| | CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics | |
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Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Wed Oct 17, 2012 5:25 am | |
| So I'm doing one of my regular scans through the chapters to see if everything still looks good, and the following ritual caught my eye. Valis originally posted this, but I gave it a run-through, because I don't think he'd mind, and I came to one part that I sort of disagree with. The parts I would like to discuss are in RED. - Releasing the Shadow of the Beast:
Level ??? Ritual This ritual was developed by Abyss mystics of Necromantic bent who drew spiritual connections between a ghost’s Shadow and a vampire’s Beast. These metaphysical phenomena seem to share in common the coalescence of dark appetites, desires and volition of their former human selves into a pseudo-entity that awakens to a sinister existence of its own, after they shed their mortal coil and become a “supernatural.” More deeply felt amongst the departed, who struggle at every moment with the Shadow cast by their own psyches, this experience is one not alien to vampires—although perhaps the Children of Caine have less to fear from their savage Beasts if compared to Wraiths’ sly and malicious Shadow. The mystical principles supporting this ritual lend credence to the theory that the Shadow and the Beast are indeed similar, perhaps coming from the same part of the mind—that which mortal psychoanalysts call the id. Furthermore, inhabitants of the dead lands know there is a direct, even if not fully understood, connection between their Shadows and darkness, both of a physical and spiritual nature. Building upon their knowledge of these same kinds of darkness, Abyss mystics learned to cast their Beast into their bodies’ shadows, animating a spiritual servant that is at the same time efficient yet dangerous. Besides the implications of Necromantic knowledge involved in the development of this ritual, some say that masters of the Animalism and Auspex Disciplines were also involved, since it replicates similar results of their most advanced powers as well. However, ritualistic refinement has enabled this ritual to indeed work independent of a mystic’s knowledge of those Disciplines. Scholarly Abyss mystics also suggest there seem to be similar powers practiced by vampires from the Far East. The Shadow Beast is a fierce spiritual guardian as well as a means of perceiving the spirit world, though this ritual is not without many perils, however. A mystic must be careful—failing to control the Beast while it is under this ritual’s effects might take it to a higher degree of awareness, and some would say malevolence. Some mystics are left with cunningly intelligent Beast-possessed Shadows after proving ineptitude with this ritual—and the possible results from a Shadow Beast's destruction are even more devastating. System: This ritual takes 2 hours to cast, and lasts as long as the mystic desires, though the first step of the ritual is meant to prepare the vampire’s shadow to receive the Beast. The mystic must use Shadowplay (Obtenebration Level One) to distinctively cast his shadow over a smooth surface, where it must be projected as a long silhouette, unconnected to the mystic’s body by any path of shadow. This is usually done in a controlled environment free from interruption, since the mystic must engage in deep concentration immediately afterward while facing their own shadow. The ritual itself involves a series of trances and mental exercises meant to bring the Beast close to the surface, the actual details of which vary from vampire to vampire. Some dwell deeply on memories of previous moments of fury or humiliation, while others fast for many nights before casting the ritual so that their Hunger stirs the Beast. Regardless, the vampire must not succumb to frenzy, but must be close to it, which requires a Willpower point to be spent at this point. On the following turn the vampire opens a vein (or otherwise bleeds), sprinkling his shadow with the equivalent of a Blood Point. The player then rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 ). If successful, the shadow now houses the vampire's Beast and they is free from its pernicious influence. While this means that the mystic does not risk succumbing to Frenzy or Rötschrek, neither can Willpower be regained or spent (including to power Disciplines or grant an automatic success) while the vampire’s Beast inhabits his shadow. The mystic also casts no shadow while this ritual is in effect, which even applications of Obtenebration (such as skilled use of Shadowplay) cannot remedy. The Shadow Beast and the mystic should be treated as separate and distinct entities, although both share a connection that is (usually) dominated by the mystic. They can go no farther from each other than 50 feet (15 meters) per Willpower dot the mystic possesses—a spiritual tether (fetter?) attracts one to the other, and if thus separated, willingly or not, both must halve all dice pools. To end the ritual the mystic must call the Beast back by wounding himself, suffering an unsoakable level of Lethal damage. The sight (or smell, or sense—none can be certain at this point) of the mystic’s blood causes the Shadow Beast to pour itself through the wound, returning both Beast and shadow to their rightful places, the mystic’s body. The Shadow Beast itself is an entity composed both from physical and supernatural darkness, hence it has an affinity with both the material and spiritual planes. It exists on the Astral Plane in a manner similar to an Auspex user’s Astral Body, being tangible to spirits and other astral travelers. For these purposes the Shadow Beast is treated as if it were the mystic’s Astral Body, including being immaterial to the physical world, replacing Mental and Social Traits for Physical ones (Wits replaces Dexterity, Manipulation supplants Strength, and Intelligence replaces Stamina), and Willpower for Health Levels. All of its attacks cause aggravated damage to astral and spiritual (or ghostly) beings, and it has a distinct Willpower pool apart from the mystic's own, but treated only as its Health Levels—the spiritual disjunction resulting from this separation impedes use of Willpower points for both parties. If a Shadow Beast loses all its Willpower points, a vortex of darkness opens up to swallow it to whereabouts unknown. The mystic has probably lost both his Beast and his shadow forever to the depths of the spirit worlds, although an extremely arduous spiritual quest (and journey) through the far reaches of the Astral Plane might enable the mystic to find both again. Alternatively, a Storyteller might allow a mystic to spend a permanent point of Willpower to simply reclaim his Beast and his shadow. Differently from an Astral Body however, the Shadow Beast is also visible on the material plane as an intangible, dark silhouette. It can use all the mystic’s Abilities, and its shadowy nature gives it -2 to Difficulties of all Stealth rolls, and it can also use Stealth as a Talent. In the physical plane the Shadow Beast automatically benefits from the passive uses of the three physical Disciplines known by the mystic (adding extra dice to its Physical Attributes), and Auspex 1 (if the vampire knows it), and it can see in the dark. A Shadow Beast acts on its own initiative based on its version of the vampire’s Wits + Wits (since Wits replaces Dexterity in the Astral Plane), which might be different from the vampire’s physical body. Fire and sunlight in the physical plane can hurt the Shadow Beast across the spirit world, and even its equivalent Fortitude cannot help it soak this damage—it is extremely sensitive to these vampiric banes. It automatically Frenzies and enters Rötschrek when confronted with circumstances where a vampire would only risk such, but it is less prone to do so if the stimulus comes from the material plane. On the other hand, it immediately attacks any spiritual being approaching it—indeed, the Beast should be roleplayed as an extremely cunning and intelligent predator, since its nature does not change with this ritual, it is still a vampire’s Beast, the sum of the vampire’s predator-impulses and most base, animalistic and primal instincts. A mystic can, however, try to exert control over their Shadow Beast with a successful Opposed Willpower roll, and in this way a vampire can even help control the Frenzy and Rötschrek impulses of their Shadow Beast. Each success enables the Shadow Beast to act according the mystic’s demands regardless of outside stimulus for a turn, and five successes on an extended Willpower roll, tested once per turn, allows the Shadow Beast to completely ignore such stimuli. A failure on this roll at any time adds +1 to the difficulty of subsequent attempts to control the