The League hearth magic - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T22:09:39Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:09, 15 January 2026
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	In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.		In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.

	Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for transgressions against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].		Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for transgressions against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>
	Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.		Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.

Hailmur: /* Masks */

2025-06-07T23:40:54Z

Masks

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 7 June 2025
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	==Masks==		==Masks==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~League Masks~~.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Twilight Mask.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}
	Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.		Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.

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	Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.		Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.

	It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognisable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.		It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognisable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.

	==Mirrors==		==Mirrors==
	Mirrors reveal the truth. Usually, they show what is physically present, but they can also provide unexpected insight. Anyone looking in a mirror may see hidden truths about themselves revealed, either things they have concealed from others or from themselves. Mirrors can reveal someone's true nature to them, or hint at their true feelings. There are accounts of murderers caught because at a crucial moment they were startled to see their reflection covered in blood, or the image of their victim standing accusingly behind them. Mirrors are subtle in their effects - and these truths are intensely personal. A League citizen contemplating treachery might see themselves perfectly reflected except for the striking absence of a crucial ring.		Mirrors reveal the truth. Usually, they show what is physically present, but they can also provide unexpected insight. Anyone looking in a mirror may see hidden truths about themselves revealed, either things they have concealed from others or from themselves. Mirrors can reveal someone's true nature to them, or hint at their true feelings. There are accounts of murderers caught because at a crucial moment they were startled to see their reflection covered in blood, or the image of their victim standing accusingly behind them. Mirrors are subtle in their effects - and these truths are intensely personal. A League citizen contemplating treachery might see themselves perfectly reflected except for the striking absence of a crucial ring.

Rafferty at 23:14, 7 June 2025

2025-06-07T23:14:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 7 June 2025
Line 20:		Line 20:

	==Masks==		==Masks==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=League Masks.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}
	Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.		Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.

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	It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognisable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.		It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognisable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=League Masks.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}~~

	==Mirrors==		==Mirrors==
	Mirrors reveal the truth. Usually, they show what is physically present, but they can also provide unexpected insight. Anyone looking in a mirror may see hidden truths about themselves revealed, either things they have concealed from others or from themselves. Mirrors can reveal someone's true nature to them, or hint at their true feelings. There are accounts of murderers caught because at a crucial moment they were startled to see their reflection covered in blood, or the image of their victim standing accusingly behind them. Mirrors are subtle in their effects - and these truths are intensely personal. A League citizen contemplating treachery might see themselves perfectly reflected except for the striking absence of a crucial ring.		Mirrors reveal the truth. Usually, they show what is physically present, but they can also provide unexpected insight. Anyone looking in a mirror may see hidden truths about themselves revealed, either things they have concealed from others or from themselves. Mirrors can reveal someone's true nature to them, or hint at their true feelings. There are accounts of murderers caught because at a crucial moment they were startled to see their reflection covered in blood, or the image of their victim standing accusingly behind them. Mirrors are subtle in their effects - and these truths are intensely personal. A League citizen contemplating treachery might see themselves perfectly reflected except for the striking absence of a crucial ring.

Matt: /* Rings */

2025-03-22T00:20:23Z

Rings

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 22 March 2025
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	==Rings==		==Rings==
	In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe, be that political, economic, filial, military, or even romantic. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.

	A ring may induce the wearer to honesty, integrity, or fidelity when dealing with those to whose loyalty the ring symbolises. Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend). Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties.		A ring may induce the wearer to honesty, integrity, or fidelity when dealing with those to whose loyalty the ring symbolises. Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend). Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties.

Responsible1: /* Rings */

2020-04-25T21:41:52Z

Rings

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:41, 25 April 2020
Line 59:		Line 59:
	Rings are a great addition to any League costume; they don't need to be expensive or ornate to help represent your personal history. The easiest way to evoke this hearth magic is simply to ensure you have a set of rings, and that you know what loyalty or allegiance each one represents. You may be open about what a ring means, or keep it to yourself but just making a mental note of the significance of each one can be an excellent way to get into character and remember what is important to you. This is especially true if you "rank" your rings in some way. In-character, subtle cues like studying or twisting a ring while dealing with topics related to it can help focus your attention or provide cues to those interacting with you that something is important. The power of rings makes it easier for you to maintain your allegiances, so shifting your roleplaying after turning one of your rings can be one way to evoke this hearth magic.		Rings are a great addition to any League costume; they don't need to be expensive or ornate to help represent your personal history. The easiest way to evoke this hearth magic is simply to ensure you have a set of rings, and that you know what loyalty or allegiance each one represents. You may be open about what a ring means, or keep it to yourself but just making a mental note of the significance of each one can be an excellent way to get into character and remember what is important to you. This is especially true if you "rank" your rings in some way. In-character, subtle cues like studying or twisting a ring while dealing with topics related to it can help focus your attention or provide cues to those interacting with you that something is important. The power of rings makes it easier for you to maintain your allegiances, so shifting your roleplaying after turning one of your rings can be one way to evoke this hearth magic.

