Dark Cordial

A Dark Cordial is the general term used for a preparation of Dark specifically used for the purpose of Initiation. It is a type of Aspected Dark that has been prepared using high ductility dark. The exact nature of the Cordial depends on the Initiation rite being performed, the organization/faith/paradigm of those performing it, and the desired outcomes.

When someone first Initiates, they are drawn early down a Path. The exact Paths a person is drawn to isn't an exact science. However, it has been shown that the initial awakening of Dark for an Initiate is based largely on their psychology, and so use of certain Cordials and certain ritual elements can incline them towards a certain Path. Still, this only predisposes someone towards that path. Listed below are some varieties of Dark Cordial. Note that while this is usually referred to as a cordial and typically in liquid form, it's not necessarily a literal drink. It just has to be consumed in some way.

Note that giving someone a cordial they do not consent to taking, or tricking them into taking a Cordial other than what they think it is, is an Interstellar Crime treated with about the same severity as permanently crippling a person.


 * Shadow Liqueur
 * This is generally considered the default Cordial, and is the most common. It costs about $300, and it's not likely to predispose people towards any Path. In fact, it's reputation as a wild card is sometimes why people choose it - some feel that it's best that they experience the journey for themselves, that it's 'more natural' to simply accept the Paths you learn.
 * Note: Mechanically, this just allows a character to roll 4d6, keeping the top 3 results, to determine their Vigor. They 'awaken' to their spells over the next few weeks, though what spells they will have access to is chosen at the time of consumption.
 * False Cordial
 * False Cordials are made of 'SynthDark'. This isn't literally synthetic dark, but it's dark that is Inert. This tends to throw people a little further down the path they started on, but it also locks Initiates into that path until they can break free of the cycle. All scholars and experts on the matter agree that the use of a False Cordial can be dangerous and that it's bad for spiritual health, but it also costs only a mere $40. This is what many of the poorest in the world use to gain access to Dark.
 * Note: This Cordial still has you roll 4d6 keep 3, and it gives you 2 additional Asset to spend. However, you randomly roll to determine what Path it's for. The initiate is permanently aspected into this Path. Costs to learn spells of another path are permanently doubled. Additionally, they need to roll a DC 13 Charisma save or else take an indefinite form of minor Madness.
 * Gilded Cordial
 * This cordial is laced with gold, diamond flakes, and other exotic and gaudy reagents. It's typically consumed in a ritual that takes place an hour after a large amount of stimulants are taken. There's some thought that those who use this are more likely to awaken to greater potential, or at the very least less likely to turn out to be impotent. This costs $3,500.
 * Note: Mechanically, this allows a character to roll 4d6 twice, dropping the lowest from each set. They take the higher set as their Vigor stat.
 * Ash Cordial
 * Mixed with ash, sometimes volcanic ash. Some have been known to actually drink a flaming liquid. Predisposes Initiates to the Path of Flame, the least of the three Wretched Paths.
 * Cordial Soda
 * This is carbonated cordial. It's supposed to predispose people towards the Path of Air.
 * Rainbow Cordial
 * A Cordial that is not literally made of soap, but has a dye added that gives it that soapy rainbow look. Used to predispose people toward the Path of Illusion.
 * Beauteous Cordial/Love Potion
 * This Cordial changes shape radically depending on culture and tradition. In some places this is a Shadow Liquer allowed to marinate with an aphrodisiac (often dark chocolate), in other places they place a ceremonially prepared red string in there. It predisposes people towards the Path of Attraction.
 * Flagstone Cordial
 * Not necessarily made with a flagstone, but always combined with pieces from a building of some kind, usually from a part taken from a building project. Predisposes towards the Path of Creation. It's not unheard of for parts taken from a dilapidated building to end up acting as a Rotting Cordial.
 * Rotting Cordial