Beast, cumulatively. Aside from these situations, the Shadow Beast acts as the mystic wills it. The Shadow Beast and the mystic share linked minds and are aware of each other at all times. A mystic with the Merit: Medium or who knows the Necromantic Sepulcher, Ash or Vitreous Paths (at any level) can choose to send the Shadow Beast to the Shadowlands instead of the Astral Plane; the Shadow Beast is tangible to ghosts, as they are to it. If a mystic lacks the proper abilities to send the Shadow Beast to the Underworld, they can sacrifice a living being (usually a mortal) before casting this ritual—the entropic energies freed by the sacrifice attune the Shadow Beast to the lands of the dead, though few kindred, if any, are actually aware of this variation of the ritual. Through the connection the mystic and the Shadow Beast share, the mystic can use the entity’s senses in the Shadowlands or the Astral Plane without any further effort besides a turn’s concentration. It is possible to channel more advanced perception powers (such as those provided by Auspex) through the Shadow Beast with an additional turn of concentration required for each power used in this way. Mystics are also instinctively aware of their Shadow Beast’s moods, so they can be used to detect ambushes or hidden approaches. In such circumstances, allow the player to make Perception rolls both for the mystic and the Shadow Beast and benefit from the result with most Successes (or the sum of Successes in the case of a resisted roll). Side-Effect: If the roll to cast this ritual or any Willpower roll while attempting to control the Beast is botched, the mystic must make a Conscience/Conviction roll (difficulty 8 ). Failure means the mystic acquires a derangement, usually manifested as a form of Schizophrenia – the mystic begins to hear the Beast’s whispers, full of ridicule and malice, during stressful times. Upon further botches with this ritual (or at a Storyteller’s discretion, any failed or botched degeneration roll) this derangement can further develop as a form of Multiple Personality, where the mystic risks falling prey to a darker, self-destructive persona – an amalgam of his Beast and the darkest aspects of his mind. The Flaw Suicidal Beast (Players Guide to Low Clans, p.186) can also be acquired as if it were a derangement, in this case.
So, yeah, it's a long one, but after re-reading this, I've decided I really, really like this idea, but I have one thing to say. The Beast is bad, when it takes control, the vampire regrets stuff later. The Shadow (of a Wraith) is worse, as it actively tries to subvert the goals of the ghost. Because of this, I think that the side-effect of this ritual should involve the great risk involved when the Mystic LOSES control of the Shadow Beast. I think that little motherfucker just basically run amok, but in a sadistic and cunning way that targets ONLY the Shadow beast's "sire"-vampire. Like, a "free" Shadow Beast does not start randomly destroying stuff (that's what a free Hungry Shade does, iirc), instead it immediately sets about trying to oppose the vampire that created them in every way possible. Basically if you mess up on this ritual, you not only lose the ability to spend and use WP, but also lose your shadow AND gain the Flaw: Enemy (your own shadow), all until you can beat it up in the Astral Plain (or Underworld, if you can catch it there instead) and then win a Willpower roll against it and make it return. You shouldn't be able to do this in the physical plane because the ritual states that in the real world a Shadow Beast is immaterial. In addition, we already have rituals that impart a Derangement on the user if they screw up, so this helps mix things up a bit, for some variety in your punishments. =) So, that's my two cents, anybody agree or disagree? EDIT: I also want to suggest a Level of Four for this ritual as well. | |
| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sun Oct 21, 2012 12:34 am | |
| Like your suggestions alot Joshua! The own-shadow-enemy is really cool story hook. I'm not really good with the mathematics so I dunno if level 4 is appropriate or not, I'll trust your judgement on the matter. Sorry for not answering earlier, been having a inflammation in my shoulder and neck, so I haven't been able to sit by the computer during a longer time without it hurting. | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sun Oct 21, 2012 1:28 am | |
| sorry to hear about your shoulder/neck injury, hope you feel better, soon. *insert "don't masturbate so hard" joke (dedicated to dan lanman) here. Phallic emoticon for effect* ---> Again, glad you like the idea. =) I'm gonna shoot valis an email soon to see if he's still busy soon, and hopefully I can get some feedback from him on that then, too. As for the Ritual's level, eh, idk. I'll be honest and say that I'm trying to fill the level four ritual hole. This ritual gives access to a lot of new stuff if not botched though--it can give characters access to the Umbra AND the Underworld. This level might even be level five, along the lines of Auspex level 5, Astral whatever, but I would think the drastic Side-Effect could maybe justify us dropping it down to level 4. | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Black Gas (Revised) Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:53 pm | |
| Okay, I found this in the Combo-Disc section for some reason, but as I reread, I felt like this would be an appropriate use for this idea. It is Andasamarino's previous suggested idea for "Black Gas." I added a Brazilian origin and a Side-Effect. What you think, Anda? I also suggested a level of 3. - Spoiler:
Black Gas Level Three Ritual This extremely rare ritual gives the Abyssal student with the necessary skills in science and alchemy the possibility to strengthen the effects of the level two Obetenbration power Shroud of Night. The darkness that covers the area also begins to work almost as a gaseous drug which may give the victims hallucinations, hysteria or even sudden manic depression, depending upon how this ritual is prepared beforehand. System: The Abyss Mystic must first produce his own materials by combining the supernatural essence of their blood with those of particular ingredients, known to many alchemists, biologists, occultists and even some chemists. Depending on the effect the Mystic is after, these ingredients will vary, while the length of the ritual depends on the Abyss mystic's Science rating. While this lab-experiment-like ritual is under way, the mystic uses her understanding of chemicals to fuse the essences of of her own vitae and the ingredients. 0 dots in Science: 1 year 1 dot: 6 months 2 dots: 3 months 3 dots: 1 month 4 dots: 2 weeks 5 dots: 1 day More than 5: A few hours At the end of the required time, the character's player makes an Intelligence + Science roll (Difficulty 7), failure results in the loss of 1 Blood Point and all other ingredients used in the attempt, while a both could result in the backfiring of the intended power, or perhaps a more sinister chain reaction within the Abyss. With a Successful result the Mystic has a working potion resembling a small, oddly-hued amount of their own blood. Though not necessary for actual success, all results can be tested on most lesser Abyssal entities summoned through various other powers or rituals, however this is the only way a Mystic can know if the substance works or not other than through actual blind use. There is at least one small cabal of Abyss mystics somewhere in Brazil who debate strongly why denizens of the Abyss react so strongly to mere droplets of the potions created. When the Mystic is ready to use their concoction, they must first feed it to a human, most likely a ghoul, then drink a sufficient quantity of that mortal's blood (at least two Blood Points, though each mortal can provide only one use each time)—because they mixed their own blood into the formula, Mystics are immune to the effects of their own potions. At any time now the Mystic may summon a Shroud of Night as normal, and by spending at least two poisoned Blood Points in the casting may produce an additional, mind-altering affect, as detailed below. - Paranoia: Created by combining the vampire's vitae with any rotting, decaying organic material, though animal (or human) remains work best. While within the Shroud, the victim is haunted by loud voices or sees figures in the darkness, flittering at the edges of their vision. These visions are from the victim's mind and not the Abyss mystic's, thus whatever appears is something connected to a dark and often suppressed part of the target's own mind. When used, this formula is often employed by Abyss mystics who seek to attack their victim without them fighting back. Others, however, have used this effect to gain knowledge of the victim's deepest dark secrets.
