The Primeval Dark (IC)

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-27, 11:08 PM (ISO 8601)

The amount of annoyance she felt at being ordered to stay here and guard the place held no bounds. The woman hadn't even chosen to remain so as to at least hear the offer or to even just chat about anything to pass the time. Instead the damned Demon had left her here to clean up the mess and wait for the true Keeper to return. She wondered how long it was going to take her to clean this place as well as how long she would have to wait here for the Keeper to return. Sighing she starts making her way around the Shrine picking up buns and rations, tossing them into a pile next to the door. The entire time she thought that having come here was not worth it and that she should have just went somewhere else and tried to find a Servitor elsewhere. Perhaps she could have even tried to contact Afspaa'sol and seen if he would become a Servitor for her.

Having moved all the food to a pile by the door she decides to take a break and deal with something that she had been putting off for awhile. Deciding to finally make a deck out of the cards she had received. Thinking carefully on what cards would be best in her two decks that she could make she constructs what she feels would work well. The first one held one of her Un'Khlasta cards, allowing her to be able to use it as any good Kelgore should be able to. The next card was a Svetlana Sidorenko - Iron Hawk, she felt having some defense especially with that assassin watching her was a good idea. Lastly she put in The First's Chapter, she knew that she could not activate it herself but she wanted to see what could happen with it in a deck. The next deck she created she put Aradia, The Lady Black into. She did not know when would be the best time to use that card but she did not want to be without it should it be needed. She also slotted in another Svetlana Sidorenko - Iron Hawk, this one though would allow her to fight with it instead of just defend. Satisfied with the decks she looked around at the tables that had been tossed about, moving over to the first one she tried to get the Servitor that she had to set it upright hoping that her will would work in getting the task completed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception on whats in the room after Milk Left. (1d20+13)[24]

Spell Focus: (1d20+25)[35] or (1d20+25)[43] to try and right the table

Decks made - Listed on character sheet as well
--------------------Deck 1-------------------------
The First's Chapter ____ Value 1
Svetlana Sidorenko - Iron Hawk ____ Value 10 (Parry)
Un'Khlasta - The Deathfire Tempest (II) ____ Value 18

-------------------Deck 2-----------------------------
Svetlana Sidorenko - Iron Hawk ____ Value 10 (Strike)
Aradia, The Lady Black ____ Value 5

**Mornings** · 2018-09-29, 05:04 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

The circular room was still in disarray. The chamber was large, and the ceiling reached up into darkness from its height. It likely reached up to the spire's pinnacle, affording headway for the massive demon should she emerge from her mirror-realm. A table landed hard on the ground as the simple golem flipped it over. The carpets which had once laid beneath them were cast aside and the many various furnishings and ceremonial dishware that once sat atop their surfaces so that visitors could offer their libations now lay scattered in thousands of pieces across the shifting grayish black of the smooth polished floor. Despite the demon's size, weight and the impact from her blows during the savage feeding, it remained undisturbed. The various decorations, alter cloths and obscure holy symbols were tossed all across the room giving the entire interior an appearance of chaos. It looked as if the shrine had been sacked, but nothing stolen. Strange glassy devices and gems of some significant value rolled along the ground in an odd display. It would take some time to pick up and set right the damages. [ Alicia | Perception - Success]

Alicia could feel the power of her cards beginning to associate themselves at her mental command, but it brought on the crushing realization of just how feeble her own personal energy reserves were. It was similar to filling a cup with her mind, but the space which was filled by the water she poured was occupied almost immediately, and with her feeble mental fortitude, moving that 'water' felt incredibly taxing. She would need considerable practice with the cards to further develop her own proficiency. Her thoughts were suddenly drawn away by the sound of approaching footsteps. Looking out the large door left open by Celcel, before his unexpected departure, a young woman could be seen walking down the path and up the stairs. She wasn't a Witch. She wore no hat nor carried a wand or any ornamentation that would suggest it. Instead, she was garbed in white robes with a golden frill and deep blue undergarments beneath. Typical garments of priests of Lane. Alicia had no doubt she was a cleric, but she wondered if the Temple tended the shrines or if they were independent. You didn't see visitors come to these sites, but similarly, you didn't see clerics ever walking in the street; they were like ghosts, and seemingly only present in such sacred sites.

The girl made her way up the stairs, pausing with a smile as she looked at Alicia. Unlike a normal cleric, she carried a long ivory-colored staff, capped with golden ornaments - signifying some position or office she didn't know.

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (70,800xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-29, 05:22 PM (ISO 8601)

She once again sighed at the sight of the destruction that Milk had caused. She knew that it would take her some time to make the place look at all decent and even then she did not know what to do with the various items that were tossed about. She had decided that she would first set all the tables right and then collect the rest of the items into a pile in the center of the room to then be placed onto various tables.

Having made her decks she watched as the woman approached the shrine, she did not know who the woman was or why she was here. Perhaps this was the True Keeper and she could leave without having to clean up the rest of the mess, though knowing her luck it was likely to be an unwanted visitor. It would make sense that a Cleric of Lane would tend to a Heralds Shrine though it begged the question of why there weren't any Clerics here at the start and instead had only been Celcel. Stopping what she was doing she approached the woman at the door, "Hello, your a cleric of Lane correct? Did you need something from the Shrine?" she was curious as to why the woman was here and hoped that she wasn't one of the Traitorous Rats that Milk wanted her to keep out.

**Mornings** · 2018-09-29, 06:03 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

The young woman stopped where Alicia had met her, "Ah, you must be the temporary Keeper." The girl didn't seem to be in any particular rush, or even trying to get inside the shrine-proper, but seemed satisfied right at the door. It was possible she never had any intention of setting foot inside at all. "Unfortunately, I bring no fair news and have come to inform the Herald that her Keeper.... Shall not be returning; and now I have." With that she turned away and begun making her way back down the stairs gingerly, as if her feet were sore or if she were avoiding stepping in mud. Alicia was beginning to panic, she didn't want to be stuck here forever, she didn't even want to be there now. [Alicia Stability Check | Spell Focus DC34]

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (71,400xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-29, 06:30 PM (ISO 8601)

The words the woman spoke made her blood run cold, if the keeper was not coming back then she was stuck here indefinitely. "Now hold on a second, what do you mean the Keeper isn't coming back? What happened to Keeper and why isn't the Keeper coming back here? If the Keeper isn't coming back can you send someone else to become the new Keeper then? I do not want to be stuck in this place as I have more important things to take care of." She did not know who the true Keeper was or what was stopping the Keeper from coming back but she knew that she did not want to become the new Keeper.

**Mornings** · 2018-09-29, 07:09 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

The woman paused on the stairs, "Oh... Unfortunately, I cannot do that. Keepers are appointed by the Herald, you see. The Temple doesn't involve itself in such matters. As far as the Keeper is concerned, it appears that she took this opportunity to liberate herself. No one knows where she has gone... though I can't blame her. There has never been a Keeper of the Dark Spire, which have ever volunteered for the position." Alicia's hands were beginning to shake, it felt like the walls were beginning to close in. "Fortunately, you haven't been made as a permanent Keeper yet, which I don't foresee while the current Keeper still lives. While you are only in a temporary position, you do have the right to demand a 'Ditron'Tahh'; or a temporary absence in order to pursue or acquire a Keeper. However, you've only a day to do so. Failing that, you become the Keeper... but I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. The Temple has dispatched a Fierent to investigate the matter, but I wouldn't rely on that when your life is at stake." Alicia realized that the woman hadn't opened her eyes at all since coming, it was as if she were blind. [Alicia Stability Check | Spell Focus DC34]

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (72,000xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Temple Fierent +300 (72,300xp)
⯎ Ditron'Tahh _200 (72,500xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-29, 10:29 PM (ISO 8601)

Her mind raced to think of what would be the best thing to do, she did not know if she had to demand the Ditron'Tahh right away or if she could take some time before choosing to do such. Her eyes were wide as she walked up to the cleric, reaching out she grasped the womans robe as she spoke quickly. "So there is a way for me not to be stuck here? Do I have to start the Ditron'Tahh now or can I have a little bit to plan how to accomplish it before I start it? As well who do I notify that i want to start it as well as how do I start it? I do not want to be stuck here so I will be doing it but i would like to collect my thoughts first that way im not stumbling over myself when the time starts as you have stated that my time is limited in being able to accomplish it. Could I as well know who this Fierent is and possibly where I could find them so I have somewhere to start once I do go out looking for the Keeper?" panic and fear were evident in her voice as she spoke, she hoped that the cleric might be able to give her more answers and time to figure out what she was to do.

**Mornings** · 2018-09-30, 12:31 AM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

Even though her eyes were closed, she looked down at where Alicia grabbed her, pausing before sharply yanking the folds of her robe out of the girl's hand. Clearing her throat she spoke, "Ehm, please... Keep your hands to yourself." A spark shot through Alicia's mind like a jolt of fire as they were separated. She didn't know what it was, but a small flash of something distant came shattering through her mind with a fury. White.

There were doors. Hundreds of thousands of them. They ran along a winding stone path of cobbled fragments of mirrors. The world was a stonewashed monochrome haze of mist over the canvas of some dismal watercolored world. White.

There was a great hall of burning braziers of golden light in a room filled with a haunting white smoke. Within its center was a maelstrom of black inky mist fluttering like a storm of wild blackbirds. At times, a figure was visible, for just a split second. Sometimes it was just an eye. Other times a hand. Never was the entirety of his form present, nor did it seem to entirely exist at all. There were priestesses. Dressed in the robes of Lane. There were women. With hair gleaming like a glowing stream of silver. White.

"You may choose to exercise your right whenever you wish, there is no limit on when it must be taken - though I advise you not to idle long. The more time lost, the further the Keeper has fled. When you are prepared to do so, you must confront the Herald with your request. She may not deny it, but a day is all you will receive without exceptions. Senior Fierent Bridgeman, a High Iudex of the Temple has been tasked with locating the Keeper. While she may be an exceptional Judge, the task is monumental and unlikely to succeed. Go to the temple if you wish to learn of her whereabouts. I am sure she is already pursuing the Transfuga." It had been a long time since Alicia had heard the term Transfuga. It was a classical term dating back before the creation of the modern Second World as it existed now. The warriors of soldiers charged with a sacred duty to guard or protect a site at the behest of the masters of the Third World, but became deserters, were called by this name.

It was once the most heinous of crimes and a vile title for one without honor and who had rejected the very will of those who represent all good, life and creation. It no longer meant anything to the Witches of Duvan, and abandoning a duty wasn't a crime - unless the Coven said it was. However, that wasn't the case for the Temple. They still hunted down and passed judgment upon those who broke the old laws. This was the purpose of the Iudex Order. They were the combat-arm of the Temple, and exercised their right to play Judge, Jury and Executioner for those who violated the Old Law of the gods. Unlike the Witches of Isto'thac, the Index had not lost their knowledge and ancient wisdom. The only relic which remained reminiscent of the Old World, or the world before the divide, was the Veil Witch class who still - at least ceremoniously, served the House of Black. Even Veil Witches understood little of their own supposed deity and the House of Black. Many didn't even know their god's names, only titles. However, the same couldn't not be said for the various chapters of the Temple, or the Index Order. They served all three Houses of the Third World. Something far beyond even the understanding of the Witches of Duvan, who had become intoxicated on the merits of their own power and forgotten the old ways or their merits. "If you're finished, I should be going now."

The strange images still flickered in her mind.
As did a name she didn't know.
Tagar.

Something begun to manifest in the back of her mind, a new card with an unknown purpose.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (73,100xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Senior Fierent Bridgeman +500 (73,600xp)
⯎ Transfuga +200 (73,800xp)
⯎ Old Law +300 (74,100xp)
⯎ Old World +100 (74,200xp)
⯎ Iudex, Temple Judge +100 (74,300xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-30, 01:08 AM (ISO 8601)

She briefly wondered what the spark was that had came from the woman she had touched. As the vision flashed through her mind she wondered if they were keeping the entity contained or if they were actually summoning something into existence. She barely heard the woman speak as she stated that she could exercise the right at any time though sooner would be better than later, she put the name of the Fierent that was spoken to the back of her mind for use later as she took a step back from the woman. Her mind still had flickers of the images running through it as the woman asked if she was finished. Standing there in a slight daze "I believe I am, have a good day" Turning back towards the spire she made her way inside, the knowledge that she had just gained another card ran through her mind. She briefly thought about how it was gained and soon remembered what Lady Black had told her, That if she wanted to gain more cards and Fates that she would have to touch things, With this knowledge she looked around the room again at the artifacts that were tossed about. Moving quickly she began to gather them up wondering if any would give her another spark and another card. She thought that it might be best to place ones that did give her a card into one pile while placing those that did not in another so as to figure out any relevance that there might be with the items. During this time she set the Servitor she had to setting the rest of the tables to their proper position in the room. She figured if she was to exercise her right then it might be best to at least restore some semblance of decency to the place.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spell Focus's to Flip the remaining tables
(1d20+25)[31] or (1d20+25)[34]
(1d20+25)[34] or (1d20+25)[38]
(1d20+25)[35] or (1d20+25)[31]

**Mornings** · 2018-09-30, 01:40 AM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

With a nod the priest turned away and begun making her way out, "Best of luck, Keeper." Alicia couldn't help feeling that she had seen something she should not have seen at all, but none of the visions made sense to her. There was nothing in her lessons about any such things... but there was something Talisen had mentioned about many countless doors. There was nothing else she could bring to mind other than that, but something gave her the feeling that it was significant in its own way. The cleric took her leave, departing out the gate and seeming to vanish when she did, rather than walking along the street. She was simply gone.

