Whispers through the Black Gate - Revision history

Hailmur at 15:33, 16 February 2026

2026-02-16T15:33:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:33, 16 February 2026
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	===Additional Targets===		===Additional Targets===
	You may call an additional spirit by increasing the magnitude of the ~~spell~~ by 15 for each additional spirit. All spirits appear simultaneously and depart simultaneously.		You may call an additional spirit by increasing the magnitude of the ritual by 15 for each additional spirit. All spirits appear simultaneously and depart simultaneously.

	===Option===		===Option===

Hailmur: /* OOC Elements */

2025-08-27T21:31:13Z

OOC Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 27 August 2025
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	===OOC Elements===		===OOC Elements===
	If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur. If you plan to summon the spirit of a dead non-player character it's always a good idea to email plot~~@profounddecisions.co.uk~~ well before the event so we can work out our own preparations, but you ''still'' need to let GOD know two hours in advance that you are going ahead with the ritual.		If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur. If you plan to summon the spirit of a dead non-player character it's always a good idea to email {{plot}} well before the event so we can work out our own preparations, but you ''still'' need to let GOD know two hours in advance that you are going ahead with the ritual.

	Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. Times for dusk are listed on each event page.		Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. Times for dusk are listed on each event page.

Twiggy at 20:47, 15 July 2025

2025-07-15T20:47:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 15 July 2025
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	===Additional Targets===		===Additional Targets===
	You may call an additional spirit by increasing the magnitude of the spell by 15 for each additional ~~spirits~~. All spirits appear simultaneously and depart simultaneously.		You may call an additional spirit by increasing the magnitude of the spell by 15 for each additional spirit. All spirits appear simultaneously and depart simultaneously.

	===Option===		===Option===
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	==Description==		==Description==
	This powerful ritual eases open the door of death for a short time, raising the spirit of a recently deceased person. In some ways, this ritual represents little ~~more than a~~ more than an advanced form of [[voice for the dead]]; in other ways it is a profound alteration of the natural order. Priests and magicians alike are fascinated by the magic this ritual represents.		This powerful ritual eases open the door of death for a short time, raising the spirit of a recently deceased person. In some ways, this ritual represents little more than an advanced form of [[voice for the dead]]; in other ways it is a profound alteration of the natural order. Priests and magicians alike are fascinated by the magic this ritual represents.

	A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.		A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.
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	A conjured spirit appears to be at least slightly corporeal; it seems to possess a pseudo-body and if it is struck firmly it can be dispelled back to wherever it came from. Most spirits cannot physically interact with the living; only in the case of the rare [[Malign Spiritual Presences\|malignant spirit]] have there been any reports of attacks and wounds on ritualists.		A conjured spirit appears to be at least slightly corporeal; it seems to possess a pseudo-body and if it is struck firmly it can be dispelled back to wherever it came from. Most spirits cannot physically interact with the living; only in the case of the rare [[Malign Spiritual Presences\|malignant spirit]] have there been any reports of attacks and wounds on ritualists.

	It ''is'' possible for a priest to use the [[exorcism]] ceremony to dismiss a spirit prematurely. In the case of most spirits called by this ritual, a single ~~does~~ of liao is usually sufficient; more malign or dangerous spirits may require a more potent exorcism however.		It ''is'' possible for a priest to use the [[exorcism]] ceremony to dismiss a spirit prematurely. In the case of most spirits called by this ritual, a single dose of liao is usually sufficient; more malign or dangerous spirits may require a more potent exorcism however.

	The most common use for this ritual is to call up the spirit of a murder victim to question them about the circumstances of their deaths. In such circumstances a magistrate is often present, but the ritualists must perform any interrogation themselves. The majority of magistrates treat the witness statements of the dead much as they would the living; they know there is no requirement that the conjured spirit tell the truth about what happened, and even though departed the spirit is likely to share the same motivations and prejudices it had when alive.		The most common use for this ritual is to call up the spirit of a murder victim to question them about the circumstances of their deaths. In such circumstances a magistrate is often present, but the ritualists must perform any interrogation themselves. The majority of magistrates treat the witness statements of the dead much as they would the living; they know there is no requirement that the conjured spirit tell the truth about what happened, and even though departed the spirit is likely to share the same motivations and prejudices it had when alive.
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	==Common Elements==		==Common Elements==
	This ritual is usually accompanied by solemn music, incense and chants recounting as much detail as possible the life of the target spirit. It is usually accompanied by a design laid out on the ground, often with braziers or candles. at key points of the design.		This ritual is usually accompanied by solemn music, incense and chants recounting as much detail as possible the life of the target spirit. It is usually accompanied by a design laid out on the ground, often with braziers or candles at key points of the design.