- Hysteria: Created by combining the vampire's vitae with the brain matter of an animal or human creature. A victim within the Shroud suffers from terrible mood swings, and is not able to control how they respond to their own emotions. If the victim feel fear, the effects are similar to a light version of Rötschreck; anger stimulates response similar to a lighter version of Frenzy. Studies show that anger-related effects often resulted in the victim killing or attacking everything they encounter within the darkness, totally forgetting if they had friends in the Shroud with them or not.
- Depression: By combining their vitae with any form of concentrated alcoholic, narcotic or hallucinogenic substance, the mystic may create this potion. While within the Shroud, the victim is filled with a strong feeling of hopelessness and despair, forgetting everything that was important and just becoming numb and submissive to everything that happens to them—good or bad. Little, if anything, can inspire the target to take any action other than wallow in doubt and fear. A victim that's been struck with Manic-depression doesn't fear death, he welcomes it.
A mortal victim has no chance of resisting the effects of the Abyss Mystic's Shroud of Night and will automatically be under the formula's spell as long as he is within the darkness—likewise when a mortal vessel is made to ingest the concoction during the ritual's preparation. A Cainite victim has a chance of resisting, by making a Successful Willpower roll with a Difficulty of 8. Side-Effect: The altered vitae that is kept within the vampire mystic's system before use with a Shroud of Night is not meant to be kept long-term. These poisonous Blood Points will always be the “top” two points in a character's pool, and will always be spent before any others—somehow all attempts to arrange the Blood in one's own system always fail and the Abyssal taint always seems to “rise to the top,” so to speak. Expenditure of these specific Blood Points for any other purpose means the mystic is finally affected by their own potion, unless they Succeed on a Wits + Science roll (Difficulty 14 – character's Willpower). Also, if a vampire falls to sleep (at sunrise) with any altered vitae in her system, she is affected by the Flaw: Nightmares of a sort appropriate to the potion she made. By consuming the tainted Blood Point upon awakening, the mystic must also roll Wits + Science (Difficulty 14 – character's Willpower), or suffer the affects of her own concoction for the rest of the night.
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| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Thu Nov 08, 2012 11:21 pm | |
| I think you have done a great job with it Gattison, I like it alot! | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Wed Nov 14, 2012 2:29 am | |
| What would be a good Side-Effect for a ritual that puts out flames?
This is for the Thaumaturgy ritual Extinguish (Blood Magic: Secrets of Thaumaturgy, p. 92) redesigned for Abyss mystic use. It's a Level 2 ritual that can extinguish flames up to the size of a bonfire, possibly even multiple times per night.
BTW, thanks Anda, glad you approve! | |
| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:35 am | |
| Hmm... side effect is something they get if they fail right? What about something that increases the vampire´s fear of fire, maybe something that increases the difficulty on rötschreck-rolls or possibly something similar to the Setite Clan flaw? Maybe the vampire has a problem with being in lid-up places for too long and isn´t really comfortable unless he is in darkness... I would go with something like that. Dunno if you think it´s suiting though? | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Thu Nov 15, 2012 5:54 pm | |
| I like the idea about the aversion to fire (greater than usual for a vampire of course). That's the one I'll use, thanks. =) | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:29 am | |
| New to the Abyssal Rituals list (finally getting around to extending the fluff on the remainder of our rituals). - Spoiler:
Nocturnal Shroud Level One Ritual – (Ritual of Darkness, Milwaukee by Night p. 53) This ritual allows the caster to summon a single Shroud of Night, however one that will not dissipate until sunlight touches it, which could be forever if cast in the right place. System: The mystic must first scatter the ashes of sacrificed animals on a section of ground or floor no wider than 10 feet (3 meters). Standing withing the designated area, the ritual-caster must then spend a full hour with their eyes close and hands clasped over them, afterwards the player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 ). Only one single Success is need, as the 10 foot (3 meter) cloud of darkness cannot be increased or decreased in size or altered in shape, and if obtained, a Nocturne slowly starts to rise from the sprinkled ashes until it fills the prepared area. This unnaturally summoned Shroud of Night cannot be controlled as normal, but otherwise functions as would be expected. Side-Effect: A mystic who botches the roll to cast this ritual will gradually—and inconveniently—gain the Flaw: Enmity of Shadows, which will last for one year and one day before finally fading away. If a mystic suffering from this Flaw in this way botches any other roll to cast an Abyss Mysticism ritual (they seem to be able to use Obtenebration without consequence), this Flaw will become permanent.
Curse the Ember Level Two Ritual – (Extinguish, Blood Magic: Secrets of Thaumaturgy, p. 92) With the common use of torches out of style, the usefulness of this ritual has somewhat diminished since the Long Night, yet it still proves useful against Hunters and other enemies in the Modern Nights. When performed, this ritual allows the caster to extinguish any flame up to the size of a bonfire by merely uttering a single syllable. System: After reciting the names of various deities associated with darkness, night or the oceanic depths for five minutes, the mystic extinguishes the flame of a candle or match with their bare hand (in most circumstances requiring a check for Rötschreck) and spits on the floor, then the player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 ). Upon Success, the ritual caster may, for the rest of the night, use this power to extinguish as many flames as they gained Successes on the roll. Side-Effect: If the mystic succumbs to Rötschreck during the casting of this ritual, they gain a severe case of Pyrophobia (fear of fire) until the next time they cast this ritual again without succumbing to Rötschreck. This fear of fire is more than the simple distaste normal vampire have for it, more than the common sense that typically steers them clear, it actually totters on the border of paranoia and can be quite a severe drawback if this fear keeps them from enacting any more rituals involving fire.
