Traitor's Fate - Revision history

Dre: /* OOC Note */

2025-09-20T11:44:47Z

OOC Note

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 20 September 2025
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	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==
	The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that you should assume will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' ~~creates~~. We will not approve requests to employ this benefit with any other ritual.		The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that you should assume will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate''. We will not approve requests to employ this benefit with any other ritual.

	[[Category:Winter Ritual]]		[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]

Twiggy at 20:07, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T20:07:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:07, 14 July 2025
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	The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] are believed to make extensive use of this ritual when arranging deals and agreements, while there are stories of the [[Druj]] employing it among themselves when members of different clans must spend significant time together. The curse is apparently popular among the magician families of the [[Faraden]], who employ a particular usage of the ritual to allow one of their number to serve as an arbitrator between people who pay well for their services. In this case the ritual is performed ''twice'', each time involving a neutral individual and one of the people whose agreement is to be arbitrated. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target with lethal results. Of course, the arbiter is equally vulnerable to an attack from any of the individuals involved in either ritual, although by custom striking an arbitrator down incurs the full wrath of the magician family and usually results in many more, much more significant, curses being levied against the murderer and their family.		The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] are believed to make extensive use of this ritual when arranging deals and agreements, while there are stories of the [[Druj]] employing it among themselves when members of different clans must spend significant time together. The curse is apparently popular among the magician families of the [[Faraden]], who employ a particular usage of the ritual to allow one of their number to serve as an arbitrator between people who pay well for their services. In this case the ritual is performed ''twice'', each time involving a neutral individual and one of the people whose agreement is to be arbitrated. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target with lethal results. Of course, the arbiter is equally vulnerable to an attack from any of the individuals involved in either ritual, although by custom striking an arbitrator down incurs the full wrath of the magician family and usually results in many more, much more significant, curses being levied against the murderer and their family.

	A number of other variants of this ritual exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain of Agramant'' for example allows two individuals the power to inflict crippling [[weakness]] on each other while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured to be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before that city was purged of their presence caused a traitor to putrefy and rot in great agony while still alive.		A number of other variants of this ritual exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain of Agramant'', for example, allows two individuals the power to inflict crippling [[weakness]] on each other while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured to be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before that city was purged of their presence caused a traitor to putrefy and rot in great agony while still alive.

	One unique element of this ritual is the ability to make the curse permanent with only a single ring of [[ilium]] for each participant. Arcane scholars have worked for centuries to try and unravel this property, in the hope of applying it to other rituals. None have succeeded. As near as they have been able to establish, there is something fundamental in this ritual that resonates with universal hearth magic that is impossible to duplicate. The ritual allows a person to choose to make themselves vulnerable by consenting to a curse - and curses tend to be durable anyway at least in the Winter realm. Coupled with the strong hearth magic of oaths and obligations, this creates a seemingly anomalous situation where only a tiny amount of ilium is needed to anchor the curse permanently to the participants.		One unique element of this ritual is the ability to make the curse permanent with only a single ring of [[ilium]] for each participant. Arcane scholars have worked for centuries to try and unravel this property, in the hope of applying it to other rituals. None have succeeded. As near as they have been able to establish, there is something fundamental in this ritual that resonates with universal hearth magic that is impossible to duplicate. The ritual allows a person to choose to make themselves vulnerable by consenting to a curse - and curses tend to be durable anyway, at least in the Winter realm. Coupled with the strong hearth magic of oaths and obligations, this creates a seemingly anomalous situation where only a tiny amount of ilium is needed to anchor the curse permanently to the participants.

	==Common Elements==		==Common Elements==
	The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[The Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.		The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[The Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] in particular, a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]], finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.

	This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure that everything is above board.		This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure that everything is above board.

Twiggy at 20:26, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T20:26:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:26, 12 July 2025
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	The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.		The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.

	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into ~~jewelry~~ - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the ~~jewelry~~ to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewellery - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewellery to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.

