Wondrous Forests of the Night
mNo edit summary |
|||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
During a season when this ritual is in effect, there are increased incidences of people encountering Night regio, or the heralds of Night [[eternal|eternals]]. Indeed, the eternals of Night themselves seem to become more active after periods when this ritual is performed, and more interested in the activities of Imperial citizens. There is a superstitious belief that more [[naga]] are born during this period, but there is no evidence for that. There is ''some'' anecdotal evidence that especially high-[[lineage]] naga feel energized during this period, but that is all. | During a season when this ritual is in effect, there are increased incidences of people encountering Night regio, or the heralds of Night [[eternal|eternals]]. Indeed, the eternals of Night themselves seem to become more active after periods when this ritual is performed, and more interested in the activities of Imperial citizens. There is a superstitious belief that more [[naga]] are born during this period, but there is no evidence for that. There is ''some'' anecdotal evidence that especially high-[[lineage]] naga feel energized during this period, but that is all. | ||
Wondrous Forests of the Night was the first of the three existing "Imperial enchantents" to be formulated at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum|Lyceum]]. Much of the original design work was undertaken by a group of [[Urizen|Urizeni]] [[Stargazer|stargazers]] scholars of the [[Stargazer#Resonance_and_the_Omnihedron|omnihedron]] theory. Work began in 118YE and took an impressive four years an the combined efforts not only of the entire Lycerum but the aid of magicians from across the Empire before it was completed. It was performed for the first time in 124YE by a coven from the [[Zenith#Arch_of_the_Sky|Arch of the Sky]] during a grand conjunction of [[the Great Wyrm]], [[the Door]], and [[the Spider]]. According to historical records it's impact was unprecedented; the first time a single enchantment had covered such an immense geographical area. The ritual vindicated certain previously fringe magical theories concerning the existence of the Empire as a "greater nation" composed of numerous smaller nations and was seen as proof of the omnihedron projection. The ritual helped cement the Lyceum as the heart of magical research in the Empire and inspired a wave of enthusiasm for codifying potent magical rituals. It is also credited by some historians as helping to raise a groundswell of support for the creation of new [[College of Magic|magical colleges]] and ultimately paving the way for the [[Provost_of_the_Halls_of_Knowledge#Overview|establishment of the Halls of Knowledge]] in [[Zenith]]. | |||
Since it was completed the ritual has been cast no more than half a dozen times - most recently during the [[Forests_of_the_night|Winter Solstice 380YE]]. | |||
==Common Elements== | ==Common Elements== | ||
Revision as of 10:42, 13 October 2021
Rules
Night Magnitude 160
The magnitude of this ritual may fluctuate as the Empire expands or contracts.
Performing the Ritual
Performing this ritual takes at least 10 minutes of roleplaying. This ritual targets the entire Empire. It must be performed at the Imperial regio at Anvil. The ritual requires a map of the entire Empire which is used to harness and focus its power.
This ritual is an enchantment. A target may only be under one enchantment effect at a time.
Effects
The ritual enchants the entire Empire. Every forest in the Empire produces two extra measures of special materials. These additional materials will match the base type selected when the forest was created.
In addition, many inhabitants of the Empire experience especially vivid dreams of fantastical vistas, mysterious encounters, romance and adventure.
The effect lasts until the start of the next Profound Decisions Empire event.
Description
This old and dramatically powerful ritual enchants the entire Empire for a short time. It effects every forest resource in every region within the Empire. Much like Verdant Bounty of the Twilight Bayou, the ritual is more about helping the people who tend forests to gather rare ingredients than it is about increasing fertility or producing more trees.
During a season when this ritual is in effect, there are increased incidences of people encountering Night regio, or the heralds of Night eternals. Indeed, the eternals of Night themselves seem to become more active after periods when this ritual is performed, and more interested in the activities of Imperial citizens. There is a superstitious belief that more naga are born during this period, but there is no evidence for that. There is some anecdotal evidence that especially high-lineage naga feel energized during this period, but that is all.
Wondrous Forests of the Night was the first of the three existing "Imperial enchantents" to be formulated at the Lyceum. Much of the original design work was undertaken by a group of Urizeni stargazers scholars of the omnihedron theory. Work began in 118YE and took an impressive four years an the combined efforts not only of the entire Lycerum but the aid of magicians from across the Empire before it was completed. It was performed for the first time in 124YE by a coven from the Arch of the Sky during a grand conjunction of the Great Wyrm, the Door, and the Spider. According to historical records it's impact was unprecedented; the first time a single enchantment had covered such an immense geographical area. The ritual vindicated certain previously fringe magical theories concerning the existence of the Empire as a "greater nation" composed of numerous smaller nations and was seen as proof of the omnihedron projection. The ritual helped cement the Lyceum as the heart of magical research in the Empire and inspired a wave of enthusiasm for codifying potent magical rituals. It is also credited by some historians as helping to raise a groundswell of support for the creation of new magical colleges and ultimately paving the way for the establishment of the Halls of Knowledge in Zenith.
Since it was completed the ritual has been cast no more than half a dozen times - most recently during the Winter Solstice 380YE.
Common Elements
This is a powerful ritual, and few covens can perform it by themselves. When this ritual has been performed in the past, it has usually been achieved with the use of at least one Web of Celestial Attunement and with supplies of crystal mana from the Imperial Conclave. A coven that plans to perform it often spends several days in preparation, knowing that the eyes of the Empire are likely to be on them.
Symbols of change and Night are used throughout. Ritualists are often hooded, masked or veiled. The map that is a central focus for the ritual is often marked with blood or painted or inscribed with the runes of Night. it is common for one or more of the ritualists to recite the names of the Imperial territories or even regions throughout the casting as a counterpoint to the ritual invocation. Music is common, often gentle and mysterious, to further counterpoint the invocation. The names of Night eternals may be used, but this is less common that invocations of popular fictional characters from around the Empire, especially those whose stories are concerned with mysterious locations.