Alicia turned back to the disaster which was the Shrine's interior, commanding the golem to begin flipping the tables about. They landed on the ground roughly and with a loud hammering slam as the mindless thing carelessly tossed the large furniture up and unto its feet. The rugs which were once under them were still left folded over haphazardly or tossed about, but it was a start. As she begun collecting the different nick-knacks that were scattered across the chamber, nothing as violently evidently struck her as it had before with the cleric. Yet, she begun to feel a delayed and slowly intensifying tangling sensation in her hands that begun to creep up her fingers into her arms. It was like a field of static that hummed in her ears and numbed the skin. White.

Nothing flashed through her mind, and she couldn't tell what of any of the items she had touched created the connection. Yet, she knew there was something there, something beneath. Shadows. They lurked, playing in the back of her mind, like the silhouette of a ghost once present some time in the past, but now absent. She had horns. Hair longer than Milk, with a dour and willow disposition - head hung, filled with melancholia. Lady Black hadn't exactly said that she needed to touch things specifically - but rather, be exposed to things. Physical contact seemed to do just that, albeit, more directly than was likely safe - or sanitary, in some cases. Perhaps different kinds of exposure, or interaction, would change things or better her odds of drawing out a card. It was difficult to say. All she could be certain of, was that something lingered here.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

Show

Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

Show

Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

Show

֍ Stella XP +600 (74,900xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

Show

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

Show

B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

Show

The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-30, 02:05 PM (ISO 8601)

The sensation she felt as she handled the items caused her to wonder if some of them would affect her just as the cleric had. She remembered now more clearly what Lady Black had said, it was exposure to things that she needed and not necessarily touching them. While touching the items gave her exposure it maybe was not the type she needed, maybe it needed her to actually figure out what they were or maybe she needed to use other senses including magical ones to figure out what each thing was. Figuring that one of them might be magical she decided to try her hand at weaving a spell, she wanted to cast one that would give her information about the items so that she might better know what she was dealing with. Not caring if the items were actually magical she decided to just weave a spell to tell her what the items did if they were to be used. She also thought that having no target or area defined was not the best idea she decided to have set it to just a 10 foot cone in front of her. Moving in front of the items she started trying to cast the weave hoping that she was capable enough to accomplish the task.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spellweave: (1d20+14)[31] - Wanting the spell to do the following: What the items do, All within a 10ft cone in front of me

**Mornings** · 2018-09-30, 03:45 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

Left alone in the shrine to contemplate her future and the things before her, Alicia resolved to attempt a Spellweave to reveal more information about the pile of oddities she had gathered on the floor. While she knew there was something of significance buried here, she couldn't be sure what it was. She had never actually succeeded or attempted to create a Spellweave since learning the basic arts, but she at least felt confident. After all, this was the bread-and-butter of the Witches of this world. Snapping out her wand and extending her other hand, like a maestro about to begin a ground performance, she released her energy through her limbs to connect to the vast web of universal power called the Weave. Light suddenly beamed as a massive circle carved itself in the air before her, revealing the glowing blue veins of the world beneath. It sounded with a crushing thunderous bass, like a cloud of static. The light flickered out.
Alicia had terminated the massive spell by her own violation. Stella felt that maybe she had been attempting a bit too much at once, when suddenly confronted by the enormous swell of power which had emerged before her. It had been like carving open a window, and on the other side was the bottom of the sea floor - or the depths of space. The howling voidspace and the massive weight of the density of the magic contained within was far too great for any creature to navigate, let alone reach through and bend the strings contained within that abyssal chasm. She decided to try again... smaller this time, only with two of the desired divinations. With a circular flourish of her wand a new window was carved open. A yawning black shaft expelled a constant stream of burning hot air, it looked as if it were the mouth which would bring her to the Abyss. Countless thinner strands of crimson, gold and azure light lay scattered about in a dizzying array. Her skin was beginning to prickle and burn with the sharp pangs of blisters from the heat-sonic of the fierce breeze. Once again, the spell was terminated.

Stella had learned already that others, aside from the caster, couldn't see this. The horrors beyond the voids. All that others could see was the strings when a Witch or some other denizen manipulated the threads, it was as if they briefly became part of the present world while being altered with the various twists and patterns.... But she couldn't imagine reaching out a hand through those voidscapes and dread-worlds to pull the threads back out to the other side. Without a doubt, she was certain that such heat, or pressure would rip her limp from her body to be left drifting in the nameless nightmarish realms which she had glimpsed... Smaller. She needed to try something smaller. This time, she resolved for only a minor divination, to identify the purpose and use of those things before her. With a familiar circular flourish of her wand she once again carved open a new void-hole into the air. It was a warm air, that came through with a gale-breeze. It tossed her hair about and threw her hat from her head. With a strain, she regained a measure of control, calming the fierce breeze crashing through. A Witch couldn't be seen loosing her hat from so minor a spell, it would have been an embarrassment. The strings were clear glassy-white filaments of energy, hundreds of them. This time, she felt confident that she could control the the power. Reaching out she stretched, grasping the threads. The void was brought to her shoulder, that her fingertips could clasp around the strings and rip them back out from the hole. Billowing puffs of clouds came bursting through, as if the space had connected her to some place high above in the heavens. With a twist, bend and pull she could feel the spell beginning to form. She tried to move quickly, but it was becoming more and more complex of a pattern with each movement, the energy was rising, at the cusp of of completion. Then... the strings went slack. The lights flickered, dimmed and died. The void and the wind, the strings and the energy all fizzled away with a hissing sound that was so similar to a deflating balloon. She could feel Alicia's mounting disappointment, but it wasn't at Stella; yet at how close they had come to completing it. [Alicia | Spellweave - Failed]

"So close, my friend, so close!" The small squeaky voice called out. It sounded like the unnaturally high voice of some fey-kin, or Quickling, that couldn't be possessed by any man of normal stature. It came from below, the pile of trinkets. Something moved.

Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (75,500xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 16/16
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-30, 06:15 PM (ISO 8601)

The disappointment at having not succeeded was starting to fill her, she was so close she could feel it and yet still she failed to cast the spell. Perhaps a simpler spell was needed till she could properly figure out how best to manipulate the weave. The small voice that spoke startled her, she quickly aimed her wand where she heard it come from and summoned forth the first deck that she had created. Scanning her eyes over the pile she tried to find whatever had spoken while calling out to it, "Who's there? Reveal yourself, State who you are and your intentions." she waited for the being to reveal itself or at least state its identity and intentions. Keeping her wand ready and waiting for the cards to deal out from the deck she readied herself to draw the first card and hoped that it was her more defensive one.

Spoiler: OOC

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Pulling out Deck 1 thats listed on my sheet.

Perception: (1d20+13)[17] - to spot whatever just spoke

**Mornings** · 2018-09-30, 07:11 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

Alicia snapped out her hand summoning forth a burst of golden circular light while brandishing her wand. The light-discus solidified into three long featureless cards, easily two and a half the length of a conventional playing card. Both sides of their near-metallic surfaces were plain and unadorned, gleaming like steel straight from a furnace. They spun sharply once in the air, throwing out one to float above her hand. The profile of the device sharply changed revealing the dull silver boarder beneath and the face of a familiar card. Useless. The First's Chapter.

Pointing her wand down at the pile it shifted but nothing emerged save for a voice. "Me. Me? You mean me? I am P'yii! P'yii who is trapped in this ring, and you have buried me!" The pile once again jittered knocking a few random baubles off from the top, but not moving much more than that. "P'yii has no intentions but to escape this place, for he is trapped!" [Alicia | Perception - Partial]

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (76,100xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ The One In the Ring +100 (76,200xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-30, 07:28 PM (ISO 8601)

Seeing the worthless card get drawn she is a bit annoyed till the entity decided to speak up. Looking down at the pile she listens as the entity named P'yii speaks, hearing that it is trapped inside of a ring makes her a bit curious as to how it got there. Quickly deciding to draw again from the deck knowing that she only had two options left in it. Using her feet she knocks around the items in the pile till it is laying flat and she can see the ring that had spoken. "Ah, so you are stuck in a Ring then, and why pray tell are you in the ring? as well what manner of being are you that you could be placed within such a ring?" she did not know why someone would shove the entity in a ring though she suspected that it may be similar to how Tenebris resides within the Aolthor wand. her mind wander over why the creature is just now making its presence known to her when it could have said something while she was moving it into the pile. "I am also curious as to why you didn't try speaking to me when I was placing you in the pile in the first place."

Spoiler: OOC

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Sense motive: (1d20+13)[29] - on whatever he replies with, trying to see if he is lying

Perception: (1d20+13)[23] - trying to find the ring in the pile while moving stuff around

Know Abstract: (1d20+28)[38] or (1d20+28)[36] - to figure out how one would become trapped in a ring

Know Abstract: (1d20+28)[30] or (1d20+28)[40] - For information on whatever sort of entity he claims to be

**Mornings** · 2018-09-30, 09:03 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

As Alicia scooted the pile around, she revealed the ring. It was a strange looking relic, black and gleaming with decorative cresting of a second layer made of some manner of gold, or other metal mineral. It wasn't a piece of jewelry from any world with which she was familiar, at least, she thought as much. It very well could have been from the Second World, but she had yet to see such strange materials before, and gold was not something frequently used in either tools or decorations from what she had seen thus far from the noble manors in Duvan. The ring popped up and spun on its side upon the ground. "P'yii is in the ring! P'yii was a spirit, but was sealed inside by the wicked one! P'yii is P'yii, Who Speaks Only Truth."
The explanation actually made sense, at least to Alicia. Relicuum and Praeter could in fact be sealed or worse by a powerful Witch once a covenant was established between them. It was largely dependent on the contract between the two, but it wasn't unheard of... it was just very rare, and the power to seal such a spirit was a magic only frequent during the ages during the Kingdom of Magic. Now such things were just pieces of history and knowledge, that such spells did in fact exist, but like many things, they were now mostly lost - or coveted by a small group of Witches who held those spells in secret.

"P'yii could not speak! It was your magic which woke P'yii, but such should not be possible. Not possible from you. P'yii doesn't understand, but now P'yii can be free. P'yii doesn't ask you help P'yii, but now he must go!" Alicia didn't feel like the spirit was lying, and based on the ring and its apparent age - it was likely a relic from the era of the High King. She had no reason to doubt his words, but just the same, he was here for a reason - left with a pile of food and offerings... She couldn't be sure just how Milk might react should the ring up and walk away, at least not until she understood why it was here.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (76,700xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ P'yii, Who Speaks Only Truth +500 (77,200xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-09-30, 09:30 PM (ISO 8601)

The spirit within the ring seemed odd to her, though its fully name said that it spoke only truth she wonder how true that actually was and if that portion of a name for all spirits held the same weight to it that this one should. Bending down to get a better look at the ring she was as well curious as to why her magic had managed to awaken the being as well as why it was here in the first place. It had to have been an offering to Milk as it was with the rest of the items and she knew that she couldn't just let the thing go or she would bring the wrath of Milk down on her. "P'yii, I as well have no idea why my magic awoke you. Though I do have a few theories as to that, the main one revolves around me wielding the Aolthor wand. The other being a bit of a Secret that I hold close to my heart. I do though still have some questions for you so I apologize but I cannot let you leave yet. The main question is why you were placed here within the Herald of Lanes Spire, it appears that you were an offering to her. I also would like to know what you plan to do if you were to leave. I am not sure how you would survive on your own out in the world as I have had a bit of trouble myself recently. How you were created and who created you also interest me greatly as I have never seen an artifact such as yourself." reaching out she picks up the ring tenderly and lets it settle into the palm of her hand.

Spoiler: OOC

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Know Abstracts: (1d20+28)[31] or (1d20+28)[31] - For information on the last part of Spirits names, so like with P'yii she has "Who Speaks Only Truth" how substantial is that to their existence.

**Triskavanski** · 2018-10-01, 07:28 PM (ISO 8601)

Originally Posted by THEChanger

Aden sighed, and nodded. "Alright. Felixs, you get some rest. I'll take first watch. Somebody should be awake, just in case we get any visitors. Like the fellow with horns and a red robe outside that's been staring at us for a good half hour."

The thief pulled a chair up beside the table Denil was currently on, spear resting in one hand. It was going to be a long night, he felt. Too many things had happened since they woke.

Feliks nods some. "In a moment." he says looking around the place to see what he could use to help make any one trying to break in have a bad time before finally moving into the center of the building to get some rest.

**Mornings** · 2018-10-03, 10:15 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

Within the maelstrom that enveloped her senses, she couldn't differentiate between what was herself and what was... everything else. There was only darkness separated by brief pauses of light. Fractions, flickering in with memories which were far from familiar. Awash in the storm of consciousness, she couldn't even recall her own name. Stella and Alicia were drowned in the sea of blackness and silent images, crushed beneath waves of cresting thoughts and persona's. There was so much pain. A hundred thousand lives, a hundred thousand mouths, all screaming mutely in the quiet of the deafening absence of the abyss.

Life. Birth. Death. Cycles repeating again and again, struggling to wrest free from some grim hand hanging above. It was an endless wheel. A child tied to the end of strings, and discarded. Hatred. Black. Screaming. Black. Agony. Black. Fear. Scenes of stop-motion frames burst forth from the dismal mire before being drowned once more beneath the churning waves. They couldn't remember where this was, or what had been.... But perhaps... There had been a ring. A cursed, vile thing. A prison for the unfit. The blemished and imperfect, when death was not enough. If there was a sky, then it was a cloudless black glassy featureless shell. Like the interior of a charred apothecary's bottle. It had long lost any hint of beauty or purpose and been discarded by the churgeon who once employed it. From somewhere... far away. A child spoke. A young boy who donned a crown of blooming thorns. One eye missing, and the other blind. It echoed through the void, the voice of the universe.