Knowing Kuk's Passing Level Two Ritual – (Sense of the Soul, New Orleans by Night, p. 70) With this little-known ritual the Abyss mystic may accurately determine whether any Obtenebrous or Abyssal energies have passed through, or been used within, a given area. This ritual, which is basically a slightly more advanced version of Sense the Abyss (above), detects not only powers of Obtenebration and Abyss Mysticism Rituals, but also entities and powers originating directly from the Abyss itself. System: To cast this ritual, the mystic must attune themselves to the area they wish to perform the ritual on for two full hours by kneeling “with their eyes in darkness.” Next the Cainite closes their eyes and uses some other Obtenebrous power (anything from Shadow Play to Tenebrous Avatar can be used—some have even used an Arm of the Abyss) to cover their eyes with some sort of darkness. The mystic must concentrate on their surroundings without the use of their sight until the time is up As long as the caster has a rating in Obtenebration equal to or exceeding that of any Obtenebrous or Abyss Mystic powers used in the area, the mystic will recognize them for what they are. If the mystic detects a power (or Abyssal creature) that they are unfamiliar with, they will at least still be able to recognize the general level of the power, or of the ritual that created it. If for some reason the mystic detects Abyssal/Obtenebrous energies emanating directly from the Abyss itself, without any character as the actual source, they will also sense a lack of “direction” from the energies they perceive. Side-Effect: If a mystic botches the casting of this ritual, they may, among other things, develop the Flaw: Enmity of Shadows for as many nights as their Obtenebration rating. (Author's Note: As presented in canon material, this ritual's level was never defined, nor were its mechanics. I have therefore taken the liberty of defining this ability as a Level Two Ritual, solely because of its placement in the associated canon character's list of known rituals. This character, Antonio Calbullarshi, can be found in the sourcebook New Orleans by Night, on page 69. The unique ritual that Antonio created that inspired this Abyss Mysticism ritual and its brief description can be found on the following page in that book.)
Invoking the Shadowed Depths Level Two Ritual – (Black Water, Dirty Secrets of the Black Hand, p. 79) Possibly a predecessor to the Thaumaturgical equivalent known as Black Water, possibly a refinement of it, this ritual allows the caster to darken the surface of an enclosed body of water so that no light may pass through it. System: The ritual-caster must spend at least 10 minutes in concentration, taking no other action except summoning a spherical Nocturne. At the end of the ritual, the Abyssal sorcerer cuts herself and bleeds 1 Blood Point into a body of water whose surface is no bigger than a backyard swimming pool, and rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 6)—to affect a larger area, the mystic must use an appropriately larger amount of her own Blood. Also, by spending an entire night in preparation and doubling the amount of Blood Points normally required, this ritual can be enacted to last for an entire year and a day. If successful on the roll, the Nocturne will chase the blood down to the water and then begin to quickly spread across the surface, preventing any light from passing through from either side; with 3 or more Successes, this ritual can even protect a submerged Thing in Darkness—or vampire—from deadly sunlight. Side-Effect: A Cainite who performs this ritual suffers a +1 Difficulty to all attempts to awaken during the day; this lasts for as long as there are bodies of water affected in this manner by the Abyss mystic.
Entreat Night-Spirit Level Two Ritual – (Rouse Elemental Spirit, Player’s Guide to the High Clans, p. 191) With this ritual an Abyss mystic can summon and sway a true Spirit of the Night (a denizen of the Astral Plane, not the void-like Abyss) to perform a single task for them. Known for their curiosity and appreciation for darkness, fear and deception, these odd but powerful spirits will never enter combat for a mystic who casts this ritual, but they can be convinced to perform minor tasks, such as convey a message, frighten away an intruder or seek out the location of a nearby object. System: The mystic stands within a 3-foot (1 meter) ring of ash and wears a hooded robe, reciting the secrets she wishes to use to bargain with the spirit three times each, but no louder than a whisper in order to entice their interest. The ritual-caster then offers up a gift of at least 2 of their own Blood Points and the player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 in the city, 4 in the wilderness), and if Successful, a Night-Spirit finds their offer interesting and has decided to at least begin bargaining with them to pass some time. At this point, the mystic has only gotten the attention of the spirit, and now must use offerings of blood and secrets to convince the Night-Spirit to do their bidding. The Storyteller would be well within their right to require multiple Successes on a Social roll and a large feast of blood for more difficult or intense requests, as the spirit is not bound by this ritual until an agreement is made and the spirit accepts the payment. Afterwards, the Night-Spirit will only fulfill the agreement as quickly as possible in order to free themselves from the restraint of their pact. Side-Effect: Botching this ritual results in the caster being rendered unable to use any powers of Obtenebration or Abyss Mysticism for [9 – caster's Obtenebration rating] hours.
Foreshadowing Spirit Level Two Ritual – (Summon Guardian Spirit, Storyteller's Guide to the Sabbat, p. 118; New Orleans by Night p. 55) Most believe this ritual to be a recent development, especially due to the “rapid” popularity it seems to be gaining among Abyss mystics in the Modern Nights. It allows a mystic to summon an Abyssal shade to watch over them for a full day and warn them of impending danger, even while the vampire sleeps. System: The mystic must form esoteric hand motions related to dark and belligerent deities in a place without any light for an hour, after which they must overturn a bowl of water before rolling Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 ). Success results in a minor being from the Abyss appearing to the caster from within their own shadow, one that cannot speak and can only be seen (with a Perception roll, Difficulty 8 ) by those who know the powers of Obtenebration. The minor Abyssal entity summoned can do nothing else but follow it's summoner and warn them of any sign of danger. Some do so by knocking on a hard surface, or tapping their summoner on the shoulder, while some few have insisted upon circling their summoner's neck—simulating the feel of cold steel against their neck—much to the mystic's discomfort. It should also be noted that the mystic's perceptions of danger and the Abyssal guardian's do not always match exactly—some mystics have claimed their guardian shade are obviously paranoid, while others, almost traitorous—but enough so that in most cases the ritual-caster will be thankful for the warning. Side-Effect: As with the rituals Calling the Thing in Darkness and Descent Into Darkness, vampires who perform this ritual run the risk of being possessed by the Abyssal entities they summon. Upon a botch the character finds themselves attacked by a powerful Abyssal entity that will possess the caster's body if victorious. In order for the vampire to return to her own body, another Abyss mystic must send the possessed body into torpor and then perform the Level Three Ritual, Calling the Thing in Darkness, summoning the dispossessed kindred back to their body and ejecting the invading Abyssal being.
Level Three Rituals Fortress of Living Night Level Three Ritual – (Haunted House, Milwaukee by Night p. 54) While the Tremere do know a similar ritual—which they also prohibit the use of, as they say it too often violates the Masquerade—Abyss mystics who employ this grandly-named, age-old power rarely have the need, or time, for such concerns. This ritual allows the mystic to enchant—or curse, depending on one's viewpoint—a particular area, causing it to teem and intimidate with menacing, eerie shadows. While it does not affect the psyches of the surrounding mortals, it does put on quite a fearful show of shadows for any intruder into the affected location besides the caster. Many of the mystics who discover or become aware of this power also believe there is a far more powerful version of this ritual, considering the stories told about the Antediluvian's Sicilian keep and the fact that long after the Progenitor's demise, the shadows in the area still seem to be exhibiting a menacing life of their own. System: The ritual-caster spends at least three hours casting mystic hand signs and reciting particular “words of power”—single-syllable words of ancient and dangerous meaning, that can only be found in some of the oldest Abyss-related literature—blessing every inch of the location with their dark spell. After every room, wall, floor, ceiling and entrance that the mystic wants enchanted was prepared, they spill at least three of their own Blood Points onto the floor (though more may be need for larger areas) and the player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty 8 ). If Successful, for the next year and one day, the shadows themselves will do everything in their Abyssal power short of assault intruders physically when anyone but the ritual-caster sets foot on the location. Trespassers, especially mortals and supernaturals unfamiliar with the effects of Obtenebration, must roll Willpower every five to fifteen minutes in order to force themselves to remain in such a terrifying place, and the Difficulty starts at 4 and increases by 1 with each successive roll. Those who are familiar with Obtenebrous powers begin rolling Willpower at Difficulty 2, but other Abyss mystics who know this ritual can actually ignore these effects completely, as they know that there is no actual threat. The ritual-caster also may allow individuals into this location with the shadows concerning themselves by spending a Willpower point per person, or rolling Willpower (Difficulty 8 ) to “deactivate” the power for a scene. Side-Effect: While a mystic has this ritual active and effecting any locations, they lose complete control of their own bodily shadows, and others who notice realize something isn't quite right about the way they look. Other, knowledgeable Abyss mystics will recognize the telltale way the shadows on their bodies seem to flicker and waver when they think no one is looking, but most will have no clue why, and the caster will suffer a +1 to all Social Difficulties.
