Forgetfulness Charm
Many types of natural materials will hold static spells, either waiting to be activated or perpetually emitting a low level ambient field creating the desired effect. These objects infused with magic are properly referred to as talismans or charms. Different types of substances will resonate better with a particular type of enchantment, for example: simple carved wooden spheres, particularly those made from a tree that flourishes in the Oribirri Tanglewood Jungles of the Dzubah Imperium, are well suited to carrying "don't-remember-me" incantations. The more elaborate and intricate the carving, the more powerfully the spell will adhere to the bead used for the charm and, obviously, the higher the price.
Effect
Also known as the "Thieves' Talisman" since virtually every pickpocket in Jailuha hides a basic, low-powered and therefore more subtle, version somewhere beneath their clothing, Forgetfulness Charms act on anyone within a given radius to keep them from noticing specific, identifying details about the wearer. That amnesia is permanent, since one cannot recall what one has never absorbed into one's memory. Stronger beads, or combinations of beads fashioned into jewelry, can cause a person to become virtually invisible, useful for spies, but they cannot then interact with any physical object, or the lack of a perceptible individual producing unusual movement will grow obvious. Also, as long as a human is in contact with the Charm, the effect can only be suspended by a qualified magic-worker.
Side/Secondary Effects
Even with a less potent bespelled bead, the recipient of a Forgetfulness Charm is wise not to remain in any one location too long, lest it become a point of conversation that no one can remember much about the new dancing girl, for instance, except that she was very pretty and graceful. What did she wear? No one can say. How did she wear her hair? Again, no one knows, but everyone agrees that she was very pretty and graceful... and suspicious. The "don't-remember-me" incantation is not particularly difficult to cast, nor are its side effects terrible if it should somehow go wrong; the magician will simply lose all memory of the spell in question, and perhaps forget their deeds of the immediate past.
Manifestation
During the binding of the spell to the carved bead in question, there is a mild smell of burning wood as the magic sinks into its grooves and indentations. After that, the bead appears completely inert, yet the Forgetfulness immediately goes into effect. Some magicians maintain that an aesthetically pleasing pattern is easier to enchant, but evidence for this claim is merely anecdotal.
Source
Though the magician's power provides the initial mystical charge to the bead used, the density of the wood greatly impacts the efficacy and duration of the Forgetfulness Charm. This is because the inherent strength stored in the wood's grain provides the source of the bead's continued activity. Essentially, the magic never stops burning away at the wood, and when it reaches the center and the bead cracks and falls apart, the wearer must purchase, or steal, a new one.
Any wooden bead will do, even one of cheap wood with a single groove around the middle, though it will be the least powerful and last the least long. Also necessary is a spark from a smudge stick or lit incense, to represent the magician's light of magic taking root in the carved bead; this can be dispensed with, however, if the caster is particularly gifted at conjuring fire directly. The bead, of course, never actually catches fire, or at the most, smolders slightly, and at that point the ritual is complete.
The caster first inspects the wooden bead which the customer provides, rolling it many times between the palms of their hands to get a feel for it. Some practicioners finish this phase by spinning the sphere like a top, but that may or may not be mere showmanship. Next, there is a brief chant and the transfer of a sacred spark to the carved bead. Finally, it is the magician who strings it on a leather thong tied with multiple knots, one of which is always a slip knot to ensure that the wearer slips from folks' minds, and secures it around the neck, ankle, or wrist of the client. It may later be moved to a more secret spot by the new owner.
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