"Mother said I was ugly. Impure. I didn't have eyes like my sisters. I was a mistake, a monster. They were disgusted. They hurt me. I didn't want to be like this, so I ran away with my brother. They found us. Tore us apart. Ripped us apart. They hurt us. I wanted to die. I didn't deserve to live. They kept bringing me back. Again. Again. Again. Made me live again, and remember. Made me live every hour. Made me suffer. They hurt him when I didn't listen. I hated everything. Hated. Hated. Hated, so much. Something was broken inside of me. There was a hole. Without light. Without air. Without life. It was changing me. Changing the me, inside. The more I hurt. The deeper I fell into the hole. I pretended. Bowed my head and smiled. Yet...."

The return was far from pleasant or graceful, both souls came crashing back down. Stella's body smashed into the floor, before being crushed by the Veil and returning to Alicia's form as their minds followed the descent in a wild tumultuous heap crashing into one another like souls being flushed down a massive toilet. Pangs of agony shattered he skull from the inside and flashes of golden light burned her retinas from the backs of her eyelids like daggers thundering back from the otherworldly tempest. Their body shuddered and twitched as synapses fired and flared with the return of consciousness. Alicia felt hands shaking her shoulders. The world was spinning wildly. "Wake up!" She was jarred again, her arms flailed reflexively, her eyes blinking. The world still wouldn't come into focus. A fistful of black dust poured out from her grasp where the ring had once been. "What are you doing, wake up!" Finally, her vision found something to grasp onto, but it wasn't what she had expected. Her clothes felt grimy, her skin was clammy and her clothes were unkempt. Further away her hat still laid upon the floor, now covered in a thin layer of dust. Lapalila shook her again, "Have you been here this whole time!? The exams end tomorrow!" [Alicia Stability Check | Spell Focus DC40]

Still dazed, her mind briefly struggled to gather just what exactly had happened.
Yet, for the briefest of moments, she felt like her shadow reflected someone else... or as if she was not herself.

Looking down at her hand, still covered in dust. She at least knew one thing for certain.
The ring was destroyed.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (77,800xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Vision of Despair +500 (78,700xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-10-03, 11:02 PM (ISO 8601)

Her mind was in shambles as she came to, the vision had muddled everything for her and she was not sure when or where she was for a moment. Looking down at her hand and the dust that was within it she wondered what had happened and what had happened to P'yii. As the words Lapalila spoke rolled through her mind she suddenly realized how screwed she was. If she had truly been out of it for the entire time then she had more problems than just missing the exam. If enough time had passed that the exam was ending then most likely she also was going to be stuck as the damned Keeper for this ****ty shrine. Looking around the room she tried to figure out what had happened as well as spot anything that might have been off about the place. Her mind began to race to try and figure out what had happened, all she knew for sure though was that she picked up the ring and now time had skipped forwards for her. As she felt that her shadow reflected something that was not her she worried a bit that she might have been cursed by the ring that P'yii had been stuck in. That somehow by her having touched it while P'yii was awake that she had released something and that she now was affect negatively by some power.

Her mind finally caught up and the words really sunk in, looking up at Lapalila her eyes went wide. "Wait what? How? I literally just left you and Klane a few hours ago... How is it that the exams are suddenly ending tomorrow?" Looking down at the dust in her hand again she accidentally lets her thoughts flow out, "Was it that ring that held P'yii? Did it cause the vision as well as a time skip? or is this not truly the real world and im stuck in a cycle like the vision had shown me?" The odd feeling of her shadow having reflected someone else made her think that the second part might have been true. Looking down at herself she tried to spot any differences with her being, at the same time she checked that she still wielded the Aolthor wand as well that she could call forth an item from the golem that should still have been loaned to her. Closing her eyes she tried to sense if she felt anything strange. Quickly opening them she tried to see if she could see anything odd with her shadow or if it again felt different to her.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception: (1d20+13)[26] - For the room
(1d20+13)[31] - For on myself to check everything
(1d20+13)[32] - To sense whats wrong with the shadow thing

Sense Motive: (1d20+13)[19] - To sense whats wrong with the shadow thing

Spell Focus: (1d20+25)[31] or (1d20+25)[40] - To bring out a sunrod from the golem

Know Abstracts: (1d20+28)[32] or (1d20+28)[37] - to try and determine what caused the black scene
(1d20+28)[38] or (1d20+28)[32] - to determine if P'yii was released or destroy with the ring

**Mornings** · 2018-10-06, 10:48 AM (ISO 8601)

The Gales - Aden, Feliks & Denil

22th of Rova, Sunday - Time: 05:41 pm (Evening) / AR 4707 (Autumn)
The City of Monuments; Magnimar
Capital District; Outside Denil's Workshop

Taking a moment to survey the room, Feliks found a number of things to help bolster the small workshop's defenses. Setting himself to the task, he slid one of the heavy tables in front of the door to barricade the entrance. Grabbing some of the planks of wood laying about he found a hammer and some nails, then begun to board-up the windows as best he could. There wasn't much in the way of traps he could fashion, he wasn't some skulking hunter or imaginative enough to fabricate some clever device from a few pieces of string and whatever had been haphazardly left about. Instead he settled for taking some of the sharp metal-bits of scrap that were discarded in a heavy steel bin and scattering them around the floor near the windows. If something managed to break in, at the very least the initial entrance would be unpleasant and hopefully buy them some time.

When he finished, he grabbed a blanket and a seat in the center of the room to get some sleep. Aden could still see through the cracks of the boarded windows, albeit with a very limited range. The strange figure was gone, but he felt like that wouldn't be the last time they'd meet. While he didn't know what it had been, he had a bad feeling about it, about the whole damn thing. It felt like the city was holding its breath, like the calm before a storm. He was tired, his own fatigue suddenly hit him all at once, but he didn't fall asleep. When it had became difficult to keep his eyes open, he found himself jarred alert by a random banging or rattle from the backroom Denil had retreated into. It went on for some time, until the light from the windows bled away all sense of weariness from his bones. The orange sky creped out nearly six hours too early. People still went about their business outside, but their pace was evidently hastened by whatever was unfolding in the city. The sun was still in its arc through the heavens making its way to settle on the horizon, but dusk was still many hours away. In the air above were large billowing clouds building and distorting the sunlight. A snap of thunder sent a shudder through the house.

It wasn't unusual for such storms to pass over the city, but something about it felt far more ominous. Still, there wasn't anything any of them could do about the weather above the city. They'd need their strength. After an hour the dull pangs of falling raindrops upon metal and stone could be heard, beginning to rise in its intensity. The roads would be mudded out and made slick, if not impassible by foot. The light outside had dimmed to an overcast gray. There was still a few hours of daylight left, but it was becoming more difficult to see as the weather worsened and a wind brought a stiff wall of rain and mist that frothed through the windows. Keeping dry was going to be difficult if the weather didn't break by nightfall, but Aden doubted it would. The first watch had ended.

Side Quest: A Night of Tears
The historic events which would become known as the Night of Tears are quickly reaching a head, as political rivaled factions begin plotting to throw the city into a storm of chaos and death. Only by undermining Lord D'Aritel's authority can the trial be delayed, and the corrupt agents of the Council of Ushers usher forth a second reign of greed and wickedness. Beneath the surface of the city, a shadow-war is waged between old rivals. Assassinations, theft and worse are carried out in the name of the nobles who claim dominion over the city of Magnimar; and though history still stood in favor of Lord D'Aritel, they now stood at the critical point of a time which would dictate the death of thousands of innocents. Could history be changed by one man's choice? There was only one way to find out.
Difficulty: Easy | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
Primary Objective: Report to Lady Alice D'Artitel with news of a conspiracy
Secondary Objective: Rescue the young Roslen Alery from her captors at a Dockway warehouse.

Side Quest: A Precious Friend
Your meddling might have saved the life of a friend, but magic has found you stranded hundreds of miles from your destination. Now far away in the dank streets of Underbridge, the Gales find themselves reluctantly dragged to the very place they were told not to go; Magnimar. Chaos envelops the streets, as the embattled bowels of the city run red with blood and a new threat. New allies rise to combat a deathly plague bringing the dead back to life. All the while a crippled Denil lay broken and in dire need of care. The Gales struggle to escape the city and tend to the halfling's wounds. The Gales would learn, saving others took far greater strength than saving oneself.
Difficulty: Moderate | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
Primary Objective: Escape Magnimar.
Secondary Objective: Escape with Denil Demn alive.

Main Quest: Death In Her Smile
Truth was a fickle thing. It changed form with each new angle with which it was seen; just as it did now. Avecna took great risk delivering a letter of warning to the young Gales, speaking of some unknown danger and grand conspiracy. Now a new threat rose from one which was so familiar. They had to escape the town of SandPoint, and rendezvous with Avecna far away in the city of Korvosa. Preparations were made, but they knew their foes would not make it easy.
Difficulty: Challenging | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
Objective 1: Escape SandPoint [Complete]
Objective 2: Flee South through the wilderness to the Ashen Rise
Objective 3: Meet the transport at Wisher's Well
Alternate Objective 1: A weaponized disease of some sort has begun to spread in SandPoint. Remain unafflicted by the blight.
Alternate Objective 2: Send aid to the town of SandPoint to help contain the disease.
Alternate Objective 3: A strange new threat emerges; Escape with Denil alive. [Complete]

Main Quest, Global: A Friend Named Nemesis
A creature which should not be. A threat not yet understood. Nightmarish constructs emerge from buried ancient recesses within the earth. Their purpose is as strange as their appearance. Seemingly unfazed by mundane weapons and built impossibly study, they march forward unimpeded following some unpredictable nature. Whatever these creature's design, for now at least, it was better to simply stay out of the way...
Difficulty: Moderate | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: 2 years
Primary Objective: Survive
Second Objective: Find Professor Mayvert & uncover clues to the construct's origin

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Aden XP +400 (18,400xp)
⯎ Received [Greyflame Crucible, CR7]
⯎ The Ominous Storm +300 (18,700xp)
⯎ A Difficult Escape +100 (18,800xp)
✦ [Fatigued] Requires at least 4 hours of Sleep

֍ Feliks XP +500 (18,500xp)
⯎ Workshop Barricade +200 (18,700xp)
⯎ [Rested] 5 Hours +200 (18,900xp)

֍ Denil XP +700 (9,500xp)

STATUS
✦ Broken Leg: movement speed is halved [Braced: Temporarily Mended]
✦ Broken Hand (right): -4 atk & dexterity based checks [Braced: Temporarily Mended]
✦ Blind, partial: vision range halved
✦ Broken arm (right): cannot use right arm to perform actions or wield items [Braced: Temporarily Mended]
✦ Broken ribs: -4 penalty to all skill checks and saves
✦ Broken nose, partial: -4 concentration and scent-based perception checks

**Mornings** · 2018-10-06, 02:59 PM (ISO 8601)

The Returner - Stella Astral

Lapalila blinked twice with a confused fluttering motion, taken aback. "What are you talking about? You left me and the Gran Hexe three days ago. What are you babbling about, what ring? You're a Veil Witch, you can tell when you're not in the real world because you loose access to your Veils when removed from the Black. This is real" It was true, somewhere in the back of her mind she could still feel a certain awareness of the energies permeating and sustaining her most fundamental functions. Somewhere out there the UtterCold still existed, as did the Black. She wasn't cut off and estranged, nor did she feel the same helplessness while being carried along by the strange memories of the visions which haunted her. This was very real, but something scratched in the back of her mind. Something that made this entire world seem... off. "...And who's Klane?"

Alicia's eyes darted about, looking searching for it. Something was here, it was everywhere, pervading all things. Something beneath the surface. Everything that should have been here, was present, from the scattered devices to the tables. Yet, it was wrong. Present, but not identical. Then it hit her. The sudden bright flaming realization. It was backwards. The flipped tables were on opposite ends of the room, in the exact same fashion, but as if they were reflected in a mirror. Even the items on the ground were arrayed in some negative reflected pattern. The light, the walls, the entire damn world. Alicia looked at her shadow, and finally noted the strangeness of the thing. It wasn't her, or rather - it was. She wasn't looking at Alicia's shadow, it was Stella's, and it reflected the opposite movements and gestures, rather than mimicking her own identically. It was as if it were some funhouse mirror that'd been turned around and shown right as left, and left as right, from her perspective. A gloomy aura radiated from the black specter that made it appear out of place. Stella didn't know any such magic which could do this, but she theorized that something between Alicia and herself had caused some manner of conflict when they touched the ring.

From the strangeness of the visions and their potency, there may have very well been similar circumstances contained within the state of the ring. They couldn't know if there was only one spirit held in the device, or even what the state of those souls were. Something had happened, and it did not simply distort time. The world was changed. Her magic strangely, felt stronger. As if she were closer to something, closer to the Black. Alicia knew that whatever this place was, it wasn't perfectly identical to their own reality. Lapalila had evidently never met Klane, though he likely still existed. Instead their relationship had been established under similar circumstances, instead introducing her to the Gran Hexe; likely Gehlaava, as she had been initially present. The only question was whether or not they were still bound to the shrine or not. She felt something shift.

Stella took in a breath to steady herself. It wasn't like before. These Black Scenes were supposed to be like anomalies of tarnished fates, threads torn from the Weave that corrupted reality. Small sub-spaces worn in the universe that would correct themselves in time. Alicia tried to rationalize it, but this wasn't that. It was as if they were within such a space. It wasn't possible. One thread did not ruin a coat. The entire world couldn't have been effected by a single thread of the Weave, that was why it existed at all. A dense mesh of self-correcting metaphysical tissue. Unless... It had been her own fate which had become corrupted. Then, she didn't know... They were quickly approaching the realm of highly contest magical theory. No one had a definite answer. Looking again at her shadow, she felt that there was something else that she missed, yet she was left hopelessly clueless as to what it might be.

