Curse of Decrepitude

Rules

Performing the Ritual

Performing this ritual takes at least 2 minutes of roleplaying. At the end of the ritual one of the contributors is chosen to deliver the curse with a pronouncement of doom.

This effect is a curse. A target may be under more than one curse at a time.

Effects

This ritual creates a curse that is delivered to a target with a pronouncement of doom: one contributors is chosen to deliver the curse, and they must do so within fifteen minutes or it falls on their own head.

While under the curse, the target experiences a powerful roleplaying effect; they feel extremely aged and infirm, whatever their actual age. Physical exertion leaves them tired and out-of-breath.

In addition, while under the curse the target is under the effect of WEAKNESS. This weakness cannot be removed by any means as long as the curse remains in effect. Any resources used to try and remove the weakness are consumed without effect.

The effect of the ritual lasts for a year (until the start of the Profound Decisions Empire event four events from now).

Removing the Curse

The curse can be removed by certain powerful creatures or items. It can also be alleviated by powerful rituals that remove curses of physical debilitation such as the "white stone" produced by Amalgamation of Silver and Gold.

OOC Elements

A briar can use their natural vitality to throw off the exhaustion that comes from physical exertion, but all the other effects apply as normal.

Description

This dreadful curse can leave its victim utterly enervated, and provides many of the symptoms of advanced age or long sickness. A warrior can still fight, but cannot summon the strength to strike a mighty blow. A magician cannot manage the simplest spell, and is incapable of effectively contributing to a ritual. An artisan can craft beautiful items, but can barely summon the energy to use one. Exhaustion, aching joints, dimmed vision, wandering mind and many other forms of frailty become their constant companions.

Common Elements

As with many curses this ritual often involves a recitation of the grievances against the target; sometimes flames are lit at the start of the ritual and extinguished, one by one, to represent the weakening of the target's spirit and body. Ashes and dust are another common component. The rune Kyrop is often evoked, symbolising the weakness of old age that the curse will bring, and the runes Irremais or Verys may be defaced or destroyed to represent the loss of wisdom and strength. The constellation of the Drowned Man may also be invoked; after all this ritual represents a harsh reminder of the inevitability of death for many ritualists.