The Rite of Severance

The Rite of Severance is an illegal and highly dangerous ritual used to remove the Shackles and free an Indent from the Empire's control. Conducted by rogue sorcerers, rebels, or black market practitioners, the ritual requires immense skill and carries significant risks for both the practitioner and the Indent.

Ritual Components

Arcane Focus

A specialized focus, often a rare enchanted crystal or artifact, is required to disrupt the magical connection between the shackle and the Indent’s soul.

Ritual Circle

The practitioner inscribes a complex magical circle with arcane sigils designed to counteract the specific runes of the shackle. These sigils must be drawn with precision, using enchanted materials like powdered silver or arcane ink.

Blood Offering

The ritual often demands a blood offering from the Indent, symbolizing their willingness to sever the bond at great personal cost - this is usually no more than a few ounces of the Indent's blood, resulting in a superficial wound. In some versions, the practitioner also contributes their own blood.

The Ritual

Preparation

The Indent stands in the center of the ritual circle while the practitioner recites incantations to weaken the shackle’s magical bonds.

Energy Disruption

The practitioner uses the magical focus to disrupt the flow of energy between the shackle and the Indent’s soul. This stage is excruciating for the Indent, as the severance process temporarily unanchors their soul.

Severance

Once the bonds are weakened, the practitioner delivers a final surge of arcane power to break the connection. The shackle dissolves into light or shatters, freeing the Indent.

Risks and Consequences

If the ritual is interrupted or improperly conducted, the consequences can be catastrophic. The shackle may retaliate with a magical backlash, killing the Indent or inflicting permanent damage. Even if successful, the Indent may suffer lingering effects, such as reduced magical potential, chronic pain, or spiritual scars. Freed Indents are marked as fugitives, and the Inquisitors are relentless in tracking down both the freed Indent and the practitioner who performed the rite.

The Black Market

The Rite of Severance is part of a thriving underground network in the Wildlands and urban rebel enclaves. Sorcerers charge exorbitant fees for the ritual, often demanding payment in rare magical items or favors. Some factions, like the Warforged rebels, are rumored to offer the ritual for free to those who join their cause.