With a mental gesture the golem brought her a sunrod. The rest of her possessions seemed to still be present or on her person, with the exception of her hat still on the floor. There were too many factors to consider in pursuing what might have happened. She herself had already been cursed, or perhaps paid some nameless price that had taken something from her - whatever that could be. Now combined with Alicia, there was countless possibilities. While combined with the unborn Witch, they seemed to share each other problems and circumstances. That wasn't even considering P'yii himself and whatever he had been, or whatever the sealing-ring's mysterious purpose was. This manner of existing was a volatile state, and touching random things... like ancient relics from a foreign universe, was probably not the safest thing to do. Looking at the dust in her hand, it didn't look like it was violently destroyed by magic or any other means. She watched as it actively dissolved into fine colorless particles, then nothing. After a brief moment, even her hand was left clean. Alicia, being well studied, had heard of methods from Professor Breys of modes by which to permanently exterminate threats which could not conventionally die, such as the Apocalypse Beast. Outside of the First World the Weave was stronger, and corrected deviations in a more immediate fashion. By bringing creatures or items into one of the unique Weave-dense sub-planes which exist beneath each realm in tandem, similar to the Ethereal plane, certain results could be achieved. In some cases where they existed a very powerful relation between these two planes, every life and physical item existed as a pair - almost mirroring itself within the other plane. Talisen said that he learned a powerful spell from his mentor, Professor Faust, which aligned a target with a plane in which it did not natively exist associated with the Weave on either realm. When foreign fates were introduced to such a dense Weave sub-space, their fates were simply removed. Though, as he described it, it appeared as if they had turned to dust, leaving nothing. He called it a 'Fate Collapse'. [Alicia | Checks - Partial]

If what Alicia remembered was true, than at least the ring no longer existed at all. It was anyone's guess as to the fate of P'yii, perhaps he had simply been deleted from reality along with the ring itself. The only one who could know would have been Professor Faust himself. "We can't idle here. You've literally accomplished nothing in three days, if you're going to make the exams, you'll need to prepare quickly." While she was of course, correct. Alicia suddenly felt like the school's entrance examinations were the least of her problems. The wordless dialogue still seemed to echo through her mind. Somehow she had to restore hope to this world... At least, that may have been one way of defining it. The black scene had been so sudden and so vague it was difficult to truly understand what it was she needed to do. Regardless, it didn't sound like an overnight accomplishment, nor did she understand what plagued this world or her nameless benefactor, only the strange visions which still lingered.

Looking at the ground, she saw a number of cards where P'yii had once laid before she attempted to retrieve the ring. They flared up in light briefly before vanishing, depositing themselves within the confines of her consciousness.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
???????; ?????????
?????; ?????????

Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (79,300xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Black Scenes +300 (79,600xp)
⯎ Reflected Shadow +100 (79,700xp)
⯎ Corrupted Fate +200 (79,900xp)
⯎ Reflected World +300 (80,200xp)
⯎ Apocalypse Beast +100 (80,300xp)
⯎ Weave-Dense Planes +400 (80,700xp)
⯎ Fate Collapse +500 (81,200xp)
⯎ Talisen's Mentor +200 (81,400xp)
⯎ Professor Faust +300 (81,700xp)
⯎ The Inverse +500 (82,200xp)

✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-10-06, 05:10 PM (ISO 8601)

Her mind stopped as she heard Lapalila speak, why would the girl think that the Gran Hexe had been involved with them meeting. As well why did she not know who Klane was, the entire situation stank as she looked around the room and noticing that everything seemed to be reversed for some reason. She could feel the wrongness around her much like the grime that was present on her clothes. She still knew not what caused the world to change but knew that it had changed and most likely not for the better. Standing up she walked over to her hat, picking it up off the floor she proceeded to shake off what dust and grime had accumulated on it. the sudden shift worried her, another black scene had revealed itself and it did not seem good. Her mind raced thinking about what she knew and what was going on, she knew though that she did not have the knowledge to figure it out on her own though as she was sure that she was starting to get into a realm of magic that she was not versed in. Holding the sunrod in hand she again looked down at the shadow beneath her trying to see if it reflected correctly the hand that it was wielded in or it it actively showed the reverse.

She remembered something that her Mentor had taught her about, this thing called Fate Collapse. With all that had just happened she wondered if something similar had just caused her to be tossed into one of the sub-space weaves and thus causing everything to seem wrong and reversed. Turning to Lapalila she wondered if the girl would even believe her if she tried to explain what she thought had happened, she knew that the exam was the least of her worries and that she really needed to set everything right if what the Black scene had shown her was true. "Lapalila, Everything has gone wrong. You saying that we left the Gran Hexe 3 days ago as well as you not knowing who Klane Kelgore is proof enough for me that this is not how it should be. I need to speak to either the Gran Hexe Gehlaava or to Professor Faust to understand more about what happened. Right now preparing for the exam and the exam itself are the least of my worries. I am not even sure if I can explain it well enough to you for you to understand, but I do assume that you know what a Black Scene is yes?" Looking down at the cards that were on the floor she wondered what they did, as they were deposited into her mind she figured she would quickly figure out what each card that she had recently gotten was and hoped that one of them might be able to help her more with this situation. Feeling the weight of the sunrod in hand she decides to put it back with the golem. "Assuming you know then understand that a Black Scene has just caused some very serious problems and everything is now Wrong, do you have any idea where Gran Hexe Gehlaava or Professor Faust are at the moment?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception: (1d20+13)[29] - for the shadow when im holding the sunrod

Identifying the 5 cards that i have received

**Mornings** · 2018-10-07, 01:29 AM (ISO 8601)

The Unsung King - Alicia Kelgore

" Klane Kelgore? ...Is that perhaps the rumored male Witch I've heard of? Yes, that is quite strange that you waited til now to mention him. I hope you weren't planning on keeping him for yourself. Gran Hexe Gehlaava returned to the Coven Spire. You will not be able to see her until she once again emerges. As far as this Professor Faust, are you perhaps referencing the Faust who trained half of your Palatine Council. The creator of modern magic in the First World. The first man to come to the Second World? That Faust?" Yes, that was the one. Alicia of course already knew the answer. She couldn't speak with him. No one could. Lapalila scratched her the back of her head at a loss. "While I am very familiar with the First World, well, more specifically Casmaron and Golarion... As far as I'm aware, the Professor vanished many years ago, and has yet to return. Unless I'm missing something from more recent history." No, she was in fact correct. Professor Faust had performed an experiment and had since not returned. While others were left in the dark over the details, Alicia knew that the man had traveled through a dimensional gate with a Third World entity who called itself WAKING. It had been half a decade, but he had never been seen again. Stella herself had learned of just how unpredictable time could be while shifting through the states of the multiverse, so it was difficult to say just how much time had passed for the man or where he could be.

The short Witch shrugged, "Despite my knowledge, try to remember, I'm still only a first-year student. I've never been to the First World. All I have to rely upon are studies and my own research. However, if I recall, the Professor taught a number of talented individuals from both our worlds. Limual Calburn, Talisen Breys, Vanici Viacarri Vantil, Kendal Cross, Bechal Rossfield, Etalin Efal, Kardimine Kell Eron, Amshel Veraine, and even your aunt Salice Kelgore. There are many people who still remain that were once connected to the Professor, and I'm sure there are many others I am unfamiliar with." Lapalila was very well versed in their worldly matters indeed, and she had almost been right. With the exception of Amshel Veraine. Hearing the name again made Alicia's blood boil. The madman had all but sold his humanity to sate his own thirst for power and allied himself with Gallowspire and the forces of undeath. He had destroyed Clover's Crossing as an experiment, ravaging the countryside with ghouls and death before turning his eyes upon his mentor and the Palatine Council. Talisen had learned of the man's treachery before the attack came. Together they had destroyed all records they had retained regarding the Second World and the Hollowed documented in Verlow's Records. That was a power they could not afford to allow to fall into the hands of such a man. However that didn't stop Veraine's sinister plans. He sowed plots into the homes of those closest to him, targeting his old teacher and colleague, Professor Lorrimor first. Talisen had sent her away before flying with all haste to Canterwall to face the man, but she had heard of the horrors at Harrowstone and the bodak attacks upon Ravengro. Veraine had become a white monstrous undead creature, a bodak unlike any before him. He became known as the Taker of Eyes.

Amshel had been the reason why everything had been taken from her, and why she couldn't return. Of course she wanted revenge upon the bastard, but the Pale Haunt could wait. After all, that was a world and a time which had yet come in this iteration of reality. The burning sense of anger slowly seemed to simmer until it settled. "I feel that it is also imperative to inform you that there is also no such thing as a 'Black Scene' in the magic of the Second World... or the First, for that matter. I'm assuming you're referring to something akin to a Corrupted Divergence. Or at least something similar. If that were the case, then everyone should have noticed it... Or if somehow, impossibly, on a theoretical-level... If an individual alone was Diverged, then at the very least there should be something that others and the Weave perceive as out of place. After all, if the natural order is disrupted, than the Weave will be somehow negatively influenced. As Witches we can sense these things more acutely. As it doesn't seem like the Weave is trying to repair anything broken... and the world doesn't seem to be skipping around like a broken record... I think it's safe to assume that we're all perfectly fine. Of course, this is magic of the Third World so, you'd be hard pressed to find any Witch that understands it on any meaningful level... and even harder pressed to find such a Witch that would be willing to disclose their hard kept secrets with you."

It was true, from the outside a Divergence was noticeable... evidently so. But this thing, it was something else. She couldn't even entirely describe it. Though more importantly, the term 'Black Scene' had just been something she'd made up herself upon her frightening experience with the Ra'Dolfaal Ghema. The anomaly likely had a real name... probably, but she didn't know it. Just as Lapalila had said, very few people knew anything about Third World magic, even in theory. Those few that did guarded those secrets with their lives and would never disclose those truths to anyone but their own kin. Her first problem was... she didn't understand her problem. The world was reversed... things were changed, but that wasn't too far out of the realm of a normal Divergence. The true issue was that no one else noticed it, which inferred an idea even more terrible than anything else. The possibility that nothing changed at all. Or rather that there was no Divergence, because this was normality in this... state, or whatever this world was. Alicia felt like there was a clue in the voiceless words that had printed themselves in her mind. That this wasn't a departure from the real. It was the Inverse. The other side, of something true and natural to the state of the Weave.

Alicia looked at the difference in the way the shadow held the light. A shadow couldn't exist in the opposite direction of the light, yet it did just that seeming to defy logic. Rather than holding the rod on the same side she did while facing it, it held it on the opposite side - and by extension, the same hand. When she put the device away, it remained in the shadow's hand, who simply tossed it over her shoulder as if throwing it away. The difference between them was eerie, and each moment she spent here, the world begun to feel more and more real. As if it were the natural state of things. "Meeting an acquaintance of Professor Faust might be the best way forward if you're trying to find somehow who might know what he knows. Salice Kelgore went back to the First World, I think. Grand Savant Viacarri is likely still at the Conclave. The Witch of Nine Talons is, hopefully, dead. Which only leaves Professor Eron. Eron's Factory was built in E'Auldordun, and while not difficult to access... many dangerous things lurk there. I've heard that it's recently become active again, and now the smog chokes the air on the lower levels of the ruins. I wouldn't test your luck though. Only second year students are permitted entry into the ruins, or those who receive a special permit from the School's Council. As the ruins are within the training grounds of the school, entry is controlled by the academy so I would still count entry into the school as a significant concern. The privileges granted by admittance are rather important to those without an office or occupation in the city. Otherwise, you will struggle trying to accomplish anything here at all."

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
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Spoiler: Cards

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Spoiler: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son

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Name: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: -
Value: 0
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Limited
Fate: Soul
Grade: Gold
Detail: Once he was the destroyer. Once he was the savior. Once he was the teller of lies. Once he was the teller of truth. He was the exiled son. He had saved the multiverse twice the mount of times he had destroyed it, and been cursed three times more than he deserved. He had been made to live as an animal, and a devil, and been cast out from his home. Yet, despite all his shortcomings and faults, it was he who had risen above it all. Risen above the Houses. Risen above the Three Worlds and escaped the Garden. An accomplishment which no Child born beneath the Mothers had even done, but he had learned quickly that the world was a large place, and he himself amounted to nothing. Yet, he was not discouraged, for he had always been less than nothing. A blight, a curse. His sisters hated him, his House loathed him, and his Mother enjoyed watching him suffer and struggle. He had returned for his brothers, to leave with them and make their own way. He cared nothing for the threefold universe nor the lives of the insignificant insects which inhabited it. He had killed them all before, and he would do it again it if would aid his cause. He didn't want to be perfect. He wanted to be free.

✥ [Greater] Manifestation: Summon's the shadow of the Exiled Son at no cost. Nelrin'Fel will demand his own price, and if satisfied may assist the Witch, or Spite her. Regardless of the result the card is not expended upon use and returns to the bottom of the deck afterwards.
✥ [Potential] The Exiled Son (Passive): Any of Nelrin'Fel's Passive Potentials may be activated at his discretion when summoned. These abilities may be activated and disabled as a free action even while not his turn. The focus point cost of all the Witch's spells and cards is reduced by 4 (minimum 1). There is a 10% chance a spell or card successfully cast is activated again at no cost.
✥ [Potential] Earthbound Immortal (Passive): The first successful attack of each round effecting the Witch is negated, as long as the damage which would be sustained is less than 10 times her arcane aptitude.
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Spoiler: The Soul Eater's Crucible

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Name: The Soul Eater's Crucible
Potential: ✦✦⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: 28
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Support
Grade: Silver
Detail: A device forged in the Third World. It was a tomb. A prison. A gravestone for those who would not be allowed the grace of death. Within it the native fate of a soul would be bound to assume their place, then they would be cast into the Inverse. Forever sealed within that reflected world. That which remained was a horrid farce of those who had once been. In the hands of once who knew how to wield it, it could prove to be a powerful engine of arcane might. Those who originally fashion it, created the device with the intent of manufacturing faux universes and converting the life-energy into power to fuel their most abominable spells. Now, it was simply a ring, seemingly devoid of purpose.

