Thunderous Tread of the Trees

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.

During the performance of the ritual the casters must name a region within the target territory which has either the "forested" or "marshy" keyword.

The ritual may target a territory which is under Imperial control (that is, which is eligible to appoint a Senator) when cast from the Imperial regio. To effect a territory that is not under Imperial control, the ritual must be performed at a regio within the target territory.

This effect is a curse. A target may be under more than one curse at a time.

Effects

The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days a powerful curse settles over the area. Plants in the territory, especially trees, become possessed of both mobility and malign awareness. The resulting force is uncontrolled. It attacks indiscriminately within the area, targeting fortifications and campaign armies (favouring the former over the latter).

Every season, 500 casualties are assessed and spread among all potential targets in the territory. Casualties inflicted on fortifications are increased by 20%. For example, if a territory contains only a single campaign army (regardless of who it belongs to) the army takes 500 casualties. If the territory contains an army and a fortification, the army takes 250 casualties and the fortification suffers 300 casualties.

The effect of the ritual lasts for a year (until the start of the Profound Decisions Empire event four events from now).

Description

This ritual infuses the vegetation in an area with a malign life. It is believed to cause spirits of the Spring realm to infuse the vegetation, expecially trees and bushes, sending them on a murderous rampage. The trees cannot be controlled, and do not fight along any other campaign armies. They suffer and inflict casualties just like other campaign armies. They are especially drawn to fortifications, which they tear assunder with reckless abandon.

Common Elements

The map that forms the focus for this ritual is an important element. It is often carved into bark or wood, drenched in water or blood, and left behind at the site of the ritual when it is completed. The rune Mawrig is commonly used during this ritual, and the star known as The Wanderer is often invoked.