The Oceansong

Effect

The Oceansong places the Ere-Hud of Ys upon its targets, binding them with the conditions of the original curse. In practical effect, this transforms the listener into a The Marie-Morgaine of Ys, a type of mermaid. The subjects legs merge into a brightly coloured fish-like tail and fins, consisting of a caudal fin and in rare cases, additional pelvic and dorsal fins. The subject grows webbing between their finger and occasionally claws, as well as ear-fins. The result is always female, regardless of the subject's original gender. The subjects proportions, facial features, hair, breasts and voice, including internal voice, are altered accordingly. The new Marie-Morgaine is now subjected to several restrictions, usually in the form of a poem or song. The general terms are as follows, with an explanation for each term: That she remain forever bound to Ys, never again to walk on dry land, desired, yet never again to feel the loving touch of Man. Remain Forever - A Marie-Morgaine is functionally immortal, unaffected by time. They can still be killed with disease or violence, but they are unaffected by aging. Ys itself operates in a pocket of Faerie-time. Bound to Ys - Initially meant to contain her, Ahes has altered this to instead mean loyal to Ys, unable to serve another master. Never again to walk on dry land - While the vast majority of Marie-Morgaine are simply forced to remain in water (they can survive on land for short times and breath air, but must be wet. Drying out will kill them after a time. Some powerful spellcasters, such as Ahes herself, can actually transform their tails into feet and walk on land for extended, but not indefinite times. However, they leave behind puddles of water beneath their bare feet, a small cushion of water preventing them from actually stepping on dry land. Desired - Originally meant to drive Ahes deeper into despair by making her desired, yet unattainable, unable to satisfy her physical and emotional needs, all Marie-Morgaine develop similar attributes of conventional beauty. Never again to feel the loving touch of man - The final part of the geas holds several meanings, preventing the Marie-Morgaine from interacting romantically. This applies both to men and humankind in general, thus altering those under the ere-hudinto female Marie-Morgaine, therefore skirting both interpretations. This operates as a defense mechanism, preventing the calamitous consequences of breaking the ere-hudby rendering the act physically impossible to complete..

Side/Secondary Effects

Magik - As Marie-Morgaine, subjects become magikal creatures of Faerie, thus gaining greater access to the magical world, including the ability to cast Name Magik if they choose to learn it. Marie-Morgaine Magik is reliant on song to cast, including the Oceansong itself, their most powerful spell. Marie-Morgaine have a magical aura in Faerie and are unaffected by Faerie-time. Telepathy - Marie-Morgaine gain the ability to telepathically communicate with each other and project their voice to others. Their telepathic voice matches their physical one, regardless of what they originally sounded like. Iron - As Fae, Marie-Morgaine gain a severe allergy to Cold Iron, which inflicts great pain on them and cuts off their access to Magik. In large amounts, it is fatal Glamour - Marie-Morgaine gain a small, but persistent, glamour which carries over into their songs and appearance. Secondary Traits - Changes to hair length, hair and eye colour, breast size and facial features is common. Scars and blemishes often fade or vanish

Manifestation

The Oceansong must be sung aloud and heard by the listener and is described as an enchantingly beautiful melody, unlike any sound before it. The musical style of the caster greatly alters the specifics, be they a mournful dirge, a welcoming and upbeat call and response or an heart-stirring ballad. A light-component is also experienced, described as golden light, faerie-fire or bio-luminescence, all enveloping and caressing the subject. The spell is described as very intimate and personal, almost pleasurable and comforting by those affected by it.

Source

The Oceansong is pulled from the city of Ys-Beneath-the-Waves and the life-energy charging the leylines through it, drawing strength from all the Marie-Morgaine and the internal love and magik of the caster.

Discovery

The Geas of Ys was placed on its Princess, Ahes Dahut when the city was destroyed, condemning her to a life of lonely isolation as punishment for the cataclysm. However, as she gained a better understanding of Magik and her connection to her prison grew stronger, she began to manipulate the terms of the Geas to alter its effect, since it could not be lifted or dispelled. The Oceansong has changed as the population grew, the spell itself becoming stronger and with more casting options and control.

Material Components

Only the voice of the caster is required, but instrumental accompaniment has become a popular casting channel for some.

Gestures & Ritual

he casting of the Oceansong is a form of Namemagik, and the True Name of the subject is crucial to its success. The Caster must sing the subject's name, weaving in the Geas into it as the song progresses, subtly changing its meaning. Many casters will mix in "empty" stanzas into the song to make it flow better. The Oceansong is often the conclusion of a complex cultural ritual called "The Courtship"

Related Discipline

Namemagik

Related School

Ere-Hud

Related Element

Song, Water

Effect Duration

Forever. the Ere-Hud cannot be removed or reversed.

Effect Casting Time

Varies by caster. Can range from a short incantation to hour long Gwerz (ballads), depending on the preference of the singer.

Range

Hearing Range. The listener must be able to heal and understand (at least the sounds if not the meaning) the Oceansong.

Level

A true Oceansong is a complicated and immensely powerful spell. While all have the ability to learn it, casters are less common. Many replicate the effects by exploiting a loophole in the Ere-hud, but this is equally likely to drown the subject

Applied Restriction

The listener must be able to hear and understand the Oceansong (sounds, not meanings) and listen for the duration. If interrupted, whatever changes occurred will begin to reverse over time. Recasting requires an entirely new attempt to be made from the beginning. Oceansong is draining, and cannot be cast in succession without significant rest. The Marie-Morgaine view Oceansong as sacred and often tie its use to the Courtship, limiting its use. This is more of a cultural value than a physical barrier to casting though, and more informal, spur of the moment uses are not unheard of. The Marie-Morgaine have gotten good at interpreting the letter of the law, and are skilled at manipulating meanings.