their dark undertones of oppression, tyranny, and hate. 

 

The spells in Canon Adherence - which are called ‘Prayers’ - are designed to enhance these aspects of roleplay. Many Prayers provide more interesting ways of performing sacraments, blessings, etc., while also fulfilling the typical role of a Holy Magic with tools that help engage with their Dark Magic counterparts. 

 

What kind of magic is it, and how many Slots does it require?

Spoiler

Canon Adherence is a 5-Slot deific magic, and draws deific mana from the Seven Skies, the human afterlife. Because this magic is 5 Slots, this means that a character can learn no other magic whatsoever (excepting Feats) while they have an accepted Magic Application (“MA”) in Canon Adherence. This magic is not self-taught, and a character must be trained by another character who has an accepted Teacher Application (“TA”) in Canon Adherence to learn it. 

 

What is the power-source of Canon Adherence?

Spoiler

Unlike other deific magics, Canon Adherence does not draw its energy from a single entity (i.e., an Aengul), but rather a ‘collective patron’ in the form of the souls of the Seven Skies, where all uncorrupted human souls go upon death. Implemented lore already provides that these souls are capable of granting blessings to the living in pursuit of virtuous goals, which can range from protecting the weak and innocent, to hunting Dark Mages. 

 

These blessings manifest as ‘Sanctus’, a deific mana with an ethereal, glassy-gold aesthetic, and Adherents channel Sanctus into different Prayers. It’s important to note that, despite receiving these blessings, an Adherent can never directly interact with the Seven Skies; no communication happens when they receive a blessing of Sanctus, and so the souls of the dead do not speak or guide an Adherent in any way. 

 

Is this a Human-only magic? 

Spoiler

No - the blessings of the Seven Skies are contingent on the pursuit of a virtuous goal. Ergo, if a worthy non-human labours to achieve this, there is no reason the Seven Skies would withhold their patronage.

 

Is this a ‘Canonist’ magic?

Spoiler

No. While ‘Canonism’ is the mainstream religion in Human groups on the Server, this religion is a cultural product - in other words, it’s not a part of Server lore. While they share some concepts such as the Seven Skies, the interpretations or beliefs have some big differences. All human souls go to the Seven Skies, and so all humans can receive their blessings. 

 

Then why are there so many Canonist references in this lore? 

Spoiler

While Canon Adherence is not an exclusive magic, an important part of creating a successful magic is ensuring it will be actively played, maintained, and contributes to the Server. To that end, Canon Adherence is intended to tie in with Human groups such as the Canonist Church, which has existed for 5+ OOC years. When a group like this exists, with years of history and culture, it feels natural to tie that to a magic that complements it. 

 

While this lore may have been written in 2024, it helps ground Canon Adherence in the context of Human lore, history, and roleplay, which makes it feel like an organic part of the Server. As a result, some concepts in Canon Adherence are given names and refer to aspects of this lore. Narratively, this is how a religious character would likely interpret the blessings of the Seven Skies. 

 

What’s with all the branching Paths and spells?

Spoiler

Canon Adherence is quite a dense lore submission. This is because at Tier 3, Adherents choose to branch into one of three possible specialisations, or ‘Paths’. These different Paths represent different aspects of fantasy cleric roleplay, and reflect existing cultural sects and beliefs within Human religious roleplay. 

 

Branching Paths are not a novel concept on the Server, and are usually done to provide nuance, variation, and sub-cultures within a magic. Since Canon Adherence specifically is meant to interact with larger playerbases, Paths provide a diversity so that not all Adherents will be the same. Some will be healers, specialised in curing blights and curses, others will be zealous darkspawn hunters, etc. 

 

Because of this, not every Adherent can learn every Prayer in this submission. As of this edition, there are a total of 30 Prayers; of those 30, a single character can learn 18 Prayers, many of which are Rituals or aesthetic & non-combat. 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

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NUMEN ITAS

 

The Holy Light is the essence of the Seven Skies, imbued with an Adherent.

 

It is only by virtue of the Holy Light that an Adherent is capable of channelling Sanctus, and casting Prayers. A popular mantra within Canon Adherence is that the Seven Skies is one side of the ocean, whose shores are abundant with Sanctus, while the Holy Light serves as a bridge that carries that Sanctus across the ocean to the other side - the Mortal Plane. Instilled within an Adherent during their connection ritual, the Holy Light smoulders as an ethereal golden glow inside them. 

 

 

 

 

EORUM VOLUNTAS AETERNA

 

Sanctus is the deific mana of the Seven Skies.

 

All Prayers of Canon Adherence are fuelled by this celestial power. With the bounty of energy in the afterlife, patron souls are capable of bestowing its power onto those who yet live in the hope that they will champion a cause that they themselves would have laboured to achieve in life. Sanctus manifests both when an Adherent charges a Prayer, and casts it, typically as a warm, glassy-gold light that grows more vivid as an Adherent becomes more powerful. 

 

General Sanctus Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Sanctus is susceptible to anti-magic materials, such as Null Arcana and Thanhium.
• Sanctus will always appear when a Prayer is being cast or charged, unless concealed by an illusion. 
• At Tier 1 & 2, Sanctus manifests as glassy-golden light. Based on what Path an Adherent embarks upon at Tier 3, their Sanctus takes on an altered aesthetic (listed under Path Mechanics), but this glassy-golden appearance remains the underlying look.

 

Thresholds

Prayers of varying complexity require different potencies of Sanctus to invoke - the more powerful a Prayer, the more Sanctus it requires to be cast. An Adherent cannot channel Prayers indefinitely, and the amount of Sanctus they can use is determined by the strength of their Holy Light, which grows as an Adherent masters their craft.

 

Threshold Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Each Prayer has a fixed Sanctus cost.
• An Adherent has a total limit of Sanctus they can cast, which is determined by their Tier:
  • Tier 1 Adherents have 14 Sanctus.
  • Tier 2 Adherents have 20 Sanctus.
  • Tier 3 Adherents have 28 Sanctus.
  • Tier 4 Adherents have 36 Sanctus.
  • Tier 5 Adherents have 48 Sanctus. 
• Sanctus is only removed from an Adherent when a Prayer is cast. 
• Sanctus should not be referred to in exact units in roleplay (i.e., “I need 5 Sanctus to cast this spell”).

 

Sanctus Restoration

Sanctus can be a cumbersome energy to replenish once it has been sapped. While an Adherent’s Holy Light will gradually rekindle Sanctus over time, this is a slow process. It can, however, be expedited through two means - meditating at a sacred altar of Lesser Consecration or Greater Consecration, or performing sacraments.

 

Regeneration Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Passive Regeneration: An Adherent passively regenerates 15 Sanctus per 24 OOC hours. Daily regeneration does not trigger in combat.
• Altar Regeneration: An Adherent can visit 3 altars of Lesser Consecration or Greater Consecration every 24 OOC hours and ‘meditate’ in roleplay to restore 8 Sanctus per altar. 
• Sacrament Regeneration: Performing any kind of religious ceremony in any culture, so long as it involves other players, restores 10 Sanctus of an Adherent’s Sanctus. This can include burials, funerals, etc.

 

Despair

To be graced by Sanctus is a euphoric sensation, one that endows an Adherent with courage and tranquillity. So sublime is it, though, that to be bereft of Sanctus is a harrowing affair that leaves an Adherent overcome with a crippling spiritual weakness known simply as ‘Despair’. As an Adherent gradually exhausts their Sanctus, Despair manifests as a progressive loss of willpower and optimism. Eventually, they are sapped even of the will to fight.

 

Despair Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Use of Sanctus gradually inflicts Despair on an Adherent, which causes them to become mentally weak and vulnerable to fear, doubt, and anxiety. 
• The states of Despair and their effects are as follows:
  • Below 50% Sanctus, an Adherent begins to long for the bliss of Sanctus, and becomes twitchy, anxious, and nervous. This effect is for flavour only. 
  • Below 20% Sanctus, an Adherent is easily cowed, intimidated, and afraid. This should be reflected in roleplay. In combat, an Adherent should /roll at the start of their turn; if the roll is below 4, their fear will compel to flee from battle. 
  • Below 10% Sanctus, an Adherent is rampant with Sanctus and their mind becomes clouded with roiling doubts, which must be reflected in roleplay. In combat, an Adherent should /roll at the start of their turn; if the roll is below 7, their fear will compel them to flee from battle.
  • Below 5% Sanctus, an Adherent cannot think coherently through their fear, and this must be reflected in roleplay. In combat, an Adherent should /roll at the start of their turn; if the roll is below 11, their fear will compel them to flee from battle. 
  • At 0 Sanctus, an Adherent cannot engage in conversation and must flee from combat. 
• When fleeing from combat, an Adherent cannot cast further Prayers or attack anyone. However, they can defend themselves (without counterattacking) and can attempt to push past enemies blocking their path etc. This will remove them for the duration of the combat encounter.
• When calculating Despair, Sanctus values should be rounded down (i.e., 20% Sanctus for a Tier 1 Adheent is 2.8, which should be rounded down to 2).

 

 

SCITOTE ME ADVENTUM

 

Canon Adherence is an art of order.

 

Therefore, it is little surprise that there are conditions that must be observed when an Adherent invokes a Prayer, and certain realities they must contend with. Of chief note in this regard is that Canon Adherence is not a subtle magic; no matter whether an Adherent is invoking a Prayer or casting one, the manifestation of Sanctus will betray their endeavours with its radiant golden glow, even if the Adherent is attempting to mask their intention.

