Her priestesses are known as Vestal Virgins, and they are required to remain virginal. Anyone losing this state (and thereby proving her lack of faith to Vesta) is cast from the order, and all blessings of Vesta are withdrawn. In many Roman towns and cities, the Vestal Virgins are also used as notaries public.
E/F/M: Through this Casting, the priestess is able to immediately clear a room of small through moderate size, used as a dwelling place for a person or family who pay at least nominal homage to Vesta, of any and all rodents, insects, and other pests. The result is a much cleaner, and uninfested, room. The pests and rodents in question are deposited outside the dwelling, and are unable to re-enter the area for the duration of the casting. Note that, for longer durations, they will tend to set up shop somewhere else and be permanently removed (although their cousins may decide to take up residence).
Sweephearth Formula
Time: Instant
Area: 1 sq. yd.
Distance: 1 rod
Other Heka Costs:
R&D: Nil
Other: Nil
E/F/M: By means of this casting, the priestess causes all manner of twigs, dirt, dust, lint, and the like to be magickally swept from the hearth and moved into a neat pile next to it. This is a common preparation of any home's hearth before lighting a fire, provided that a Vestal Virgin is handy.
E/F/M: This casting allows the priestess to instantly remove all dirt, debris, dust, etc. from the confines of a room. There are no restrictions on the size of the room, save that it must be the home of one or more persons who at least pay homage to Vesta.
Warmth of Belonging Charm
Time: 1 hour
Area: 1 creature
Distance: Touch
Other Heka Costs:
R&D: Nil
Other: 10:1 additional hour
E/F/M: The Vestal Virgins are known for their promotion of hearth and home, and this casting is part of the reason. This quick charm grants the subject that warm fuzzy feeling of belonging where one is, that satisfaction that this is, indeed, home. The feeling persists as long as the subject remains in a fairly relaxed state (no running about, no combat), and for the duration his healing rate will be doubled. Note that no priestess will ever cast this in a situation where it is clear that the person is forcibly being included in a household. The duration of the casting may be extended at an additional cost of 10 Heka per hour, to a maximum of one hour per point of STEEP possessed by the caster.
E/F/M: This brief, five minute ritual will imbue an ordinary log of reasonable dimensions (no more than about 3 feet long and a foot in diameter) with the capability to burn normally without being consumed for the time of the casting. The total duration may be extended at a cost of 10 Heka for each hour so added, to a maximum of 1 hour per 10 STEEP possessed by the caster.
E/F/M: This casting bears a great deal of resemblance to the Eveninglog Ritual (q.v.), although it affects a full fire and the wood fueling it rather than a mere log. For the duration of the casting, no wood will be burnt in maintaining the fire, although the fire will continue to burn normally. Note that the fire remains non-magickal, and the casting can be extended a great deal, at a cost of 10 Heka per additional hour, to a maximum of 1 hour per point of STEEP possessed by the caster.
E/F/M: This ritual appeals to Vesta for shelter, and the recipients within the area of effect will be sheltered from the elements (wind, rain, cold, excessive heat, too much sun, etc) in this haven of safety. A fire must be lit before the ritual is performed, and it provides the center of the area to be affected. The duration of the casting may be extended at a cost of 25 Heka per additional hour, to a maximum of one hour per 10 STEEP possessed by the caster.