✥ [Lesser] Soul Burial: As a standard action, Force one spirit within 40ft to attempt a Spell Focus check equal to 20 + the Witch's arcane aptitude. Upon failure the soul is sealed inside the Soul Eater's Crucible. The ring possesses no maximum capacity.
✥ [Potential] Create Life: As a full round action, create 1d100 lives within the Soul Eater's Crucible. These may be animals, humanoids, or any intelligent or non-intelligent life randomly determined by the ring. The card is not expended upon use of this ability and returns to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Potential] Consume Life I: By consuming 10d100 lives within the ring the wielder grants herself a permanent +1 bonus to one ability score. This requires 24 hours of uninterrupted concentration.
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Spoiler: The Master of the Conclave

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Name: The Master of the Conclave, Professor Gerald P. Faust
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Soul
Grade: Silver
Detail: In his early years, his eccentric and often madly delivered conclusions made many believe him without a shred of sanity. His theories far outpaced the current understandings of The Great Beyond and the cosmic forces which magic manipulated. Many years ago, his studies outlined the intricate functions of Psychic Magic and principles of Vanician design which had yet to become common knowledge during the publication of his ground-breaking book; 'The Anatomy of Magic'. Professor Faust was the pioneer of modern magic as it existed today on Golarion, and was thought to be the herald of a new era with the emergence of Offworlders and other far-flung worlds beyond. However, the man vanished after an experiment, leaving behind only books upon the studies he had previously pursued.

✥ [Lesser] Consult the Master: As a standard action, the Witch may pose a single question to Professor Faust, to which he might reply. Regardless of the result, the Witch spends 15 points of focus. There is a 50% chance the card is not expended upon use of this ability and returned to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Greater] Fabricate Key: As a full round action, the Witch may randomly generate a Calamity Key in their current world. This ability costs 30 focus points.
✥ [Potential] ??????
✥ [Potential] ??????
✥ [Potential] ??????
✥ [Potential] ??????
✥ [Potential] ??????
✥ [Potential] ??????

Spoiler: Night For Day - Unidentified

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Spoiler: Tagar, Who Waits - Unidentified

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Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (82,800xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ WAKING +400 (83,200xp)
⯎ Hollowed +200 (83,400xp)
⯎ Sir Amshel Veraine, The Taker of Eyes +300 (83,700xp)
⯎ The Pale Haunt +200 (83,900xp)
⯎ Verlow's Records +200 (84,100xp)
⯎ Corrupted Divergence +300 (84,400xp)
⯎ E'Auldordun +200 (84,600xp)
⯎ Eron's Factory +300 (84,900xp)
⯎ E'Auldordun Ruin Permit +100 (85,000xp)
⯎ Professor Limual Calburn +300 (85,300xp)
⯎ Professor Talisen Breys +200 (85,500xp)
⯎ Professor Vanici Viacarri Vantil +200 (85,700xp)
⯎ Professor Kendal Cross +300 (86,000xp)
⯎ Professor Bechal Rossfield +300 (86,300xp)
⯎ Professor Etalin Efal +400 (86,700xp)
⯎ Professor Kardimine Kell Eron +400 (87,100xp)
⯎ Professor Salice Kelgore +200 (87,300xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-10-07, 05:13 PM (ISO 8601)

She listened to Lapalila speak and with each word the worry crept up more and more for her. If Gran Hexe Gehlaava was not available and Professor Faust was still missing then who should she turn to for assistance with this new problem that has arisen. Lapalila said that Eron was the only one available but that was also unlikely considering where he resided at, perhaps she should hurry up and prepare for the exam and hope to pass and wait for Gehlaava to show herself so that she could gain the womans assistance... or perhaps she should use one of the cards that she held. Thinking on the cards she knew that she wielded two different ones that could possibly help her but they were both powerful and she did not exactly want to waste them right now on this problem. Though one of them did seem to have a chance of not being used up, still though she didn't want to risk losing the card. Thinking more on it she realized that also just knowing what was happening would not solve the situation if she did not have the power to fix it herself. "Hmm, if Professor Eron is the only acquaintance of Professor Faust that is available then gaining access to the ruins will be a priority. So then your right in that i need to gain admittance to the school. Though all of this is still wrong, as if the world is reversed and not functioning right. Take the sunrod i just stowed away, i watched my shadow... and instead of doing the same it instead tossed it behind me. That is not right, my shadow should have copied my actions instead of doing it own. Whatever happened it appears to be similar to a divergence but instead of it being corrupted I have a feeling that it is more natural to the Weave and thus no one but me feels that anything is wrong... Perhaps its like a separate plane of existence that runs parallel to the Weave and I somehow moved across it to this side... Either way I am just guessing at what happened, I need to speak with someone more versed in the Weave to hopefully figure it out and fix what has happened." Walking up to the Mirrors that were in the shrine she took a good long look at herself, seeing grime still on her clothes she tried to clean herself up a bit while watching her reflection in the mirror. Turning back to Lapalila, "Since I only have till tomorrow to pass the exam could i enlist your help on acquiring a Servitor as well as a new wand and sheath... I believe you said I would need Attendants, money and school supplies as well. I could easily exchange a few Honor for those i believe but I am not sure where best to find all these things. I of course will pay your for the assistance that you provide. Though there is still the issue that im not sure if i am still bound to this shrine as its next Keeper, as the previous world i had gotten screwed over and the previous keeper had decided to flee leaving me in her place. You wouldn't happen to know how best to test if that is still true here would you?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Know Abstract: (1d20+28)[48] or (1d20+28)[39] - For anyone else i can think of that would be able to help

Perception: (1d20+13)[15] - for watching my mirrored self

**Mornings** · 2018-10-07, 06:47 PM (ISO 8601)

The Unsung King - Alicia Kelgore

There was very few people that came to mind when trying to think of who might be of assistance. Or rather, they weren't people at all. The first was Afsspa'sol, but they didn't seem to have left on good terms after their disagreement at the Elder Sage's hut. Then there was the Elder Sage himself, but as it turns out he was one of the most prominent figures of the enemies of the Witches of Duvan. He had only helped her at the time because of Abygael and feigning to have abandoned the teachings of the dark city. Ulbeelta seemed like an absurdly strong and powerful creature, who knew many things, but they weren't friends and he seemed to hold fast to whatever divine rules governed their kind. The Waldfrau would have been ideal, as she was seemingly a master of the Weave in any world, but she had no idea where she had gone since the Divergence in the First World. She recalled something about being 'locked away' with the Speakers... She felt rather stupid all of a sudden for completely forgetting about all of that since coming to the very universe to which they were native. That thought seemed to send a pang of frustration through Alicia's mind. She was fairly certain that the girl might one day take over completely and banish her from their body in recognition of what she could only assume the Witch interpreted as Stella's own mounting incompetence. With the girl steadily becoming stronger, it felt like she was living on the hands of a clock, before she was inevitably overtaken by her adopted persona. [Alicia Stability Check | Spell Focus DC34]

The Lampus that Klane had sought out, Aphlilali'Kvel, also seemed like a possibility. As a member of the Wheel and Council, she was allowed to traverse both words. It seemed unlikely that she would be granted an audience with someone so important, for something seemingly so insignificant. She couldn't prove that anything had happened, and no one else seemed to notice a difference at all. While she didn't know if she was still bound to the shrine, the temple was a place where even the things which remained unexplainable in the magic would could be answered. Perhaps even this Senior Fierent Bridgeman could help investigate, but she couldn't be sure. The mysterious woman, Faux, and her accomplice Glemphree'el also seemed to know many foreign and abstract bits of knowledge, no doubt acquired from their travels between the worlds. They were the first people she had met that freely traversed the maze-like spaces which existed between Tangi'thac and Isto'thac... though she felt like she might have been forgetting something else as well. [Alicia | Knowledge - Partial]

Walking up to the mirrors at the end of the shrine she looked at her own reflection - her actual reflection, for it wasn't Alicia who was looking back at her, but rather, it was Stella. The image lasted only briefly before dissipating entirely as a wave of black energy came crashing through the device. The force lifted her off her feet and sent her sliding across the floor on her back. "I'd say that might be a fair hint that you're not welcome here... So fair to assume you're not the Shrine Keeper. Though I imagine you'd know if you were... and what you're describing isn't a Divergence." Lapalila picked up a simple looking coin from the ground, it didn't look like currency, but more like a token of some sort which had been offered as tribute. "The physics and principles which govern the Weave aren't any secret. Look at this coin." She displayed both sides of the thing and showed how they were different, one with the mark of a crown and another with a circular sigil. "Imagine for a moment that the Weave is a universal bank and mint, and these coins, minded by the Weave, are the fates which effectively make up the physical system monetized and employed by the people. A Divergence would be like tampering a coin, or even minting your own fake coins. They try to circulate a false currency, inevitably fail, and those bad coins are collected and disposed of. What you're describing is the coin itself, be it good or bad. Each coin, or fate, has three sides. A face, a back and its sides. We, the souls of the Second World, reside on the face of the coin. But for each coin, exists a backside, that generally mirror one another - or at least contain within them the same associations of what is and isn't. Sort of like what is and isn't allowed to be minted on the face and back of the coin. It's a definitive map of all that is allowed to be, enforced by the laws of the bank, the Weave. Different coins might be slightly different, perhaps with a varying number to track the batch of the coin when minted, but they are still generally the same. When we manipulate the Weave, we are altering the third-side of the coin and thinning the space between the face and it's backside until we can briefly connect to a potent space linked with another coin. Perhaps some sharing the same 'batch number', you might say. When Professor Faust came to the Second World, he posed a very famous question, 'How do you know you exist on the 'face' and not the 'backside'. As both are as natural an existence as the other, there isn't a definitive way to know. His thesis ended up becoming a standard study of magical theory called 'Absolute-Relative Reality'. I'm sure you've seen the spaces carved into the air while attempting to Spellweave, this is us 'thinning the third-face' and bridging both sides of the coin. While this experience is completely invisible to others around us, with the exception of while directly manipulating the threads of the Weave, the distortion itself is evident. We on the 'face' can't pass though these holes in reality, we're simply drawing out the forces we need from those spaces."

It was a lot to take in, and while she wasn't sure she entirely digested it all, at the very least Stella grasped the fundamentals of the concept. The voidspace she had previously made were less of a physical three-dimensional space, and more of a metaphysical fourth-dimensional point which was pressing into something else. Less of a rip, and more of a compressed zone. It wasn't truly a gateway or anything so plain. This was supposed to be basics of magic in the Second World, with such lessons being taught to children half her age. Lapalila had taught her about the core functions of the Weave using nothing but a rusty coin and a bank analogy she could actually understand. Stella suddenly realized that college-level classes were likely going to be incredibly painful... especially in a world where such things as conventional banks didn't exist. She really needed a Servitor that could bridge the technical jargon of this world and hers, though Lapalila had done a good job attempting just that. "Mind you, it's not possible to actually cross into the other side with magic - at least none that actually exists presently, and this is an over simplified example but it's effectively all you really need to know. A number of various theoretical principles cover this, but if somehow you were thrown across to 'the backside' by Third World magic.... well. Firstly, you'd be utterly destroyed from the trauma. Or your positive and negative sides of your fate would cancel out and erase you from existence... but seeing as you're still here, I think you're safe from the whole erasing part. Professor Faust's theory is the most widely accepted... in which he believes..." She placed the coin down on the floor next to Alicia and spun it, "That all fates are not static, but in constant flux. The backside and the face are caught in an infinite spin of alternating states, because all souls must be from the 'face', or the native state which they were imprinted upon that fate. Thus, he proposed it could be possible to don a vessel associated with the opposing side to survive a potential journey to the 'other side'. Even though there's no such means to achieve that or the travel, and that doesn't solve the issue of the vessel potentially getting erased from our tampering, followed by yourself, but it at least wouldn't be instantaneous-death. Seeing as you're still in once piece, that means that at least some part of you is native to this side. As to which one actually came from the 'face'... Well, you couldn't know, even if you crossed over. Everything would simply be backwards to you, but that's an entirely relative observation."

Lapalila shrugged, "I don't know about your shadow situation, sounds like a Veil Witch thing. If you did in fact somehow cross over to the opposite fate spectrum and used a Veil as a means of doing so, then you're outside of anyone's know-how, because it's never been done before. At least, it's never been recorded... or even talked about outside of just theory-crafting and speculation. Honestly, if you're not lying completely, your experience could change everything we know about magic... I'll help you get ready for the exams, but in exchange I want the exclusive right to study you! I'll let you think about it, but first you need money. Then we're going shopping."

"How much honor do you have anyways?"

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
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Spoiler: Cards

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Spoiler: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son

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Name: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: -
Value: 0
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Limited
Fate: Soul
Grade: Gold
Detail: Once he was the destroyer. Once he was the savior. Once he was the teller of lies. Once he was the teller of truth. He was the exiled son. He had saved the multiverse twice the mount of times he had destroyed it, and been cursed three times more than he deserved. He had been made to live as an animal, and a devil, and been cast out from his home. Yet, despite all his shortcomings and faults, it was he who had risen above it all. Risen above the Houses. Risen above the Three Worlds and escaped the Garden. An accomplishment which no Child born beneath the Mothers had even done, but he had learned quickly that the world was a large place, and he himself amounted to nothing. Yet, he was not discouraged, for he had always been less than nothing. A blight, a curse. His sisters hated him, his House loathed him, and his Mother enjoyed watching him suffer and struggle. He had returned for his brothers, to leave with them and make their own way. He cared nothing for the threefold universe nor the lives of the insignificant insects which inhabited it. He had killed them all before, and he would do it again it if would aid his cause. He didn't want to be perfect. He wanted to be free.

