Auras of Loyalty

Overview

These roleplaying effects are created by priests dedicated to the virtue of Loyalty who use the relevant ceremonial skill. A character performing an anointing or hallow must pick one of the appropriate roleplaying effects when they perform the ceremony.

Consecration of Loyalty

Effect: In this place, you are clearly aware of the relationships that matter most to you; you feel a desire to ensure the actions you take, and words you speak, support those relationships

Anointings of Loyalty

The following are a range of auras that can be summoned onto a living soul, with their consent, by priests whose own souls are dedicated to Loyalty:

The Proof of Loyalty

Effect: You are filled with a strong sense that loyalty relies on actions, not just feelings. You feel an impulse to prove your loyalty to those most important to you in whatever way you can. This feeling is amplified when you are in the presence of the person, or persons, to whom you are loyal.

Description: Many claim to walk the path of loyalty by speaking of the regard they hold another in. Priests of loyalty have been able to use this aura to teach them of the importance of action. It has also seen use in readying warriors for battle, or in overcoming malign spiritual presences, where the recipient has had a readily available opportunity to demonstrate the truth of their loyalties. This aura has also been used by those facing a decision or uncertainty in ensuring that loyalty informs the choices they make. There are also a few folk tales where a wily priest has used this aura to trick people into revealing their true loyalties beyond what they might claim.

The Bonds of Loyalty

Effect: You feel an urge to be guided by loyalty. Any feelings or commitments that you have which are not directly related to your primary loyalty are weakened by this effect. You feel an impulse to ensure every choice you make is informed by this devotion above all other considerations.

Description: Priests of the path of loyalty have found this anointing to be useful in weddings and other oathswearings, where the loyalties are already clear and established. It has also been used to help citizens and pilgrims prepare themselves for a coming time of trial, or when confronted by a difficult decision. Some pilgrims use this anointing to stir them into action on behalf of those they are loyal to, but who know this will be to their own detriment or harm.

The Seeds of Loyalty

Effect: During this anointing, you were asked to specify an entity, usually a person, a group or the subject of an oath. Whilst this anointing is in effect, you feel a connection to this entity and a sense of loyalty toward her/him/them/it. This applies even if the specified entity would not normally be something you felt any loyalty toward.

Description: This is a relatively controversial anointing and heavily opposed by Lucidians who argue that loyalty cannot, and should not, be imposed on another. However, this remains popular with some priests of loyalty who cite that it can only be used with the consent of the target. It has proven useful in arranged marriages to foster a connection between the spouses that can flourish into a genuine bond. It has been helpful in encouraging estranged parties back into communication and a relationship. However, there is a popular story of the Wayfarer Aaron who, so it is claimed, tricked, or coerced, his captors into receiving the anointing and use the temporary influence to escape from them.

The Eyes of Loyalty

Effect: You feel the positive power of loyalty swell in you and experience urge to see the best in those most precious to you. You are not blind to the faults of those you are loyal to, but you are more inclined to forgive their errors and mistakes, whilst trying to encourage them to rise above them.

Description: One of the hardest trials of the path of loyalty is when the person, or persons, who are the subject of that loyalty falter or otherwise fail. Standing by, or following, one who has given you unwelcome cause for doubt is where many pilgrims have strayed from the path. Priests of loyalty have been able to use this anointing to help bolster a pilgrim's commitment and dedication to another. This has also proven beneficial in helping citizens to forgive one another and approach reconciliation, or at least be forward looking rather than dwelling on the past.

The Revelation of Loyalty

Effect: The next time you sleep you experience vivid dreams concerning the people and ideals that matter most to you in all the world, and how your loyalty upholds and exalts them. You awaken with a clearer understanding of, and renewed commitment to, the things you care about most deeply.

Description: There are some pilgrims who find themselves lacking insight and self-knowledge. Others may find themselves facing conflicting or divided loyalties. Priests of the path of loyalty have been able to use this aura to help these pilgrims explore their own feelings, and priorities, and try and resolve any inner lack or conflict. In some cases, this anointing has been used as part of an initiation, or preparation, to ensure that a person is truly ready to swear an oath or make a similar commitment, by forcing them to look within and see if it is truly where their loyalty lies. Less commonly, this anointing has been requested by those who are parted from those that are precious to them as a means of guaranteeing dreams of that person and reaffirming their connection to them.

Hallows of Loyalty

Hallowing of the Steward

Effect: You feel a strong desire to support and care for those you consider to be your subordinates; you find it harder to consider undertaking selfish actions that do not benefit them.

Hallowing of the Bannerman

Effect: You feel an urge to publically support the decisions and judgements of your superior; you are inclined to keep any disagreements you may have with them private.

Hallowing of Bolstering Bill

Effect: You feel an urge to do all that is within your power to protect those most precious to you from harm, even if this is to your own detriment. This includes an urge to use the item to achieve this, if doing so would be appropriate.

Hallowing of the Silverlark's Tears

Effect: When you are bonded to this item, and in contact with it, you feel a desire to ensure that every action you take be for the benefit of those that are most precious to you. This effect is amplified if you believe the subject of your loyalty is unaware of your devotion to them.

Hallowing of the Token

Effect: When you concentrate for five seconds on this item, you receive an image or other sensation of a person who you associate with this item. If that person is precious to you, the vision/sensation can help you ignore pain, similar discomfort or other roleplay effects. This has no effect on your physical condition, i.e. any effects resulting from damage or game calls.

Hallowing of the Marked's Oath

Effect: When you bond to this item as part of a group ceremony, you feel a strong connection to all others who participated in the ceremony. Their value and importance to you, and your commitment to them, is increased.