Blackvein Cycle (Rastillions Majorus)

Steel Realms

The Blackvein Cycle is a collection of scrolls bound into a book. The book speaks of a summoning ritual in which a “shadow from beyond” is summoned and inhabits the summoners body. There are auguries and questions – each ‘scroll’ records a separate possession of the shadowy figure to gain knowledge. The veins of the ritualist darken with each – hence giving the book its name.

Part of Rastillions Diabolique, the Vile Majorus set of works.

SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE: Reference works and basic exposure alone may only provide the foundation for gaining a [mechanics based] advantage. To reflect the practice and experience to gain that benefit consistently, typically requires a cost in Character Points.

Chronicle of Blackvein Cycle

Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore

Knowledge is broken down by ease of discovery/accessibility. If nothing is indicated, assume it is Pervasive.

Pervasive Knowledge / Very Easy Difficulty

A core ritual is the “Door of Shadows” – this opens a portal from which the shadowy entity comes forth.

Scarce Knowledge / Hard Difficulty

There is a final ritual to acheive a bond with the shadow permanently. This uses the “Door of Shadows” to summon The Dark Man. A voice will speak – “The man of the dark cometh. Ask ye the questions, ere he steps from this door” and the summoner must ask augury like questions (simple Yes/No answers) about The Dark Man as he gets closer and coalesces. Once his properties are known as much as can be, there is a battle of wills. The Dark Man will take Essence in a battle.

Rare Knowledge / Very Hard Difficulty

Warning
Obscure/Hidden Knowledge is not generally available in known references; It is not necessarily Forbidden.
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT unless a character has the capability to gain such knowledge [through association, organization, or relation] if they do not possess it themselves or the reader intends to participate in scenarios using this material as a PLAYER! GM Narration will typically provide relevant information by check or story.

Realm's Aptitude Powers: Divine, Occult, and Psychic