The Trial of the Naked Soul

I reminisce about the fervent anticipation I had for the trial, eager to leave behind the confines of apprenticeship and the whims of my mentor. My goal was clear—to become a recognized wizard of the High Guild and wield the secrets of the arcane. I imagined myself adorned in white robes, a heroic mage valiantly protecting the weak, but fate had other plans for me.
The trial unfolded within the realm of my own mind, stripping away the illusions of culture and personal beliefs. Each test is unique, a rite of passage from student to potential teacher, from youth to wise Magi, worthy of the High Guild's title.
Exposed within my mindscape, my deepest truths were laid bare—the unvarnished reality of who I was and what I could become. I discovered that what I called justice was nothing but vengeance, and my drive for excellence merely raw ambition. The facade of being a hero crumbled, revealing a lack of empathy for those who crossed my path.
In the depths of my own consciousness, I witnessed my personal traumas manifest as black jagged mountains, and my thirst for retribution flowed like dark waterfalls of blood and pain. My ambitions loomed like ominous clouds, overshadowing the flickering light of the morality I clung to as justification for my unsavory actions.
Upon awakening, my eyes haunted by the truth I had faced, I understood the consequences of my life choices and the motivations that fueled them. I was warned that not every mind and soul emerged unscathed from this dangerous trial. A true wizard cannot afford the luxury of ignorance about their own nature. For a wizard must seek knowledge and truth of themself and the universe as it truly is no matter how ugly its honesty was.
The High Guild offered me options—abandon the guild, endure another three years of apprenticeship, or embrace my true self as a member of the Ordo Malignorum Magicarum, the black-robed magi.
Many might have tried to alter their nature or reject the trial in childish defiance, but I could not deny the truths I had witnessed. I was no altruistic hero; I embraced my ambitions and relished the taste of vengeance. This newfound understanding was liberating! If I were to be a villain, I would be a magnificent one. No more delusions of righteousness or necessary evils—I proudly donned the black robes, embracing my identity with clarity and purpose.
-Kyne Destridge current archmagi of the Ordo Malignorum Magicarum

History

When the High Guild of the Arcane was first established, its founders were adamant about one core principle: a wizard must not be allowed to indulge in illogical delusions about their identity. To ensure this, they devised the Trial of the Naked Soul—an arduous examination of a wizard's mind and sense of self. Commencing with probing questions and keen observations, it culminated in a harrowing journey into the depths of their own mindscape through potent enchantments.
While some may perceive the trial as cruel or unfair, its efficacy has been proven time and again. Wizards who possess the strength to confront their true selves, no matter how unsettling, have emerged as worthy members of the High Guild of the Arcane. Embracing the understanding that truth can be unattractive, terrible, and even unjust, these seekers of knowledge and understanding are compelled to accept and live with these realities.
Throughout centuries, the Trial has remained unchanged, witnessing many hopeful young apprentices either ascending to the ranks of wizards or retreating, unable to face the harsh truths of self-awareness. Beyond determining their worthiness, the trial serves another vital purpose—it guides the allocation of wizards to one of the three sub-orders within the High Guild, depending on their revealed nature.

Execution

The trials are a solemn affair, commencing with the student, their mentor, and the overseers from the High Guild or local chantry masters. The initial phase entails interviews, written assessments, and examinations meant to gauge the apprentice's magical knowledge, ethical principles, and personal comprehension. After rigorous evaluation and deliberation, it is determined whether the prospective student is ready to proceed with the Trial.
For those deemed prepared, the student is led to a quiet, empty chamber and securely fastened to a heavy chair. A potion crafted from exotic herbs and mushroom juices is administered, inducing a state of mental clarity necessary for the Rite of the Inward Eye—an arcane ritual known only to guild wizards with a minimum of ten years' experience.
The execution of the rite varies for each aspiring arcanist. Their own minds shape a realm where they must traverse, a world shaped by their deepest sense of self. This mindscape transcends into a demi-plane, connecting with the Akashic record and all other planes—above, below, beyond, and countermounious with our own.
Within this ethereal realm, some young initiates encounter the psyches of beings from other planes—planar entities, otherworldly spirits, or the departed. These entities may whisper cryptic messages or pose challenging tests, drawn to the apprentice's mindscape—an essential facet of the grand test. The true essence of this trial is to witness one's genuine self, comprehending it in all its aspects, be it virtuous or malignant, and ultimately emerging with a mind that is ready to delve into the profound secrets of magic.

Components and tools

The Potion of Lucidity stands as a crucial and potent tool within the trial. Meticulously crafted from a combination of herbs and mushrooms, its formulation demands precise measurements based on the student's average body mass and species. Any deviation from the correct proportions could lead to disastrous consequences. Too little of the potion might render the rite ineffective, failing to induce the necessary mental lucidity. Conversely, an excessive dose could plunge the apprentice into a perilous coma, rendering them trapped within their mindscape, necessitating dangerous magical intervention to rescue them.
The recipe for this potion, with its attributes akin to a powerful drug, is a closely guarded secret, known only to those wizards deemed worthy of administering the trial. Its revelation to outsiders would undoubtedly be viewed as a grave risk to the integrity of the Trial of the Naked Soul. Hence, its distribution is confined to the highest ranks within the High Guild and those entrusted with overseeing this profound test of self-discovery and readiness for the enigmatic world of magic. The Potion of Lucidity plays a pivotal role, ensuring that those who venture into their mindscape are in the optimal state to confront their true selves and emerge transformed, prepared to embrace the greater secrets of the arcane.

Participants

At its bare minimum, the Trial of the Naked Soul necessitates only the presence of the student and the administer of the rite. In its most fundamental form, the trial is a deeply personal and intimate experience between the apprentice and the wizard responsible for guiding them through this profound journey of self-discovery.
In this solitary journey, the apprentice delves into the depths of their own consciousness, confronting their true nature, beliefs, desires, and fears. The experience is deeply personal and can vary greatly from one individual to another, depending on their past experiences, aspirations, and character.
While the presence of additional overseers or examiners may provide valuable perspectives and insights, the Trial of the Naked Soul, in its core essence, remains an intimate and introspective process. The administer of the rite assumes the role of a guide, ensuring the safety of the student's mind and soul throughout the journey.

Observance

Once a student has successfully passed their examinations and is deemed ready to progress beyond the second sphere of understanding, the Trial of the Naked Soul becomes available for observation. This significant rite serves as a pivotal checkpoint, ensuring that the student is adequately prepared before delving into the more profound and esoteric realms of arcane study.
While the trial can be administered at any time, it is often conducted at the earliest opportunity after the student's readiness is confirmed. This proactive approach is taken to prevent the apprentice from advancing into higher levels of arcane secrets without being fully prepared to face the truths and challenges that await them.
By undergoing the Trial of the Naked Soul, the student gains a deep and intimate understanding of their true self and nature. This self-revelation becomes the foundation upon which they can confidently explore the ever-stranger and more mystical realms of arcane knowledge. The rite acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the apprentice possesses the necessary mental and spiritual fortitude to handle the enigmatic secrets they will encounter as they progress into higher levels of arcane study.
Observation of the rite by experienced wizards and mentors offers valuable insights and support to the student. These observers can provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement during this momentous journey of self-discovery, further reinforcing the importance of this profound ritual within the High Guild of the Arcane.

Primary Related Location

The Tower of the High Guild

Important Locations

• Degara City: The City of Wizards

Related Organizations

• The High Guild of the Arcane Arts