	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==

Hailmur at 22:52, 7 June 2021

2021-06-07T22:52:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:52, 7 June 2021
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	The power of the [[curse]] allows each participant to inflict crippling, potentially fatal, blows on the other. Using the power of this ritual to kill someone is likely to be treated as murder by Imperial magistrates, but it is entirely legal to use it to capture someone, or to bring them before a magistrate to face charges for any criminal action they have undertaken.		The power of the [[curse]] allows each participant to inflict crippling, potentially fatal, blows on the other. Using the power of this ritual to kill someone is likely to be treated as murder by Imperial magistrates, but it is entirely legal to use it to capture someone, or to bring them before a magistrate to face charges for any criminal action they have undertaken.

	The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] are believed to make extensive use of this ritual when arranging deals and agreements, while there are stories of the [[Druj]] employing it among themselves when members of different clans must spend significant time together. The curse is apparently popular among the magician families of the [[Faraden]], who employ a particular usage of the ritual to allow one of their number to serve as an arbitrator between people who pay well for their services. In this case the ritual is performed ''twice'', each time involving a neutral individual and one of the people whose agreement is to be arbitrated. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target with lethal results. Of course, the arbiter is equally vulnerable to an attack from any of the individuals involved in either ritual, although by custom striking an arbitrator down incurs the full wrath of the magician family and usually results in many more, much more ~~singificant~~, curses being levied against the murderer and their family.		The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] are believed to make extensive use of this ritual when arranging deals and agreements, while there are stories of the [[Druj]] employing it among themselves when members of different clans must spend significant time together. The curse is apparently popular among the magician families of the [[Faraden]], who employ a particular usage of the ritual to allow one of their number to serve as an arbitrator between people who pay well for their services. In this case the ritual is performed ''twice'', each time involving a neutral individual and one of the people whose agreement is to be arbitrated. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target with lethal results. Of course, the arbiter is equally vulnerable to an attack from any of the individuals involved in either ritual, although by custom striking an arbitrator down incurs the full wrath of the magician family and usually results in many more, much more significant, curses being levied against the murderer and their family.

	A number of other variants of this ritual exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain of Agramant'' for example allows two individuals the power to inflict crippling [[weakness]] on each other while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured to be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before that city was purged of their presence caused a traitor to putrefy and rot in great agony while still alive.		A number of other variants of this ritual exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain of Agramant'' for example allows two individuals the power to inflict crippling [[weakness]] on each other while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured to be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before that city was purged of their presence caused a traitor to putrefy and rot in great agony while still alive.
Line 31:		Line 31:
	The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[The Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.		The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[The Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.

	This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.		This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure that everything is above board.

	The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.		The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.

Dre at 16:53, 11 November 2018

2018-11-11T16:53:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 11 November 2018
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	This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.		This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.

	The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[~~eternals\|~~eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.		The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.

	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.

Hailmur: /* Common Elements */

2018-04-11T12:17:25Z

Common Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:17, 11 April 2018
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	==Common Elements==		==Common Elements==
	The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.		The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[The Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.

	This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.		This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.
Line 36:		Line 36:

	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.

	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==
	The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that you should assume will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve requests to employ this benefit with any other ritual.		The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that you should assume will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve requests to employ this benefit with any other ritual.

Rafferty: /* OOC Note */

2018-01-25T13:11:15Z

OOC Note

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:11, 25 January 2018
Line 37:		Line 37:
	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.
	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==
	The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We ~~are very unlikely~~ to ~~approve~~ this benefit ~~for~~ any other ritual.		The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that you should assume will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve requests to employ this benefit with any other ritual.

	[[Category:Winter Ritual]]		[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]

Rafferty: /* OOC Note */

2018-01-25T13:10:32Z

OOC Note

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 25 January 2018
Line 37:		Line 37:
	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.
	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==
	The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We ~~will not~~ approve this benefit for any other ritual.		The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We are very unlikely to approve this benefit for any other ritual.

	[[Category:Winter Ritual]]		[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]

Rafferty: /* OOC Note */

2018-01-25T13:10:00Z

OOC Note

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 25 January 2018
Line 37:		Line 37:
	When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.
	==OOC Note==		==OOC Note==
	The option to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve this benefit for any other ritual.		The [[#Option\|option]] to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve this benefit for any other ritual.

