Sacred Oils

A major component of ceremonial work, sacred oils are used for a variety of important tasks. They anoint tools, line the inside of altar cases, attune the ritualist himself through their scent and streak the sides of engraved candles burned during ceremonies. Sacred oils bring together many other powerful ingredients, including herbs, organic essences and ground gemstones. A single vial of sacred oil can be the culmination of dozens of rare and expensive components.

Sacred oil is often a time-consuming construction, taking days to formulate properly. One part alchemy, one part ritual magic, crafting sacred oils is a ceremony in itself. Special times of day must be observed, prayers must be chanted over the creation equipment and costly containers must be used to hold the final product lest it lose its spiritual potency.

Non-magical sacred oils are taken very seriously as part of religious doctrine, but enchanted versions can also be made. Considered a subset of potion creation, magical sacred oils can only be brewed by divine spellcasters with at least five ranks in Knowledge (Alchemy). Sacred oils are erroneously thought of as weaker versions of true potions because of their often-incongruous durations and effects. Unfortunately, this means sacred oils are not usually available for sale. More often, they can be found within the confines of a temple or other religious institution as the work of a cloistered priest.

Regardless of their origin or method of purchase, enchanted sacred oils are all used the same way. To gain the benefits of a sacred oil, the user must cover his hands with it and rub it gently across his temples and both sides of his neck. Inhaling the aroma of sacred oil then activates its magic. This lengthy anointing makes using sacred oil a full round action. The primary benefit of sacred oil over a potion is that, once applied, the effects of the oil cannot be dispelled by arcane magic.