Guided Path

Description

There is a strongly-held belief in some sects that certain ceremonies have effects that will follow a dying person into the Labyrinth. They believe that an anointing can help the passage of a soul, or a powerful testimony follow someone into the next life in some fashion. Less merciful sects believe that if a person dies while excommunicated it will impede their passage to reincarnation, or even cause the soul of a criminal marked in this fashion to be destroyed. Even sects that do not adhere to such beliefs see the value of performing ceremonies to offer comfort to the dying. These sects are the ones likely to make use of a Guided Path.

Normally taking the form of an amulet or talisman of dragonbone usually marked with a Labyrinth, a Guided Path takes its popular name from the Navarr. Some guides have made use of the item since long before the founding of the Empire in a quest to help the dying to find their way back to a partner in the Great Dance. A similar item known as an Amulet of the Threshold was used by Highborn sects who offered comfort to the dying. Both items predate the use of liao, and some theological historians suggest that the use of items such as the Guided Path may provide some evidence that the very first uses of ceremonial skills were to prepare the dying for their next lives.

Rules

• Form: Talisman. Takes the form of ceremonial regalia. You must be wearing this item to use its magical properties.
• Requirement: You must have the dedication skill to bond to this item.
• Effect: When you [{Religious skills#Performing a Ceremony|perform]] or cooperate with the performance of a religious skill that targets a terminal character, you may do so without spending a dose of liao. If you have an ability to add additional strength to a ceremony you may use that ability in the normal way..
• Materials: Crafting a Guided Path requires four measures of dragonbone. It takes one month to make one of these items.