Curses and Hexes
Curses and hexes sound like they would be all bad, but it is not entirely so. This type of magic can be both used to call something pleasant and unpleasant, but it is always manipulation with someone/something against its will. As with any low grade magic this one requires ritualistic preparation and a totem made out of a Focus item or items.
The most commonly known hexes are bad for bad luck, for sour milk with cows, for bad crops, to lure or bind a monster to a place, or influencing love affairs.
The item used for the totem is called a Focus. Focus can be of three grades:
Distant Focus: to the target of a hex or curse is an item that briefly shared the presence (for a few weeks) and parted again. Such a focus increases the target number of the cast by 2. Normal Focus is an object of normal daily use that is in possession or vicinity of the target of a hex or curse. Such a focus keeps the basic Target number of the cast the same.
Normal Focus is an object of normal daily use that is in possession or vincity of the item or person in search. Such a focus keeps the basic Target number of the cast the same. A willing living being with relation to the object or person in search can be used as Normal Focus as well.
Close Focus is an object that has large relation to the object or person in search. It can be someone's favorite trinket or jewel, someone's sword, or perhaps actual shard of the searched item. Such a focus decreases the Target number by 2. A willing living being with personal inclination towards the object or person in search, for example someone in love, can be used as a Close Focus as well.
When a totem is successfully created it needs to be placed by the target. It can be concealed, but it needs to be placed in character taking risks. This means, it needs to be roleplayed out, and it needs to be represented in character. When planted, the last step remains, you may either directly inform the player of the fact they are under influence, or if you are worried of metagaming, you can go through an admin. You should describe what the totem looks like, how is it hidden (means that smart use of environment and concealment is a benefit) and what effects are intended. Do not forget that in some cases of failure the effect will be reverse.
If you are trying to lure a monster through a totem, always inform an admin.
The most commonly known hexes are bad for bad luck, for sour milk with cows, for bad crops, to lure or bind a monster to a place, or influencing love affairs.
The item used for the totem is called a Focus. Focus can be of three grades:
Distant Focus: to the target of a hex or curse is an item that briefly shared the presence (for a few weeks) and parted again. Such a focus increases the target number of the cast by 2. Normal Focus is an object of normal daily use that is in possession or vicinity of the target of a hex or curse. Such a focus keeps the basic Target number of the cast the same.
Normal Focus is an object of normal daily use that is in possession or vincity of the item or person in search. Such a focus keeps the basic Target number of the cast the same. A willing living being with relation to the object or person in search can be used as Normal Focus as well.
Close Focus is an object that has large relation to the object or person in search. It can be someone's favorite trinket or jewel, someone's sword, or perhaps actual shard of the searched item. Such a focus decreases the Target number by 2. A willing living being with personal inclination towards the object or person in search, for example someone in love, can be used as a Close Focus as well.
When a totem is successfully created it needs to be placed by the target. It can be concealed, but it needs to be placed in character taking risks. This means, it needs to be roleplayed out, and it needs to be represented in character. When planted, the last step remains, you may either directly inform the player of the fact they are under influence, or if you are worried of metagaming, you can go through an admin. You should describe what the totem looks like, how is it hidden (means that smart use of environment and concealment is a benefit) and what effects are intended. Do not forget that in some cases of failure the effect will be reverse.
If you are trying to lure a monster through a totem, always inform an admin.