Vexations are a form of magic curse or negative Pattern that covers an area. The area gains a type of sentience – aware of the thoughts and actions within it, and capable of bringing down the power of the vexation upon those within it.
The Ritual to enact it is accomplished with multiple participants through a ceremony in which some form of life force ( Essence, Anima, and/or Health) is permanently sacrificed by all those participating. Because of its permanent sacrifice of life force, Vexation is considered by most to be a Forbidden/Taboo Ritual.
Nature itself will seemingly turn consciously inimical and attempt to slow or stop those seeking to alter or travel through such protected areas. A vexation is typically subtle, and its effects do not immediately trigger for everyone. Casual passage through an area, innocent actions without guile or malevolence that might normally trigger will probably not. When activated, it typically afflicts transgressors with painful, comical, or just strange effects – perhaps even killing them if their intent is malevolent.
Specific Knowledge: Lore: Vexation is a narrow field of study; It can add to the ability to sense, detect, and counter Vexations.
Vexations are rated in their power as Simple, Significant, and Exceptional. Exceptional are the longest lasting, most resistant to removal, and most devastating of the possible effects.
Anima is poured into the Vexation to empower certain negative Pattern effects. Each negative effect is known as a Crossing.
Vexation typically has an anchor. The anchor point is the focus of the vexation, where the ritual was performed and its effects radiate out from. It allows those who set the vexation to sense those nearby, and serves as a warning to those entering its area of effect. Destroying the anchor will not necessarily end the vexation, but it cannot project a sense of those nearby to the participants of the Vexation Ritual. A Vexation’s Anchor itself can be detected using any normal capabilities that detect or discern magic or curses.
Examples of Vexation Anchors: A Faerie Ring is one possible signifier of the anchor point of a Vexation. A poppet talisman can also be used as an anchor point.
The presence of the Vexations in an area, trigger, or those under its effects of a vexation cannot be detected using a simple discern/detection of magic. Its presence can be detected using the Rituals of Knowing, or anything that detects or reveals a curse.
Countering on Individuals: Any power of effect that removes curses will allow the target a new check to avoid its effects, once they take hold. Regardless, if three of these attempts using the same power are made, the vexation presence will be removed from the character.