The Binding of Light and Veil
“Once a ward against the dark within—now a vow to wield that darkness for the light of the Empire.”
Once a desperate rite of exorcism, The Binding of Light and Veil has undergone a profound transformation across the centuries. What began as a raw, painful purgation of Rift corruption is now performed as a solemn initiation into the service of the Arcanii and the Empire.
Where once it was feared, now it is celebrated—though those who know its origins still whisper prayers before it begins.
History
Year 147 AR, Obscurum: The first recorded Binding was conducted on a Riftborn child convulsing with unstable magic. Priests and arcanii bound the body in copper-veined shrouds, used blessed salt and radiant aether to purge corruption, and whispered verses from the Canticles of Sol Invicta. The result was survival—but at a cost: the child could never speak again.
Throughout the 200s, it became a feared rite—used to forcibly contain or banish “tainted” magic. The veil (a silken blindfold) represented the suppression of forbidden sight, and the light (a wand of burning witchhazel) was meant to illuminate hidden corruption.
But with the rise of the Arcanii and the philosophical shifts of the late 300s, the ritual was reimagined. Instead of suppression, it became an embrace of one’s magical nature—tempered by loyalty and statecraft. The veil became a symbol of trust: a mage blindfolded chooses to walk into service. The light became a bond: the fire passed from master to initiate, joining bloodlines and fates.
Execution
The initiate kneels before a circle of robed arcanii, eyes veiled in crimson silk. An elder recites their lineage and arcane affinity. A ceremonial wand—wrapped in flame and copper wire—is passed over their heart, branding a temporary rune.
The veil is removed only after the initiate speaks the Oath of Convergence:
“By Light I walk,
By Veil I see,
What I am, I surrender to what we must become.”
The initiate then places their hand upon a Codex Crystal, sealing their name into the imperial register.
Components and tools
- Veil of Crimson Silk – Once soaked in silver salts, now purely symbolic.
- Wand of Witchhazel and Copper Wire – Represents light and control.
- Codex Crystal – Holds arcane imprint of the sworn individual.
- Incense of Starbark and Nightmint – Used to calm magical flux.
Participants
- Initiate – Always veiled until the oath is spoken.
- High Magister or Designated Binder – Leads the ritual and controls the flame.
- Chronicler – Records magical identity and oaths.
- Witness Circle – Other initiates, sponsors, and onlookers.
Observance
The Binding is now held twice annually:
- 17 Magirion – Arcanii Manifestation, honoring the first mage-born.
- 06 Obscurum – Night of Reversal, once feared, now reclaimed as a day of courage.
In special cases, emergency bindings may be performed in the field by licensed Magisters with portable kits.
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