 

Furthermore, calling upon the Seven Skies for aid is an act of spiritual discipline; even the greatest practitioners of Canon Adherence must commit a great deal of focus in order to successfully invoke a Prayer, and this consequently impedes their ability to perform other actions while channelling Sanctus. 

Casting Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Unless specified otherwise in a Prayer’s Mechanics/Redlines, charging a Prayer will always constitute a character’s major action, meaning they cannot sprint/attack/etc. while charging a Prayer.
• Charging a Prayer must always be telegraphed by the manifestation of Sanctus, the precise appearance of which is usually denoted in a Prayer’s Mechanics. 
• Whenever a healing spell is performed, stars numbered equal to that of the Adherent’s tier will float above their head.

 

 

 

NULLAM UT URNA PURUS

 

Without Sacred Aurum, an Adherent is estranged from the Skies.

 

While their Holy Light is the vessel through which Sanctus is received from the Seven Skies, Sacred Aurum is the tool by which Sanctus is shaped into Prayers. Utterly devoid of any impurity, Sacred Aurum is the sole material capable of invoking Prayers; in other words, an Adherent requires a catalyst of Sacred Aurum in order to ply their craft.

 

These Catalysts are typically forged in the form of weapons, such as a blade. Aside from its ability to channel Sanctus, Sacred Aurum is also unique in that it loses the malleability of mundane aurum, and can be sharpened to an edge as hard as steel.

 

General Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• A catalyst of Sacred Aurum must be represented by an ST Signed in-game item (see ‘Sanctify Aurum’).
• An Adherent cannot cast Prayers without wielding a Sacred Aurum catalyst. 
• All mechanics and redlines of Aurum apply to Sacred Aurum. 
• Sacred Aurum has the combat capabilities of regular steel.

 

 

Properties

As the name suggests, Sacred Aurum is normal gold that has undergone an enchantment using Sanctus. This enchantment tolerates no material impurity, and so a catalyst must be forged entirely of heavy gold. Due to the natural density of gold, Sacred Aurum is enormously heavy, and hinders the mobility of the Adherents that carry them. So heavy are they, that an Adherent cannot hope to brandish their Catalyst when on horseback. To boot, Sacred Aurum reflects light so magnificently that an Adherent can never hope to conceal it. 

 

Appearance & Mobility Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• While not a light source, Sacred Aurum is so bright and reflective that it is very easily noticed, vastly limiting its use for stealth. 
• Sacred Aurum cannot be mixed with other material whatsoever (i.e., wooden crossguard, steel pommel). 
• Sacred Aurum’s weight prevents Adherents from using it on horseback. 
  • While an Adherent can travel on horseback for quality-of-life purposes, they cannot engage in mounted combat with their Sacred Aurum. 
  • On foot, Sacred Aurum reduces an Adherent’s ability to sprint from 8-blocks to 6-blocks. This stacks with Heavy Armour mechanics, meaning an Adherent using Sacred Aurum and Heavy Armour’s ability to sprint is reduced from 8-blocks to 4-blocks.

 

 

 

MAOIRES, NOSTRI GRATIA ME

 

When an Adherent hones their craft, they embark upon a Path.

 

The Human collective is endlessly diverse, defined by countless cultures, beliefs, and bloodlines, and it is through that diversity that souls in the Seven Skies are different. Within this nuance, souls align to different classifications, broadly characterised as the Souls of Gravitas, those who lived as kings and warriors; the Souls of Humilitas, those who lived as priests and healers; and the Souls of Sibylline, those who lived as heroes and sages.

 

In binding themselves to a Path, an Adherent champions their kindred souls. This is, however, a process that can never be reversed unless an Adherent severs their Holy Light, and restores it as a novice once more. 

 

Path Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Upon reaching Tier 3, an Adherent must pick a Path to dedicate themselves. A chosen Path dictates what kind of Prayers they learn; upon learning the first Prayer of their chosen Path, they cannot learn the Prayers of any other Paths.
• The only way to undo a choice of Path is to become disconnected from Canon Adherence, then reconnected and learning again from Tier 1.

 

 

Paths Aesthetic

Based on the kind of souls that serve as patron, an Adherent can invoke different Prayers in service of a common, general cause shared with those souls in the Seven Skies - this will even impact how their Sanctus appears when Prayers are invoked. 

 

For Adherents of the Path of Gravitas, their Sanctus manifests as glowing white-gold cinders; for Adherents of the Path of Humilitas, their Sanctus manifests as white-gold mist and dew, and; for Adherents of the Path of Sibylline, their Sanctus manifests as golden snowflakes. 

 

 

 

PATRIA VOLUNTAS; ESTO MAE FERRUM.

 

Arclight is the resolve of the Seven Skies, given form.

 

Through certain Prayers, Adherents can manifest Sanctus into a sharp, corporeal edge revered as Arclight - a glistening, glassy-gold hardlight that matches the combat prowess of steel. Whether as a slicing weapon or steadfast bulwark, this is one of the primary means by which an Adherent does battle. Naturally, however, it is not without limitation - for this heavenly blade cannot retain this form for more than a few moments before shattering into immaterial Sanctus once more. 

 

Arclight Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Arclight exhibits light akin to an oil lantern.
• Arclight’s combat prowess does not exceed normal steel. 
• For the purposes of Dark Magic weaknesses, Arclight is considered Holy Magic.

 

IGNIS PURITATIS; SPEI FLAEMEA

 

The ruinous fire that is bane to altered souls.

 

Aurflame is a potent manifestation of Sanctus as a white-gold fire. Often considered the opposite of Malflame, Aurflame operates in a similar capacity - chiefly, it affects only Descendants who carry within them a soul that has been altered or corrupted. It is also a vicious tool against Descendants who, when struck with Aurflame, are actively channelling a Dark Magic. 

 

Aurflame Application

Spoiler

 

• Aurflame affects only (1) characters with an altered soul, and (2) characters using Dark Magic. 
• Altered Souls: To become susceptible to Aurflame, an ‘alteration’ must be exposed for Aurflame to take effect. In other words, a character must be in their non-Descendant or alternate form (i.e., Demi-Djinns, Azdrazi, etc.), or exhibit a clear sign of that alteration in front of an Adherent (i.e., Corcitura blood). 
  • It is not enough for an Adherent to merely suspect, believe, or even be told that a target has an altered soul - they must see this alteration with their own eyes, or the Seven Skies will refuse to grant this ruinous blessing.
• Dark Mages: Aurflame affects a character with Dark Magic only when they are actively connected to, charging, or casting a spell from a Dark Magic. This also applies to enchantments created via Dark Magic - the enchantment, whether passive or active, must be in effect when hit with Aurflame for the Prayer to take effect.
  • For the avoidance of doubt, ‘Dark Magic’ includes any magic that draws power from Maleus, Lifeforce, Genus, or Ectoplasm, or is contained in the ‘Dark Magic’ subforum.

 

 

Aurflame Effect & Damage 

Much like Malflame, Aurflame must touch skin to impart its pain, and even the thinnest satin can act as a barrier. Yet, as a flame, Aurflame can easily seep through the gaps in armour and seams in clothing. If it strikes one with an unaltered soul, it conveys only a blissful, gentle warmth; if, on the other hand, a susceptible target is hit, Aurflame inflicts a devastating pain, as if exposed to boiling oil. Where Aurflame strikes, skin becomes ‘glassed’ with painful golden scabs, which can be bloodily excised. 

 

Aurflame Damage Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Aurflame must connect with bare skin to take effect. While any material can block it, the fire-like nature of Aurflame allows it to seep through gaps. 
• When struck with Aurflame, susceptible characters experience severe pain that interrupts actions such as charging, casting, running, etc.

 

 

 

OMNIA PRETIO HABENT

 

There is a balance to all things.

 

So too is this true to Canon Adherence. While, were several Adherents of the Paths of Gravitas, Humilitas, and Sibylline to join their forces as one, they may be an insurmountable force against any foe, if it is a fateful design that only with great difficulty can this come to pass. When beyond the grace of an area of Lesser or Greater Consecration, no more than three Adherents can do battle together, lest their Holy Light struggle to cohesively call to the Skies.

 

Celestial Interference Mechanics

Spoiler

 

• Celestial Interference is a balance mechanic to nerf large rallies or ‘stacking’ Canon Adherents.
• As a baseline, Celestial Interference triggers if more than three Adherents are gathered in a radius of 20 blocks. 
• Celestial Interference reduces the Sanctus of all affected Adherents by 50%. 
  • If there are more than six Adherents gathered, Sanctus is reduced by 90%.
• In larger fights, Celestial Interference can operate in clusters - i.e., a fight at a castle’s gates will be treated separately from an attack on the back wall. 
• Celestial Interference activates even if some Adherents avoid casting.

 

 

 

Rest Evermore

Amyas’ Reprieve

Julia’s Vow

 

Spoiler

 

 

 ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

 

 

Tier I | Non-Combat

10 Sanctus

 

“Requiem luminae, requiem aeterna.”

 

 

Spoiler

All things one day die.

 

Across all Descendant realms, tribute to the dead is a sacred custom. Ergo, all denizens of the Seven Skies answer a call to consecrate the resting place of who is now gone, wherever they may now be. Consequently, Rest Evermore is a common funeral rite, one which causes wildflowers to bloom in the vicinity of a burial and for the stone from which it is carved to stand indestructible, impervious to damage from erosion and even fell magic that would seek to disturb it.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes Rest Evermore by [1] drawing upon their holy Light, [2] conjuring Sanctus around their Catalyst, and [3] gently pressing their Catalyst to the target burial. Once cast, Rest Evermore lasts for 10 in-game years, or 10 OOC weeks. In a 4x4 area around a burial, flowers bloom in abundance irrespective of the climate and the burial’s facade not only recovers from any damage, but becomes impervious to future damage, which includes magical attempts to interfere. A burial blessed with Rest Evermore should have an RP sign placed to describe its effects, and the date at which the blessing is cast (in order to calculate when it expires).

