Hakima's Glass

Rules

Performing the Ritual

Performing this ritual takes at least 2 minutes of roleplaying. The ritual targets a single enchanted item or person who must be present throughout.

Effects

At the completion the ritual reveals information about magical bonds. The information depends on the nature of the target - it provides different information when performed on a magic item than when performed on a character.

When the target is an item it reveals information about the bonds attached to that item.

Everything is connected to everything else.

• It reveals if it is bonded to anyone, and who that person is.
• It reveals some details of previous characters who have been bonded to the item.
• It reveals if the item is under the effect of any rituals or spells; what their magnitude is; and what realm they are from.
• It reveals all innate magical properties of the item.

When cast on a character it reveals information about the bonds attached to that person.

• It reveals if the character is bonded to any items, and if those items are present it will point them out.
• It reveals if the character is part of any bands, their type (Banner, Sect or Coven)
• It reveals if the character is under the effect of any rituals or spells; what their magnitude is; and what Realm they are from.

Reading the Weave can penetrate effects designed to stymie or confuse divinations such as the Masque of the Blinded Weaver. If such an effect exists, the ritual must match or exceed the magnitude of any concealing effect to penetrate it; otherwise it will only reveal the presence, magnitude and realm of the obscuring effect.

Enchantments can interfere with this ritual whether they are cast on the target, or something to which the target is bonded. In the latter case, only the bonds to the enchanted item or character are protected.

Additional Magnitude

You may increase the magnitude of the ritual to penetrate more powerful shrouds or masks.

Description

This simple ritual reveals information about items or individuals - or at least about their bonds - and is also occasionally used as an empowered detect magic for penetrating shrouds of magical obfuscation. It is a useful tool for investigators, provided they have a way to apply the information they gain.

The ritual is somewhat limited, but is sometimes supplemented by spontaneous magic that answers more specific questions - for example, some investigators have used magic of the Autumn realm to determine if a specific magic item has ever been bonded to a specific person (when both are present), or to determine if two or more people are members of the same band - or even if they have ever been members of the same band. Performing this effect with formulaic ritual magic has so far not been a priority, given how rarely an investigator needs to know it.

Common Elements

This ritual often involves active divination, often with runestones or cards. Lenses and mirrors are often used to closely examine the target, scyring for the signs of bonds and magical effects. The area where the ritual is performed is usually well-lit, either by sunlight or by multiple lamps, laterns, light-stones or fires. The runes Sular and Ophis may be evoked - the former by covens who actively examine and seek information during the performance, the latter by covens that prefer to rely on sudden revelation to deliver information to them. The former group are usually active in handling the target, while the latter focus more on drawing up (or down) magical energies and may use incense, water or even some narcotics to empower their ritual.

The eternal Prospero is sometimes evoked with this ritual, as are paragons of Vigilance and occasionall Prosperity. The astronomantic constellation of the Web has a strong affinity for this ritual.