✥ [Greater] Manifestation: Summon's the shadow of the Exiled Son at no cost. Nelrin'Fel will demand his own price, and if satisfied may assist the Witch, or Spite her. Regardless of the result the card is not expended upon use and returns to the bottom of the deck afterwards.
✥ [Potential] The Exiled Son (Passive): Any of Nelrin'Fel's Passive Potentials may be activated at his discretion when summoned. These abilities may be activated and disabled as a free action even while not his turn. The focus point cost of all the Witch's spells and cards is reduced by 4 (minimum 1). There is a 10% chance a spell or card successfully cast is activated again at no cost.
✥ [Potential] Earthbound Immortal (Passive): The first successful attack of each round effecting the Witch is negated, as long as the damage which would be sustained is less than 10 times her arcane aptitude.
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Spoiler: The Soul Eater's Crucible

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Name: The Soul Eater's Crucible
Potential: ✦✦⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: 28
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Support
Grade: Silver
Detail: A device forged in the Third World. It was a tomb. A prison. A gravestone for those who would not be allowed the grace of death. Within it the native fate of a soul would be bound to assume their place, then they would be cast into the Inverse. Forever sealed within that reflected world. That which remained was a horrid farce of those who had once been. In the hands of once who knew how to wield it, it could prove to be a powerful engine of arcane might. Those who originally fashion it, created the device with the intent of manufacturing faux universes and converting the life-energy into power to fuel their most abominable spells. Now, it was simply a ring, seemingly devoid of purpose.

✥ [Lesser] Soul Burial: As a standard action, Force one spirit within 40ft to attempt a Spell Focus check equal to 20 + the Witch's arcane aptitude. Upon failure the soul is sealed inside the Soul Eater's Crucible. The ring possesses no maximum capacity.
✥ [Potential] Create Life: As a full round action, create 1d100 lives within the Soul Eater's Crucible. These may be animals, humanoids, or any intelligent or non-intelligent life randomly determined by the ring. The card is not expended upon use of this ability and returns to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Potential] Consume Life I: By consuming 10d100 lives within the ring the wielder grants herself a permanent +1 bonus to one ability score. This requires 24 hours of uninterrupted concentration.
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Spoiler: The Master of the Conclave

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Name: The Master of the Conclave, Professor Gerald P. Faust
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Soul
Grade: Silver
Detail: In his early years, his eccentric and often madly delivered conclusions made many believe him without a shred of sanity. His theories far outpaced the current understandings of The Great Beyond and the cosmic forces which magic manipulated. Many years ago, his studies outlined the intricate functions of Psychic Magic and principles of Vanician design which had yet to become common knowledge during the publication of his ground-breaking book; 'The Anatomy of Magic'. Professor Faust was the pioneer of modern magic as it existed today on Golarion, and was thought to be the herald of a new era with the emergence of Offworlders and other far-flung worlds beyond. However, the man vanished after an experiment, leaving behind only books upon the studies he had previously pursued.

✥ [Lesser] Consult the Master: As a standard action, the Witch may pose a single question to Professor Faust, to which he might reply. Regardless of the result, the Witch spends 15 points of focus. There is a 50% chance the card is not expended upon use of this ability and returned to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Greater] Fabricate Key: As a full round action, the Witch may randomly generate a Calamity Key in their current world. This ability costs 30 focus points.
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Spoiler: Night For Day - Unidentified

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Spoiler: Tagar, Who Waits - Unidentified

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Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (87,900xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Weave Principles +300 (88,200xp)
⯎ Absolute-Relative Reality +500 (88,700xp)
⯎ Fate Spectrum +300 (89,000xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-10-07, 07:39 PM (ISO 8601)

She mentally berated herself for having forgotten the different powerful beings that she had met. She knew that with all that had been going on recently that she would inevitably forget something but still the fact she did annoyed her. Mentally pushing down Alicia she once again held control over herself, she knew why the girl kept coming forward but right now she could not let herself be controlled by anyone but herself. Her mind raced trying to figure out what else she had forgotten, she traced her memories back trying her hardest to remember anything else that may have been important. There were a few she could think of that she hadn't thought of before, though most probably would not be accessible to her anytime soon. Although there was that Murrpau witch Telieli'kalti, with the knowledge of a different magic and the fact that she is a murrpau perhaps she would also be of some help. Listening to Lapalila explain the 'Absolute-Relative Reality' to her she wondered what other Thesis's existed that she did not know of. Most likely there were a lot as there was a significant amount of witch's to have existed.

Picking herself up off the ground while listening she froze at the mention of a veil being the cause of her getting sent across. She knew that the veil she wore was supposed to be a possibility of the girl but what if perhaps on this side the girl truly did exist and that the veil connected her in such a way. "Hmm, some interesting theories, from what I have experienced i would say that at least two that you mentioned would be correct. Gran Hexe Gehlaava would most likely be of help with the Veil being the cause of the problem. But from what i just experienced i would say that Professor Faust's theory may be close to the truth." Hearing that Lapalila was willing to help but in exchange wanted to study her was a bit worrying. She did not know exactly what the studying of her person would entail but being that Lapalila was still a witch she doubted that it would be anything but unpleasant. At the question of Honor a smile filled her face, "I will think about letting you study me, Though I would like to know what all that study would entail before I agree to it. As for Honor, I currently have three hundred and eleven honor."

**Mornings** · 2018-10-07, 08:34 PM (ISO 8601)

The Unsung King - Alicia Kelgore

In typical fashion, the Witch's expressions didn't betray whatever feelings or thoughts she might have had on the matter when Alicia responded. "Hm, I see. I had heard the rumors of the Hexen supposedly annihilating entire planes of life to fuel her own battle-lust, though I suppose that means those rumors are true, despite my doubts. It's quite surprising. That clearly shows just how much our understanding of magic is lacking. The most destruction we've seen has been from Havockers, and even that caused panic despite them not possessing any such magic even on the scale of the Un'Khlasta. Well, we will need to visit a broker first. I believe the current exchange rate is close to fifty-thousand charges per honor. You could really buy whatever you'd like in the city. You have enough potential value to acquire a new wand, clothes, books, tools and even a house or whatever else you have in mind. Attendants are servitors to a house, but they're employed via a paid contract. We can visit their quarters and acquire one. It's really just a matter of how much you'd like to spend, though with that much honor I would invest in learning some Talents. Specifically to mask and detect aptitude. Going by feel is well and good, but this is the modern age, you don't need to be traditional when you can get the exact numerical value a Witch is worth. Similarly, you will want to mask yours.... considering how low it is, in comparison to your honor. We're close to the same age, by mine is over three-times yours. You'll want to hide such a glaring weakness if possible. Talents potency is largely effected by your spell focus, but if you purchase a robe to hide from detection, or some other device, that is much more reliable. Just as a rule of thumb, an adult licensed Witch around the age of... eighty, will have close to eighty aptitude. The 'golden-rule' is to have at least 1 aptitude per year of age, more for health concerns than anything. Nobles, based on their honor are expected to typically have three times this. Meaning, the average noble you will be competing with should have around forty aptitude - though their spell focus will likely be less than yours, as you appear to have been rather trained in that regard."

"If you have anything particular in mind I can give you some suggestions. Wands also typically come in three base fashions, long range, short and mid. Sheaths for a short-range wand typically support close combat and things like that. Some types of magic aren't paired with different ranges unless custom made, but we don't really have time for that. As far as the study goes... I suppose for now, just notes of my observations will suffice. But don't misunderstand... If what you're saying is true, then my asking is simply a formality other won't afford you. You'll be captured, and probably end up in some lab. At the very least, I won't lock you in a cage and dissect you - if that's what you're worried about." Stella might have been considered a bit dull by the standards of Duvan, but Alicia was another matter. She understood the subtitles of an exchange between nobles. Despite the pleasant dialogue, and offer to consider her proposal - her offhanded remark wasn't a warning or friendly piece of advice, it was a threat. She didn't need to know what her study would entail, because Alicia didn't have a choice. Either she would accept Lapalila's offer of 'exclusive study'... Or the alternative. A not so exclusive solution. The offer was less about studying anything, and more about buying her silence. There was no guarantee that any of the dangerous rambling she had gone on about wouldn't make its way to the ears of the wrong people. This was the city of Duvan, and the word friend had a different meaning to the high-strung warring noble factions. It was a obligatory contract of mutual benefit, usually established more out of debt than any kind of moral investment. Perhaps she had forgotten that, but this was her not so delicate reminder. Beneath the surface, the dark of the city would have even made any drow pale when faced with the grim reality. While Alicia doubted that Lapalila would sell her out while she still had the girl indebted to her, it had been a clever riposte at a rival who had started to forget her place.

The ceasefire between them today, wouldn't last forever. Regardless of ones power, or honor or knowledge. It was the shrewd, cunning, conniving Witches who flourished in the game of crowns - and like it or not, as long as Alicia possessed the Aolthor Wand, she would have to play too.

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
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Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (89,600xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Hiding & Detecting Aptitude +200 (89,800xp)
⯎ Aptitude Growth +200 (90,000xp)
⯎ Noble Aptitude +200 (90,200xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Cards

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Spoiler: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son

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Name: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: -
Value: 0
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Limited
Fate: Soul
Grade: Gold
Detail: Once he was the destroyer. Once he was the savior. Once he was the teller of lies. Once he was the teller of truth. He was the exiled son. He had saved the multiverse twice the mount of times he had destroyed it, and been cursed three times more than he deserved. He had been made to live as an animal, and a devil, and been cast out from his home. Yet, despite all his shortcomings and faults, it was he who had risen above it all. Risen above the Houses. Risen above the Three Worlds and escaped the Garden. An accomplishment which no Child born beneath the Mothers had even done, but he had learned quickly that the world was a large place, and he himself amounted to nothing. Yet, he was not discouraged, for he had always been less than nothing. A blight, a curse. His sisters hated him, his House loathed him, and his Mother enjoyed watching him suffer and struggle. He had returned for his brothers, to leave with them and make their own way. He cared nothing for the threefold universe nor the lives of the insignificant insects which inhabited it. He had killed them all before, and he would do it again it if would aid his cause. He didn't want to be perfect. He wanted to be free.

✥ [Greater] Manifestation: Summon's the shadow of the Exiled Son at no cost. Nelrin'Fel will demand his own price, and if satisfied may assist the Witch, or Spite her. Regardless of the result the card is not expended upon use and returns to the bottom of the deck afterwards.
✥ [Potential] The Exiled Son (Passive): Any of Nelrin'Fel's Passive Potentials may be activated at his discretion when summoned. These abilities may be activated and disabled as a free action even while not his turn. The focus point cost of all the Witch's spells and cards is reduced by 4 (minimum 1). There is a 10% chance a spell or card successfully cast is activated again at no cost.
✥ [Potential] Earthbound Immortal (Passive): The first successful attack of each round effecting the Witch is negated, as long as the damage which would be sustained is less than 10 times her arcane aptitude.
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Spoiler: The Soul Eater's Crucible

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Name: The Soul Eater's Crucible
Potential: ✦✦⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: 28
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Support
Grade: Silver
Detail: A device forged in the Third World. It was a tomb. A prison. A gravestone for those who would not be allowed the grace of death. Within it the native fate of a soul would be bound to assume their place, then they would be cast into the Inverse. Forever sealed within that reflected world. That which remained was a horrid farce of those who had once been. In the hands of once who knew how to wield it, it could prove to be a powerful engine of arcane might. Those who originally fashion it, created the device with the intent of manufacturing faux universes and converting the life-energy into power to fuel their most abominable spells. Now, it was simply a ring, seemingly devoid of purpose.

✥ [Lesser] Soul Burial: As a standard action, Force one spirit within 40ft to attempt a Spell Focus check equal to 20 + the Witch's arcane aptitude. Upon failure the soul is sealed inside the Soul Eater's Crucible. The ring possesses no maximum capacity.
✥ [Potential] Create Life: As a full round action, create 1d100 lives within the Soul Eater's Crucible. These may be animals, humanoids, or any intelligent or non-intelligent life randomly determined by the ring. The card is not expended upon use of this ability and returns to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Potential] Consume Life I: By consuming 10d100 lives within the ring the wielder grants herself a permanent +1 bonus to one ability score. This requires 24 hours of uninterrupted concentration.
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Spoiler: The Master of the Conclave

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Name: The Master of the Conclave, Professor Gerald P. Faust
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Soul
Grade: Silver
Detail: In his early years, his eccentric and often madly delivered conclusions made many believe him without a shred of sanity. His theories far outpaced the current understandings of The Great Beyond and the cosmic forces which magic manipulated. Many years ago, his studies outlined the intricate functions of Psychic Magic and principles of Vanician design which had yet to become common knowledge during the publication of his ground-breaking book; 'The Anatomy of Magic'. Professor Faust was the pioneer of modern magic as it existed today on Golarion, and was thought to be the herald of a new era with the emergence of Offworlders and other far-flung worlds beyond. However, the man vanished after an experiment, leaving behind only books upon the studies he had previously pursued.