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• A burial can be any kind of container used to store remains. 
• Rest Evermore fails to take effect if there are no remains within a burial. 
• Rest Evermore applies only to the direct container (i.e., coffin) but not the surrounding structure (i.e., crypt). 
• Burials blessed by Rest Evermore cannot be incorporated defensively into builds.

 

 

Tier I | Non-Combat

4 Sanctus

 

“Erit ingloriae, vacaer tenebris.”

 

 

Spoiler

The world is glutton with suffering.

 

From afflictions of the mind to scars upon the body, every mortal is burdened, and even the most adept healers of the Path of Humilitas struggle to alleviate some ailments. Even the most novice Adherents can, however, offer some solace to those who suffer through the blessings of Amyas’ Reprieve, whose bounty will reduce - but not cure - any ailment a Descendant suffers from. Of course, no reprieve is absolute, and those granted succour will find Amyas’ Reprieve both temporary, and fleeting. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes Amyas’ Reprieve by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] conjuring Sanctus around their Catalyst, and [3] gently cutting into the target with their Catalyst. The ensuing cut will heal immediately, and the target will be blessed with a 50% reduction in the effects of any curse, illness, injury, poisoning etc. for 2 in-game months, or 48 OOC hours. A character cannot benefit from Amyas’ Reprieve for 1 in-game year, or 1 OOC week, after it is first cast. 

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Combat scenarios prove too distracting to cast Amyas’ Reprieve in.
• Players are free to interpret the effects of Amyas’ Reprieve so long as they adhere to the ‘50% rule’. 
• Common sense applies - i.e., Amyas’ Reprieve does not allow a character with no legs to walk again etc.

 

 

Tier I | Non-Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Sic enim Horen et Julia, ita nobis quoae.”

 

 

Spoiler

For time immemorial, two have become one through marriage.

 

For humans especially, the act of rearing a family is the true rebuke to Iblees’ curse of transience. Given its sacramental status across all Descendant realms, the graceful souls of the Seven Skies readily grant the blessings of Julia’s Vow upon a newlywed couple, which imparts an essence of divine compassion onto their wedding rings. This subtle power radiates the bonds of affection held between spouses, especially when they are apart, and can even hold reminiscent traces such as scents, colours, and even faint music - all to remind one of the other.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Julia’s Vow by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] discharging a pulse of Sanctus from their Catalyst that Enchants wedding tokens (which, although commonly rings, can be any item). This Enchantment causes the twin tokens to radiate subtle sensations of affection and impart spiritual strength, which only the relevant spouses can sense. Julia’s Vow can also include other miscellaneous aesthetic details, such as colouring, scents, and faint music. 

Although an Enchantment, the trivial nature of Julia’s Vow does not require an ST Signature, though the items must be RP Signed by the Adherent and refer to this lore.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Characters must consent to be affected by Julia’s Vow.
• Characters can only have 1 active Julia’s Vow Enchantment at a time. 
• For Julia’s Vow to function, married characters must share affection. If this lapses over time, so too will the Enchantment fail. 
• Julia’s Vow can be used on a weapon, as it provides no combat benefits. 
• Julia’s Vow cannot convey messages of any kind or be used to track other characters.

 

 

 

Godwin's Exorcism

Waldo’s Twicelight

Jape of King Caius

 

 ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

Tier II | Non-Combat

5 Sanctus

 

“Summa laus oblaetum est silensia.”

 

 

Spoiler

There are many things that lurk unseen.

 

From mischievous spirits to malevolent phantoms, there are some breeds of creatures who can possess and hide themselves away from the world, for reasons both malevolent and otherwise. When an object becomes possessed by any such creature, it is within the power of an Adherent to expel them through the blessings of Godwin’s Exorcism, a deed which forces an unseen creature to become both seen, and corporeal. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes Godwin’s Exorcism by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] conjuring a swirl of brewing Sanctus around their Catalyst, and [3] discharging this torrent of Sanctus in an 8-block radius around them. If, within this radius, a character is either incorporeal or has ‘possessed’ something, Godwin’s Exorcism serves to interrupt their possession and force any creature to become both visible and corporeal. Any affected character is unable to re-possess or become incorporeal for [2] emotes after this Prayer is cast.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• ‘Possession’ means an object being controlled or inhabited by another character through supernatural means (including ghosts, Demi-Djinns, etc.).  
• Manipulation of objects via Air Evocation is unaffected by Godwin’s Exorcism. 
• A character must be capable of becoming corporeal to be made corporeal by Godwin’s Exorcism. 
• An Adherent must have reasonable suspicion to cast Godwin’s Exorcism.

 

 

Tier II | Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Aliquand fuit, erit iterum.”

 

 

Spoiler

All that is gone is not lost.

 

While lesser Adherents are usually incapable of manifesting Sanctus as a weapon, Waldo’s Twicelight is an exception. In the midst of battle, an Adherent can call out to watchful souls and summon their resolve in the form of a disc of razor Arclight, roughly a foot-wide in diameter. When flung at a foe, this disc bites like a chakram before rebounding in the air. After this initial attack, the disc spins around … and strikes a second time, from behind.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Waldo’s Twicelight by [1] drawing upon their holy Light and [2] honing Sanctus into a disc of Arclight, which shoots from their Catalyst like a chakram. Waldo’s Twicelight has a range of 10-blocks, and, upon hitting (or missing) its target, it will bounce away 5-blocks. In the next emote, the chakram will fly back and strike at the original target again before dissipating.

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics and redlines of Arclight apply. 
• While Waldo’s Twicelight bounces away after its first strike, it cannot ricochet into another character.
• An Adherent does not need to perform any actions for the second attack of Waldo’s Twicelight; this happens automatically, meaning the Adherent can also perform another action that turn.

 

 

Tier II | Non-Combat & Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Cur pullum spectiae.”

 

 

Spoiler

Joy is the treasure of all life.

 

Even so, all things must come in moderation. Amongst the most peculiar blessings of the Seven Skies is the Jape of King Caius, which instils in a target a bounty of humour that causes everything to become funny, nauseatingly so. While a brief application of the Jape of King Caius will bring joy and laughter to the most dour Descendants, continued concentration of the Prayer will cause a target to bend over, overwhelmed by laughter, and incapable of practically any act until the Prayer comes to a giggling end.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes the Jape of King Caius by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] discharging a spiral of Sanctus from their Catalyst to a target within 6-blocks. On the first emote, the target will find absolutely everything funny, and lift their spirits. This Prayer can be maintained for a [3] emote, during which the effects will intensify and render the target incapable will only be able to half-focus on another action (i.e., unable to swing a weapon with full speed/strength). 

An Adherent can maintain concentration for a final [4] emote, during which the target will double-over with laughter and be left unable to act until the next emote, when the Prayer’s effect is over. While the Prayer is active, the casting Adherent’s Catalyst will glitter with Sanctus.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Maintaining concentration the Jape of King Caius constitutes a full/major action from the Adherent. 
• If the target leaves the 6-block range, the effects of the Jape of King Caius end. The target can be dragged out of that range by another character.
• The Jape of King Caius does not cause any direct damage.

 

 

Core Rituals

Consecration

Song of the Vanquished

 

Path Gravitas

Fires of Edel | Arclight Forge

 

Path of Humilitas

Avenel's Glassbalm | Glorious Lineage

 

Path Sibylline

Foremost Foe | Bough of Arianne

 

Spoiler

 

⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

 

RITUAL PRAYER

Tier III | Non-Combat

12 Sanctus (Lesser Consecration) | 25 Sanctus (Greater Consecration)

 

“Luminae; locum hunc defiae ab immunditia.”

 

 

Spoiler

Some places are more sacred than others.

 

Altars are central to all forms of worship, and, by the grace of the Seven Skies, can be made into sanctified holds through the rite of Consecration, which imbues an altar with the celestial essence of the Skies. To invoke a blessing as potent as this, however, is no mean feat, and an Adherent must join forces with two others Adherents to see it done; in return, however, the bounty of an altar of Consecration is a powerful boon.

 

Within the school of Canon Adherence, there exists two forms of Consecration - Lesser Consecration, and Greater Consecration. While both altars act as a beacon for the Seven Skies, they manifest differently. Altars of Lesser Consecration radiate a faint golden light, wherein Descendants with unaltered souls are endowed with blissful serenity, while those with altered souls or users of Dark Magic experience gnawing discomfort, like they have an itch they cannot scratch.

 

An altar of Greater Consecration, in contrast, is a font of raw power, the likes of which even master Adherents struggle to control. Even the most virtuous Descendants feel the aura of Sanctus burn them like the summer sun, while creatures of the dark undergo intense discomfort. While all manner of miracles are technically possible within an altar of Greater Consecration, the reality is that no Adherent is skilled enough to do more than bend this power to a handful of powerful Rituals.

 

Both forms of Consecration allow an Adherent to rekindle some of their lost Sanctus in their grace, and their power makes it so that the use of a Sacred Aurum Catalyst is not required in their vicinity.  

