The Pyre Ritual
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: The Pyre Ritual
Author: Kaelthir
The pyre is a ritual where an offering to Oblivion is burned as method of delivery. It is fairly simple to perform, and can be used along with prayers to modify the rite for blessings or visions. The basic pyre begins with creating a sanctified circle in which the offering shall be burned. The individual performing the rite should cut themself and collect enough blood to draw a circle on the ground large enough to contain the sacrifice.
For a standard circle, a cup or half cup of blood is enough. The line does not need to be thick, if the surface is solid such as with a rock or tiles the blood could be brushed on or drawn with one's finger or dagger. If the caster has no blood, the reagent can be purchased from Umbran necromancers or gathered from the offering itself. The reasoning behind using one's own blood is its binding properties as a reagent. It will create a stronger bond between the caster and Oblivion which is significant if the pyre rite is being used to obtain visions.
Once the blood circle has been drawn, the caster shall recite a prayer asking for Oblivion's blessing upon the circle.
The caster should create a simple prayer for themself, as it will hold more meaning than one recited from a book.
Unlike with magery, prayer is further rooted in the caster choosing and using words with significance to themself, the words becoming somewhat like one's mana.
The power derived from the words is only as strong as one's conviction to what they are saying. For such a simple rite, the prayer does not need to be elaborate, but it must be heart felt. If the caster has succeeded the blood circle will turn black, although perhaps slowly for those less experienced with Oblivion and its power.
The next steps are to place tinder within the circle as a base, place the offering on top of the tinder, and then stack wood leaning against the offering so it shall burn effectively.
Something to keep in mind is the type of wood used. In rites for visions or arcane blessing the wood of a reaper would be most suited due to its magical nature. A blessing of war or power would find bloodwood more suited for the task. Once the pyre has been assembled it may be lit using torches or fire fields.
The last step is a final prayer. If the pyre is simply an offering an "etheng" will suffice, but in vision or blessing rites a prayer describing what the caster wishes to be blessed with is necessary.
In the case of a vision, the caster should deeply inhale the pyre's smoke, holding it within their lungs for a few moments before exhaling and stating their prayer as they do so. In the case of a blessing, the prayer should be spoken as the flames burn, and upon the flames dying each member of the rite should be with the hot ash.
When forming the prayer, it should be clear and concise and express explicitly what the caster wants. For example, "show me thy darkness" is completely meaningless. If the caster sought Oblivion's darkness, they would end themselves and become one with it. If the caster wished for knowledge of some sort, a better method would be something along the lines of "show me how I can use your power with my necromancy." If the caster was powerful and worthwhile enough to receive such knowledge, they may experience a vision showing a rite or spell in their sleep.