EDIT: Two more - Spoiler:
Gate of the Downward Spiral Level Four Ritual – (Shadowgate, Dirty Secrets of the Black Hand, p. 79) Whether through some innate connection between Abyss Mysticism and Necromancy, the obvious links between the Abyss of darkness and that of the Underworld or just by the correlations made in the minds of the mystics who first developed this virtually unheard of ritual, the reason this power works remains a mystery. The fact that it can and does open up a portal to the Shadowlands, the realm of ghosts, is undeniable, however. System: The mystic first must fill any container with cold water, but it must be enough for the mystic to submerge themselves in fully. The mystic then burns a piece of paper with a secret written on it, snuffs out a candle and ends a life (human or animal), in that order. Next the ritual-caster pours enough blood from a human that is now dead into the water that it is no longer clear or translucent and steps into the liquid. The player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty as the character fully submerges themselves in the blood and water. If Successful, when the mystic's head breaks the water's surface, their spirit will be on the shores of the great, dark ocean that exists in the Underworld. While their physical body remains torpid in the world of the living, a sort of “ghostly projection” of the ritual-caster, with access to all of their traits and abilities as normal, may now wander the underworld as they see fit. To return to their physical body, the mystic must return to the location in the Underworld at which they arrived and roll Willpower (Difficulty 7), or else spend two Willpower Points. Side-Effect: Failure results in losing the ability to attempt the ritual again for the rest of the night (all subsequent attempts automatically fail), while a botch could actually result in a form of Success, as the mystic's spirit is transported to the same Underworld ocean, except somewhere within its vastness, far from any shore, and being subject to the unforeseeable dangers that lurk there. Also, damage sustained in the Underworld is automatically received by the physical body and the same is true in reverse, and the character's physical body continues to darken the deeper the projection journeys into the Underworld, and lighten as they return. Lastly, vampires who spend more than a night in the Underworld develop a barely noticeable darker hue upon returning to the physical world, which fades after one week. Those who spend a week or more in the Underworld in this way find that this cosmetic change becomes permanent. Rising of the Darkest Hour Level Five Ritual – (Lilith's Vengeance, Blood Sacrifice, p. 50) Some believe the Lasombra Antediluvian's mastery of Obtenebration was so complete that he could deny any other vampire its use, whether descended of his blood or not. This ritual is the reason that those vampires believe such a thing. Prior to the Shadowed One's diablerie at the the hands of Gratiano, it was said that this ritual drew its power directly from the Lasombra Eldest's dominion over the Abyss. In the Modern Nights, with the current 3rd Generation of the clan never having claimed any reason to confirm or deny such a thing, some have shifted to more esoteric beliefs, though some still stubbornly profess their antiquated ideas—most of these latter also believe the unlikely story that the Progenitor somehow survived his diablerie by fleeing into the Abyss as well. In the Modern Nights the Friends of the Night believe the Abyss' Children created this ritual at their request. Any non-Lasombra who has been taught Abyss Mysticism and subsequently had the privilege revoked often suffers this—and many other—losses in many parts of the world. System: To begin, the ritual-caster must have and be ready part with any one unique item, of which there can be only one of in the world. Note that if one chooses to use individual mortals in this instance, three individuals must be sacrificed; the Abyss seems to appreciate meaningful items that will be missed by those who lose them even more than human life, in this case anyway. At the Storyteller's discretion, truly important items, such as the original, handwritten manuscript of the Al Sfih (if it even still exists), can lower the Difficulty of the ritual by one or more. In addition the mystic must have an accurate image of their intended target, and finally they must write the name of the intended target on any surface large enough and place them in a container where they will be in complete and total darkness. The mystic must then destroy his sacrifices, breaking them into pieces if necessary, and arranging them in a symbol venerating a god of darkness, war or fear. The Cainite then takes a bowl or container of specially prepared ashes—a mixture of ground amaranth petals and the ashes of a vampire from the same clan as the intended target—and pours them in an outline around the sacrifices. Now the player spends one Willpower point and rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficult [13 – caster's Obtenebration rating]). For each Success gained on the roll, the mystic may spend one Blood Point and reduce the Obtenebration rating of the intended target by one, all the way down to zero if able. Angry shades and shadows pour out from the ritual-caster's own shadow and hunt the victim down wherever they may be. Some say this ritual can affect anyone up to “half a world away” or further, but no mystic of 8th Generation has ever been able to affect a target on the other side of the world. The Darkest Hour lasts for a year and a day, after which another curse can be levied against the same target or another, but a mystic can never affect other individuals with another use of this ritual while they have already affected a target. Side-Effect: Succeed, fail or botch, a mystic casting this ritual will never know until it is too late, as the ritual almost always seems to appear as if it was performed correctly. However, if the mystic fails, the shadows escape and appear to swarm away in search of their target—but they are seldom seen or heard from again after that. Many a mystic has fallen to a Lasombra they thought they had weakened but failed. In the case of a botch being rolled in the casting of this ritual, the swarm of shadows returns suddenly and attacks the caster, avoiding all else in the room and lowering their Obtenebration rating by 1 for each dot in their own Morality rating. If this ritual is used against a Lasombra, Kiasyd or otherwise related vampire, these Side-Effects will last for one year and one day. If used against any other vampire or any ghoul, they will only last for a full lunar month.
