A Geas is a magical compulsion or binding command placed upon an individual by a higher power (and on Earth-40 through the Dragons Breath).
A Geas is a mystical law woven into the soul - those under Geas are compelled to act (or to refrain from acting) under the terms of the binding. Disobedience has severe consequences; from physical torment and mental suffering to a complete unmaking of the self. It is often tied to specific fates/dooms.
Geasa may be:
- Commands - “You shall not speak the truth to a king”
- Restrictions - “You may never cross running water”
- Obligations - “You must answer every cry for help”
While it may not be visible to others, an individual knows when they are under the influence of a geas and certainly knows when they are in violation. In some cases, fulfilling the spirit of a geas rather than the letter may be possible. Only the entity which places the geas or one of greater power may undo it.
Examples
- The Bound King - Rules for seventy-seven years without ever speaking a lie; his reign was bound by a geas to preserve truth in all things.
- The Silent Saint - Took a geas of silence as penance for crimes in a previous life and to reward his duty, he was able to perform Wonders.
- The Black Oath - A trap for overconfident knights meaning they will never retreat in battle. Few live beyond the age of forty.