Infant Starts with a Blank Slate - Revision history

Twiggy at 10:51, 17 February 2026

2026-02-17T10:51:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 17 February 2026
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	Formulaic rituals are rituals whose techniques and practices have been successfully refined to make the ritual as efficient and easy to cast as possible. [[Formulaic_ritual\|Formulaic rituals]] are highly focused - the caster gives up flexibility to gain reliability and efficiency. Magicians can only learn to master formulaic rituals; a valuable investment of time that makes those rituals even easier to cast.		Formulaic rituals are rituals whose techniques and practices have been successfully refined to make the ritual as efficient and easy to cast as possible. [[Formulaic_ritual\|Formulaic rituals]] are highly focused - the caster gives up flexibility to gain reliability and efficiency. Magicians can only learn to master formulaic rituals; a valuable investment of time that makes those rituals even easier to cast.

	Mastery of a ritual represents focus and practice, and is often seen as a practical demonstration of the [[Urizen]] concept of [[arete]]. Any magician of the Empire can [[Rituals#Contributors\|contribute]] to the performance of any ritual in Imperial ~~Lore~~; by attaining mastery the magician is able to wield that magic much more efficiently. It is also possible to master rituals that are not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial ~~Lore~~]], provided one has access to a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]]. This presents one of the challenges some Imperial magicians face.		Mastery of a ritual represents focus and practice, and is often seen as a practical demonstration of the [[Urizen]] concept of [[arete]]. Any magician of the Empire can [[Rituals#Contributors\|contribute]] to the performance of any ritual in Imperial lore; by attaining mastery the magician is able to wield that magic much more efficiently. It is also possible to master rituals that are not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]], provided one has access to a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]]. This presents one of the challenges some Imperial magicians face.

	More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.		More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.
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	This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.		This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.

	The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial ~~Lore~~ – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.		The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.

	To then constrain oneself with a handful of rituals again, to focus so excessively on a single idea or rote actions, becomes almost painful to consider. Mastery is valuable, but in theory one can perform more powerful magic by becoming more adept with the realm lore itself. Of course, this is expensive in terms of crystal mana and the like, but the Night realm rarely concerns itself with the penny-pinching more relevant to the practitioners of [[Day magic]].		To then constrain oneself with a handful of rituals again, to focus so excessively on a single idea or rote actions, becomes almost painful to consider. Mastery is valuable, but in theory one can perform more powerful magic by becoming more adept with the realm lore itself. Of course, this is expensive in terms of crystal mana and the like, but the Night realm rarely concerns itself with the penny-pinching more relevant to the practitioners of [[Day magic]].

Dre at 14:30, 16 February 2024

2024-02-16T14:30:03Z

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	This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.		This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.

	The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.		The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.

	To then constrain oneself with a handful of rituals again, to focus so excessively on a single idea or rote actions, becomes almost painful to consider. Mastery is valuable, but in theory one can perform more powerful magic by becoming more adept with the realm lore itself. Of course, this is expensive in terms of crystal mana and the like, but the Night realm rarely concerns itself with the penny-pinching more relevant to the practitioners of [[Day magic]].		To then constrain oneself with a handful of rituals again, to focus so excessively on a single idea or rote actions, becomes almost painful to consider. Mastery is valuable, but in theory one can perform more powerful magic by becoming more adept with the realm lore itself. Of course, this is expensive in terms of crystal mana and the like, but the Night realm rarely concerns itself with the penny-pinching more relevant to the practitioners of [[Day magic]].
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	As with many rituals of Night magic, a drink or foodstuff may be consumed, especially one with mildly narcotic effects. This should be done cautiously – one target of the ritual during formulation, after consuming a [[Kallavesi]] nostrum, not only abandoned the mastery of magic but vowed to never master another ritual, putting aside their studies and leaving Urizen for [[Varushka]] where they are believed to have started a new life as a [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov\|volhov]].		As with many rituals of Night magic, a drink or foodstuff may be consumed, especially one with mildly narcotic effects. This should be done cautiously – one target of the ritual during formulation, after consuming a [[Kallavesi]] nostrum, not only abandoned the mastery of magic but vowed to never master another ritual, putting aside their studies and leaving Urizen for [[Varushka]] where they are believed to have started a new life as a [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov\|volhov]].

	Open flames resonate with this ritual; the target may name the rituals they have mastered while speaking into a flame, or write them on paper which is then burned. This may be combined with a [[~~Totem_magic~~#Goetia\|goetic]] evocation of the Shadowed Fire (the eternal [[Janon]], who is a patron of freedom and liberation as well as passion). Likewise, hypnotic music or dancing relax the recipient, letting the chain of mastery fall gently away.		Open flames resonate with this ritual; the target may name the rituals they have mastered while speaking into a flame, or write them on paper which is then burned. This may be combined with a [[aspect_magic#Goetia\|goetic]] evocation of the Shadowed Fire (the eternal [[Janon]], who is a patron of freedom and liberation as well as passion). Likewise, hypnotic music or dancing relax the recipient, letting the chain of mastery fall gently away.