	Rings can make significant and dramatic gifts for an in-character friend or subordinate. Accepting or refusing the offer of a ring is one way to add drama to any scene where characters are making agreements, making promises, or committing to a course of action. There are plenty of [[magic items]] that can take the form of rings, and any ring can be [[~~dedication~~\|~~dedicated~~]] - getting an aura of [[pride]], [[ambition]], or [[loyalty]] attached to a ring that represents a key loyalty or oath is an excellent way to further reinforce the power of his hearth magic.		Rings can make significant and dramatic gifts for an in-character friend or subordinate. Accepting or refusing the offer of a ring is one way to add drama to any scene where characters are making agreements, making promises, or committing to a course of action. There are plenty of [[magic items]] that can take the form of rings, and any ring can be [[hallow\|hallowed]] - getting an aura of [[pride]], [[ambition]], or [[loyalty]] attached to a ring that represents a key loyalty or oath is an excellent way to further reinforce the power of his hearth magic.

	[[Category:Hearth Magic]]		[[Category:Hearth Magic]]
	{{The League Links}}		{{The League Links}}

Noserenda at 13:32, 25 April 2020

2020-04-25T13:32:10Z

Hastur: /* Debts */

2020-04-25T13:03:40Z

Debts

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 25 April 2020
Line 9:		Line 9:
	In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.		In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.

	Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[Imperial Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for trangressions against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].		Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[Imperial Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for trangressions against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>
	Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.		Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.

Hastur: /* Masks */

2020-04-25T13:02:52Z

Masks

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:02, 25 April 2020
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	Masks should be worn with care when dealing with creatures of the realm. Some eternals are fooled by masks - and some do not understand masks in the way a mortal does viewing a mask more like an title or position of authority, as if the mask were a personality whose interests the wearer were representing.		Masks should be worn with care when dealing with creatures of the realm. Some eternals are fooled by masks - and some do not understand masks in the way a mortal does viewing a mask more like an title or position of authority, as if the mask were a personality whose interests the wearer were representing.
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Masks in Play</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Masks in Play</p>
	Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.		Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.

	It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognizable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.		It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognizable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.

Hastur: /* Masks */

2020-04-25T13:01:58Z

Masks

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:01, 25 April 2020
Line 20:		Line 20:

	==Masks==		==Masks==
	Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.		Masks are used extensively in the League, in theatre productions, in masked dance, and in the performance of [[Dramaturgy\|ritual magic]]. But League citizens will don a mask at the drop of a hat, and many maintain a selection of masks expressing different personalities. Choosing an appropriate mask can make it easier for you achieve your goals, while observing which mask your rival is wearing can provide crucial insight into their intentions. Donning a mask can cause you to assume elements of the identity that the mask represents. These qualities vary between individuals - two League citizens who don a wolf mask will not necessarily experience the same urges - but the masks associated with the [[dramaturgy]] [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] have particular resonance for everyone in the nation.

	There are plenty of accounts from the League of masks gaining an identity of their own, especially those that are used prominently in front of large audiences. Usually this affects masks employed by [[dramaturgy]] troupes but there are some stories of masks worn consistently by politicians or others in the public eye beginning to take on a power of their own. Someone who dons such a mask will find their performance grows in conviction, but those who lack the strength to rule the mask often report losing themselves in the role. There are cautionary tales of actors who discovered they were unable to remove their mask when the performance ended. Stories of actors who had no personality of their own left when their mask was removed are generally dismissed as children's tales, but none-the-less every League troupe takes great care to store their masks carefully and ensure they are well-protected. It is believed to be dangerous to destroy or dispose of a powerful mask, so the oldest ones are often hidden away in vaults and brought out only for very special performances.		There are plenty of accounts from the League of masks gaining an identity of their own, especially those that are used prominently in front of large audiences. Usually this affects masks employed by [[dramaturgy]] troupes but there are some stories of masks worn consistently by politicians or others in the public eye beginning to take on a power of their own. Someone who dons such a mask will find their performance grows in conviction, but those who lack the strength to rule the mask often report losing themselves in the role. There are cautionary tales of actors who discovered they were unable to remove their mask when the performance ended. Stories of actors who had no personality of their own left when their mask was removed are generally dismissed as children's tales, but none-the-less every League troupe takes great care to store their masks carefully and ensure they are well-protected. It is believed to be dangerous to destroy or dispose of a powerful mask, so the oldest ones are often hidden away in vaults and brought out only for very special performances.