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Consecration can be either Lesser or Greater, with the former requiring the participation of 3 Adherents at Tier 3, while the latter requires 3 Adherents at Tier 5. Other than this makeup, the process of casting Consecration is the same; over the course of [7] emotes, Adherents invoke Consecration by [1] simultaneously drawing upon their Holy Lights, [2-4] each Adherent summoning a beam of Sanctus overhead, [5-7] each Adherent channelling the beam to connect to their adjacent Adherents, and [8] all Adherents simultaneously directing their connected beams into the target altar. 

 

Consecration creates a Lore Location, which should be denoted with either a region greeting flag or ST Sign to indicate its effects. This indication must describe whether it is an area of Lesser Consecration or Greater Consecration, both of which have differing effects. 

 

• Lesser Consecration:
  • The area-of-effect is a 10-block radius around the altar, but this radius is cut off by any solid walls (i.e. church walls),
  • Adherents do not require a Catalyst to cast Prayers,
  • Characters with altered souls or users of Dark Magic feel greater discomfort, like a terrible itch, but suffer no direct pain,
  • Altars of Lesser Consecration are required for certain Rituals.
• Greater Consecration: 
  • The area-of-effect is a 20-block radius around the altar, but this radius is cut off by any solid walls (i.e. church walls), 
  • Adherents do not require a Catalyst to cast Prayers,
  • Adherents below Tier 4 cannot channel Sanctus without it exploding around them & inflicting minor burns,
  • Characters with unaltered souls feel as if they are standing exposed beneath a hot sun,
  • Characters with altered souls or users of Dark Magic feel as if they are experiencing the onset of sunstroke if within 20-10 blocks away from the altar; if they are within 10-1 blocks from the altar, they will pass out after [4] emotes as if undergoing intense sunstroke,
  • Altars of Greater Consecration are required for certain Rituals.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• An ‘altar’ for the purposes of Consecration can be any stationary object of worship, so long as it is not in reverence of Iblees, Dark Magic, or other kind of objective evil. 
• Altars of Lesser Consecration and altars of Greater Consecration do not fill the same functions; if a Ritual requires an altar of Lesser Consecration, an altar of Greater Consecration cannot be used, and vice versa. 
• Only 1 altar of Consecration (of either kind) can exist per Tile. 
• Altars of Consecration cannot be placed in bottleneck points in cities and roads (i.e. in a gatehouse). 

• Characters with altered souls or Dark Magic can attempt to play off the discomfort in an area of Consecration, but prolonged exposure will warrant suspicion.
• Altars of Consecration can be destroyed or vandalised only during Heists. 

 

 

RITUAL PRAYER

Tier III | Non-Combat

20 Sanctus

 

“Finita est proelium tuum.”

 

 

Spoiler

All lands are riddled with battlefields.

 

These great crimson inkpots mark history with tumultuous events and upheavals, and, of course, no small amount of death and despair. All these lost souls can, however, be commemorated through the grace of Song of the Vanquished. With the power of three adept Adherents, a battlefield can be washed with the peace of the Seven Skies; unburied bodies will be drawn into the earth, motes of Sanctus will flick through the air, and ethereal golden swords litter the earth, marking where a life was ended. 

 

In the battlefields heart, where Song of the Vanquished is cast, a large blade of Sanctus sinks into the earth. At this heart, flickers of the battle once fought will phase in and out of existence.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [6] emotes, three Adherents invoke Song of the Vanquished by [1] drawing upon their Holy Lights simultaneously, [2-4] each of them conjuring a blade of pure Sanctus which strikes into the battlefield’s earth, and [4-6] Sanctus spreads throughout the land, like golden, glowing roots. Upon completion, this Ritual creates a ‘Song of the Vanquished’ Lore Location, which must be marked with an ST Sign on the centrepiece to denote it. 

 

There is no fixed range on this Ritual - it generally covers the heart of a battlefield where a warclaim or event battle was once fought, and should be modified aesthetically with floating glass, end rods, etc. to reflect its appearance. The main part of this Lore Location should be a 10-20 block tall ethereal Sanctus sword in the middle of the battlefield.

 

On a battlefield blessed with Song of the Vanquished, the air feels heavy, but somberly peaceful. Any exposed bodies are buried under the ground, protecting them from desecration, and characters may roleplay seeing visions of the battle once fought there, which last only briefly. This Prayer is entirely aesthetic and meant to commemorate battlefields as ‘living monuments’ on its map, and a method of environmental storytelling.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Song of the Vanquished works only on sites of major conflict, such as from an event battle or a warclaim. 
• Casting Song of the Vanquished requires ST oversight. 
• Song of the Vanquished should not interfere with any surrounding builds without consent. 
• Glimpses of the battlefield cannot reveal specific information, i.e. a certain character killing another character, unless this is a well-known historical fact. 
• Song of the Vanquished cannot glorify or favour one side that fought in a battle. 

 

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier III | Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Exitium, caro!”

 

 

Spoiler

The wrath of zealots.

 

Even in the midst of battle with creatures of the dark, an Adherent can invoke the zealous fury of Fires of Edel, a blasting stream of divine Aurflame and bane of evil. As the flagship Prayer of the Aurflame arts, Fires of Edel affords an Adherent utility in how they engage their prey - both in close combat, and at a distance - so long as they contend to the Seven Skies’ strict dogma on the application of their heavenly fire. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Fires of Edel has an adjustable range contingent on the emotes spent charging it, as follows:

• [1] emote charge/cast wreaths the Adherent’s hand in Aurflame, providing only an arms-reach range. 
• [2] emote charge allows Aurflame to spray in a jet up to 6-blocks away. 
• [3] emote charge allows Aurflame to spray in a jet up to 9-blocks away. 

When cast a jet with at least [2] emotes, Aurflame can infiltrate narrow spaces (i.e., iron bars, fences).

Redlines

Spoiler

All general mechanics & redlines of Aurflame apply.

 

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier III | Combat

5 Sanctus

 

“Lumen ipsum, ferrum meum!”

 

 

Spoiler

Arclight is the blade of the Skies.

 

While many Prayers harness this glassy-golden hardlight in specific ways, the blessings of Arclight Forge allow an Adherent to mould Arclight as they will. When invoked, Arclight Forge cloaks an Adherent’s Catalyst in glassy-gold light and can be fashioned in any weapon of any type, forged from hardlight. Alternatively, if the Adherent has a free-hand, they can fashion a weapon of pure Arclight to be wielded in it. Alas, Arclight cannot retain its physical form for long; after a few blows in battle, it will dissipate once more. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Arclight Forge by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, and [2] manifesting a concentration of Arclight, moulded to their will. Arclight Forge allows an Adherent to modify their Catalyst, turning it into a different weapon (i.e. sword to spear), or conjure a small weapon in their free-hand of pure Arclight. The manifestation of Arclight lasts for [4] emotes, before it shatters.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redlines of Arclight apply. 
• If Arclight Forge is used to modify an Adherent’s Catalyst, it retains its properties of Sacred Aurum. The same is not true if Arclight Forge conjures a small weapon in an Adherent’s other hand instead. 
• A throwing weapon can be made using Arclight Forge. 
• Arclight Forge can summon any conventional weapon, but not specific tools such as lockpicks, machines, or artillery.

 

 

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier III | Non-Combat & Combat

9 Sanctus

 

“Hace benedictaea custodi, sicut te custodit.”

 

 

Spoiler

Even the Skies’ blessings come at a price. 

 

While the merciful souls beyond can bestow powerful healing blessings, these often conditional - elsewise, these blessings would be taken for granted. This is a caveat illustrated no clearer than by Avenel’s Glassbalm, which an Adherent can invoke to seal a Descendant’s wounds, knit their fractured bones, and remarkably improve their condition. This great cost, however, is that while a Descendant might stand and walk again by the grace of Avenel’s Glassbalm, for the next three months they become extremely prone to injury - their blood becomes haemophilic, and their bones brittle. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [4] emotes, an Adherent invokes Avenel’s Glassbalm by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] conjuring a seeping pale-gold mist along their Catalyst, and [3-4] dripping a flow of gold dew onto their target. Once Avenel’s Glassbalm is cast on a character, it has the following effects:

• Open wounds seal up,
• Fractured/sprained bones are healed,
• Non-fatal burns, poisons, etc. are undone.
• Serious injuries are reduced in severity (i.e., broken bones become sprains), and characters in critical condition are ‘stabilised’ and become capable of healing naturally.

This boon comes at a cost, for a character healed with Avenel’s Glassbalm becomes extremely injury-prone for the next 3 in-game months, or 72 OOC hours. While they can function normally, and even fight, during this time, any injuries sustained will be severely worse, to the following extent:

• Wounds that would normally merely sprain or bruise a bone will break it, 
• Even minor wounds will bleed as if the character is a haemophiliac, 
• Their skin burns like dry paper, and their immune system is more vulnerable to poison.

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Avenel’s Glassbalm applies only to physical wounds and does not treat mental or spiritual ailments. 
• A character may only be blessed with Avenel’s Glassbalm once per OOC week.

 

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier III | Non-Combat

20 Sanctus

 

“Portare majorum facem.”

 

 

Spoiler

Lineage is how humans overcome Iblees’ Curse.