	The rune [[Aesh]] is resonant with this ritual, especially when combined with [[Diras]] and [[Xun]]. Another possibility is the rune [[Evrom]], which represents new beginnings. A [[dramaturgy\|dramaturgist]] who worked on the codification of the ritual suggested [[the Witch]] and [[the Mountebank]] both lend themselves well to its performance, especially in a scene which involves the loss of a [[the Lantern\|Lantern]].		The rune [[Aesh]] is resonant with this ritual, especially when combined with [[Diras]] and [[Xun]]. Another possibility is the rune [[Evrom]], which represents new beginnings. A [[dramaturgy\|dramaturgist]] who worked on the codification of the ritual suggested [[the Witch]] and [[the Mountebank]] both lend themselves well to its performance, especially in a scene which involves the loss of a [[the Lantern\|Lantern]].

Dre: /* Description */

2018-05-16T15:16:56Z

Description

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	More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.		More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.

	This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The ~~Chain_of_Memory~~]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.		This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.

	The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.		The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.

Rafferty: /* Description */

2018-05-16T14:16:15Z

Description

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	This roleplaying effect persists for at least ten minutes, and may last longer at the discretion of the target.		This roleplaying effect persists for at least ten minutes, and may last longer at the discretion of the target.
	==Description==		==Description==
	~~Developing the Ritual~~

	This ritual was developed at the [[Morrow#The Halls of Knowledge\|Halls of Knowledge]] under the auspices of [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge\|Provost]] Octavius of the spire of the Auric Horizon. Work was completed shortly before the disappearance from [[Zenith]] (and subsequent reappearance in Morrow) of the Halls themselves after the Autumn Equinox 381YE. It was based on an arcane projection devised by Aquillian Effugere. This was the last ritual overseen by Provost Octavius before his own disappearance; rumours persist that the wise mage sacrificed himself in some fashion to whichever power allowed the removal of the Halls of Knowledge from the threat of the barbarous Druj.		This ritual was developed at the [[Morrow#The Halls of Knowledge\|Halls of Knowledge]] under the auspices of [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge\|Provost]] Octavius of the spire of the Auric Horizon. Work was completed shortly before the disappearance from [[Zenith]] (and subsequent reappearance in Morrow) of the Halls themselves after the Autumn Equinox 381YE. It was based on an arcane projection devised by Aquillian Effugere. This was the last ritual overseen by Provost Octavius before his own disappearance; rumours persist that the wise mage sacrificed himself in some fashion to whichever power allowed the removal of the Halls of Knowledge from the threat of the barbarous Druj.

Dre: /* Description */

2018-05-16T14:09:43Z

Description

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 16 May 2018
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	Formulaic rituals are rituals whose techniques and practices have been successfully refined to make the ritual as efficient and easy to cast as possible. [[Formulaic_ritual\|Formulaic rituals]] are highly focused - the caster gives up flexibility to gain reliability and efficiency. Magicians can only learn to master formulaic rituals; a valuable investment of time that makes those rituals even easier to cast.		Formulaic rituals are rituals whose techniques and practices have been successfully refined to make the ritual as efficient and easy to cast as possible. [[Formulaic_ritual\|Formulaic rituals]] are highly focused - the caster gives up flexibility to gain reliability and efficiency. Magicians can only learn to master formulaic rituals; a valuable investment of time that makes those rituals even easier to cast.

	Mastery of a ritual represents focus and practice, and is often seen as a practical demonstration of the [[Urizen]] concept of [[~~aréte~~]]. Any magician of the Empire can [[Rituals#Contributors\|contribute]] to the performance of any ritual in Imperial Lore; by attaining mastery the magician is able to wield that magic much more efficiently. It is also possible to master rituals that are not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial Lore]], provided one has access to a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]]. This presents one of the challenges some Imperial magicians face.		Mastery of a ritual represents focus and practice, and is often seen as a practical demonstration of the [[Urizen]] concept of [[arete]]. Any magician of the Empire can [[Rituals#Contributors\|contribute]] to the performance of any ritual in Imperial Lore; by attaining mastery the magician is able to wield that magic much more efficiently. It is also possible to master rituals that are not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial Lore]], provided one has access to a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]]. This presents one of the challenges some Imperial magicians face.

	More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.		More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.

