Difference between revisions of "Detection of Beastmastery"

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m (Themes and Narrative:)
(Required Materials:)
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* Several sheets of paper
 
* Several sheets of paper
 
* Brushes & pens  
 
* Brushes & pens  
* Ink & inkwell
+
* Ink & ink stone
* Several cheap artistic implements/brushes made of carved bone?
+
 
* Monocle, shiny, made of valuable materials (can be reused)  
 
* Monocle, shiny, made of valuable materials (can be reused)  
 
* Bowl with water in it
 
* Bowl with water in it

Revision as of 20:50, 22 June 2020

A Ritual to Seek Targets of Beastmastery

Contents

Themes and Narrative:

  • In this ritual an Imperial Artist will create a paper crane that, when burned, reveals the presence of Beastmastery by sending the smoke towards the one so influenced.
  • Throughout the ritual a second person, dressed as a Northern Beastmaster, will attempt to interfere and be thwarted by the Artist.
  • The theme revolves around hidden control by Northerners and seeking of that control by the Empire.
  • The Spirits of the countries bordering the wall are symbolically included.
  • The ritual is best conducted at night in a military tent set up as a study.

Required Materials:

  • Several sheets of paper
  • Brushes & pens
  • Ink & ink stone
  • Monocle, shiny, made of valuable materials (can be reused)
  • Bowl with water in it
  • A bloodhound
  • Several boxes with metal latches
    • One should be made of multiple types of metal
    • The others (decoys) should all be one type of metal, but different, ex. Footlocker, jewelry box, etc. each containing a symbolic animal.
  • Etching compound
  • A beeswax candle with dragon carvings on it.

Required Rolls:

The following rolls must be made by the Artist, for five successes each:

  • Int with Fend Shui (Invoking the Yang)
  • Yang with Magic Ritual
  • Wits with Perception (Invoking the Yin)
  • Yin with Magic Ritual
  • Dex with Calligraphy (Creation with Earth)
  • Charisma with Animal Handling (Control of Water)
  • Dex with Painting (Destruction of Metal)
  • Dex with Origami (Transformation of Wood)
  • Resolve with Strong Will (Sacrifice)

The Ritual:

Invoking the Tao

In the dark of night, the Imperial Artist stands in his study in a military tent. He is dressed as befits an Imperial of his stature and has a monocle hanging from a ribbon around his neck. A bloodhound lies on the floor near the desk and several metal boxes are strewn about the edges of the space, along with a bowl of water for the dog. A Northern Beastmaster is hidden in a dark corner of the tent. The Artist carefully sets out paper, pens, brushes, etching compound, and ink on a table near his desk using Feng Shui(Int) and Magic Ritual(Yang). When the Artist turns aside for a moment to light a beeswax candle with dragons on it to illuminate the space, the Northerner sneaks implements that are like the ones to be used, but made of carved bone and “northern” onto the table, then retreats to his corner before he is seen. When the Artist turns to look at the implements he uses his Monocle with Perception(Wits) and Magic Ritual(Yin) to notice the change and get rid of the fakes.

Invoking the Elements:

The Northerner, who has been hiding craftily in the tent, places animal grease subtly on one of the pieces of paper when the Artist turns to his desk for a moment. The Artist throws out the soiled paper and uses Calligraphy(Dex) to place a Bear symbol on one of the clean pieces. The Bloodhound sees the Northerner and barks at him. The Artist then uses Animal Handling(Cha) to get the dog to place a wet pawprint on the paper. The Northerner steals the paper and hides it in the appropriate box. The Artist finds the correct box and uses Painting(Dex) with etching compound to eat through and destroy its latch, retrieving the paper. He then folds the paper into an Origami(Dex) Crane.


Sacrifice:

To finalize the ritual the Artist gently cups the crane in one hand and brings it near the candle flame and then the Artist’s other hand is interposed to protect it using Strong Will(Resolve), taking the damage from the candle and soaking the power.