 

While a single human life may be brief, it is human dynasties that have shaped Descendant history, and, ergo, lineage is a sacred thing. So it is that this concept is given personification by Glorious Lineage, a power that manifests in the form of an enchanted armament. A sword or any heirloom can be imbued with potent Sanctus, and tailored to the blood of the target so that only those who share a blood connection with them can wield that heirloom for themselves. Those unworthy are inflicted with a searing pain that forces them to abandon the effort.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [4] emotes, an Adherent invokes Glorious Lineage by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] conjuring ethereal golden threads that snake along the target heirloom, [3] beholding a character smear their blood on the heirloom, and [4] the Sanctus threads pulling the blood inside the heirloom. Glorious Lineage is an Enchantment, and items on which it is cast must be ST Signed and denote who the ‘originating’ character is (i.e., who characters must have a blood connection with in order to wield the heirloom). 

The Enchantment can be undone by casting Glorious Lineage in reverse, and drawing the bound blood out in [4] uninterrupted emotes.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Only those with a blood connection to an originating character can wield an heirloom Enchanted with Glorious Lineage. 
• ‘Blood connection’ means any kind of blood relative (and includes people older than the originating character).
• The casting Adherent may be an originating character.
• A spouse counts as a blood relative for the purposes of Glorious Lineage. 
• Characters without a blood tie to the originating character will feel a sharp searing pain if they try to pick up an heirloom Enchanted with Glorious Lineage, but only when specifically trying to pick it up (i.e., being struck with the heirloom in combat does not inflict this pain). 
• Common sense & good faith applies - i.e. Glorious Lineage cannot be cast on a doorknob to prevent other people from using the door. 
• Three characters using Dark Magic may remove an Enchantment of Glorious Lineage from an item by charging their respective magic at the item, uninterrupted, for [3] emotes. The Dark Magics do not all need to be the same kind. 
• If the bloodline to which an Enchantment of Glorious Lineage is bound dies out completely, the Enchantment breaks. 

 

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE

Tier III | Combat

9 Sanctus

 

“Tesae cem caelo; faciem meam!”

 

 

Spoiler

Adherents strive to protect.

 

Irrespective of one’s willpower, one’s speed and strength, there are times when someone cannot be saved. In subversion of that powerlessness, Adherents can channel the zealous blessing of Foremost Foe, and compel an adversary to turn their blades towards them - and them alone. By invoking this blessing, manifested through a swirl of golden snowflakes, a combatant abruptly feels as if the Adherent is the only foe on the battlefield, and then cannot quell the inexplicable urge to attack them with every fibre of their being.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Foremost Foe by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] discharging a spiral of golden snowflakes from their Catalyst to a target within 4-blocks. Once cast, Foremost Foe lasts for [2] emotes (i.e., the target’s next 2 turns) during which the target can only attack the casting Adherent due to a blind, inexplicable rage. The activation of Foremost Foe is always marked by an aura of golden snowflakes around their Catalyst.

 

While the casting Adherent does not need to concentrate to maintain this Prayer, the effects of Foremost Foe will end prematurely if they ‘break aggression’, i.e. if the caster tries to run away or ‘kite’ the target, the Prayer will end. Furthermore, if they move more than 6-blocks away from the target, the Prayer’s effect also ends.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Foremost Foe only works on 1 foe, and an Adherent can maintain one active instance of the Prayer at a time.
• The Prayer’s target must commit their next [2] emotes to attacking the Adherent, which can include moving towards them if they are out-of-range.
• Foremost Foe can be used outside of combat but the Adherent must spend an extra [2] emotes charging the Prayer (for a total of [4]). 
• A target must actually be capable of attacking in order for Foremost Foe to work - i.e. they must be conscious, capable of moving, etc. 
• If another persona ‘takes’ the target’s aggression, i.e. blocks them from reaching you with an attack, the Prayer’s effect ends. This should not be cheesed, i.e. the target’s ally lightly poking them.
• A single character can only be affected by Foremost Foe once per combat encounter.

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE

Tier III | Combat

9 Sanctus

 

“Nulla saggitis, nulla bultus.”

 

 

Spoiler

It is a poor bulwark that yields to arrows.

 

For the guardian Adherents, defending themselves from their allies against enemy arrowfire is an easy feat, for they can invoke the resolve of the Seven Skies in the form of the Bough of Arianne. Once cast, the very air around them seems to bend as arrows and bolts find themselves directed and pulled into an Adherent’s shield, like leaves into a whirlpool.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes the Bough of Arianne by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] wreathing their Catalyst in golden snowflakes, and [3] pressing their Catalyst to their shield. Upon activation, an Adherent’s shield will glow with Sanctus for [2] further emotes, during which small projectiles passing within 8-blocks of the Adherent will divert their course to strike their shield. While an Adherent’s shield will become unbreakable under the effects of the Bough of Arianne, they ought be cautious, for their own allies’ projectiles will also be pulled in.

 

Redlines

Spoiler

‘Small projectiles’ for the purposes of the Bough of Arianne include bolts, arrows, rocks (non-Earth Evocation), throwing axes, javelins, potions, etc. Heavy projectiles such as artillery bolts are unaffected.

 

 

Core Rituals

Sanctify Aurum

Oath of Amaya

 

Path of Gravitas

Felder's Blade | Ruin of Petrus

 

Path of Humilitas

Mortal Exile | Echoes of Gamesh

 

Path of Sibylline

Harald's Ram | Lothar's Warcry

 

⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

 

RITUAL PRAYER

Tier IV | Non-Combat

15 Sanctus

 

“Bastio puritatis.”

 

 

Spoiler

To be blessed by the Seven Skies, a medium is required.

 

While altars of Lesser Consecration and Greater Consecration can serve as this medium, their stationary nature makes them of limited value. Instead, Adherents rely on Catalysts forged from Sacred Aurum, the sole material pure enough to channel Sanctus. Ergo, the art of creating Sacred Aurum is an important one. Through the Ritual of Sanctify Aurum, two adept Adherents pool their power at an altar of Lesser Consecration, and transmute mundane aurum into its holy counterpart, fit to be wielded by an Adherent.

 

Sacred Aurum is typically created as a new Catalyst for an aspiring Adherent. For all the power of Sacred Aurum, the Seven Skies do not impart this blessing easily; in return, the Adherent for whom the Catalyst is meant must pay tribute with a worthy offering. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [7] emotes, two Adherents invoke Sanctify Aurum by [1] placing the required amount of pure aurum atop an altar of Lesser Consecration for the desired Catalyst, [2] both Adherents drawing upon their Holy Lights, [3] the mundane aurum begins to float above the altar, [4-6] the Adherents hammer the aurum with blasts of Sanctus, and [7] the character for whom the Sacred Aurum is for makes an offering to the Skies. The Sacred Aurum takes the form desired by the Adherent for whom it is meant (i.e. sword, axe) as the Prayer ends. 

Once created, the Sacred Aurum should be represented by a mechanical item that is ST Signed. The ‘offering’ required should also be an item with a Player or ST Signature to denote it of some importance, and it must be destroyed via /use or given to ST upon completion of the Prayer.

Redlines

Spoiler

An altar of Greater Consecration cannot be used for Sanctify Aurum; the Sanctus would prove too uncontrollable to bless the aurum.

 

RITUAL PRAYER

Tier IV | Non-Combat

18 Sanctus

 

“Redi ad Luminae.”

 

 

Spoiler

Mercy is the greatest of virtues.

 

It is an easy option to sever the head of a sinner fallen to darkness, but much more challenging to redeem them. Once, this path of redemption was impractical, as a servant of evil might profess their undying repentance as but a mere mask, but this is no more through the blessing of the Oath of Amaya. If a willing repentant kneels before a site of Greater Consecration, two Adherents can bind them with the power of the Skies that forms an ethereal golden shackle on their wrist or ankle.

 

This shackle is not merely symbolic of repentance, however - for it also greatly limits the use of magical powers. The sole caveat, of course, is that a repentant can simply will their shackle to break in a manner of days. Such is the fickle nature of repentance. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [6] emotes, two Adherents invoke Oath of Amaya by [1] having a willing repentant kneel before an altar of Greater Consecration, [2] each Adherent drawing upon their Holy Light, [3] the repentant speaks a general intent to redeem themselves, [4-5] the Adherents jointly channel a stream of Sanctus into the repentant, and [6] a shackle of immaterial Sanctus materialises around the repentant’s wrist or ankle. 

When a character is under the Oath of Amaya - denoted by the shackle - any and all magic and CA abilities are locked at Tier 1, and any detrimental effects of a CA (i.e. feeding requirements) are also locked as if they only at Tier 1 in progression or severity. If the affected character wishes, however, they can make [1] emote to cause the shackle to begin to creak, at which point it will exhibit cracks. After 48 OOC hours have passed, the shackle will break completely and the effects of Oath of Amaya cease.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• A character must consent to having Oath of Amaya cast on them and cannot be misled as to its effects.
• Oath of Amaya limits all MA and CA abilities to Tier 1, including negative effects, physical traits, and passives.
• The shackle from Oath of Amaya is incorporeal, but can be hidden under clothing etc. 
• If the shackle is in the process of being broken, the cracks must be clearly emoted. 
• An altar of Lesser Consecration is insufficient to bind a character with Oath of Amaya.

 

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier IV | Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Secari, gratia Altalux!”

 

 

Spoiler

Distance is a formiddable factor in battle.