✥ [Lesser] Consult the Master: As a standard action, the Witch may pose a single question to Professor Faust, to which he might reply. Regardless of the result, the Witch spends 15 points of focus. There is a 50% chance the card is not expended upon use of this ability and returned to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Greater] Fabricate Key: As a full round action, the Witch may randomly generate a Calamity Key in their current world. This ability costs 30 focus points.
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Spoiler: Night For Day - Unidentified

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Spoiler: Tagar, Who Waits - Unidentified

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Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

**forg99rules** · 2018-10-08, 07:50 PM (ISO 8601)

She mulled over the words that Lapalila spoke. The exchange rate mentioned seemed interesting and she wondered exactly how far fifty thousand charges would get her if she was only to trade in one honor. Thinking on all the things that she wanted to get to prepare for the exam she figured that having excess funds would not hurt to much and its not like she did not have the Honor to spare anyways. She knew that she needed a new wand, sheath, clothes, books, tools, attendants and a house all of which could be bought with charges that she could get plenty of. The mention of Talents though interested her, she did not know exactly what sort of talents existed or what they could do but she would definitely want to invest in a few. If they relied heavily on her spell focus then she might be in luck with them as she had decent spell focus. Though hearing from Lapalila that she lacked in aptitude soured her mood a bit she wondered what ways she could increase her aptitude even more. If she was to be a noble witch then she would have to hide her aptitude from others else they would look down on her for the lack thereof.

Hearing that for now all Lapalila wanted was just to takes notes she didn't see the harm in that. She heard the underlying threat, if she did not allow Lapalila to study her then in all likeliness she would end up being snatched up by some other witch out there that would not be kind at all to her. Her mind cleared a bit as the realization that she had been forgetting what this world was like and how it functioned was reminded to her by the words that Lapalila spoke. She would again have to be on her toes and worry about others if she was to truly survive. Turning to look at the door she decided they had stayed here to long, "It does Appear that the Hexen did indeed destroy entire planes to fuel herself. Though now I will be able to Reap the benefits of those actions. As for the stuff I believe i will need a new wand, sheath, clothes, books, tools, attendants and a house. As for the kind of wand I think a long ranged one may best be suited to my abilities. I wouldn't mind also taking a look at what Talents are available as well and of course like you said I should hide my weakness so i believe something to cover that up would be needed as well. I also need an actual Servitor still to aid me as we both know that I will need as much help as I can get. You wouldn't happen to have any better suggestions than trying to get a crazed herald to willingly become one do you?" Making her way to the door she again thought about how Lapalila wanted to exclusively study her, she didn't see anyway that she could get away with denying the woman so she figured that it was best to get that out of the way. "As for the study, you do raise a good point. If others were to find out and decide to snatch me up then it would not end well. At least this way I know who it is that wants to study me and I will trust that it would not be an unpleasant study. So I will allow you the exclusive study that you wanted." She hoped that her trust in the woman was not wrongly placed and that she could help her in getting ready for the exam in time to pass it. Looking down at her clothes she felt that she should probably clean herself up a bit, deciding to try her hand at spellweaving again she attempts to cast a spell to clean her clothing.

Spoiler: OOC

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Know Abstract: (1d20+28)[46] or (1d20+28)[31] - On information about Talents and what i may know regarding them.
(1d20+28)[42] or (1d20+28)[35] - For how best to increase my Aptitude

Spellweave: IF i can take 10 i will for a 24, if not then heres the roll (1d20+14)[16] - Just cleaning my clothes with a spellweave

**Mornings** · 2018-10-08, 09:15 PM (ISO 8601)

The Unsung King - Alicia Kelgore

Alicia snapped out her wand drawing the familiar circle, carving a space into the air. A warm breeze billowed in, and this time, now understanding the concept of the threads, rather than reaching out she gestured with her free hand. The white threads of light contorted and twisted. "Acquiring a servitor is not a challenge. The difficulty lays in your unique circumstances." A puffy cloud of white mist sprung to life at her feet, it slowly rose up and as it passed the dirt and grime was whisked away. Afterward the little cloud dissipated without a sound. [Alicia | 1 Focus Spent]

The Spellweave seemed far easier to complete than her last attempt. It would take significant practice to improve, though ultimately it would never be her strong suite as a Veil Witch. "Currently you're as defenseless as a hapless child, and mildly more incompetent considering your position. You rely on others for even the most mundane of tasks, lack the knowledge to succeed, and barely possess enough insight to recognize your enemies. If you must rely on someone, better to rely on someone less apt to betray you and take everything you own. Simply having a servitor is pointless. You particularly need one both vastly knowledgeable in magic, and keen on the intricacies of noble intrigue within the city. Obviously, no one with both of these traits would voluntarily want to serve you... without some, incentives. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll have to attempt in finding multiple servitors to cover these roles - which is the last thing you want, as you will almost always be placed under some manner of constraint on the amount of servitors which may accompany you while in the academy. I recommend suffering the expense and purchasing the service of the best Attendant you can to cover matters of etiquette and the fine details of diplomacy. As for the other half of your issue... That might prove somewhat difficult. Ideally, you would want to find a commoner who can't afford the tuition fees and is looking to offer their service in exchange for a grant to attend classes. They would need to be exceptionally competent in magical study... As masterful in the arts, as you are ignorant. Furthermore, they would likely need to be... not from Duvan. The further the better. You don't want to employ a Witch wise to the politics of the city, looking to make an easy mark out of you. As you are, you'd be destroyed by the any number of aspiring nobles within a few days, let alone by a Witch who lives with you. All the better if she's never even set foot within the city before."

Lapalila begun making her way to the door, "Fortunately, all of the commoners too poor to afford classes are coming in droves. Some will test tomorrow if they can find a master today. We should head to the plaza first, and at least purchase a few things before we go to the academy proper. You should at least look impressive for all of the dimwitted peasants arriving." Alicia already possessed a small number of talents. These various techniques came in many different forms, Dueling Talents and Combat Talents were only a small example. Unlike spells, Talents represented very specific and unique practices, teachings and magical or martial techniques which allowed for unusual results or more refined methods of expending ones magical energy. Admittedly, Spellweaving was not exactly efficient as a casting method. A great deal of time, effort and energy was wasted by spontaneous casting. Talents were one method by which to make such things far more effective and cost efficient, often increasing speed, power, time, and event the potential result of the manifested effect itself. Collecting Talents and learning new ones was a worthwhile, albeit expensive, pursuit. Creating Talents was not an easy task, and each Talent was no minor accomplishment. Most Witches only learned around three Talents during their initial education, while nobles made great pains to continue acquiring further Talents throughout their time in the Academy. These techniques were often awarded in Cruxes or special rewards for the completion of various challenges and projects assigned while attending the academy. Purchasing Talents was well known to be exorbitantly costly, and most could not be found to be purchased conventionally at all.

Increasing ones aptitude was the greatest concern above all else for a Witch. Most nobles attended grueling lessons since early childhood to further develop and temper their arcane aptitude. Aptitude was a measure of status and raw magical power, to a noble, it was something worth displaying when greater than their peers, and hiding when not. Praise and shame were closely tied to one's aptitude, however, the same could not be said for the refined level of mental control which came with ones spell focus. The ability to concentrate one's mind and consciousness into willing energy to manifest as desired was not something which could be plainly seen. It was important, but not grandiose and gaudy, and so it took a far back seat compared to trained control. One was a vital nessesity of status, while the other was an individual means to outmaneuver the magics of others. Nobles through their weight around, with ungraceful, loud, powerful and grossly destructive displays of raw unadulterated, unrefined power. Simply crushing, or blasting commoners into pieces or submission was typically how nobles had combat. Similarly their duels were also very boar-headed, throwing magical bodies crashing into each other until only one was left standing - while more covert displays were seen as roguish and cowardly. Many nobles made it a habit to expend all of their focus until they were literally rent unconscious from the strain, simply to increase their aptitude over time. Using this ritual at the end of each day slowly built their stores of raw power, but little else. Many training courses and classes existed for aptitude strengthening. In Duvan culture, it might have been similar to weight lifting to improve ones 'magical physique'. Knights like Klane who relied upon their magical energy to sustain and support their bodies often appeared as 'hulking' magicians, with an absurd amount of magical mass from years and years of training. Even Alicia had to admit that their culture was all sorts of backwards. [Alicia | Knowledge - Success]

??th of Rova, Day? - Time: ?:?? am? / AR 4707
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Spoiler: Rewards | EXP

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֍ Stella XP +600 (90,800xp)
⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
⯎ Community Influence Gained
⯎ Cultural Values +200 (91,000xp)
⯎ Aptitude Strengthening +100 (91,100xp)
✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

SpellWeaving:
Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

Alicia HP: 22/22
Reputation: 25
Memory: 2
Spite: 0
Honor: 311

Spoiler: Cards

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Spoiler: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son

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Name: Nelrin'Fel, The Exiled Son
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: -
Value: 0
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Limited
Fate: Soul
Grade: Gold
Detail: Once he was the destroyer. Once he was the savior. Once he was the teller of lies. Once he was the teller of truth. He was the exiled son. He had saved the multiverse twice the mount of times he had destroyed it, and been cursed three times more than he deserved. He had been made to live as an animal, and a devil, and been cast out from his home. Yet, despite all his shortcomings and faults, it was he who had risen above it all. Risen above the Houses. Risen above the Three Worlds and escaped the Garden. An accomplishment which no Child born beneath the Mothers had even done, but he had learned quickly that the world was a large place, and he himself amounted to nothing. Yet, he was not discouraged, for he had always been less than nothing. A blight, a curse. His sisters hated him, his House loathed him, and his Mother enjoyed watching him suffer and struggle. He had returned for his brothers, to leave with them and make their own way. He cared nothing for the threefold universe nor the lives of the insignificant insects which inhabited it. He had killed them all before, and he would do it again it if would aid his cause. He didn't want to be perfect. He wanted to be free.

✥ [Greater] Manifestation: Summon's the shadow of the Exiled Son at no cost. Nelrin'Fel will demand his own price, and if satisfied may assist the Witch, or Spite her. Regardless of the result the card is not expended upon use and returns to the bottom of the deck afterwards.
✥ [Potential] The Exiled Son (Passive): Any of Nelrin'Fel's Passive Potentials may be activated at his discretion when summoned. These abilities may be activated and disabled as a free action even while not his turn. The focus point cost of all the Witch's spells and cards is reduced by 4 (minimum 1). There is a 10% chance a spell or card successfully cast is activated again at no cost.
✥ [Potential] Earthbound Immortal (Passive): The first successful attack of each round effecting the Witch is negated, as long as the damage which would be sustained is less than 10 times her arcane aptitude.
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Spoiler: The Soul Eater's Crucible

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Name: The Soul Eater's Crucible
Potential: ✦✦⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: 28
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Support
Grade: Silver
Detail: A device forged in the Third World. It was a tomb. A prison. A gravestone for those who would not be allowed the grace of death. Within it the native fate of a soul would be bound to assume their place, then they would be cast into the Inverse. Forever sealed within that reflected world. That which remained was a horrid farce of those who had once been. In the hands of once who knew how to wield it, it could prove to be a powerful engine of arcane might. Those who originally fashion it, created the device with the intent of manufacturing faux universes and converting the life-energy into power to fuel their most abominable spells. Now, it was simply a ring, seemingly devoid of purpose.

✥ [Lesser] Soul Burial: As a standard action, Force one spirit within 40ft to attempt a Spell Focus check equal to 20 + the Witch's arcane aptitude. Upon failure the soul is sealed inside the Soul Eater's Crucible. The ring possesses no maximum capacity.
✥ [Potential] Create Life: As a full round action, create 1d100 lives within the Soul Eater's Crucible. These may be animals, humanoids, or any intelligent or non-intelligent life randomly determined by the ring. The card is not expended upon use of this ability and returns to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Potential] Consume Life I: By consuming 10d100 lives within the ring the wielder grants herself a permanent +1 bonus to one ability score. This requires 24 hours of uninterrupted concentration.
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Spoiler: The Master of the Conclave

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Name: The Master of the Conclave, Professor Gerald P. Faust
Potential: ⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎⯎
Min. Aptitude: 22
Value: 12
Cost: Other
Activation: Standard
Duration: Other
Fate: Soul
Grade: Silver
Detail: In his early years, his eccentric and often madly delivered conclusions made many believe him without a shred of sanity. His theories far outpaced the current understandings of The Great Beyond and the cosmic forces which magic manipulated. Many years ago, his studies outlined the intricate functions of Psychic Magic and principles of Vanician design which had yet to become common knowledge during the publication of his ground-breaking book; 'The Anatomy of Magic'. Professor Faust was the pioneer of modern magic as it existed today on Golarion, and was thought to be the herald of a new era with the emergence of Offworlders and other far-flung worlds beyond. However, the man vanished after an experiment, leaving behind only books upon the studies he had previously pursued.

✥ [Lesser] Consult the Master: As a standard action, the Witch may pose a single question to Professor Faust, to which he might reply. Regardless of the result, the Witch spends 15 points of focus. There is a 50% chance the card is not expended upon use of this ability and returned to the bottom of the deck.
✥ [Greater] Fabricate Key: As a full round action, the Witch may randomly generate a Calamity Key in their current world. This ability costs 30 focus points.
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Spoiler: Night For Day - Unidentified

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Spoiler: Tagar, Who Waits - Unidentified

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Spoiler: The Reflected Alter

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Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.

Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind

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Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.

Spoiler: Potentials

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Spell Training I: Stability
As you have learned from surviving many failed casts, Spellweaving is a complex and difficult system of magic. You have frequently bit off more than you could chew and paid the consequences. There is a reason why structured Spellweaves exist, and why Witches learn them rather than free-casting liberally. The Weave was volatile and performing such a feat was something reserved for geniuses and Savants who understood the functions and quirks of their magic, to avoid being befouled by it. Yet, even knowing that you didn't want to be held back by memorized Weaves, free-casting was the realm of the Gran Hexe, and you dreamed of something far ahead of them. So while you might not have been able to often succeed in your efforts, you developed a method to at least keep yourself alive from those repeated failures so that you could one day master the art in time.

Benefit: Your hit points increase by 6 due to the numerous weave backlashes and failed casts you have survived. The DC of Spellweaves you attempt to cast with a spell level greater than your own character level are reduced by 4. Upon a Spellweaving failure reduce the final Failure Result by 4. Additionally your arcane aptitude increases by 1.

