Initiation Rites
The Order of the Green Cockerel are still quite new, as mystery cults go. Their scripts are quite low in terms of bonus, having not had the centuries of repeated initiation to accumulate extra components. As before these are only suggestions, but this goes double for this cult, as the current mystagogues are essentially the founders of the cult and probably have as many initiation scripts for each step as there are mystagogues.
Initiation Script for Planetary Magic +6 (Target 15)
The first step for the aspiring hermetic alchemist is calcination, the exposure of the matter to heat and its reduction to ash. The external heat of fire mirrors the internal heat of initiation. The initiate is cast into the blackness of Saturn, their desires, worldly ties, and even sense of self thrown into doubt.
Before being taught any of the deeper mysteries the resolve and skill of the initiate must be tested. Someone who lacks a sound grasp of mundane alchemy is not ready to begin the great work. The task is simple: endure 40 minutes inside a bonfire, without using magic. A level 10 formula (simple matter, major change) will suffice to create an ointment or powder to completely nullify the heat of a normal bonfire. Success proves the initiate has the basic skills required to enter the ranks of the cult.
The initiate is now set a series of tasks, mostly involving acquiring rare books of eastern alchemy and unusual ingredients. When these are all complete the initiate has finally proven their worth. (quest +3)
After this the initiate spends a season learning the fundaments of hermetic alchemy from the mystagogue, especially the influence and significance of the planets over the sub-lunar sphere. (mystagogue spends time teaching the initiate +3)
Pride is a severe barrier to the aspiring alchemist. Of all the personal failings it is perhaps the most detrimental when pursuing the great work – when one views oneself as superior to begin with, it is hard to earnestly engage in a process of purification and refinement. If the initiate has a pride personality flaw then the mystagogue may choose to add an ordeal here, humbling the initiate with a glimpse of the vast gulf of knowledge between them. This turns a major proud flaw into a minor one, or swaps a minor one for the Humble minor personality flaw.
The initiate has now attained the rank of Toad and is able to serve as a laboratory assistant to a more senior member of the cult. It is assumed they periodically assist the mystagogue alongside other junior initiates for the purposes of the following initiations.
Initiation Script for Vulgar Alchemy +5 (Target 15)
The second step is dissolution, wherein the calcinated ashes are dissolved in preparation for separation into their pure substance. Spiritually, the initiate must learn to perceive their true self, flaws included – to gaze at the most uncomfortable aspects of their own being and not flinch away. The initiate must allow their ego to dissolve, just as the ashes dissolve into the liquid of the solution, and at the same dissolve their worldly concerns in preparation for the work to come.
The initiate serves the mystagogue as a lab assistant for at least one season. Often more, depending on the length of time between this and the previous step. This service is not constant, but is called on only when needed. There are often two or more initiates assisting at once as the number of mystagogue’s is very small relative to the size of the cult. (initiate sacrifices time +1)
The initiate is asked to undergo a “pilgrimage”. The intent is to expose them to things which force confrontation with their true nature and the forces which shaped them. Before leaving they give away all material possessions not related to the great work (initiate sacrifices material wealth +1)
The pilgrimage starts with the place of their birth, then to the covenant they were trained in. Next they travel east, to Alexandria, and then on to Baghdad, before finally returning to Europe. It’s expected, but not strictly required, that they will also use this opportunity to learn from the Islamic alchemists of the east and build ties with them that will prove useful later.
They must travel by mundane means and keep no material possessions, relying instead on the generosity of others – this is a true struggle for the gifted. The wisdom gained from this journey is specific to the individual, but it is acceptable to take companions, including another initiate. Though this extends the journey for both, the company can be edifying. (quest +3)
The final step is a visit to the mystagogue. The initiate describes their experience and what they learned, while the mystagogue helps them clarify the experience with an outside perspective. This can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, but will not require a full season. Even if the pilgrimage did not lead to any deep insights for the character, the conversation with the mystagogue here can lead to startling realisations about the self.
Finally, the initiate is gifted a coded book which contains the secrets of vulgar alchemy (it may, optionally, also contain other tractatus or be attached to a summa if the mystagogue is feeling generous). A season of study will allow the initiate to acquire the virtue.
As before, the mystagogue may choose to add an ordeal inflicting the Humble flaw, but will only do so if they think it necessary or beneficial for the initiate.
Initiation Script for Vulgar Alchemy +7 (Target 15)
An alternative script has been invented by Paulus of Jerbiton (see above). This replaces the pilgrimage with a much more direct, harrowing, and dangerous mystical confrontation with the initiate’s flaws.
The initiate makes whatever preparations they wish, then consumes a dose of a potion with the effect Putrefaction of the Spiritual Matter (see above). This inflicts two points of warping and the initiate must choose to enter twilight. The twilight experience will always reflect the fundamental character flaws of the initiate. A good experience allows the initiate to peacefully come to terms with their own failings, while a bad one has them manifest harsh and painfully.
When they emerge from twilight they are confronted by an adulteration born of their worst flaws. This must be confronted and conquered. This is not easy task, because the adulteration encourages and gains strength from the initiate’s own greatest weaknesses. It is near impossible to truly prepare for this either, because the adulterations is unique to each initiate and its nature can only be predicted through a level of self-awareness few people ever attain. (unique quest +6)
Afterwards the mystagogue helps the initiate to interpret the experience and how it reflects their true nature, before gifting them a book as in the normal initiation.