 

Bound to their heavy Sacred Aurum Catalysts, Adherents are at a great disadvantage when it comes to mobility, which can be fatal in their pursuit of Dark Mages and beasts. By right of the zealous Skybound souls, however, they can invoke the fervour of Felder’s Blade, which fashions a mould of Arclight around their Catalyst that can travel through the air as a slicing arc. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Felder’s Blade by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light to manifest Arclight along their Catalyst, and [2] swinging their Catalyst to discharge a wave of Arclight in the given direction up to 8-blocks away before dematerialising. The momentum of the crescent of Arclight is equivalent to being struck by a heavy steel weapon, based on what type of weapon the underlying Catalyst is.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redlines of Arclight apply.
• The Arclight crescent from Felder’s Blade travels a full 8-blocks to hit a target within the emote of casting.
• Objects heavier than arrows will cause Felder’s Blade to shatter in the air, but it can destroy objects such as potions etc. in the process. 

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier IV | Combat

12 Sanctus

 

“Maiores ceciderunt, cibus me ruinae!”

 

 

Spoiler

A warrior knows they must control a battlefield.

 

To that end, opponents of the dark are endowed with the power to invoke the zealous blessing of Ruin of Petrus. This manifestation of Aurflame is unique in that it appears as glowing embers beneath the feet of its prey, which thereafter blossoms into a divine inferno. Ruin of Petrus therefore affords Adherents a key tool in herding their foes across terrain, and incinerating any unfortunate enough to be caught in their flames. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Ruin of Petrus by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] brandishing their Catalyst to summon volatile Aurflame embers in a 3x3 area up to 10-blocks away. The embers are too small to inflict damage, but [1] emote after Ruin of Petrus is cast, these embers spout into pillars of raging Aurflame (which reach 5-blocks in height). These columns of fire persist for [2] emotes (for a total [3] emotes after the embers first appear). 

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redlines of Aurflame apply.
• Characters can take the appearance of the embers as sufficient warning to move from the incoming Aurflame from Ruin of Petrus. 
• Once the [2] emote cast is complete and the embers manifest, an Adherent can begin using other Prayers while the effects of Ruin of Petrus play out over the following [3] emotes.

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier IV | Combat

12 Sanctus

 

“Quod non sit; infectum fieri.”

 

 

Spoiler

True to their nature, Dark Mages seek to tip the scales of battle in their favour.

 

One of their most useful tools to this end is the ability to conjure familiars to fight for them in battle, from undead thralls to hellborn beasts. In a bid to steady the scales of battle once more, an Adherent can call upon the blessings of Mortal Exile to channel the scouring light of the Seven Skies to disrupt these familiars, and, with enough concentration, banish them. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [3-5] emotes, an Adherent invokes Mortal Exile by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2-4] conjuring white-gold mist around their Catalyst, and [3-5] discharging that mist in a 5-block radius. Mortal Exile affects NPC summons in Dark Magics such as Mysticism Phantoms, Nazthereak Beasts, etc., though it can only target one kind of familiar at a time.

 

Depending how long this Prayer is charged (with a minimum of [3] emotes, and maximum of [5]), the effects differ. A [3] emote cast of Mortal Exile causes familiars to become stunned, skipping their next turn; a [4] emote cast of Mortal Exile causes familiars to get knocked 4-blocks away and become stunned, skipping their next turn; and a [5] emote cast of Mortal Exile causes familiars to become banished - Phantoms are sucked back into relics, Imps pulled back into Moz Strimoza, etc. 

‘Greater’ familiars such as Flesh Golems & Zentharak have resistance to Mortal Exile; a [3] emote cast has no effect; a [4] emote cast will stun them for their next turn; and a [5] emote cast will knock them back 3-blocks and skip their next turn.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• The effects of Mortal Exile do not stack - i.e., a [4] emote cast will not also have the effects of a [3] emote cast.
• An Adherent must emote what kind of familiar is being targeted by the Prayer from the [1] emote, if there are multiple types present in a combat encounter. 
• Mortal Exile cannot be cast while mounted. 
• Non-Dark Magic familiars are unaffected by Mortal Exile. 
• Mortal Exile applies only to NPC familiars. 

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier IV | Combat

9 Sanctus

 

“Primae munditiae, dae auxilium.”

 

 

Spoiler

The boon of healing is indiscriminate.

 

That duality is the underlying power of Echoes of Gamesh, a healing Prayer invoked by an Adherent that conjures a large bubble of white-gold dew, which slowly floats across the battlefield to a target. If burst, the bubble’s healing waters seal fresh wounds and knit damaged bones anew, but an Adherent must be wary, for the slow-moving bubble can be intercepted by a foe that can pilfer its healing properties for themselves.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes Echoes of Gamesh by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] manifesting white-gold mist around their Catalyst, and [3] releasing a bubble of white-gold dew. A bubble produced by Echoes of Gamesh advances 4-blocks per turn towards a target, and persists for a maximum for [4] emotes before bursting in the air (giving it a maximum travel distance of 16-blocks over [4] emotes). 

 

If any character, irrespective of whether they were the target or not, touches the bubble, it bursts and douses them in healing dew. The potent effects of Echoes of Gamesh relate to non-fatal injuries, which the below serving as examples:

• Bleeding wounds become staunched,
• Characters in critical condition become stabilised, 
• Trauma injuries are soothed, 
• Burning is smothered and poisons are purged.

Serious wounds - i.e. broken bones, organ damage - are not healed by Echoes of Gamesh, though the pain experienced from them may be reduced. A key caveat is that the Seven Skies will only answer a call for this blessing when an Adherent is locked in battle, else their blessing may be taken for granted, and a lesson eschewed.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Echoes of Gamesh can only be used in combat.
• Any physical contact - including walls and projectiles - will burst a bubble produced by Echoes of Gamesh. A character must be next to the bubble to heal from it. 
• For reference, Echoes of Gamesh should affect no more than flesh or muscle wounds, and not serious injuries such as broken bones or organ damage. 
• Only one character can benefit from the effects of Echoes of Gamesh; if multiple are nearby when the bubble bursts, the closest character will be healed. 
• A bubble produced by Echoes of Gamesh is approximately the size of one block. 
• Echoes of Gamesh does not regrow severed limbs or missing organs.
• Echoes of Gamesh can only be cast twice per combat encounter.

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE

Tier IV | Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Clypeus meus, malleus mae factus est.”

 

 

Spoiler

A shield is not just a defence.

 

The bludgeoning power of a bulwark is second to none, and through invoking the blessing of Harald’s Ram, an Adherent can amplify this defence-turned-offence by endowing their shield with the resolve of their patron souls. This steadfast Prayer allows an Adherent to slam their shield into a foe, and send them hurtling back. While this does not enhance the basic bludgeoning power of a shield, the true marvel of Harald’s Ram is the distance by which a target is flung back.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Harald’s Ram by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] ramming their Sanctus-wreathed shield into a target to send them flying back. The distance by which they are knocked-backed depends on the following:

• Characters smaller/lighter than an average human (Halflings, Musins, etc.) are knocked-back 8 blocks - this does not include Dwarves. 
• Characters that are similar-sized to an average human are knocked-back 6 blocks - this includes Dwarves and Orcs.
• Characters that are Olog-sized or larger are knocked back 4 blocks. 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Harald’s Ram must make direct contact with a target, and targets are hit in the direction the shield hits them.
• For want of simplicity, heavy armour etc. are not factors in Harald’s Ram knock-back.

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE

Tier III | Combat

7 Sanctus

 

“Omnes sub caelo; contremiscaet!”

 

 

Spoiler

Even wrath has some divine personification.

 

On the battlefield, a wrathful power can be invoked by Adherents in the form of Lothar’s Warcry; a roiling fury, channelled from the proudest souls in the Seven Skies. This Prayer manifests as a supersonic soundwave, exclaimed from the casting Adherent as a deafening roar that both echoes around them - causing sharp audio pains to those nearby - but also travels in a given direction, carrying with it the potential to split the ear-drums of those directly hit. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Lothar’s Warcry by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, and [2] exclaiming an indistinct roar. The effects of Lothar’s Warcry are two-fold; in an 8-block radius around the Adherent, characters feel sharp pain in their ears, but this fades momentarily and inflicts no real damage and does not interrupt actions. The other effect is that a concentrated wave of sound travels in the direction the Adherent yells for 6-blocks; any character struck by the soundwave will suffer blinding pain in their ears, and may burst an ear-drum if unprotected, and will interrupt ongoing actions.

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Deaf characters are immune to Lothar’s Warcry.
• Animals are prone to being startled by Lothar’s Warcry.
• Given its sonic nature, glass bottles, windows, etc. will shatter upon direct contact with the soundwave from Lothar’s Warcry.

 

 

Core Abilities

Light Within

Apostle’s Vigil

 

Path of Gravitas

Crusader's Zeal | Darksbane

 

Path of Humilitas

Everard's Purge | Paradisian Arrow

 

Path of Sibylline

Ring of Carolus | Threads of the Tapestry

 

Spoiler

 

 

⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

PASSIVE ABILITY

Tier V | Passive

 

 

Spoiler

Over time, Sanctus changes an Adherent.

 

Not only do they become addicted to its tranquil bliss, but it even alters their appearance, if only a little. For those disciplined in the art of Adherence to the point of mastery, they find their eyes become a golden hue, overpowering their original colour, and faint motes of Sanctus trail around them that serve as a hallowed mark of their station as Canon Adherents. These marks are visible even internally; where veins press against their skin, they appear as lines of gold imprints instead. When cut, Adherent’s blood becomes a dark gold, instead of normal red. 

 

Of great utility is that when surrounded by darkness, these elite Adherents emit a soft, warm glow of golden Sanctus, capable of providing light even where the dark is heaviest.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Light Within is a passive ability that permanently alters an Adherent’s appearance by turning their eyes, veins, and blood golden, and causing a faint aura of light to flicker around them. In dark places, this aura automatically brightens to illuminate areas of a 4-block radius with soft, warm light. 

