Stance of the Constricting Scourge

Rules

Performing the Ritual

Performing this ritual takes at least 2 minutes of roleplaying. This ritual targets a character, who must be present throughout.

This ritual is an enchantment. A target may only be under one enchantment effect at a time.

Effects

The target gains the ability to call entangle once following the rules for a heroic call. The call may be made with any implement or melee weapon with which they are proficient, with the exception of a pike.

The effect lasts until the end of the next battle, skirmish or quest the character participates in; or until the end of the current event, whichever is sooner.

Additional Targets

This ritual can affect additional characters from the same banner. Each additional character increases the magnitude by 7. Additional characters must be present throughout.

Description

This enchantment allows a target to pin an opponent in place for a short time, making them especially vulnerable to capture, or to defeat if they are wielding short weapons. It is sometimes called The Thief-taker's Net, and used to stop fleeing fugitives in their tracks. unlike the abilities granted by the entangle spell or rituals such as Imurrement of Leaden Chains, the power of the Constricting Scourge allows the target to restrain an opponent with a simple strike from a weapon or implement.

Common Elements

When performing this ritual, a coven often invokes symbols of binding, stagnation and hesitation. Some magicians weave invocations of doubt and uncertainty, while others evoke forces of capture or law enforcement. Skirling pipe-music may often be involved, as might interweaving flutes. Sinuous dances are common, but so are things that bind - chains, threads, ropes, nets and even ribbons.

Other common elements in this ritual might include runes, especially Hirmok. Beasts such as spiders and great serpents that crush their prey may be mentioned, and some Freeborn use images of octopi, squid or even kraken in their magic. The constellation of The Chain is sometimes invoked, as are the names of the Autumn Eternals know as the Lictors.