Okay now let's talk about this: Directing Ahriman's Lance Level Four Ritual – (Directing Ahriman's Lance, Blood Magic: Secrets of Thaumaturgy, p. 125) (such a calling to the god of darkness could not be ignored by Abyss mystic) Does anybody know what this does? I looked it up and I'm not sure if it seems appropriate or not as an Abyss Mysticism thing... I mean, I could be convinced, and have some theories of my own, but I'm not seeing anything obvious here, to be honest. Thoughts? Maybe I could try an angle where this ritual was definitely developed by the ashipu first, and then adapted to Abyss-ism because of the power of the name it invokes? | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sat Dec 01, 2012 6:05 pm | |
| Well, I figured out something for Ahriman's Embrace, but I need a suggestion for a Side-Effect? Or should this be one of the rare ones without a side-effect, since killing serves the Abyss' purpose so closely? - Spoiler:
Bestowing the Boon of Ahriman Level Four Ritual – (Directing Ahriman's Lance, Blood Magic: Secrets of Thaumaturgy, p. 125) This particular ritual was known only by a childe of the Lasombra Clan Progenitor (who could also, undoubtedly, perform it) who is now confirmed to be deceased, and the likelihood that any other mystic unliving today knows it are slim to none. There is, however, a single text kept in a sealed jar, lost beneath the earth somewhere, untouched by Cainite, mortal or other since before the time of the Great Deluge. This text, although it offers enough for a skilled Abyss mystic to eventually reason out, is incomplete, damaged in some way before being sealed away. It also seems to infer to the knowledgeable historian that it was created—almost out of spite—around the same time as the Clan of Blood developed a similar ritual through less-direct means. By enacting this deadly ritual, the mystic invokes the powers of death and darkness, imbuing themselves with the ability to more easily slay a single enemy. System: The mystic must curse, insult and show disrespect to the name of their target repeatedly while staring up at the night sky for three full hours. After which they must close their eyes and carve an “X” into the flesh over their own heart (though this isn't enough damage to lower the character's Health Level), then, leaving this wound unhealed, the player rolls Intelligence + Occult (Difficulty . As long as the mark remains, the mystic can now lower the Difficulty on all rolls to kill or use Abyss-related powers against the chosen victim by an amount equal to their Successes. This bonus lasts until the next sunrise, after which the wound can be healed with no drawback. Side-Effect:
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| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Tue Dec 04, 2012 2:48 pm | |
| Hmm, since the ritual involves carving on the heart I'm thinking that maybe the side effect could be something like that the abyss mystic gets a black permanent scar on his heart and the strength it takes to stake him from here on demands a much lower strength roll. Just an idea... I dunno, what you think about that? | |
| | | valismedsen
Posts : 75 Join date : 2012-06-11 Age : 41 Location : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:02 pm | |
| I know Ahriman's Lance does not mention it (its mechanics are a little wonky anyway), but usually difficulties shouldn't get lower than 4. I think since its being revised, it's worth mentioning this. | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sat Dec 22, 2012 5:41 pm | |
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| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:48 pm | |
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| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Fri Dec 28, 2012 6:15 am | |
| I'll pass this one on to the others to deside since I'm really crap with rituals and what works and what doesn't. But I like what you answered, it is much easier to judge when you see a ritual that is done. I just think it's awesome that people still keeps up with our product | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Fri Jan 04, 2013 5:34 pm | |
| And here is the result, for our perusal.Followed by the direct quote, for our convenience: - Matt Avery @ forums.white-wolf.com wrote:
- All right so I really just wanted to get this done tonight since I'm leaving town for a few weeks and probably won't have time to get back to it for awhile. Hopefully you all can review and critique it in the mean time and decide if you feel it's worth considering for inclusion. Been fiddling with it daily for the last week and it's been through several iterations as I was writing it up but this is the one I'm happiest with for now.
Claiming the Inheritance of Erebos
- Spoiler:
Level Six Ritual
Description: A sacramental ritual of dedication and 'purification' which strengthens the connection of the mystic's vitae to the Abyss, the Inheritance of Erebos drastically increases a Kindred's ability to learn Obtenebration. This is considered by many to be the ultimate reflection of the mystics' desire to master Obtenebration and the essence of the Abyss above else.
The ritual of Claiming the Inheritance of Erebos is essentially an act of being re-embraced by the Abyss itself. The supplicant must securely and mystically seal himself in a completely darkened room alone, summon an Abyssal emmissary, and then drain himself completely and offer this blood as sacrifice as he bids for his reward. The summoned entity will devour the offering and, if the powers of the Abyss accept the entreaty, then return some of the blood to the caster now permanently imbued with the stuff of shadow.
Despite the temptation of great power the Inheritance ritual offers there are few willing to claim it as the risk of rejection resulting in possession or even possibly final death are very real. The Abyss only grants the Inheritance of Erebos to those who have already demonstrated consistent dedication to walking the path of darkness. If the supplicant is unprepared or deemed unworthy then the Abyssal entity summoned to endow the recipient with power may attempt to attack or possess him in this weakened state instead. Claiming the Inheritance of Erebos is an act of 'trust' enacted by one for whom such a thing is extremely uncharacteristic. For this reason only those with an extremely well established 'working relationship' with the Abyss are ever likely to attempt this ritual.
System: The supplicant must have at least Obtenebration 3, Occult 3 (with Abyss Specialty) and current Rating of 6 or higher in an Abyss Mystic appropriate Path (Storyteller's Discretion). If for any reason the caster does not meet these requirements than the ritual is botched. The caster then uses any other Obtenebration power or Abyss Mystic Ritual to summon an Abyssal entity capable of independent action and physically able to lift the vessel of blood. The mystic then empties his blood into the ritual vessel going to a blood pool of zero.
At this point the mystic must make a roll to avoid frenzy from hunger. If this succeeds he must then roll again to avoid frenzy from fear as he waits to see if he and his offering are accepted. If either of these rolls fail then the ritual is botched. The caster then rolls Manipulation + Occult with a Difficulty equal to 20 - Path rating - Level of Obtenebration or Ritual used to summon the Abyssal entity (Difficulty cannot be lower than 4). To receive the benefit of the ritual the invoker must score a number of successes equal to 11 - Path Rating. If he does not score enough successes then the ritual fails and his left drained, alone, and rejected.
The benefit of the Blessing is pretty straightforward. A vampire with Obtenebration as an in clan discipline will now only have to spend 4xRating in XP to increase it. A vampire who does not already have Obtenebration in clan now treats it as in clan (5x Rating). However, as the the Mystic's vitae has now been thinned with Abyssal essence, it's other Cainite properties have weakened. The inheritor must now pay 6x Rating to gain any further levels in two of their other In clan Disciplines. Additionally, Inheritor's must use four steps to form a blood blond, one blood point every two weeks to maintain a ghoul, and any other participants in a Vaulderie subtracts one from their dice rolls when determining Vaulderie ratings. Any attempt by the Inheritor to Embrace will have an automatic 50% chance of failure. Side Effect: If the ritual is botched the summoned entity will immediately attempt to attack or possess the caster. Even if the ritual is successful, if at any time after the fact the Inheritor's Path Rating drops below 6 they lose the benefit of the ritual and will be subject to the same Side Effect as a botch. If this happens the former Inheritor can never again receive the benefits of this ritual and any attempt to do so will result in an immediate botch. If a former Inheritor ever changes to a non-Abyss mystic Path, they will suffer an Abyssal possession attack any time they botch a frenzy roll. I know it still needs a lot of cleaning up and has a couple major holes. Specifically I don't have any system for the Abyssal possession, but am hoping you guys may already have something like that developed or know of something similar that's already out there which could be readily adapted. Became inspired by the story of that one character who was a powerful mystic and then gave it all up for the Road of Heaven but still felt the Abyss was trying to possess him or use him to enter this world or something. I have to admit... I kinda like it. It's dangerous, risky, leads to some appropriate drawbacks and has a sufficient reward for someone focused on Abyss Mysticism. Also could tie into my idea about a Merit that does something similar. | |
| | | Anda
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-06-21 Age : 40 Location : Sweden
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:35 pm | |
| I really like it, it's very suiting! He should totally do more rituals if he's interested! | |
| | | valismedsen
Posts : 75 Join date : 2012-06-11 Age : 41 Location : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:58 pm | |
| Agreed. Also, we should ask if there's something we never got around to finishing that he's like to take a shot at.