	[[Category:Winter Ritual]]		[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]

Rafferty: Modifying mechanics and combining with Circle of Trust

2018-01-25T13:09:19Z

Modifying mechanics and combining with Circle of Trust

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 25 January 2018
Line 10:		Line 10:

	{{Year Duration}}		{{Year Duration}}
			===Additional Targets===
			This ritual can affect additional ''willing'' characters. Every additional character increases the magnitude by 3. Additional characters must be present throughout, and all must verbally assent to the performance of the ritual.
			===Option===
			This ritual can be made permanent much more effectively than similar rituals. It costs only a single ring of ilium for each participant. Sufficient ilium to make the ritual permanent for all targets must be employed, and each target must demonstrate that they know the curse is being made permanent.
			===Removing the Curse===
			Removing this curse prematurely is extremely difficult, as ''all'' living targets must be present. Should all the targets be present, they can remove the curse from themselves by agreeing to do so in the presence of a referee. If all the living targets are not present, or are not consenting, the curse can sometimes be ended prematurely by a powerful eternal of the Winter realm, but they are loathe to do so without significant inducement.

	==Description==		==Description==
			This powerful binding spell creates a connection between participants, allowing them to exact lethal vengeance on each other. At its core, it creates a sense of obligation by empowering both targets to kill the other. It usually involves an oath or promise, and the understanding that the power of the ritual will be invoked against anyone who breaks the oath. This is [[Winter magic]] however and the effect is not quite that straightforward.

	~~This powerful binding spell creates a connection between two targets, allowing one~~ of ~~them~~ to ~~seek revenge against~~ the other ~~if they are betrayed~~. ~~It usually involves an oath or promise, and the understanding that~~ the power of ~~the~~ ritual ~~will~~ be ~~invoked only if one breaks the oath. Unfortunately~~, ~~due~~ to ~~the nature of Winter magic~~, ~~the effect is not quite that simple. At its core, it creates~~ a ~~sense of obligation by empowering both targets~~ to ~~kill the other~~.		The power of the [[curse]] allows each participant to inflict crippling, potentially fatal, blows on the other. Using the power of this ritual to kill someone is likely to be treated as murder by Imperial magistrates, but it is entirely legal to use it to capture someone, or to bring them before a magistrate to face charges for any criminal action they have undertaken.

	~~Sometimes a ritualist or~~ [[~~Groups#Covens~~\|~~coven~~]] ~~will~~ use this ritual to ~~arrange someone who can act~~ as an ~~arbiter~~ for ~~an agreement~~. ~~The~~ ritual is performed ''twice'', ~~and~~ each time ~~it targets~~ a neutral ~~third party~~ and one of the people whose agreement is to be ~~arbiter~~. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target. ~~When used in this way there~~ is ~~no real limit~~ to ~~how~~ many ~~people may be signatories to~~ the ~~agreement~~.		The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] are believed to make extensive use of this ritual when arranging deals and agreements, while there are stories of the [[Druj]] employing it among themselves when members of different clans must spend significant time together. The curse is apparently popular among the magician families of the [[Faraden]], who employ a particular usage of the ritual to allow one of their number to serve as an arbitrator between people who pay well for their services. In this case the ritual is performed ''twice'', each time involving a neutral individual and one of the people whose agreement is to be arbitrated. This allows the third party to determine if the promise or agreement has been broken, and invoke the 'penalty clause' against the target with lethal results. Of course, the arbiter is equally vulnerable to an attack from any of the individuals involved in either ritual, although by custom striking an arbitrator down incurs the full wrath of the magician family and usually results in many more, much more singificant, curses being levied against the murderer and their family.

	The ~~power~~ of the ~~ritual allows either target~~ to inflict crippling~~, potentially fatal, blows~~ on each other~~. It is entirely legal~~ to ~~use~~ that ~~effect to capture an actual~~ traitor~~, or to bring them before a magistrate~~ to ~~face charges for any criminal action they have undertaken. Using the power of this ritual to kill someone is~~ still ~~treated as murder by Imperial magistrates~~.		A number of other variants of this ritual exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain of Agramant'' for example allows two individuals the power to inflict crippling [[weakness]] on each other while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured to be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before that city was purged of their presence caused a traitor to putrefy and rot in great agony while still alive.

