Auras of Courage

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Do not fear to act; only be shamed by inaction.

Overview

These roleplaying effects are created by priests dedicated to the virtue of Courage 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 Courage

• In this place, your doubts and uncertainties feel weaker and unimportant; you feel an impulse to speak and act without concern for consequence.

Anointings of Courage

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 Courage:

The Trial of Courage

• You feel an urge to seek out something of which you are afraid and to confront it; your feelings about the thing you fear are unchanged.

Description: This aura is common, and reasonably popular, for a range of different reasons. Priests of courage have been known to use it to illustrate the path of courage to pilgrims or other citizens, and show them that courage is more than words. Other priests have used this to help test the virtue of those who would, or claim to, walk the path and help them overcome their own weaknesses. In more than one tale, this aura - or something like - is used to teach humility to the boastful, such as the mighty warrior who claims no fear in battle, but who balks at reading their poetry to strangers.

The Proof of Courage

• You are filled with a desire to prove your courage, and are far less inclined to back down from a confrontation. You also feel more inclined to take opportunities that present themselves.

Description: Priests of courage have been able to use this aura to shore up the hearts of those who are about to enter into conflict and have doubts, whether this is a battlefield full of orcs or a Senator about to clash with others on the senate floor. Pilgrims who are plagued with indecision have also found this aura beneficial in making a courageous choice. This aura is popular in overcoming the presents of malign spiritual presences, and especially those that cause fear and doubt.

The Purity of Courage

• You feel a sense of surety. Any fears you have about the consequences of your actions are muted. Attempts to make you doubt what you know to be true cause you to feel irritation and annoyance.

Description: Fear and doubt are the natural enemies of the pilgrim on the path of courage. Priests of courage have used this aura to help pilgrims strengthen themselves against these forces, and live their lives by the teaching that states "do not fear to act; only be shamed by inaction".

The Light of Courage

• Any fear and uncertainty you feel about the unknown diminishes, and you feel more able to face it. If you are bleeding, or terminal, any fear of death you have is lessened, and a strong sense of curiousity about what lies beyond life rises in its place.

Description: Many priests of the path of courage know that much of fear's power is rooted in the unknown, such as what may lie in the shadows and darkness even if they be empty. Priests have been able to use this aura to help pilgrims confront and explore these unknowns and thus diminish their power. This has not been a popular use of this aura in Varushka, where it has resulted in the unfortunate disappearance of pilgrims. A widespread unknown that causes fear is of what lies beyond death. Even the virtuous pilgrim may falter at being confronted with the mysteries of the Labyrinth of Ages and doubts about their own reincarnation, and so this aura has found a place for some in receipt of last rites as they are dead or dying.

The Revelation of Courage

• The next time you sleep you experience vivid dreams concerning the things you are afraid of, forcing you to confront unwelcome truths and self-deception. Your dreams show you facing and conquering these fear, and reveal how your fear merely gives power to your doubts. You awaken renewed, ready to overcome the things you fear and with a new sense of purpose.

Description: It is easy to assume that the things one fears cannot be overcome. Worry leads to self-doubt, inner turmoil, inaction and cowardice. Priests on the path of courage know the power of helping a pilgrim face the things they fear, and learn the truth that no matter how insurmountable something may seem, the first step to overcoming it is to cast aside fear and doubt. Some priests also favour the use of this aura in assisting those who are plagued by nightmares to strengthen themselves against these, and overcome them.

Hallows of Courage

Hallowing of Irontooth

• You feel an urge to seek out, expose and penalise cowardice and weakness. This impulse includes the desire to use this item in doing so, if it would be appropriate.

Hallowing of Permion

• You feel an urge to seize any opportunity that presents itself. Conscious failure to seize any such opportunity causes the feeling to change to one of revulsion and rejection, which flows from the item to you, for as long as you are bonded to it.

Hallowing of the Scrivener

• You feel an urge to ensure that the words you write be the raw truth from your heart. The idea of using mealy-mouthed ‘weasel words’ is repellent to you. If you knowingly deceive whilst under this effect, the feeling changes to one of revulsion and rejection that flows from the item to you for as long as you are bonded to it.

Hallowing of the Bull

• You feel a desire to keep up the spirits and resolve of those around you to avoid them succumbing to weakness and doubt. This includes a desire to use this item in achieving this outcome, if it would be appropriate to do so.

The Hallowing of Isaella's Resolve

• You feel a strong urge to disregard any possible consequences that may arise from taking any action you feel in your heart to be right. This includes an impulse to use this item in taking that action, if it is appropriate to do so.

The Hallowing of Ashwine's Rose

• You find it almost impossible to doubt what you believe in your heart to be true. Attempts to dissuade you without compelling evidence are far less likely to succeed.