re:dfa_rituals:using_constructs [Curvature Media]

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===== Using a Magic Construct =====

In DFA Rituals v2.0, a **Construct** is the **form or vessel** that gives a ritual its structure — the “container” that holds, focuses, and releases the magical energy. Without a Construct, the spell has no shape, no boundary, and no reliable effect.

Constructs can be **physical**, **symbolic**, or **evanescent**, but they must always exist within the fiction and be acknowledged in the ritual’s design.

==== What Is a Construct? ====
A Construct is the **framework that holds the magic**. It may be:
  * A traditional **magic circle**, drawn or inscribed
  * A **potion bottle** into which the effect is distilled
  * An **item**, weapon, or artifact that receives enchantment
  * A **binding sigil** painted on a wall or engraved in flesh
  * A **ritual phrase**, chanted and released at a precise moment
  * A **spatial layout** (e.g., aligned stones, a doorway, a trap design)
  * Even a **living body**, if it’s meant to receive or carry the effect

==== Why Is a Construct Required? ====
  * It **shapes** the magic and tells it where to go
  * It **contains** the effect during buildup
  * It **defines** the space, object, or moment where the ritual is anchored
  * It allows for **narrative vulnerability** — if the construct is flawed or disrupted, the magic may collapse or explode

==== Types of Constructs ====
  * **Circle (Traditional)**: Chalk, blood, salt, rune-inscribed — often used for summoning, warding, or containment
  * **Infused Object**: Potion bottle, charm, blade, coin — used for delayed or portable effects
  * **Symbolic Anchor**: Diagram, word, sigil — used for rituals where the casting site *is not* the effect site
  * **Incantation Constructs**: When the entire ritual is carried in voice and focus — fragile but fast
  * **Biological Constructs**: The caster’s body, a marked animal, a vessel-person — risky but potent

==== Disruption ====
Constructs are **interruptible** unless otherwise protected.
  * A scuffed circle breaks containment
  * A shattered potion bottle releases raw energy
  * A disrupted chant causes the spell to misfire
  * A stolen or damaged object loses its charge
  * A warded location defiled or corrupted may cause magical backlash

==== Construct and Scale ====
Larger or more powerful rituals may require **bigger or more elaborate constructs**:
  * Scene-scale effect → Basic circle or object may suffice
  * Domain-scale effect → Complex geometry, multi-part construction, or linked constructs
  * Global-scale effect → Ritual architecture, ley-line alignment, multi-ritual coordination

==== Invoke/Compel Examples ====
  * **Invoke**: “The diagram is flawless. The energy flows perfectly into the binding stone.”
  * **Compel**: “The chalk line smears — the construct collapses. The ritual destabilizes immediately.”


==== Construct: Shaping the Spell ====
The **Construct** is what gives a ritual its form — the mold into which magical energy is poured. Without it, magic has no boundary or control. It is one of the three non-optional components of ritual casting (alongside Link and Catalyst).

^ Construct Type        ^ Example Uses                                 ^ Vulnerabilities                              ^
| Circle                | Summoning, warding, containment               | Physical disruption (scuffed, broken, breached) |
| Potion or Object      | Bottled effects, delayed-use magic           | Can be shattered, stolen, or sabotaged         |
| Symbolic Diagram      | Projected effects, area rituals              | Incomplete or misdrawn symbols                 |
| Spoken Construct      | Spoken command or phrase with power          | Interruption, mispronunciation, noise          |
| Living Vessel         | Embedding magic in self or others            | Wounds, corruption, or unintended consequences |
| Architectural Construct | Large-scale rituals (buildings, stones)     | Structural weakness, location shift            |

=== Notes ===
  * The Construct defines where the magic goes — physically, symbolically, or spiritually.
  * It is **always required**, even if only abstractly described.
  * More powerful effects demand **larger, more stable, or more symbolic constructs**.
  * GMs may offer compels for flawed constructs, or require full scenes to create complex ones.

=== GM Reminder ===
  * If the Construct is broken, the magic doesn’t just fail — it may turn volatile.

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