Litany of the Labyrinth

Description

This reliquary often takes the form of something in or on which names can be recorded. A large book is one possibility, as is a stone onto which names can be inscribed. It is common for such a tome to be reforged, ensuring that the names of historical members of the sect is not lost. Another possibility, popular in Wintermark and the Brass Coast, and among the Navarr, is a large bowl in which tokens bearing the names of sect members past and present are kept. Regardless of the precise form, the Litany of the Labyrinth offers a subtle reassurance to every member of the sect that when they die their souls will pass beyond this life and ultimately be reborn. A member of the sect versed in the ceremony of dedication can sometimes meditate with this reliquary to learn whether one of their sect mates is dead although this power is poorly understood.

In Urizen, these items often takes the form of a crystal or glass box, often shaped like a lantern, and commonly illuminated by a carefully shaped lightstone. When they join the sect, a new member places a small chip of lightstone or tempest jade into the container. Traditionalist Urizen sects sometimes refer to such a reqliaury as a Psychopomp's Lantern, referencing a largely discounted belief in "wise spirits" that gather the souls of the dead and carry them into the Labyrinth to begin the path to reincarnation. While the belief in psychopomps is not heretical per se, it has very much fallen out of fashion among modern adherents of the Way. That said, it is a belief that is by no means restricted to Urizen - there are stories in Varushka of virtuous animals who lead a dead person out of the mortal world, for example, and the idea that birds may serve a role similar to that of a psychopomp is common in some parts of Wintermark (albeit traditionally in the opposite direction, as it were).

Rules

• Form: Reliquary. Takes the form of a ceremonial reliquary.
• Effect: When any member of the sect is terminal or dying, they may roleplay stoic acceptance rather than roleplaying being in pain. In addition, any member of the sect with the dedication skill may spend 30 seconds meditating with the reliquary to attempt to gain a sense as to the state of another named member of the sect - the reliquary will indicate if that person is no longer a member of the sect, and may indicate whether they have died or not. Using this ability may require the assistance of a referee.
• Materials: Crafting a Litany of the Labyrinth requires no special materials; It takes 2 months to make one of these items.