 

If disconnected from their Holy Light, either voluntarily or otherwise, these effects cease, and an Adherent regains their characteristics from before the alteration. Furthermore, when struck by an anti-magic material such as Thanhium or Null Arcana, these effects temporarily lapse until the anti-magical effects wear off.

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Light Within does not work against ‘magical’ blindnesses, such as Dead Breath or Abyssal Blight. 
• Light Within operates as a light source against darkness; other visual impairments, such as smoke, are unaffected.

 

RITUAL PRAYER

Tier V | Non-Combat

20 Sanctus

 

“Sic expectamus reditum tuum.”

 

 

Spoiler

Some fates are not eternal.

 

Whether in pursuit of a meditation deeper than any other, or to excuse oneself from the hardships of the world for a time, Adherents can use the peculiar Ritual of Apostle’s Vigil to cause Sanctus to coalesce around them, and then harden into pure Arclight, encasing them in a statue. In this state, an Adherent loses all consciousness as their mind drifts into darkness, though this act effectively exempts them from the flow of time, and places their Holy Light in stasis. 

 

While encased in this statue of Arclight, an Adherent is incapable of expression or action, though their Arclight coating renders them impervious to damage and while untouched by the passage of time, neither age nor ailment can touch them. The Adherent can be freed from the stasis of Apostle’s Vigil, if they stir their consciousness from darkness. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [5] emotes, two Adherents invoke Apostle’s Vigil by [1] the Prayer’s target coming before an altar of Greater Consecration, [2] both Adherents drawing upon their Holy Lights, [3] both Adherents drawing on as much Sanctus as their Holy Light can hold, [4] channelling their Sanctus into the target, and [5] Arclight blooming all over the target, encasing them.

 

Apostle’s Vigil is effectively a roleplay-friendly ‘shelving’ mechanic, and so its effects are indefinite. While encased by Apostle’s Vigil, a character cannot be roleplayed until they end the Prayer’s effects. Chiefly, if the Adherent is not Tier 5, their teaching slot is suspended, allowing the Tier 5 Adherent teaching them to uptake new students. While encased as an Arclight statute, the character’s position in the world should be marked with an ST Sign. 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redline of Arclight apply, with the exception of its duration. 
• Apostle’s Vigil can only be cast on Adherents. 
• While encased in Apostle’s Vigil, a shelved character can be moved by other characters, and  can even be heisted.
• If a character is freed from Apostle’s Vigil with their teaching slot suspended, they will be unable to cast Prayers until they are reassigned a teacher. This does not affect their Tier.

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier V | Combat

9 Sanctus

 

“Sanguis maiorum; accende!”

 

 

Spoiler

Those of the Path of Gravitas are warriors.

 

Even when wounded, their zeal persists. So it is that, through the power of Crusader’s Zeal, they can turn their very blood into a weapon. When their skin is rent on the field of battle, the blood of an Adherent blessed by Crusader’s Zeal will boil as it parts from their body, and spray their foe with burning, righteous acidity - for no Adherent is struck with impunity. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Crusader’s Zeal by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, and [2] manifesting glowing embers of Sanctus along their skin. Once cast, Crusader’s Zeal lasts for [3] emotes; during this time, if the casting Adherent bleeds, their blood boils like sizzling acid, capable of inflicting 1st-degree burns through armour, 2nd-degree burns through fur, cloth, and leather, and 3rd-degree burns on exposed skin. When cut, an Adherent’s blood, through the power of Crusader’s Zeal, will specifically spray at the attacker if they are within 2-blocks. 

 

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• The effects of Crusader’s Zeal should be emoted when an Adherent is making their reply to an attacking emote; it is not an attack of its own and does not cost an action, aside from when initially charged & cast. 
• The blood from Crusader’s Zeal burns away into steam after impact. 
• Crusader’s Zeal can only be cast on oneself. 
• Blood from Crusader’s Zeal does not harm the Adherent to which it belongs. 
• The blood produced for the purposes of Crusader's Zeal is proportionate to the wound; i.e., a small cut will only yield a small splash of burning blood, and vice versa. 

 

PATH OF GRAVITAS

Tier V | Combat

15 Sanctus

 

“Ignis excelsus!”

 

 

Spoiler

The most sacred blessing of the Path of Gravitas.

 

In their pursuit of creatures and servants of evil, warrior Adherents can call upon the most zealous souls of the Seven Skies - those who, in life, dedicated themselves to scouring darkness - and invoke the power of Darksbane. As glowing embers of Sanctus manifest around their Catalyst, these ignite into burning Aurflame, cloaking their Catalyst in the waxing golden fires of the Seven Skies.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [2] emotes, an Adherent invokes Darksbane by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light and [2] igniting their Catalyst with Aurflame. Darksbane lasts for [3] emotes after casting, during which any melee hits delivered by an Adherent’s Sacred Aurum Catalyst also inflict additional Aurflame damage, provided the target is susceptible.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redlines of Aurflame and Sacred Aurum apply.
• An Adherent cannot channel other Prayers while Darksbane is active. 
• Concentration is not required to maintain Darksbane once cast. 

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier V | Non-Combat

15 Sanctus

 

“Nulla labes erit.”

 

 

Spoiler

Adherents are sworn to restore what is tainted.

 

To that end, amongst the greatest gifts of the Path of Humilitas is the ability to channel the potent blessings of Everard’s Purge, which can be plied by master Adherents to sear away curses and impurities from a fellow Descendant. With the aid of another Adherent and an altar of Greater Consecration, curses can be burned away with varying complexity … and varying consequences, for the Skies will demand a worthy sacrifice to wipe away more potent curses.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [6] emotes, two Adherents invokes Everard’s Purge by [1] the target kneeling before an altar of Greater Consecration, [2] the Adherents draw upon their Holy Lights, [3-4] the Adherents hone their Sanctus into stakes, floating overhead, [5] the stakes are simultaneously driven into the target, and [6] the curse is purged from the target. There are varying degrees and severity of curses that change the effect of Everard’s Purge:

• Lesser Curses: This category includes instances such as Naztherak Banes, Pale Curses, Mystics, etc., alongside illnesses such as Fleshtwist and Azhl poisoning. For these curses, the Skies do not levy a price on the character seeking to be cured. 
• Greater Curses: This category includes instances such as Corcitura and other FAs that alter a character’s soul (exempting Cursed Children). For curses of this magnitude, the Skies will only impart their blessing with a price; upon being cured, the cursed character must pick a limb (eye, arm, leg) to sacrifice to the Seven Skies as tribute. This limb disintegrates painlessly (and without bleeding) into golden ash, leaving a scar of glassy-golden skin. The Seven Skies do not tolerate attempts to undo this sacrifice, and the use of Tawkins, Golemancy, etc. will cause any prosthetic/replacement to similarly disintegrate.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• Cursed Children cannot be cured via Everard’s Purge.
• A character must consent to Everard’s Purge being cast on them. 
• If being cured of a Greater Curse, a character can choose which limb is sacrificed (legs, eyes, or arms), which is severed at the joint or removed from their socket. 
• Any FA removed via Everard’s Purge can later be regained. 

 

PATH OF HUMILITAS

Tier 5 | Combat

15 Sanctus

 

“Genua, quia pluit.”

 

 

Spoiler

The ultimate virtue is to vanquish the unvirtuous.

 

This ultimate and final rite of the Path of Humilitas serves as a powerful weapon through which fundamentalist Adherents invert their school’s usual focus on cleansing and restoration. Through the bounty of Paradisian Arrow, an Adherent manifests a harp-like bow of radiant Sanctus, from which a bolt of volatile mana can be launched across a battlefield, like a shooting star, and bite into the earth with an explosion of incandescent deific energy.

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes Paradisian Arrow by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] manifesting a bow of irradiant golden Sanctus in their arms, and [3] loosing an arrow of streaking deific light from the bow. The projectile from Paradisian Arrow can travel up to 15-blocks and, where it strikes a target or a physical obstacle, explodes in a 3x3 area of holy energy which also knocks affected targets 4-blocks away from the epicentre. This holy explosion is equivalent to a powerful blast of heat, capable of inflicting second-degree burns through armour, and first-degree burns on unprotected skin. 

 

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• For the purposes of Dark Magic weaknesses, Paradisian Arrow inflicts holy damage. 
• A projectile from Paradisian Arrow is extremely bright; it not only clearly lights up the surrounding area, but may affect creatures susceptible to light. 
• The deific explosion from Paradisian Arrow does not damage terrain.

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE

Tier V | Combat

15 Sanctus

 

“Est nusquam currere!”

 

 

Spoiler

Adherents can invoke barriers beyond their shield.