(Gospel of Laodice, I'm looking at you...) | |
| | | Matt Avery
Posts : 5 Join date : 2013-01-06 Location : Colorado, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Sun Jan 06, 2013 4:48 am | |
| - valismedsen wrote:
- Agreed. Also, we should ask if there's something we never got around to finishing that he's like to take a shot at.
(Gospel of Laodice, I'm looking at you...) Glad you guys liked it and I'd be willing to try and help out with anything else, but as I'm out of town doing a training course for work for a few weeks I probably won't be much help for awhile. And regarding the Gospel of Laodice, I'm willing to give it a look, but honestly have no idea what is or what you're looking for on it. I have read through most of the stuff on the forum here now and remember it being mentioned but would need some more details to go off of and see if I can get inspired to come up with anything worth while. Been a long while since I've actually played VtM and even though I've worked on some pretty ambitious projects like this before I've never seen people (myself included) stick with them long enough to come to fruition. What you all have got going on this is way more quality and dedication than I've seen before and I'm really impressed and would love to be able to be a part of it, even though I am coming so late to the party. Gattitson, I really like your Abyssal Affinity merit and if you work out details on that it could simplify some of the effect description on the Inheritance ritual as well, by just having them gain that merit in addition to the Obtenebration bonus. Also could probably stand to remove the 50% failure for embrace and add 50% chance to pass that merit onto their childer instead. The more I think about it the draw backs I threw on the ritual, even though I feel they're thematic, are mechanically probably too harsh. Considering it basically does the same as the 4th In Clan merit but is extremely risky to pull off AND has a Path requirement to maintain AND makes your blood weaker AND cuts back on two disciplines. I still like the general blood weakness stuff for bonds and ghouls, but probably would work fine with only reducing one In clan to 6x cost. Could suggest it be one that is less "Abyssal" like I'd see Animalism, Presence, Vicissitude, Protean, Valeran, even Dementation and Chimerstry maybe being less abyss-like than say Dominate, Potence, Fortitude, Obfuscate, and perhaps Daimonion. Like the Path this would be at storyteller's discretion to work out with the player. | |
| | | valismedsen
Posts : 75 Join date : 2012-06-11 Age : 41 Location : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:00 am | |
| Okay, about the gospel: it's just some quotes taken from the book Road of Heaven, supposedly from a book that is similar to the Book of Nod in the setting (it was only ever mentioned in Road of Heaven).
When we were debating about a Road of the Abyss I remembered the author of Road of Heaven came up with this cool concept about the "thrice darkness" of Cainite existence (vampires being born to darkness when embraced, the darkness of the womb of the mortal birth, and the darkness from where creation sprang). This is detailed in the Gospel of Laodice, which is sparsely quotes in the aforementioned book.
My connection with the Road of the Abyss was that perhaps the Road of Heaven (and its original non-christian precursor, the Road of Light) believe that vampires are creatures of darkness chosen to be embraced. Christian influence added the idea of 'atonement for sins' as a meaning for the Embrace, but supposedly there could be a original Road of Light that was more close to the ideal of vampires as agents of darkness without much redemption.
I tried to connect this idea with the origin of Obtenebration myths in Persian culture, guessing that there could have been a Road of Darkness, a negative of the Road of Light connected to Ahriman and other gods of darkness.
It all got very complicated as I tried to write it from the point of view of Byrsa, trying to explain all this while also arguing that there was something infernal inherent to the Obtenebration.
I guess I got trapped in my own ideas, LOL!!! | |
| | | Matt Avery
Posts : 5 Join date : 2013-01-06 Location : Colorado, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:15 am | |
| So the write up on Gospel of Laodice would go under the grimoire section then. Just a brief description of the book and what possible benefits or other effects it might have for one who read and applied it?
I don't have the book Road of Heaven, but if you could provide me with the relevant quotes from it I'm willing to mull it over and see what I can come up with. Did they actually make a separate book for each Road or was it just in the Road of Heaven section of Chaining the beast? Either way I never had any of them, so haven't seen it myself. | |
| | | valismedsen
Posts : 75 Join date : 2012-06-11 Age : 41 Location : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:12 am | |
| All the quotes from the Road of Heaven are in the Guide.
I haven't thought about putting it in the grimoire section... but that's a brilliant idea!
I'll try to trim the text to fit it in there. That will help me with the creativity problems, perhaps.
Edit:
I believe it can be trimmed down to this:
The Gospel of Laodice The Gospel of Laodice is a medieval theological counterpart to the Book of Nod. It was a widely spread text among followers of the Path of Heaven, and translations of the Gospel were available to most Faithful, as the followers of the path were known. The Gospel is a retelling of the origins of the world, the story of Caine and that of his descendants, called in the text Noddists (differently from followers of the Path of Caine, more akin to how the Sabbat nowadays call vampires Cainites). This retelling has its focus on the notion of the threefold darkness. This would be the thrice auspice of darkness upon any Cainite: once from a primeval darkness from which the earth arose, secondly, the darkness of the womb where humanity is gestated, and thirdly, the darkness of eternal night that comes with the Embrace. The Path of Heaven had a great influence over the Lasombra Clan during the Dark Ages, and commentaries and annotations of Abyss Mystics on the Gospel of Laodice offer many theological and occult insights into the study of Abyss Mysticism.
Gattison and everybody: do you guys feel like the quotes are important to the guide? Or would you remove them? | |
| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:08 pm | |
| Here it is directly from the Abyss Guide. - Spoiler:
- Spoiler:
- Spoiler:
- Spoiler:
This was originally written by valismedsen, and so far is all that we have in the Guide about this topic. BTW, welcome to the party, Mr. Matt Avery, good have another new face with us. =) | |
| | | Matt Avery
Posts : 5 Join date : 2013-01-06 Location : Colorado, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Tue Jan 08, 2013 2:29 am | |
| Wow, I'm not sure what more I could do than that write up. It seems pretty thorough. Was just what valismeden put in the last post and the "pages" of quotes the original stuff from the book? What more are you looking for?
