Every functional ritual requires three foundational components:

• Construct — the framework or vessel that shapes and holds the magic
• Link — the connection to the target
• Catalyst — the trigger or fuel for the effect

If any one of these is missing, the ritual either fails, fizzles, or goes catastrophically off-script.

• Defines the space of the ritual and the shape the magic is poured into — its vessel, matrix, or channel
• Used to contain, amplify, or protect
• A circle is typically required for most summoning, binding, or high-risk effects.
• Most often a magic circle, but may also be:
  • A potion bottle
  • A blood-marked dagger
  • A binding tattoo
  • A chalk sigil drawn on a doorframe
  • A spoken phrase etched with true intent
• The construct gives the ritual form — like a mold for molten force
• See Using Circles for more info

• Connects the caster to the ritual’s focus or subject and directs the magic toward its intended subject
• Can be external (hair, blood, name, item), symbolic (names, dolls), or relational (oaths, bonds)… even internal (self-targeted rituals)
• Strong Links improve accuracy and reduce costs.
• Weak or false Links may cause misfires or unintended effects.
• See Using Links for more information

• Provides the power, structure, or activation of the ritual.
• Includes physical materials, environmental energies, personal sacrifice, or internal power sources.
• Required for most Domain-level rituals (it's bigger than you, it'll need more power)
• Improper Catalysts may weaken, corrupt, or reverse the effect.
• See Using Catalysts for more information

• Represents both:
  • Preconditions or narrative barriers that must be overcome before the ritual can be completed
    • Obstacles the PC must resolve or circumvent in order to complete the ritual at all
    • These Complications expand the game *before* the roll — framing preparation as story.
  • Unintended consequences of a successful ritual (narrative fallout)
    • Magical blowback, attention drawn, long-term instability, reality distortion,
    • These complications shape the aftermath — ensuring magic has weight, not just function.

• Examples of Pre-Cast Hurdles:
  • Acquire rare components (“a still-living flame from a burning church”)
  • Gain location access (“the circle must be drawn on the original burial ground”)
  • Social negotiation (“clear the park of civilians without alerting authorities”)
  • Timing windows (“must be performed at twilight on a night with no moon”)

• These complications might require:
  • Full scenes or side quests
  • Negotiation, stealth, or combat
  • Creative bargains or skill use outside of magic

• See Using Complications for more info

These requirements don’t mean every ritual must be elaborate — but even fast, dirty magic implies all three are satisfied. The Construct also determines how vulnerable the ritual is to disruption. A circle can be scuffed. A potion can be shattered. An incantation can be interrupted.

• No Link? The spell has no subject — it’s unanchored.
• No Catalyst? The spell won’t ignite — it's inert.
• No Construct? The spell has nowhere to go — it burns wild.
• See Ritual Failure - Backlash and Fallout for more info