Dre at 13:11, 16 May 2018

2018-05-16T13:11:58Z

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	The target of this ritual forgets all rituals they currently have mastered. Their ritual slots are now empty and they can now learn rituals in those slots via the usual means. The target cannot pick and choose which rituals they lose – all rituals are lost.		The target of this ritual forgets all rituals they currently have mastered. Their ritual slots are now empty and they can now learn rituals in those slots via the usual means. The target cannot pick and choose which rituals they lose – all rituals are lost.

	At the completion of the ritual the target experiences a [[Roleplaying_effects\|roleplaying effect]]: ''you feel a great sense of release, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You feel liberated, freed from ~~unneccessary~~ constraints. The idea of mastering rituals feels like a denial of opportunity and possibility – there are so many rituals why master just a handful of them?''		At the completion of the ritual the target experiences a [[Roleplaying_effects\|roleplaying effect]]: ''you feel a great sense of release, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You feel liberated, freed from unnecessary constraints. The idea of mastering rituals feels like a denial of opportunity and possibility – there are so many rituals, why master just a handful of them?''

	This roleplaying effect persists for at least ten minutes, and may last longer at the discretion of the target.		This roleplaying effect persists for at least ten minutes, and may last longer at the discretion of the target.
	==Description==		==Description==
	Developing the Ritual		Developing the Ritual

	This ritual was developed at the [[Morrow#The Halls of Knowledge\|Halls of Knowledge]] under the auspices of [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge\|Provost]] Octavius of the spire of the Auric Horizon. Work was completed shortly before the disappearance from [[Zenith]] (and subsequent reappearance in Morrow) of the Halls themselves after the Autumn Equinox 381YE. It was based on an arcane projection devised by Aquillian Effugere. This was the last ritual overseen by Provost Octavius before his own disappearance; rumours persist that the wise mage sacrificed himself in some fashion to whichever power allowed the removal of the Halls of Knowledge from the threat of the barbarous Druj.		This ritual was developed at the [[Morrow#The Halls of Knowledge\|Halls of Knowledge]] under the auspices of [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge\|Provost]] Octavius of the spire of the Auric Horizon. Work was completed shortly before the disappearance from [[Zenith]] (and subsequent reappearance in Morrow) of the Halls themselves after the Autumn Equinox 381YE. It was based on an arcane projection devised by Aquillian Effugere. This was the last ritual overseen by Provost Octavius before his own disappearance; rumours persist that the wise mage sacrificed himself in some fashion to whichever power allowed the removal of the Halls of Knowledge from the threat of the barbarous Druj.

Rafferty: Rafferty moved page Infant Starts With A Blank Slate to Infant Starts with a Blank Slate without leaving a redirect

2018-05-16T11:16:52Z

Rafferty moved page Infant Starts With A Blank Slate to Infant Starts with a Blank Slate without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 11:16, 16 May 2018
(No difference)

Rafferty: /* Description */

2018-05-16T11:12:54Z

Description

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	More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.		More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.

	This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast ~~off the Chains of Memory~~]] and [[~~Transmogrify~~ the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.		This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast Off The Chain_of_Memory]] and [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.

	The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.		The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation\|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation\|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic\|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition\|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.

Rafferty: Created page with "==Rules== {{Season|Night|12}} ===Performing the Ritual=== {{Casting time|2}} This ritual targets a willing individual who must be present throughout. If they are unwilling or..."

2018-05-16T11:09:38Z

Created page with "==Rules== {{Season|Night|12}} ===Performing the Ritual=== {{Casting time|2}} This ritual targets a willing individual who must be present throughout. If they are unwilling or..."

New page

==Rules==
{{Season|Night|12}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|2}} This ritual targets a willing individual who must be present throughout. If they are unwilling or unaware of the general nature of the ritual, their mind remains closed and the ritual fails.

===Effects===
The target of this ritual forgets all rituals they currently have mastered. Their ritual slots are now empty and they can now learn rituals in those slots via the usual means. The target cannot pick and choose which rituals they lose – all rituals are lost.

At the completion of the ritual the target experiences a [[Roleplaying_effects|roleplaying effect]]: ''you feel a great sense of release, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You feel liberated, freed from unneccessary constraints. The idea of mastering rituals feels like a denial of opportunity and possibility – there are so many rituals why master just a handful of them?''

This roleplaying effect persists for at least ten minutes, and may last longer at the discretion of the target.
==Description==
Developing the Ritual
This ritual was developed at the [[Morrow#The Halls of Knowledge|Halls of Knowledge]] under the auspices of [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge|Provost]] Octavius of the spire of the Auric Horizon. Work was completed shortly before the disappearance from [[Zenith]] (and subsequent reappearance in Morrow) of the Halls themselves after the Autumn Equinox 381YE. It was based on an arcane projection devised by Aquillian Effugere. This was the last ritual overseen by Provost Octavius before his own disappearance; rumours persist that the wise mage sacrificed himself in some fashion to whichever power allowed the removal of the Halls of Knowledge from the threat of the barbarous Druj.