Spoiler: B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra

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B'Bhai Duucald: Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra
The Nl'Gnos In'Flamgra was sometimes referred to as the 'nether flame', a powerful combat talent which fell into disuse after the purge of Havockers and Evocation-focused Witches. While it itself was considered an extremely basic and fundamental combat talent for nobles during the height of Evocation, it has now become little more than a small fragment of informative study while it's practice has gone almost extinct. Due to its destructive power, it cannot be used in a duel. Witches who have reclaimed its practice are often subject to suspicion and mistrust, out of a conditioned fear of the magic's Havocker origins.

Benefit: By spending a move action while wielding her wand the Witch may summon the Nl'Gnos, which appears as a circling crimson halo of fire. As a standard action she may make a ranged touch attack dealing 1d6 points of fire damage against a target within 120ft. The Witch adds half her arcane aptitude as a bonus to her attack and damage rolls. Alternatively, the Witch may choose to create the Nl'Gnos without the wand as a standard action. Using the talent in this way is far less potent and gains no bonuses from her aptitude while dealing 1d4 points of fire damage per two hit die she possesses. While this talent may be used while the Witch's focus pool is depleted, if she possesses focus it is reduced by 1 with each use.

Spoiler: Spellweaving

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Spoiler: Veilweaver

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Veilwitch Path Advancement: Veilweaver
Darkness. Depravity. The Eternal Black. These were the words of the Veil Witch. Sinister and unrelenting, nothing was sacred, nor would the feeble powers of their kin enough to slake their thirst for true and undiluted power. It was the simple nature of such things to destroy those who pursued it, and indeed, most were. Those who remained stood wholly committed to unearth the abyssal powers of the beyond, fearing no death nor eternity which waited to greet them. For they were damned by an unconquerable desire. Each manifestation of magic slowly corrupted them, changing them and steeping them further into the dark. The further they delved the more their minds were unhinged and removed from the realm of mortals, made mad by the knowing of forbidden secrets. A process known as the Blackening. Veil Witches could bend the Weave, but were far less potent than their kin. Rather, they sowed Veils; constructs of eldritch energies knitted together from countless threads. They could be abhorrent anomalies, physical fabrications, or even Diverged paths of reality. Secrets were precious, and knowledge - sacred, but to those who delved deep into the darkness awaited... Revelation.

Benefit: Returner Path Advances to Veilwitch.

Your intelligence & wisdom increases by 4. The base DC of the Veilwitch's Spellweaves is 15 and her caster level while casting a Spellweave is considered 2 lower (minimum 1). The amount of Spellweaves which a Veilwitch may learn is extremely limited. The maximum amount of Spellweaves she may learn is 1d4 per hit dice she possesses. When learning a new Spellweave, she may choose to replace an existing one. The Veilwitch gains the ability to cast Veilweaves, unique constructs of otherworldly magic. Each Veil possesses unique qualities, however most cannot be directly used by the Witch nor other creatures. A Veil can be sentient, but cannot activate its own abilities without the Witch's command, a swift action. A Veil may be wielded by otherworldly entities such as Greater Spirits, but only with the Veilwitch's consent. Veils persist indefinitely until destroyed or dismissed, but the number which may exist at any given point may not exist her Arcane Aptitude. Veil's which require certain conditions to persist can only be maintained by the Witch who created it, or an entity allowed to wield it. The Witch may learn any number of Veilweaves, in addition each time she casts a spell or Spellweave there is a 15% chance a Veil is created. These spontaneous Veils will hold similar properties to the magic which created, while other features may be randomly determined. Spontaneous Veils cannot be learned as Veilweaves, but are unique constructs formed from her magic.

The Veilwitch begins with the following Veils:
⛤ Domain of Black
⛤ The Black Veil, Renor'vet

Spoiler: The Deck of Terminating Prescience: Introduction

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The Deck is a powerful weapon designed to combat the corruption of the original cursed book which creation is now bound to. Employing the deck requires careful decision making and strategy to build an effective deck which caters towards the Witch's strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVATION

Activating the Deck is a Standard Action. The Deck remains active for 1d10 rounds before vanishing. The duration the Deck remains active increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses.

CARDS

Once a card has been identified it's features are revealed. An individual card cannot be used until it has been assigned to a Deck. A minimum of 2 cards are required to create a deck. Each card follows the the format of features below. These features are unique to each card and may change even if multiples of the same card are owned. Unique functions such as Potential, Duration, Activation and Detail may be different between the copies of cards, giving new or unique functions to your familiar favorites.

If a Witch is intentionally granted a card it is received already identified, while other cards are automatically identified if their Value is equal to or below the Witch's Arcane Aptitude. Unidentified cards must be identified via a Knowledge (Forbidden) check while within a Circle of Black; this check has no chance of success outside of such a zone and requires 10 minutes to complete. The information each card provides will vary based on the type of card which has been received. Further information is gained for every 5 points which the Witch's check exceeds the DC. This additional information is only available for cards which she has identified herself. She may choose to re-identify an identified card without any penalty, however she may only attempt this once per card.

Categories marked as 'other' provide exceptions to the standard options and are typically massively powerful fates which should be used with reservation. Each card's effect persists after activation for a period of time listed under 'Duration'. The effect may be instant and then expire, last indefinitely, or last for a finite period. The exact time a limited duration fate stays in effect is usually only discovered within its hidden details.

Each time a card is activated the associated Cost must be paid, which is removed from her Focus Pool (a sum of points equal to her Arcane Aptitude). If the activation of a Card would reduce the Witch's Focus to 0 or lower, the Witch is instantly slain.

Name: Card Name
Potential: Certain fates can be empowered if the Witch meets certain conditions before use.
Min. Aptitude: Minimum AA (Arcane Aptitude) required to use the card
Value: The number of Deck Points the card occupies
Cost: The amount of AA required to activate the card
Activation: Standard, Move, Swift, Immediate, Free, Other
Duration: Instant, Permanent, Limited
Fate: Soul, Support, Event, Other
Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Other
Detail: A summery of identified functions that card will perform. Some functions may be hidden or obscure.

DECKS

Managing Decks is a critical role for the Witch, as is building multiple Decks. For every 15 points of Arcane Aptitude the Witch possesses, she may create an additional Deck. Once each day after receiving the benefit of 8 hours of rest the Witch may assign the cards associated with each Deck. A single card may only be assigned to a specific deck once. Each Deck the Witch owns possesses a limited number of Deck Points (DP) which dictate the size of her Deck. The Witch's first Deck is typically her largest and possesses a number of Deck Points equal to 4 + her Arcane Aptitude. Each subsequent Deck has less points than the last, with her second Deck having half the number of points as her first, and her third having half the value of her second, and so on. Each time she expends cards there is a chance she earns additional DP which she may spend between her Decks to increase their individual sizes (eg: If the Witch earns 4 points she may assign 2 points to Deck 1, and 2 points to Deck 2, etc.) The maximum Deck Points which a Witch may invest within a single Deck cannot exceed three times her Arcane Aptitude.

Additionally, the Witch may swap decks as a full round action, but may not do so again for 1d8 hours.

DRAWING

Once the Witch has activated her Deck, a maximum of 4 hidden cards are randomly pulled from her Deck. The Witch may choose to draw one as a swift action, discarding the rest. Discarded cards are returned to her Deck, but any cards revealed among them are suspended for 1 round. Each round a new spread of cards is generated as a free action. The Witch may choose to reveal a hidden card by paying a cost associated with its grade; 1 point for bronze, 2 for silver, 3 for gold, and 5 for Other Rarity. This choice is a non-action which may be performed any number of times.

THE HAND

The Witch's Hand represents the maximum amount of power which she can maintain at once. The cards within her Hand may be paid for and activated at the Witch's discretion. There is no limitation to how many cards may be activated each round, as long as she has enough actions to complete each card's activation. Activating a card functions similarly to casting a spell, and provokes attack, however the card is not wasted should the Witch fail her concentration check. The Witch's initial maximum hand size is 3 cards. The number of cards she may add to her hand increases by 1 for every 10 points of Arcane Aptitude she possesses. If she ends a round with a number of cards in her hand in excess of her limit, she must discard cards until she has reached her maximum hand size.

Spoiler: Dueling Wand Training I

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Dueling Wand Training I
One truth stood above all others; the weak were ruled by the strong. The Witches of the Three Worlds established their superiority via an ancient tradition known as 'B'Bhai Dol'fhaal', a form of ritual combat. Overseen by supreme beings and bound by an age-old system of honor, it formed the corner stone of magical society. Claims were laid, power taken, great wagers were placed and political wheels turned with each battle fought. Wands were passed down from mother to daughter, containing the acquired honor of generations past and greater heights achieved - while others were thrown down into crushing defeat.

Benefit: The Witch gains proficiency with Dueling Wands, and her intelligence and wisdom ability scores increase by 6. Additionally, the Witch is considered to have one additional HD more than they possess for all effects other than determining their hit points, while gaining the following abilities which may only be used while in Ritual Combat.

⛤ B'Bhai Dol'fhaal, Ritual Combat (Dueling Circle)
The Witch may challenge and receive challenges from other Witches with this ability. Upon a challenge being issued, both Witches must cross wands, thereby creating a 'Dueling Circle' whose size is determined by the challenger. The Circle is created at a size equal to 25ft/HD the challenger possesses. A Witch may attempt to resist crossing wands with a challenger by succeeding a DC 20 will save, but may be penalized. While a B'Bhai Dol'fhaal is initiated, neither Witch may be influenced by conventional outside influences, and will cease taking damage or even drowning depending on their environmental circumstances. Once the Circle has manifest the Witness, who servers as mediator and referee, will oversee the match and establish any rules and wagers. Regardless of additional wagers placed, the victor will take a pre-determined amount of Honor from the loser. Both participants may demand a wager, which both must agree to, and may be anything which the participant can provide or relinquish - with or without aid. Additional rules may be added by the Witness or requested by either participant. Rules requested must be agreed upon by both participants. Participants may request a ruling or ask questions of the Witness at any time, before, during or after the Duel. Upon conclusion of the duel wagers and honor are awarded. A Witch may not decline a challenge unless she possesses 100 points or more Honor than her challenger, in which case she may provide her justification to the Witness who will determine if the Duel will be voided. Any challenger who wishes to issue a duel to a Witch who possesses 200 points of Honor or higher must bring with her a number of endorsing Witches whose total combined Honor is within 50 points of her desired combatant. Damage dealt within the Circle is nonlethal, however a participant may still be slain from excess nonlethal damage as normal. Non-magical attacks are always prohibited unless ruled otherwise by the Witness. All forms of attack, other than spells and similar abilities, are considered a special form of attack known as a 'Dueling Thrust' and require a minimum of a standard action to complete. A duel is won when the Witch performs an 'Alaffa'elvriel', a special disarm, or when the combatant is no longer conscious.

⛤ Acem'bol (Dueling parry)
The standard and iconic parry performed by dueling Witches. A Witch may perform the Acem'bol against a Dueling Thrust or any qualifying offensive action by succeeding a Spell Focus check. The opposed check must meet or exceed the Dueling Thrust's attack roll. Upon success the attack is negated. A Witch may perform this action once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. A parry only defends against a single damage source, but must be performed multiple times if a single thrust produces multiple missiles or similar harmful effects.

⛤ Tsaaf'bol (Dueling thrust I)
The classic and most rudimentary of Dueling Thrusts, used to soften up an enemy and prepare to deliver the finishing blow. As a standard action the Witch delivers a blast from their wand, a ranged touch attack. This small magical blast holds a range of 10ft/HD the Witch possesses and uses her highest mental stat when determining its attack and damage bonus. Upon striking an enemy the missile deals 1d4 points of damage in addition to the ability modifier of her primary mental ability score. The target suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks and saves which persist until the duel concludes.

⛤ Alaffa'elvriel (Arcane disarm)
Victory with peerless grace. The Alaffa'elvriel is the ultimate and unquestionable mode of victory within an arcane duel. Any spell, supernatural ability, Spell-like ability, hex or form of non-Vancian manner of casting (to include maneuvers, spheres, spellweaving, veils, veilweaving, ascension abilities or similar) regardless of target or effect may prompt an Alaffa'elvriel. Any ability or effect which is not classified as a 'Dueling thrust' will typically be a valid action which may prompt an Arcane Disarm. A disarm may be attempted once per round, and any number of additional times by spending a number of focus points equal to the HD of her opponent as a free action, even if it is not her turn. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check versus the effect equal to the DC or attack roll of the effect; if the triggering effect has neither than the check is equal to the opponents arcane aptitude. Upon success the duel immediately ends.

⛤ Quatekal'baalta (Mystic Ward)
Duels between Witches were far from arcane slugfests and brutish mystic blasts. Spells and formal magic were dangerous things, only to be employed at the perfect time. It was a battle of wits and preparation, and no preparation was more vital than the Quatekal'baalta. Hovering shields of energy, they served to block attempts at disarming an opponent - but tended to leave one vulnerable to direct attack in the process. Mystic Wards are the primary defense required to attempt to cast a spell or similar effect in relative safety from an Arcane Disarm attempt. To create and employ a Ward a number of prerequisites must exist. The Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check equal to 10 + her aptitude to form a shield. Furthermore, the witch must possess an individual servitor or similar for each individual shield, and she may not possess a number of created Wards in excess of her own HD. Once a shield has been created the opposing Witch must succeed a Spell Focus check with a DC equal to that which was made to create it. Regardless of success or failure the Ward is expended after use. Regardless of the number, standard Wards do not stack against an individual disarm attempt (ie; only a single Ward can be used against a single disarm attempt). This ability functions as a Veil.

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