	Fire and light often play a key role, serving as a beacon for the dead spirit to 'find the way' back to the mortal realm. Similarly, some ritualists like to have things that belonged to the target in life, or people important to them. [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial orc]] [[Shamans\|shamans]] ideally want to have someone from the same legion, while [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] ritualists prefer the presence of someone of the same family, especially a child or parent. Likewise, many [[Navarr]] include small amounts of blood in this ritual, the smell of which help attract the attention of the spirit and remind it of its life; [[The Marches\|Marcher]] spirits might include an offering of food or drink, an action that leads to the ritual sometimes being referred to as ''The Feast for the Dead''.		Fire and light often play a key role, serving as a beacon for the dead spirit to 'find the way' back to the mortal realm. Similarly, some ritualists like to have things that belonged to the target in life, or people important to them. [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial orc]] [[Shamans\|shamans]] ideally want to have someone from the same legion, while [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] ritualists prefer the presence of someone of the same family, especially a child or parent. Likewise, many [[Navarr]] include small amounts of blood in this ritual, the smell of which help attract the attention of the spirit and remind it of its life; [[The Marches\|Marcher]] spirits might include an offering of food or drink, an action that leads to the ritual sometimes being referred to as ''The Feast for the Dead''.

Twiggy: /* Description */

2025-07-14T07:11:14Z

Description

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 14 July 2025
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	A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.		A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.

	The spirit is only aware of the ritualists who performed the ritual; when it comes to questioning the dead, it is the magicians who must take the lead. Being able to see a departed loved-one, but unable to reach them, can be a profoundly upsetting experience for the living, and for the spirit once it realises a beloved spouse or child is present, but ~~they~~ they cannot see or hear them.		The spirit is only aware of the ritualists who performed the ritual; when it comes to questioning the dead, it is the magicians who must take the lead. Being able to see a departed loved-one, but unable to reach them, can be a profoundly upsetting experience for the living, and for the spirit once it realises a beloved spouse or child is present, but they cannot see or hear them.

	A conjured spirit appears to be at least slightly corporeal; it seems to possess a pseudo-body and if it is struck firmly it can be dispelled back to wherever it came from. Most spirits cannot physically interact with the living; only in the case of the rare [[Malign Spiritual Presences\|malignant spirit]] have there been any reports of attacks and wounds on ritualists.		A conjured spirit appears to be at least slightly corporeal; it seems to possess a pseudo-body and if it is struck firmly it can be dispelled back to wherever it came from. Most spirits cannot physically interact with the living; only in the case of the rare [[Malign Spiritual Presences\|malignant spirit]] have there been any reports of attacks and wounds on ritualists.

Hailmur: /* Description */

2025-06-23T01:07:22Z

Description

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:07, 23 June 2025
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	==Description==		==Description==
	This powerful ritual eases open the door of death for a short time, raising the spirit of a recently deceased person. In some ways, this ritual represents little more than a more than an advanced form of [[~~Voice~~ for the dead]]; in other ways it is a profound alteration of the natural order. Priests and magicians alike are fascinated by the magic this ritual represents.		This powerful ritual eases open the door of death for a short time, raising the spirit of a recently deceased person. In some ways, this ritual represents little more than a more than an advanced form of [[voice for the dead]]; in other ways it is a profound alteration of the natural order. Priests and magicians alike are fascinated by the magic this ritual represents.

	A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.		A spirit summoned with this ritual can be questioned about anything it knew when it was alive; it seems to possess all the memories and the personality of a deceased individual. Sometimes the spirit is unaware that it has died, especially if that death took place very suddenly or happened while the target was asleep. More often though, the spirit knows it has died and under what circumstances. Regardless, the spirit cannot speak about anything that has happened to it ''since'' it died. Attempts to learn more about the Labyrinth of Ages or the Howling Abyss have simply served to frustrate arcanists and theologians alike.

Hailmur: /* Effects */

2025-06-23T01:06:52Z

Effects

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:06, 23 June 2025
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	* a dangerous spirit or spirits that may attempt to harm the ritualists spiritually or even physically.		* a dangerous spirit or spirits that may attempt to harm the ritualists spiritually or even physically.
	__TOC__		__TOC__
	Spirits summoned by this ritual are only aware of the ritualists who performed the ritual. Under normal circumstances it will not leave the regio where the ritual was performed and any interaction must take place there.		Spirits summoned by this ritual are only aware of the ritualists who performed the ritual. Under normal circumstances, it will not leave the regio where the ritual was performed and any interaction must take place there.

