Rulesbook Entry[]
You create an enchanted circle of bones and skulls at least 5' in diameter either alone or with other shamans. Once you prepare the circle it cannot be moved for the remainder of the event. Shamans can share a single circle but once your circle is set up for the event you cannot use another circle.
While you are in this circle you may spend one minute calling to the Spirits to bind one to you. This willing spirit empowers you with a pool of healing energy. For each spell purchased under this header you gain 1 point in this pool up to a maximum of 10 points. You may exhaust a point from your Circle of Bones pool to touch a Packet to an ally and call out "Heal By Gloaming." You are considered to be casting when you use this ability. You cannot have weapons in your hand unless you have a skill that allows you to cast while holding a weapon, and you can be interrupted by an attack.
The points from your pool may be Refreshed by spending one minute in your Circle of Bones. There is no limit to the number of times you may refresh these points. If your circle is disturbed then you must spend an addition minute purifying and reforming the circle. You may not purchase both this skill and Circle Of Vengeance.
Circle Examples[]
The only two requirements of a circle is that it be made of bones and that it be of a set diameter. The execution of these two requirements varies wildly between Shamans. Some lay the bones out horizontally, others vertically. Some use a single type of bone, others use a variety. Some use the bones of their ancestors, while others use the bones of animals. Many Shamans include various types of lighting in their circle to make it easier to find the circle at night, but this is not required.
Additionally, circles may include other props and decorations in addition to the bones themselves. Some shamans decorate their circles or the bones within their circles (or both). This is not required, and is up to the individual player.
Circles can evolve over time - many Shamans add to or modify their circle as game events and roleplay inspire them. It may be that something significant happens to your character, and you wish to commemorate those happenings by adding to or changing your Circle, but this is not required.
Circle Placement[]
A Circle of Bones can be placed anywhere on the event site that is not restricted to players nor beyond a Gate. Once the circle is placed, it can't be moved, but you may change its location to a different spot at the next game if you like. Some Shamans prefer to put their circle in the same place each game, while other Shamans like to move their circle to a new place each game. This is entirely up to the Shaman.
A circle can be placed and set up prior to Game On being called, especially in the case of a circle that has many props or lighting that takes time to situate.
Using A Circle[]
Conventionally, in order to be considered resting, it is widely accepted that you must be either sitting in the circle or crouching in it, as opposed to simply standing. When "resting" in a circle to replenish points, the roleplay of this rest is up to the player. Some merely sit quietly in the circle. Some enter a state of meditation, chant, or act as though they are having conversations with their ancestors. Some perform ritual movements, or write in a journal. Some take council with other Shamans. These are just a few of the ways that players roleplay in their Shaman circles.
It is possible to use the circle of another Shaman, provided that you do not change to any other circle for the remainder of the event. You do not need to have the other Shaman present (but it is considered good game etiquette to ask permission to use the other person's circle). Shamans who are sharing a circle may set that circle up together, but it is also possible to ask a Shaman whose circle is already set up if it's okay for you to use their circle during the event.
It is unstated as to whether a Shaman using the skill Circle Of Vengeance can share their circle with a player using Circle Of Bones. In theory it is possible for both players to use the circle, while each receiving their respective benefits of their skill.
Council Circles[]
Circles belonging to Shamans who are part of the Council Of Bones can bestow beneficial effects to any Council member. The Council member spends 1 minute in the circle, as they might when refreshing their healing pool, but instead they receive the beneficial effect described on the tag within that circle. Each circle tends to grant a different type of effect.
A Council member may only have one such effect active at a time, as the circle benefits do not stack with one another. A Council member may refresh the effect as often as they like, and may elect to change which circle they visit at any time. A Council member may even visit a circle and override an existing effect if need be.
Caveats and Tips[]
- It is ill advised to put anything or any prop in your Shaman circle that is valuable, fragile, or dangerous to fall on. While most players are respectful and will try to avoid stepping on a Shaman's circle, sometimes the chaos of combat can result in a Shaman's circle being stepped on, kicked, or fallen into.
- Be prepared for visitors in your circle! Some roleplay requires other players to step into your circle temporarily at the behest of NPCs. Sometimes NPCs will "appear" in your circle. Your circle is not necessarily "private" so avoid a circle set up that is especially intricate or easy to "mess up" if someone were to trip while stepping into it.
- Circle props and decoration should be weather resistant (if not weather proof). There may not be "sheltered" places to put your circle, and it therefor could get rained or snowed on!
- Your circle will more than likely be placed on the ground. Make sure you're prepared for dirt, dust, bugs, or mud! That goes for your circle props and you in the event that you set up your circle and it rains halfway through the event, and the perfectly dry seeming place you picked is suddenly not so dry.
- Before the start of the event, try to talk with other players about areas that are often washed out, swampy, or otherwise inhospitable to sit in, and avoid setting your circle in those areas.
- If you choose to set up your circle in a very wooded and/or grassy area, be mindful of ticks and/or poison ivy when you're sitting in it!