It starts as a dream.
When a Pthumerian believes a Sleeper is ready for the trials and willing to help them advance the power of their blood, they will come to them in dreams. Dreams that will haunt them with sometimes dire prophetic nature, and that will only keep getting worse the longer the Sleeper tries to resist. The nature of the dreams is to both lead them into understanding what is being asked of them, and to help them understand their own nature and goals. Palebloods will find these dreams particularly vivid, and their blood might pull others into those dreams in reverse-dreamwalking. Sleepwalking during these isn't uncommon, and Sleepers might find themselves waking up in very precarious places in the weeks it can take.
Gradually, as they begin to accept the dreams, they will find knowledge of the ritual required comes to them as if it had always been there.
However, it is possible for a Sleeper to
not be singled out and given the dreams if power is something they seek. Records of the ritual can also be found in the tunnels or other places where rare pieces of forgotten lore might be, though it is warned the chances of retribution and punishment are much higher.
A wide open space is needed for performing the ritual, and depending on the Pthumerian might need to be undertaken outdoors or under the full moon. It is recommended to bring friends or bodyguards as the ritual is
dangerous and takes time, drawing in Beasts and other monsters from sometimes a great distance in waves. The person undergoing it will not be able to fight or risk it failing, so having protection is necessary. The components, much like for Blood Bonds, are simple:
- ceramic bowl or container that can function as a firepit
- a ceremonial antler dagger or other form of blade
- powdered incense
- an offering for the Pthumerian of choice*
- an object of importance**
The bowl that will be fashioned into a ceremonial firepit should be left out overnight in the moonlight for at least a week before the ritual is to take place. Each night, the individual will need to prick their finger and let a single drop of their blood begin to temper it.
The night the ritual takes place, they will need to draw a sigil on the ground in their own blood, the pattern of which they will know either from the dreams or having studied records (though the latter runs the risk of being wrong). This will serve to both protect them from outside harm, and summon the Pthumerian. They will make a fire in the bowl, adding first the incense, then the offering and their object of importance. Finally, they will cut their palm with the dagger and allow some of their own freshly spilled blood to fall into the flame. They will know they have done everything correctly if the flame suddenly changes color, the exact color of which depends on the Sleeper and Pthumerian involved. The Pthumerian is summoned before them, usually as a vision but some might prefer to be in the flesh, and the ritual begins in earnest.
What each Sleeper will experience will vary wildly from this point. They might be asked a series of riddles, questioned on their motives and heart, given dream trials that they must overcome to prove themselves-- whatever the "test' they are given, it is one that reflects both the often-capricious quality of the Pthumerian giving it and what will best address the nature of the person and what they struggle with. They are merciless and will go after the weaknesses and inadequacies a Sleeper might struggle with and force them to confront them. Successfully proving their emotional strength and readiness will mean being rewarded with a relic made from their own blood, but failing or refusing to address and overcome their weaknesses... risks punishment. They could find their arms suddenly slashed open as they begin rapidly bleeding out, feeding the ritual itself, or plunged into endless nightmares. The protective ward will be destroyed as well, and Beasts will be drawn in by the scent of blood and power.
It is recommended that one not be alone for the ritual, both because of the possibility of it backfiring or Beasts being drawn in, and to give moral support through the trials.
* Roses for The Doorway, lunar flowers for Moon Presence, a raven feather for The Tower, etc. Adding additional items of power from Pthumerians can effect the relic as well, such as
Moon Drops...
** Symbolic. The choice should be something that reflects not just something important to a Sleeper, but
the thing the power they're asking for is key to. If they're getting a weapon that protects others, their object of importance should reflect those they want to protect. It could be a photograph, a child's lock of hair, a keepsake or memento, belonging of a loved one, etc. It's the first step in the Sleeper understanding themselves and if they get it wrong, they could be punished. It doesn't have to be literal, just representative of the Sleeper's feelings. If they're a rotten bastard who lives for revenge, it might be something that represents what they hate the most. Simply put, it reflects a Sleeper's drive.
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