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| | | Gattison Admin
Posts : 306 Join date : 2012-06-03 Age : 44 Location : New England, USA
| Subject: Re: CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black Magics Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:20 am | |
| This one is debatable. We're feeling mixed on it. The first time I read it it was over my head, lol, so I withheld any opinions. Then I re-read it and I questioned its pertinence to the topic of Abyss Mysticism. Then I re-read it a third time and decided I liked it, i got it, and it's acceptable. Then everybody jumped on my let's-question-this-one-particualr-entry bandwagon and I don't know what the f--- is HAPPENING! lol Just kidding. =) Seriously, I now see this entry as a tool to use if one wants to explore alternate interpretations of the word "dark." We know that the darkness of the Abyss is connected to the darkness in people's minds... what other forms of darkness could there be, and is it possible they would also fall under the Umbrella of TRUE darkness, aka the Abyss? Christianity often identifies their religion with light, could this perhaps create a polar opposite that now falls under the realm of influence of the Abyss? I think it's subtle, but the potential is there, especially when considering the Storytelling opportunities now to involve infernalists like the Angellis Ater, or the Sabbat Inquisition, which seldom, if ever, sees the difference between Infernalism and Abyss Mysticism already. So I say with three votes for, one, maybe two votes in question of, and like a dozen abstaining... I say the motion re-passes and stays in the book. Next on the agenda: yes, the pages were taken directly from the PDF file we have of the book. No, vali's previous post seems to be a super-duper-truncated version of what he previously submitted. I am not looking for anything more out of the entry concerning the Gospel of Laodice, but that's me. I guess you could play up the darkness angle a bit but whatever, I think just by placing this write-up in an Abyssal Guide will infer enough to get the creative ST to start connecting Abyssal and unholy darknesses. What I would really like to draw your creative attention to, Mr. Avery, is this link for the Checklist we have of what still needs work. I will make you Supreme Ultimate Commander and give you absolute authority over EVERY other member of this group (except me, of course) if you be the one to figure something out for the section on Paths of Moralities related to the Abyss. =) And finally, speaking of the Guide again, I guess we might as well let you peek at the book itself and you can see just exactly what needs work and what doesn't. I'll need your email address, because it isn't hosted anywhere yet, so you can PM me or whatever you want, if interested in that. EDIT: - Matt Avery wrote:
- ...I'm really impressed and would love to be able to be a part of it, even though I am coming so late to the party.
Gattitson, I really like your Abyssal Affinity merit and if you work out details on that it could simplify some of the effect description on the Inheritance ritual as well, by just having them gain that merit in addition to the Obtenebration bonus. Also could probably stand to remove the 50% failure for embrace and add 50% chance to pass that merit onto their childer instead. The more I think about it the draw backs I threw on the ritual, even though I feel they're thematic, are mechanically probably too harsh. Considering it basically does the same as the 4th In Clan merit but is extremely risky to pull off AND has a Path requirement to maintain AND makes your blood weaker AND cuts back on two disciplines. I still like the general blood weakness stuff for bonds and ghouls, but probably would work fine with only reducing one In clan to 6x cost. Could suggest it be one that is less "Abyssal" like I'd see Animalism, Presence, Vicissitude, Protean, Valeran, even Dementation and Chimerstry maybe being less abyss-like than say Dominate, Potence, Fortitude, Obfuscate, and perhaps Daimonion. Like the Path this would be at storyteller's discretion to work out with the player. Better late than never, as they say. As for the ritual, I agree the drawbacks got a little harsh the more they stacked, but I really like the counterbalance of loss of affinity for non-Obtenebration Disciplines, I think that one definitely needs to remain. I also like the secret weakness of not being able to Blood Bond or ghoul as normal, but needing an extra night/drink, another really good idea. I think if you drop the "50% failure to Embrace" as suggested, and also drop the rating requirement for Path to something low, like 3, 4 or 5, so it's accessible, but out of reach to Abyss mystic-newbies (so a new char can't just switch Paths just to get this ritual), then it starts to look good. Also, I think that maybe the bonus gained by this ritual should simply BE the benefits gained by the Abyssal Affinity Merit. The one difference I would suggest is that with the Merit there's a 50% chance of passing it on to Childer, but with the Ritual, it is NOT. I say this because the Merit I would describe as mostly a "pureblood" bloodline, "chosen by the Abyss" sort of thing, while with the ritual the caster is pretty much asking a favor of the Abyss, which never chose them to be special, so maybe the Abyss doesn't want it's essence being diluted by passing through unworthy childer of a Mystic who casts this ritual. It'd be one of the side-effects. Thoughts? | |
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Latest topics | » Anda, the lost Swede on the steppeThu Nov 13, 2014 7:01 pm by crawlerotn » *The Sound of Crickets...*Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:37 pm by crawlerotn » "Anarahath... COME ON DOWN!"Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:35 pm by crawlerotn » Where did this come from?Thu May 15, 2014 7:28 pm by Gattison» APPENDIX II - Ahriman's AbyssiaryWed Mar 26, 2014 6:39 pm by Gattison» Someone, somewhere... knows Byrsa's story....Fri Mar 14, 2014 1:22 am by Gattison» CHAPTER 2 - Abyss Mysticism: Black MagicsThu Mar 06, 2014 4:05 am by Gattison» Abyssal AlchemyMon Apr 15, 2013 11:06 pm by valismedsen » Checklist: The CountdownMon Apr 15, 2013 6:39 pm by Gattison |
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Legalese: The Small Printing | Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:27 pm by Gattison | The following text was copied and pasted directly from the only source I could find it using Google-fu. If you know of a more official source or a more up-to-date release, please let us know. Don't "suggest" I contact WW themselves... that's on my to-do list, lol. =)
General Source: The Carpe Noctem website.*
Main Source: The Carpe Noctem Reference Guide: [url=http://carpenoctem-online.com/wiki/index.php?title=Reference_Guide%3A_WHITE_WOLF_SITE_GUIDELINES]White Wolf Fan-Site …
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Like a Pack of Grey Jackals | Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:16 pm by Gattison | So far we don't have that many friends, but we seem to be steadily expanding, albeit slowly, so hopefully this list will eventually get much bigger. =)
Allies of the Grey Jackals:
Steve Markley's The Howling Void
Echoes of Empires
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Memories: We Were So Young and Stupid... | Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:43 pm by Gattison | This is the original version of our mission statement/greeting/recruitment attempt, posted here for posthumous appreciation, enjoy!
Gattison, valismedsen, and I have decided to combine our abilities and formed 'Grey Jackal Fan Productions'. We’re going to be constructing a compendium, book by book for Vampire. As we complete supplements they’ll be edited and slotted into the greater …
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The Grey Jackal | Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:07 pm by Gattison | Firstly, it all started here, so go ahead and check that out if you actually haven't yet. =)
And, I suppose you're all wondering why I've summoned you...
Welcome, to Grey Jackal Fan-Supplements, a group of creative and enthusiastic fans of the Classic World of Darkness. So far, our members from the boards are valismedsen, Anda, DanielPLanman, Gattison, Drkcv, and Ihatealllife.
We have …
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