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RITUAL |
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The purpose of
this ritual is to, quite simply, protect the caster from some of the
more deadly effects of the flame. Of course, due to the condition of
being Kindred, no amount of Thaumaturgy can completely protect all but
the most powerful casters from the damage fire does; however, this
ritual allows the caster to absorb this damage as if it were normal
damage.
First, the
casting area must be prepared. This is not so much for the ritual
itself as it is to protect the area, and the caster himself, from a
fire going out of control. The table this should be done on should be
metal, or some other fire-retardant material, and the surroundings
should be cleared of all flammable or flame-damageable materials. The
jar used should also be flame resistant, such as an alchemist’s
beaker, or something along those lines. Finally, all other Kindred
should remain from the casting sight if at all possible to prevent
innocent bystanders from entering Rhorshrec.
Once all of this
is completed, the ritual area should be set up as so. In the center
of the table, approximately, should sit the wooden block. Beside it,
to the right, centered, and approximately thirteen inches away, should
sit the jar. In the center of the jar should sit the cold iron
circlet. This being done, the caster should add approximately one
pint of his own vitae into the jar, slowly, reciting the following
incantation over and over as he does, no less than 13 times, though
more is permissible.
(Latin) "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”
Once this is
completed, the caster should then, using whatever means is preferred,
ignite the wooden block, stepping away from it for his own
protection. If a ghoul is available to light the block, this is
preferred, though the Kindred may do it on his own at his own risk.
As the block burns, the caster should recite the following incantation
repeatedly, slowly, no less than 13 times, though more is permissible.
(Latin)
"Fire brings life, and fire takes it away.”
After
the block has burned completely to ash, and after the ashes have gone
from hot to warm – but not cold, this is important – the caster must
move to the ashes, and take them into his hand. Thus held, he must
quickly place them all (leaving only the smallest of ash remaining)
into the jar, so that they are absorbed by the vitae within. Once
completed, the caster must wash his hands thoroughly, so that they are
clean of all ash, and then, returning to the table, must concentrate
on the power of his vitae as he repeats the following
incantation.
(Latin) “By the flame, may I fear no pain. By the fire, may I face
no harm. By the light of the candle, may I receive no burns. By the
force of the inferno, may I live to see another sunset. By my life,
and by my power, may the fire recognize me as its own, and feel no ill
will towards me. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, life to life, and
death to death.”
Once this is
done, the caster must first undress completely. Then, taking his
right hand and dip it into the vitae, he must use it to rub down his
entire left arm and hand, leaving no skin untouched. Next, he should
use his left hand to mirror the action on his right arm and hand.
Finally, he should use the remaining blood to wash his face, hair,
neck, and any and all skin that remains, until the mixture is as used
as possible (a bit of residue on the jar is negligible and nothing to
worry about). Having finished this, the caster should speak the
following incantation.
(Latin) “Be my armor against all flame, and be my shield against
the licking tongues of fire.”
The blood-ash
mixture will remain upon the body, and must be washed off
immediately. However, if the ritual is successfully completed, the
caster will now have a modicum of protection against fire and flames. |