[Circle of Hands] Enchantments

[Nyhteg]

So Enchantments seem like pretty cool /scary things, but I've got a couple of questions about them.
Here's the rule text regarding their use:

To use an enchanted item, a person must swear an oath of the appropriate color using the full rules for oaths. At the end of the scene including the first use, the player rolls for the chance of a Mark of that color (not a Gift). If a Mark does not result, then this roll is repeated with continued use until the Mark is acquired. Once so Marked, the character always gets a bonus die in the use of that item.

So first off, a "use" means "triggering the spell(s) the item can cast", is that right, or does it mean any use of an item, even as a totally mundane version of that item?
If the enchanted item is a sword that summons demons, hitting someone over the head with it isn't a "use", but summoning a demon with it is?
Or are we talking about not being to even pick the thing up unless an Oath is sworn?

And once Marked, there's a bonus die "in the use of the item".
Again, is that talking about using the spell-casting power, or just using an item conventionally?

What does that bonus die mean in practice?
An item that casts Balm, say, restores 3 to B and Q plus and extra d6 to split between them as desired?
An enchanted spear always rolls an extra die during combat?

So, could an enchanted weapon conceivably be rolling three extra dice in a clash - one for advantage, one fore the Oath, one for the bonus?

Am I completely off-base and confused about this?

G

[Ron Edwards]

I'll do this the piecemeal way.

So first off, a "use" means "triggering the spell(s) the item can cast", is that right, or does it mean any use of an item, even as a totally mundane version of that item?

Triggering the spell. "Use magically" I guess would be the clearest phrase.

If the enchanted item is a sword that summons demons, hitting someone over the head with it isn't a "use", but summoning a demon with it is?

Yeah!

Or are we talking about not being to even pick the thing up unless an Oath is sworn?

Nope, that's adding stuff in there - no need. Stick with the above two answers.

And once Marked, there's a bonus die "in the use of the item".
Again, is that talking about using the spell-casting power, or just using an item conventionally?

Spell-casting power. Magical use.

What does that bonus die mean in practice?
An item that casts Balm, say, restores 3 to B and Q plus and extra d6 to split between them as desired?
An enchanted spear always rolls an extra die during combat?

Yup.

So, could an enchanted weapon conceivably be rolling three extra dice in a clash - one for advantage, one fore the Oath, one for the bonus?

Yes indeed. This would be filed nicely in the "GMs don't play Circle of Hands mean enough" cabinet.

Best, Ron

[Nyhteg]

Thanks, Ron

Clear...and not a little hair raising! :)

Interesting you say that about GMing - after every Venture we've played I've ended up thinking "Hm. I really should play things a bit harder next time..." There's probably an upper limit to that, but I suspect I'm nowhere near it yet.

G