Rivers of Life

Rules

Performing the Ritual

Performing this ritual takes at least 10 minutes of roleplaying. During the ritual the casters must be in a strong Spring regio. The ritual must include a map of the target territory.

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

Effects

The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days a powerful enchantment settles over the territory. All casualties suffered by campaign-level armies fighting in the targeted territory are halved.

This ritual removes the Rivers Run Red curse, and is in turn removed by that ritual.

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

Description

Rivers of Life fills the rivers, streams and lakes of a territory with healing power and invigorating energies that refresh and restore those who bathe in or drink from them. Inhabitants of the area will benefit from hale and hearty health, but it is of most use to the commanders of armies as any wounded and injured soldiers who use the waters will heal far more quickly than normal. It is the obvious counterpart of, and counter to, Rivers Run Read and some magicians call it Rivers Run Green as a consequence.

This enchantment supports any army with the wit and awareness to make use of the enchanted rivers, not just Imperial armies. Even a large enough force of wild beasts to qualify as an 'army' could well benefit as they naturally seek out such water sources. The ritual can occasionally backfire; it is at its most effective when allied troops are significantly outnumbered in the targeted area - the casualties they inflict on their enemies will be reduced, but the more beleaguered they are the more effective the reduction in their own casualties becomes.

The ritual also has obvious use outside of a campaign frame; it has been used in the past to help territories that have been the victims of devastating plagues, droughts or natural disasters to recover more quickly. It has even been used on occasion to help bands of heroes using The Sentinel Gate to visit a territory as part of an extended battle or skirmish, giving access to additional healing power.

Common Elements

The map that forms the focus for this ritual is an important element. It is often drenched during the casting in fresh water or wine, sometimes mixed with blood. Sometimes the map is created by pouring liquid onto dry sand, quickly tracing the rough contours of the rivers and lakes that are part of the target territory.

The runes Bravash and Hirmok are commonly used during this ritual, and the constellation of The Chalice is often invoked.