I stood in front of a small dilapidated, overgrown looking hut "Analyze" I said calmly.
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Illusion of Ruin (A-)
Description: Creates two parallel spaces occupying the same location, one of which can only be accessed by the caster or with a set requirement.
Requirement: Spread blood on the door.
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I looked around for a sharp rock and picked one up before I approached the door and cut open my hand which hurt way more than I thought and pressed my palm against the door.
I felt a warmth spread through me and I heard the sound of sweeping to my side. I looked over to see an old man sweeping the front porch of the now put together hut which was still overgrown but no longer dilapidated.
The man had long gray hair cascading down his shoulders and a short beard while his body was sickly looking and pale.
"Excuse me" I said, trying not to startle the man who looks back at me and I'm startled by the sight of his eyes which have no irises or pupils, just pure white sclera.
"Hello, I see you've figured out my lock. I can tell you wish me no harm so please, come in" The old man said and opened the door for me, brushing past me to the inside and motioning for me to follow so I do.
"So you seek help from this humble child of the Allmother," The old man said as he sat down in a rocking chair in the main room "I apologize for the mess, I wasn't expecting guests."
The hut was very cozy, the kitchen was to one side and two rocking chairs were by the fire where a cauldron sat empty above the flame. Herbs and other plants were drying on various racks and books were scattered about.
I sat down in the rocking chair on the other side of the fire.
"Well, I won't beat around the bush, I want to become a witch" I said firmly.
"And what makes you think I'll show you the ways of the Allmother?" The old man asked.
"I don't think that you'll do it for free, I'm willing to do whatever you want while I'm under your tutelage and I'll owe you after my training is over" I look him in the eyes to show my sincerity despite the unsettling feeling I'm getting from his eyes.
"Hm, tempting," The old man said, closing his eyes and rubbing his chin before sighing "I suppose I could. I shall show you how to perform the ritual to connect to the Allmother. I will not train you as I don't have the energy to take an apprentice under my wing but you may stay here as you grow into your powers."
I perked up, it was easier to convince him than I thought, almost too easy "Thank you, I am in your debt."
The old man stands up and picks up a dusty tome from the ground and dusts it off before handing it to me "Follow the information in the book and I don't mind if you use the things available here to perform the ritual." The old man said before waddling to the bedroom "I'm going to take a nap, don't bother me"
The door shuts behind the old man and I open the book.
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You have unlocked [Allmother's Gift] ritual.
Step 1: Gather 1 dried sage bundle and 1 Dagger
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I go to one of the herb shelves and take the dried sage and take some twine to turn it into a dried sage bundle before grabbing a dagger I found on the table. I head outside for the next step.
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Step 2: Draw the Allmother's Sigil in the dirt
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I grabbed a large branch and opened the book to the relevant page and began drawing the Allmother's Sigil.
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Step 3: Wait for a night where the moon is visible
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I sat and waited for night time which would take a while so I began flipping through the book I was given. Inside the book were various recipes for potions, basic rituals, and spells that I could perform once I gained access to Hex Energy.
What really caught my attention was the chapter on poppet's. They are tools used to affect specific individuals through the poppet's ability to interact with the spirit with a myriad of uses ranging from protection to cursing. It's amazing what one can do with a simple doll.
Soon enough night falls and the moon hangs high above me, the next step appears before me.
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Step 4: Step into the Allmother's Sigil sacrifice yourself to the Allmother
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"What."