 * A putrid and disgusting experience for the Initiate. These cordials are combined with decaying organic matter, usually meat, and in some cases these cordials are even combined with harsh acids. There's even a small extremist cult who throws acid onto the face of their Initiates that's mixed in with the Cordial. Predisposes towards the Path of Decay, one of the three Wretched Paths.
 * Charnel Cordial
 * Similarly disgusting to the Rotting Cordial though often far more illegal is the Charnel Cordial. Charnel Cordials are almost exclusively made with parts of dead people or animals, and predispose people to the gravest of the Wretched Paths, the Path of Death. There have been instances of Academics using this one and using a cordial mixed with antibiotics.
 * Quartz Cordial
 * Usually not made of quartz directly but instead mixed with some sand and served in a quartz bottle. Predisposes towards the Path of Earth.
 * Wizened Cordial
 * This cordial is unique in that there's typically a ritual done by the Initiate to create it. The most common ritual is to write every single thing you learn for a fortnight, blend it into a paste which you allow to sit in the sun for three days, and then allow a dram of Shadow Liqeuer to marinate the dried pages. Then drink that now augmented Liqueur. Of course, there's many variations on this ritual. It's common for academics to undertake or perform this one, and it predisposes an Initiate to the Path of Knowledge
 * Heart Cordial
 * This is one with a lot of regional variations - some are made of a mix of Shadow Liqeuer and Blood, others are made of a collection of herbs known to heal. Yet others are mixed with holy water or other religious and sacred substances, since the Path of Life is also one that has an association with warding off 'evil' spells.
 * Bright Cordial
 * An uncommon cordial, typically made more as a ritual preparation than a specific concotion. Most rituals for creating it involve water allowed to sit in the light of the sun, and otherwise in a room lit by candle light, for a week. Predisposes Initiates towards the Path of Light.
 * Cordial of Vigor
 * These are the most common kind of cordial besides the plain old Spirit Liqueur and False Cordial. It's usually either in the form of an energy drink OR used as a marinade for a gamey meat that the Initiate consumes. These are extremely popular in the military, and it's not uncommon to receive additional benefits if you agree to Initiate with this. Predisposes towards the Path of Might.
 * Sprinter's Cordial
 * This is a close competitor with the Cordial of Vigor for most popular. A Sprinter's cordial is usually created with the combination of an energy drink that has been in continuous motion for some duration and a bottle of Shadow Liqueur. Predisposes to the Path of Movement
 * Sparking Cordial
 * A somewhat rare cordial. The exact method of creation varies, but often involves applying electricity to the Cordial steadily for a period of time. Sometimes uses potatoes instead. Predisposes to the Path of Power.
 * Enforcer Cordial
 * The exact method for creation varies by organization, but typically this involves taking a copy of a photo of loved ones, your allies, yourself, and a badge of office for the military or law enforcement and allowing them to sit in a spirit liquer. This is somewhat uncommon since most people have already Initiated by the time they would join a law enforcement agency, so it's primarily found among the military.
 * Actualization Cordial
 * This is a common name for this Cordial, but far from the only one. By it's very nature there can be no standardized ritual for the creation of this cordial. Typically it's done after emerging on the other side of a personal hardship or test of character, or while someone is on a path of personal spiritual discovery. It's common for people to eventually find their way down the Path of Self, but it's rare for someone to start out initiating into it unless they are very spiritual and seeking personal betterment.
 * Technomancer's Cordial
 * This one is actually a lot like the Actualization Cordial in that the exact ritual to create it tends to be very personal, usually done after a major technical achievement. Sometimes rituals for creating these are passed around on boards for hackers and tinkers, but usually it's a post detailing the user's experience. It predisposes an Initiate towards the Path of Technology. Most who attempt to create these trying to emulate others end up with what is essentially a default Shadow Liqueur.
 * Mariner's Cordial
 * This one is pretty straightforward - it's a Shadow Liqueur mixed with either sea water or fresh water. Predisposes people to the Path of Water.