	The ritual may fail to summon anything at all. If this happens, no mana is spent but anything else expended in the summoning (potions, once-per-day items, the ability of the coven to perform rituals together) are still expended.		The ritual may fail to summon anything at all. If this happens, no mana is spent but anything else expended in the summoning (potions, once-per-day items, the ability of the coven to perform rituals together) are still expended.
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	The casters cannot predict in advance with absolute certainty which will appear. The longer it has been since the named character died, the more likely it is that something other than that character's spirit will appear or that the ritual will simply fail. If the ritual is performed using the name of someone who is not dead, or it is not clear who is intended to be summoned, the ritual is most likely to fail or result in a hostile spirit.		The casters cannot predict in advance with absolute certainty which will appear. The longer it has been since the named character died, the more likely it is that something other than that character's spirit will appear or that the ritual will simply fail. If the ritual is performed using the name of someone who is not dead, or it is not clear who is intended to be summoned, the ritual is most likely to fail or result in a hostile spirit.

	It can be risky to summon someone who has been dead longer than a year. Certain items connected to the spirit in some fashion make this a less risky proposition. It is not possible to use just any item in this manner however; the [[detect magic]] spell will explicitly indicate if an item can be used as a focus for Whispers through the Black Gate, and who will be summoned if it is used in this fashion. Such items are generally usable only once however.		It can be risky to summon someone who has been dead longer than a year. Certain items connected to the spirit in some fashion make this a less risky proposition. It is not possible to use just any item in this manner however; the divination aspect of the [[detect magic]] spell will explicitly indicate if an item can be used as a focus for Whispers through the Black Gate, and who will be summoned if it is used in this fashion. Such items are generally usable only once however.

	===Additional Targets===		===Additional Targets===

Rafferty: /* OOC Elements */

2024-06-25T13:12:14Z

OOC Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 25 June 2024
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	===OOC Elements===		===OOC Elements===
	If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur.		If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur. If you plan to summon the spirit of a dead non-player character it's always a good idea to email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk well before the event so we can work out our own preparations, but you ''still'' need to let GOD know two hours in advance that you are going ahead with the ritual.

	Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. Times for dusk are listed on each event page.		Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. Times for dusk are listed on each event page.

Hailmur: /* OOC Elements */

2024-05-30T23:16:24Z

OOC Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:16, 30 May 2024
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	If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur.		If you plan to perform this ritual, you will need to let the main referee desk in GOD know at least two hours in advance, or longer if we need to track the player of a dead character down ourselves. If we are unable to obtain the player, or they do not wish their character to be summoned, one of the other outcomes will occur. If we ''are'' able to obtain the player then the first option will usually occur.

	Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. ~~Please check in GOD for the correct time~~ for dusk ~~for this~~ event.		Dusk usually runs from half an hour before sunset, to half an hour after. If players wish to portray their dead characters, they should report to Monster at least half an hour before this period. Times for dusk are listed on each event page.

	The player of a character who died while part of a [[Bands#Sects\|sect]] bonded to a [[Litany of the Labyrinth]] will receive a slightly different briefing when playing their ghost. It is important that the player make sure the person briefing them knows this special circumstance exists.		The player of a character who died while part of a [[Bands#Sects\|sect]] bonded to a [[Litany of the Labyrinth]] will receive a slightly different briefing when playing their ghost. It is important that the player make sure the person briefing them knows this special circumstance exists.

Rafferty: /* Option */

2023-05-20T17:33:39Z

Option

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 20 May 2023
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	===Option===		===Option===
	The ritualists may consume up to 5 measures of liao as part of the ritual. Every measure consumed in this way reduces the magnitude of the ritual by 2.		The ritualists may consume up to 5 measures of liao as part of the ritual. Every measure consumed in this way reduces the magnitude of the ritual by 2. This option cannot be used by [[orc\|orcs]] - attempting to consume the liao does not help with the ritual and merely makes the ritualists feel unwell.

	===OOC Elements===		===OOC Elements===

Beeswax: /* Common Elements */

2022-05-18T20:03:01Z

Common Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 18 May 2022
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	The rune [[Irremais]] and the constellation of [[The Door]] are often evoked with this ritual.		The rune [[Irremais]] and the constellation of [[The Door]] are often evoked with this ritual.

			The [[magic items\|magic item]] known as the [[Cowl of Ashes]] can be used to make this ritual easier to perform and to protect those wearing it from malignant spirits.

	<!--- flavour. --->		<!--- flavour. --->