Strength of the Bull

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 one additional rank of endurance.

The effect lasts until the start of the next Profound Decisions Empire event.

Additional Targets

This ritual can affect additional characters from the same banner. Each additional character increases the magnitude by 3. Additional characters must be present throughout.

Description

This enchantment is one of the best-known Summer rituals. It is performed on warriors across the Empire, helping them to survive the rigours of war. While Splendid Panoply of Knighthood is more effective at enchanting a band of soldiers, it lacks the enduring power of Strength of the Bull; this is a common blessing from a skilled Summer magician on friends and allies who might face violence at any time.

It is commonly included as part of the preparations for war, or performed during a formal or informal gathering of warriors - given that it lasts for several months, it can be performed well in advance. While a band of Navarr may combine the ritual with formal war-painting, a Varushkan coven may perform the ritual around a fire the evening before battle to the accompaniment of stirring tales. A legion of Imperial Orcs may declare a promise of victory as their shaman move among them, and may celebrate the magic with a bout of fighting; a Dawnish Earl is more likely to have the ritual performed by a close friend or lover, who girds her for battle and completes the ritual by bestowing a favour. A Marcher band may gather barefoot on the morning of battle, while an Urizen coven might move serenely among a group of sentinels as they drill several days in advance of any expected hostilities. A Freeborn ritual is likely to involve everyone drumming and dancing in celebration of life, while a Highborn ritual is more likely to involve a solemn recitation of the rolls of the dead, perhaps followed by a blessing from a priest.

Common Elements

As with many enchantment rituals, common elements include the consumption of wholesome food and drink (especially mead or beer) and the use of tokens and gifts such as favours.

Any of the Summer runes might be evoked, depending entirely on the nature of the warriors and the ritualists. Runes are often painted onto the skin especially the face and arms. Navarr vates and Wintermark runesmiths alike will trace the scars, brands and tattoos of their targets as they perform the ritual, connecting the strength gained today with oaths or wounds from the past. An evocation of The Stallion or The Oak may be appropriate with this ritual, as are evocations of horses, bulls, narwhal, unicorns and dragons.

The Captain's Mask is a that helps empower the performance of this ritual.