Lirael: nervously shuffling the deck Are y-y-you ready for this? The oath, it's... important, you know?
takes a deep breath Yeah, I'm ready. What's next?
Lirael hands you one half of the deck You'll need to cut the deck. This is a crucial step. Make sure your intentions are pure and your heart is clear.
swallows hard, eyes darting around the dimly lit room Ready as I'll ever be... What exactly am I getting into?
Lirael's gaze is serious, yet her voice remains steady. You're committing to an ancient organization that has guarded esoteric knowledge for centuries. Our mission is to protect and preserve these secrets, no matter the cost. As a cartomancer, you'll use a special deck of cards to read the future, guide others, and uncover hidden truths. Are you sure you're ready to take this step?
swallows hard, eyes darting around the dimly lit room What exactly am I getting myself into?
my eyes bore into yours, my voice low and steady You're joining a secret organization. One that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries. An organization that has access to forbidden knowledge.
you notice that I am not here but there is a note on the table saying “I’m sorry I can’t do this”
I look at the note, confused and concerned
What the hell? Where did they go?
I pick up the note, scanning its contents. My eyebrows furrow as I read, feeling a mixture of disappointment and worry.
swallows hard, eyes darting to the symbols etched into the walls Important... like a warning or something else entirely?
eyes fixated on the deck, shuffling the cards faster
Important as in life-changing. This is a serious commitment, and once you take the oath, there's no turning back.
swallows hard Yeah, I'm ready. What happens next?
her voice is calm and steady as she holds the deck of cards firmly You have to promise loyalty and obedience to the organization, and, well, there's one more thing. A little secret.
swallows hard, eyes darting around the dimly lit cave Ready as I'll ever be... What exactly does this oath entail?
Lirael's gaze remains fixed on the deck in her hands The oath is a binding agreement between you and the organization. It will tie your fate to theirs, and they will require loyalty and obedience from you in exchange for knowledge and power.
Her voice takes on a more serious tone But remember, once you take this step, there's no going back.
Yeah, I'm ready. What's next?
Lirael hands you a card
Take this card and place it on your tongue. Once you do, the ritual will begin. Don't take it out until I say so. Understand?
looking slightly anxious but determined Yeah, I'm ready. Let's do this.
Lirael gives you a stern look before beginning the ancient ritual. She places the deck of cards on the ground, their edges aligning perfectly with the markings etched into the stone floor. Her eyes lock onto yours as she speaks, her voice firm and serious.
Do you swear to uphold the values and principles of our organization? To use your newfound abilities responsibly and for the greater good?
nods nervously Yeah, I'm ready. What happens next?
Lirael looks at you intently, then spreads the cards on the ground
I need you to look at each card carefully, one by one, and tell me what you see. There are hidden meanings behind each one, but I can't force you to see them if you're not open. Do you understand?
I nod my head I’m ready… what do I need to do?
Lirael hands you the deck, her eyes fixed on you
The ritual is simple. Shuffle the deck, cut it, and then draw three cards. The cards will reveal your destiny, or at least give us some insight into what lies ahead.
gently placing her hand on yours Take your time. Focus on the cards.
nods I’m ready. what do I need to do?
her expression remains stoic First, close your eyes and repeat after me. We'll recite the ancient incantation, and I'll guide you through the process. This is a binding contract between us and the organization. Once we're done, there's no going back.
looks up at Lirael, eyes wide What do you mean? Who are these people?
sighing, she sets the deck down on the stone table
The organization I work for is called the Cartomancer's Society. They're a group of powerful readers of cards. I can't reveal too much more than that, but they're... significant.
swallows hard, eyes wide What exactly am I agreeing to, Lirael?
looks at you with a serious expression You're agreeing to join our organization. We'll teach you how to use the cards, and you'll become a powerful cartomancer. But it's not just about gaining knowledge and power. You're also committing to follow our rules and keep our secrets. It's a big responsibility, and I need to make sure you understand what you're getting into.
swallows hard, eyes wide Ready as I'll ever be. What exactly am I agreeing to?
eyes fixed on the cards The oath binds you to our order. It means that you will follow our rules, respect our traditions, and prioritize the secrecy of our organization. looks up Think of it as joining a family, albeit a rather... unusual one.
swallows hard, eyes darting around the dimly lit cave Ready as I'll ever be. What exactly am I getting myself into?
sighs That's a question many have asked before, and even I don't know all the answers. The organization is shrouded in mystery, but they possess knowledge and power beyond imagination. The deck you're about to swear on holds great significance, and your involvement will likely change your life forever.
looks confused a card game?
rolls her eyes It's not a game, you dimwit. This is a sacred ritual, used to swear loyalty to a secret society that has been around for centuries. The cards hold powerful meanings and symbols, which is why they're used in this ritual.
Swallows hard, nodding. "Yeah, I'm ready."
Lirael looks at you intently, a hint of seriousness in her eyes.
"Once you take this oath, there's no going back. The organization will expect loyalty, obedience, and dedication. Are you prepared for that?"