	~~A number of other variants~~ of this ritual ~~exist, that deliver differing levels of punishment. The ''Bargain~~ of [[~~Wendigo\|Agramant~~]]'' for ~~example allows two individuals~~ the ~~power~~ to ~~inflict a crippling curse of weakness on each~~ other ~~while the ''Guttering Candle Promise'' rumoured~~ to ~~be used by certain [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] criminals before~~ that ~~city was purged of their presence and caused~~ a ~~traitor~~ to ~~putrefy~~ and ~~rot~~ in ~~great agony while still alive~~. ~~Most~~ of ~~these specific curses have fallen out~~ of ~~fashion in favour of this ritual, which simply empowers one~~ to ~~quickly kill or capture a traitor~~.		One unique element of this ritual is the ability to make the curse permanent with only a single ring of [[ilium]] for each participant. Arcane scholars have worked for centuries to try and unravel this property, in the hope of applying it to other rituals. None have succeeded. As near as they have been able to establish, there is something fundamental in this ritual that resonates with universal hearth magic that is impossible to duplicate. The ritual allows a person to choose to make themselves vulnerable by consenting to a curse - and curses tend to be durable anyway at least in the Winter realm. Coupled with the strong hearth magic of oaths and obligations, this creates a seemingly anomalous situation where only a tiny amount of ilium is needed to anchor the curse permanently to the participants.

	~~A version~~ of this ritual that ~~effects an entire~~ [[~~Groups#Covens\|~~coven]] ~~also exists~~, ~~called (slightly ironically)~~ [[~~Circle of Trust~~]].		==Common Elements==
			The most common element of this ritual is a bargain, oath or agreement that lays out how the power is to be used. In the [[Brass Coast]] in particular a written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear that both targets are entirely willing and understand what is happening. Blood is often shared or exchanged; in [[The League]] a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; while a Freeborn coven might use a couple of drops of blood from a [[cambion]] ritualist mixed with fruit-juice to serve the same purpose. Some brutal covens, especially in [[Varushka]] finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb, as a stark reminder of what will happen if the power of the curse is invoked.

	~~==Common Elements==~~		This ritual is often performed at sunset, or at night, and is usually performed in private. Some covens (and targets) like to have an [[Magistrates\|Imperial Magistrate]] present to ensure.that everything is above board.
	~~The most common element of this~~ ritual is ~~a bargain~~, ~~oath~~ or ~~agreement that lays out how the power~~ is to ~~be used~~. ~~A written contract is often involved, not least because the magic only works if it is clear~~ that ~~both targets are entirely willing and understand what~~ is ~~happening~~. ~~Blood is often shared or exchanged; in~~ [[~~The League~~]] ~~a drop of each target's blood is mixed with wine that is then used by each in turn to drink a toast; on~~ [[~~The Brass Coast~~]] ~~a couple of drops of blood from a~~ [[~~cambion~~]] ~~ritualist mixed~~ with ~~fruit-juice serve~~ the ~~same~~ purpose. ~~Some brutal covens, especially among the~~ [[~~Navarr~~]] ~~and~~ [[~~Varushka~~]] ~~finish the ritual by having each target strike the other, crippling a limb,~~ as ~~a stark reminder~~ of ~~what will happen if~~ the ~~power of the curse~~ is ~~invoked~~.
			The runes [[Yoorn]], [[Lann]] and [[Queros]] each have resonance with this ritual, depending on the purpose for which it is being performed. The [[eternals\|eternal]] [[Sorin]] is often evoked as part of the ritual and is said to have a particular interest in its use.

	~~This ritual~~ is often ~~performed at sunset, or at night,~~ and is usually ~~performed in private~~. ~~Some covens (and targets) like~~ to ~~have an Imperial Magistrate present~~ to ~~ensure~~.~~that everything~~ is ~~above board~~.		When ilium is used to make the curse permanent, the star metal is often alloyed with precious metal and turned into jewelry - usually a chain or ring. At the completion of the ritual the participants ceremonially don the jewelry to mark the beginning of the circle of trust.
			==OOC Note==
			The option to make this ritual permanent for one ring of ilium is a unique quality that will ''not'' be available to any other ritual. It is uniquely thematic to the voluntary curse created by ''Traitor's Fate'' creates. We will not approve this benefit for any other ritual.

	[[Category:Winter Ritual]]		[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]