 

Whether in a bid to ward off a dangerous foe or ensnare a weaker one, guardian Adherents can call upon their patron souls to activate the blessing of the Ring of Carolus, through which they slam their shield earthward in order to summon webbing threads of Sanctus, which blossom into a barrier of pure Arclight, ringing around the Adherent. Those caught outside the Ring of Carolus can only look on, for there is no way to enter … while those caught outside ought to pray, for there is no out. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

Over the course of [3] emotes, an Adherent invokes the Ring of Carolus by [1] drawing upon their Holy Light, [2] amassing a torrent of Sanctus around their Catalyst, and [3] striking the ground with their Catalyst to summon barriers of Arclight. The Ring of Carolus endures for [3] emotes, during which walls of impenetrable Arclight, measuring 1-block thick and 4-blocks tall, appear in a 6-block radius around the Adherent that traps anyone within the distance inside, and anyone beyond outside.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• All general mechanics & redlines of Arclight apply, though the Ring of Carolus cannot be forcibly shattered.
• Characters no more than 4-blocks away from where the Ring of Carolus forms can attempt to jump inside or outside the walls, subject to intervention & common sense.
• While the Ring of Carolus is 4-blocks tall, characters can pass through it via reasonable terrain use - i.e. jumping off a nearby structure etc. 
• The casting Adherent can channel other Prayers while the Ring of Carolus is in effect, but not the Ring of Carolus itself.
• Multiple instances of Ring of Carolus - i.e., from multiple Adherents - cannot be cast at the same time. Only one instance of the Prayer may be cast at once in a given combat encounter. 
• If the Adherent casting the Ring of Carolus is defeated - i.e. knocked unconscious, bound, or slain - the Prayer’s effects end prematurely. 

 

PATH OF SIBYLLINE | RITUAL PRAYER

Tier V | Non-Combat

10 Sanctus

 

“Testimonium, quod olum fueus.”

 

 

Spoiler

Each soul has a story to tell.

 

For Adherents, however, a story is not confined to mere ink and poetry, for they can invoke the powerful blessings of Threads of the Tapestry. Through the grace of the Skies, an Adherent can weave very memories into being, given life by Sanctus in the form of ethereal threads. 

 

Mechanics

Spoiler

 

Over the course of [5] emotes, two Adherents invoke Threads of the Tapestry before an altar of Lesser Consecration by [1] positioning the target between them, and the altar, [2] drawing upon their Holy Lights, [3-4] each Adherent manifesting ethereal golden threads, and [5] channelling those threads into the Prayer’s target. Threads of the Tapestry brings a specific memory to life, determined by the Prayer’s target, which is illustrated via ethereal golden threads weaving images together. The target player should describe the core aspects of the memory in roleplay. 

False facts cannot be projected into Threads of the Tapestry; this Prayer illustrates an accurate recollection. However, if the target does not understand or misunderstands something, this can be portrayed. Any details that a character does not remember appear as grey fog.

Redlines

Spoiler

 

• A player must consent to having Threads of the Tapestry cast on them. 
• Only 1 Adherent - the ‘lead’ Adherent - in this Ritual must be of the Path of Sibylline, however both must be Tier 5 Adherents.
• A character upon whom Threads of the Tapestry is cast cannot have it re-cast on them for a period of 1 in-game year, or 1 OOC week. 
• A character cannot ‘cheese’ Threads of the Tapestry by claiming they do not remember a large swathe of details; ‘forgetting’ something is only reasonable where it is a minute detail or a great deal of time has passed. 
• Mental illnesses and curses can impede Threads of the Tapestry. 
• *** is for the Prayer’s target to choose which memory is projected; the Adherents cannot force or coerce a particular memory into being. 

 

 

 

 

Holy Magic is an important niche on the Lord of the Craft.

Both for the purposes of substantiating religious-based fantasy groups and providing a meaningful and dynamic rivalry with Dark Magic counterparts, it’s a vital balance to be struck to drive narratives between groups aligned with these concepts. There can, of course, be multiple Holy Magic groups on the Server at once, which is very often the case - be that Ascendancy, be that Clerics, be that Paladins, or be that Templars. While they all serve the same niche, each strives to do it in a different manners and with different focuses.

The same principle holds true for Canon Adherence, which specifically seeks to establish itself as a full five-slot magic with a significant degree of nuance and variation by encompassing different core aspects of fantasy clericalism roleplay. In a further distinction, Canon Adherence is written deliberately to interface actively with some of the server’s larger communities, especially those to whom magic is still foreign. While Canon Adherence is far from exclusive to humans, the lore focus on the Seven Skies not only ties itself to humanity in a culturally significant way, but it also grounds itself in existing religious player groups, which in turn guarantee the magic’s long term activity and presence. 

At the end of the day, Canon Adherence is the latest strive into re-establishing mainstream Holy Magic with dedicated, active, and objective-driven playerbases.

 

 

⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅

 

Thank you for reading our second WIP draft of Canon Adherence.

 

Most of you will be aware that we posted our first draft back at the end of August, which you can read here. While there was a flood of popular support for the idea, we definitely had our work cut out for us in terms of things we needed to clarify, refine, nerf, and cut. We knew going into our first draft that it there was lots that needed changing, and lots we needed feedback on - this is the reason that we posted it as WIP, and, for the same reason, this submission is also flagged as WIP. While we've cut 24 spells from the previous draft, a branching path, cut new spells, added others, and heavily rebalanced certain aspects, we don't believe this magic is still in the place it needs to be in order to be submitted for final review by the LT.

 

To do that, we need your help again to help look over our work and point out any issues, inconsistencies, or lapses in sense that we might have missed when we were writing it. Thanks as always for the support, and in particular thanks to those who left insightful comments on the initial draft that helped refine our direction.

 

Authors

@Xarkly | @JuliusAakerlund

 

Spoiler

- Removed Holy Reins & Tylos' Whistle so that the movement debuff from Sacred Aurum cannot be mitigated.

+ Added inability for Adherents to use Sacred Aurum while mounted.

- Removed Exalted Paths, replaced with the Path of Gravitas, Path of Humilitas, and Path of Sibylline.

- Removed Alms of Nafis.

- Removed Confessors' Writ.

/ Moved Julia's Vow to Tier 1.

- Removed Roar of the Zealot.

+ Replaced Roar of the Zealot with Godwin's Exorcism.

- Removed Holy Reins.

- Removed Shrinemaiden.

- Removed Weeping Nectar.

+ Added clearer healing & injury guidelines to Avenel's Glassbalm.

- Removed Gracious Burden.

- Removed Clement's Torch.

/ Moved Glorious Lineage to Tier 3.

+ Added adjustable range to Fires of Edel.

- Removed Tylos' Whistle.

/ Moved Threads Once Woven to Tier 5, renamed to Threads of the Tapestry.

+ Added clearer guidelines to Foremost Foe.

/ Combined Lesser Consecration & Greater Consecration into Consecration.

+ Added clearer guidelines to & rebalanced Echoes of Gamesh.

+ Added clearer guidelines to Mortal Exile (previously Godwin's Exorcism).

- Removed Dream of Paradisus.

- Removed Aurum Ash.

- Removed Harren's Tyranny.

- Removed Hallowed Ground.

- Removed Johann's Mail.

- Removed Cursewarden.

+ Added Light Within as a core Tier 5 passive ability.

+ Added clearer guidelines to Everard's Purge.

- Removed Law of Provenance.

/ Renamed Horen's Virtue to Paradisian Arrow.

- Removed Juror's Maelstrom.

/ Replaced Crusader's Zeal from physical buff to acid blood.

/ Renamed Owyn's Spirit to Darksbane.

- Removed Portent of Conquest.

- Removed Empyrean Wound.

- Removed Godfrey's Gospel.

- Removed Sigismund's Auspice. 

 

 

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

After hearing everyone's extensive feedback, we’ve tried to incorporate the majority while keeping the spirit of the magic alive. Hopefully, everyone can appreciate the middle ground reached. I, for one, was happy to see so many people in the community come out in droves to engage on a deeper, constructive level.

I look forward to once again seeing what you all think. We’ve worked long and hard, but there is still much work to do. It’s always a pleasure, guys and I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday <3

 

[sarahbarah 7105]

huge dubs +1

 

please be kind, folks :)

[RingAroundRosey 498]

STILL SUPER EPIC PLS PLS PSL +1

[Cheese 8881]

oh no

[Frawlic 1602]

2 minutes ago, Cheese said:

oh no

read and then reply :)
(it can be disheartening to see those sort of responses on something that people work really hard on, at least put better thought into one...)

[libertyybelle 6187]

amazing work you two, as per usual! +1

[femurlord 3751]

did not learn from last time..

[iris1612 1780]

i think this is a great lore with so much potential

[Xarkly 17299]

1 minute ago, femurlord said:

did not learn from last time..

 

Would be great if you could leave your elaborated input. 

 

The changelog features 39 current entries from last time. As the WIP tag implies, there's more work to be done and that requires communal feedback.

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

3 minutes ago, femurlord said:

did not learn from last time..

 

Could you be more specific with your worries? I'm actually curious about your opinion.

[psychra_notte 618]

PLEASE! PLEASE I AM ON MY HANDS AND KNEES ADD THIS IT'S SO GOOD!!!

The cut down on spells helped a lot for this to feel much more digestable. If I hear any complaint about length I really hope people realize it is just pictures for flavor..

The renaming of the paths is awesome, plus some of the new spells!

+1

[Herod 1417]

he is making me cry out of joy again +1

[Tav 4336]

I don't mean to like downvote on this magic because it's clear you've all put a lot of work into this post as a whole - and I think that's very cool. 
But in my personal opinion, making a 5-slot magic for a community so widespread - and pointed towards a race that keeps itself active without the need for magic seems like a problem. Sure, it's 5 slots, you should be given worth for offering five slots of magic, but - and I've never played a canonist, so I may be wrong - it's .. not like canonists often times spend their slots on other magics? So with that, it feels almost like free power. 

[ScreamingDingo 20568]

hate to be a negative Nancy and I understand the true power of rep but it’s just easier for you to keep one post and edit it with the changes. Idk how the last one ended up in the server discussion section, but just makes it easier for you to be able to mark it as completed and get it reviewed when necessary.