Rites & Rituals

In order to pay the tithe of souls that Venice demands, many Giovanni Necromancers previously bound wraiths to a set of objects and sent these to the Mausoleum. However, as the demands of the Elders become greater, some Necromancers have sought to find a more effective way of transporting greater numbers of wraiths in one shipment. The Tempest Prison was their solution.

The Necromancer first obtains a large, glass container (such as a gallon glass jug) and takes it to a graveyard. She then buries the sealed jar in the earth above a grave of someone that died prematurely, or by violence, or in some fashion that meant they stood a good chance of creating a wraith upon their demise (which may require a bit of research prior to casting). The Necromancer then laces the ground with blood as she chants, calling forth the power of the storm that rages deep within the lands of the dead.

System

Upon completion of the rite, the ground shudders for a moment to indicate its success. Digging up the glass container, it is now full of a swirling purple and black mist, in which can be seen occasional flecks of light, like miniature lighting. When the Necromancer opens the bottle, any wraith in line of sight of the container

must make a Strength test (using their Strength stat as it is when in the Shadowlands) against a Difficulty of 6 plus the number of successes gained upon on the casting of the Ritual. This test is repeated each round until the wraith is out of sight of the container, or they fail and are sucked immediately into the vortex (which does not leave the container).

The Tempest Prison can hold a number of wraiths equal to five times the number of successes rolled in its activation. It also lasts for a number of nights equal to five times successes rolled, after which time, the vortex subsides and the wraiths are released. This may also be

ended prematurely by simply smashing the container (which may lead to suddenly dealing with a storm of angry wraiths).

The Tempest Prison does not necessarily need to be wielded by a Necromancer after it has been created. It requires a Necromancer to create it, but not to use it. Indeed, many Giovanni who are called upon to rid an area of ghostly interference lend their employers such a container to collect the troublesome ghosts. They then “dispose” of the ghosts elsewhere. In these cases, both sides of the deal get what they want.

It is the purpose of the Inconnu to escape the Curse of Caine through attaining a mystic state of enlightenment known as Golconda, serving primarily to transmute themselves rather than to affect others. Golconda is a very personal goal, and each path is unique. These scholars may not agree on the way to achieve it, or even on what it will mean if they do, but they work together in the desperate hope that salvation is still possible for those willing to sacrifice everything — even themselves.

The Inconnu are an ancient group whose culture has shifted and changed with the evolution of spiritual

philosophy in mortal society. The oldest among them stand by their religious beliefs, while those of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution practice more scientific methods. Younger Inconnu may focus on technology or modern viewpoints, even considering the possibility of spiritual possession to explain the so-called Curse of Caine.

There are several dominant philosophies among the Inconnu. The oldest ideology contends that even as Caine was cursed by God, so salvation must be achieved through ultimate faith. The Seekers are those members of the Inconnu who struggle to achieve Golconda through faith and mysticism, advocating a spiritual enlightenment. They believe that one achieves Golconda through faithful dedication to one’s humanity, continued penance for wrongdoing, and a material transubstantiation of the soul.

A newer branch of belief call themselves Purifiers, in reference to scientific purification of the body. The Purifiers believe that one must study the curse as a disease, using modern technology and logical research. These Inconnu study vampiric anatomy and biology rather than seeking a spiritual answer. Purifiers seek to pick apart

The name of the path is Golconda And those who seek it with a true heart may yet gain salvation,

Though they walk in the night like demons

And bear the curses of a thousand angels.