Formulaic rituals are rituals whose techniques and practices have been successfully refined to make the ritual as efficient and easy to cast as possible. [[Formulaic_ritual|Formulaic rituals]] are highly focused - the caster gives up flexibility to gain reliability and efficiency. Magicians can only learn to master formulaic rituals; a valuable investment of time that makes those rituals even easier to cast.

Mastery of a ritual represents focus and practice, and is often seen as a practical demonstration of the [[Urizen]] concept of [[aréte]]. Any magician of the Empire can [[Rituals#Contributors|contribute]] to the performance of any ritual in Imperial Lore; by attaining mastery the magician is able to wield that magic much more efficiently. It is also possible to master rituals that are not in [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]], provided one has access to a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]]. This presents one of the challenges some Imperial magicians face.

More potent rituals require more magicians to cast, and the ritual text is not always available. As mastery is the goal most magicians aspire to, it becomes increasingly valuable to ensure that everyone contributing to a rare or secret ritual has sufficiently practiced the rote actions required to work that magic. Because a magician can only master so many rituals – generally dependent on their mastery of associated magical lores – it is sometimes impossible for a magician to master a ritual that there is great need of.

This ritual helps to resolve that problem – but it can present a dilemma. The ritual works by freeing the mind from the structures and constraints placed by mastery – in a similar manner to which rituals such as [[Cast off the Chains of Memory]] and [[Transmogrify the Soul's Echo]] allow a willing subject to make changes to their memories and even identity. Unlike these other rituals, however, ''Infant Starts With A Blank Slate'' is indiscriminate. This makes it less than ideal when dealing with magicians who have mastered valuable rituals for which they no longer have access to a ritual text.

The ritual draws on resonances of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation|obfuscation]], and [[Night_magic#Transformation|transformation]], but also uses the [[Night magic|Night realm's]] tendencies toward freedom, spontaneity, and [[Night_magic#Intuition|intuition]]. The experience of removing mastery is one of liberation – as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted. For the recipient, it can feel as if grand new vistas of opportunity have opened up. There are literally hundreds of possible rituals simply in Imperial Lore – when one considered all the rituals that exist or could exist the possibilities are literally endless.

To then constrain oneself with a handful of rituals again, to focus so excessively on a single idea or rote actions, becomes almost painful to consider. Mastery is valuable, but in theory one can perform more powerful magic by becoming more adept with the realm lore itself. Of course, this is expensive in terms of crystal mana and the like, but the Night realm rarely concerns itself with the penny-pinching more relevant to the practitioners of [[Day magic]].

During the formulation of the ritual this desire among the subjects to avoid restricting their opportunities by mastering new rituals was frustrating – and while its effect could be lessened it proved impossible to remove the profound sense of liberation the ritual inspires.

==Common Elements==
Masks or items that represent the magical mastery to be forgotten are resonant with this ritual. The target may begin wearing a mask, which is removed during the performance and then destroyed. The mask represents the weight of their mastery, and when their face is naked again they are refreshed and (metaphorically) reborn.

As with many rituals of Night magic, a drink or foodstuff may be consumed, especially one with mildly narcotic effects. This should be done cautiously – one target of the ritual during formulation, after consuming a [[Kallavesi]] nostrum, not only abandoned the mastery of magic but vowed to never master another ritual, putting aside their studies and leaving Urizen for [[Varushka]] where they are believed to have started a new life as a [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov|volhov]].

Open flames resonate with this ritual; the target may name the rituals they have mastered while speaking into a flame, or write them on paper which is then burned. This may be combined with a [[Totem_magic#Goetia|goetic]] evocation of the Shadowed Fire (the eternal [[Janon]], who is a patron of freedom and liberation as well as passion). Likewise, hypnotic music or dancing relax the recipient, letting the chain of mastery fall gently away.

The rune [[Aesh]] is resonant with this ritual, especially when combined with [[Diras]] and [[Xun]]. Another possibility is the rune [[Evrom]], which represents new beginnings. A [[dramaturgy|dramaturgist]] who worked on the codification of the ritual suggested [[the Witch]] and [[the Mountebank]] both lend themselves well to its performance, especially in a scene which involves the loss of a [[the Lantern|Lantern]].

Finally, an obvious [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] connection is to the constellation of [[the Door]] which represents transitions. When the recipient forgets their mastery, they can be seen as standing on a threshold between their old knowledge and the new knowledge they seek.

[[Category:Night Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]