Rafferty at 12:04, 25 April 2020

2020-04-25T12:04:40Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 25 April 2020
Line 9:		Line 9:
	In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.		In the League, the wealthy often trade in favours - if someone does you a service then you owe them a favour in return. Citizens of the League keep track of the favours they have done for people, no matter how meek their place in life. After all, who knows when they will be in a position to repay such a debt? Some also record every time a rival acted against them - for this too creates an obligation that must eventually be repaid in kind. When calling in a favour, it is important to ask for something of equal significance - otherwise the hearth magic is void.

	Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[Imperial Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for ~~trangressions~~ against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].		Memory alone can be unreliable, so the wise consider it prudent to keep a ledger or a journal in which debts can be recorded. An individual might keep their own journal, or sometimes a guild will run one ledger for all their members, appointing one of their number to keep the records straight. Such ledgers can be a potent talisman when performing a ritual to bring down a curse on someone who has overstepped the mark. While there have been significant criticisms of this practice from [[Imperial Synod\|the Synod]] in the past, claiming it is akin to the invocation of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance\|dangerous spiritual forces]], the [[Assembly#General_Assembly\|General Assembly]] recently agreed that the practice of seeking recompense for transgressions against an individual is [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7\|not contrary to doctrine]].
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Debts in Play</p>
	Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.		Employing this hearth magic means treating all significant debts and favours as important. It can be to your advantage to track every debt you are owed, but it's important to lean in to the magic around ''owing'' someone a favour. Having a debt with someone is a little like a curse in some respects, it's rarely in your character's best interest - but owing a favour to another character can create huge amounts of roleplay for you if you embrace it.
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	Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.		Masks are common in the League, anyone can wear one. When you do, this hearth magic explicitly gives you an in-character reason to change how you play your character. The [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae\|personae]] of [[dramaturgy]] are a great place to start when looking for inspiration, but a mask may also have a personal meaning to your character that changes how they act. It is entirely acceptable to spin a story about your mask that explains why it effects you the way it does. It can also be fun to create a character whose personality seems to undergo a marked change when they don a mask - effectively allowing you to play a pleasant or mild-mannered character most of the time except when you don your mask of [[the Witch]] and become a mysterious scheming riddler or mystic.

	It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is ~~unrecognizable~~ to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.		It can also be fun to play up the idea that someone in a mask can be difficult to identify. The tropes of opera or theatre, in which someone wearing a mask is unrecognisable to their closest friends and family, may seem foolish but in Empire they can be a magical consequence of donning a disguise of this nature.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=League Masks.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=League Masks.jpg\|caption=Masks conceal the identity, or allow a new identity to be presented.\|width=400\|align=right}}

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	==Rings==		==Rings==
	In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe, be that political, economic, ~~fillial~~, military, or even romantic. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.		In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe, be that political, economic, filial, military, or even romantic. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.

	A ring may induce the wearer to honesty, integrity, or fidelity when dealing with those to whose loyalty the ring ~~symbolizes~~. Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend). Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties.		A ring may induce the wearer to honesty, integrity, or fidelity when dealing with those to whose loyalty the ring symbolises. Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend). Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties.

	While it is common for a dying citizen of the League to pass one or more rings to friends and family as heirlooms, they are often burned along with the corpses. Rings that were being worn at the time the wearer died are known to become repositories for death and ill fortune. The wealthiest citizens of the League expect to be buried with their rings, and robbing the rings of the dead is said to bring about a dreadful curse. There are any number of accounts of ~~graverobbers~~ stealing rings that later bring them who quickly come to bad ends. It is generally considered safe to wear a ring that was explicitly passed to a new wearer by the previous owner in person or in their will, but there are some who refuse to take the chance and insist on wearing such ''grave rings'' on chains rather than on their fingers.		While it is common for a dying citizen of the League to pass one or more rings to friends and family as heirlooms, they are often burned along with the corpses. Rings that were being worn at the time the wearer died are known to become repositories for death and ill fortune. The wealthiest citizens of the League expect to be buried with their rings, and robbing the rings of the dead is said to bring about a dreadful curse. There are any number of accounts of grave-robbers stealing rings that later bring them who quickly come to bad ends. It is generally considered safe to wear a ring that was explicitly passed to a new wearer by the previous owner in person or in their will, but there are some who refuse to take the chance and insist on wearing such ''grave rings'' on chains rather than on their fingers.

	Choosing to wear a ring should not be taken lightly. If someone betrays their loyalty, then the ring may take on a lasting curse that bring misfortune to anyone who wears it. There are several accounts of rings that draw the shades of the betrayed to drive a villain mad, or that weakened a traitor at a key moment to ensure that they reap the rewards for their treachery.		Choosing to wear a ring should not be taken lightly. If someone betrays their loyalty, then the ring may take on a lasting curse that bring misfortune to anyone who wears it. There are several accounts of rings that draw the shades of the betrayed to drive a villain mad, or that weakened a traitor at a key moment to ensure that they reap the rewards for their treachery.