By Kulallin’s fiery beard, I cast thee out, demon!
Some vislae—particularly, but not limited to, Goetics—form a special sort of alliance with powerful immortal beings. This relationship, called patronage, indicates that the vislae owes particular allegiance to the immortal being. In return, the being grants the vislae power. Almost any powerful immortal or godlike being can act as a patron.
Patronage is developed by means of the elaborate forms and pacts established in the far distant past. Because Goetics have a familiarity with such agreements and ceremonies already, they find the process easier.
The vislae must find a patron, carry out the proper forms and manners, give the formalized obeisances, and swear a number of binding oaths. The vislae provides gifts and services for the desired patron.
A vislae pledges allegiance to their patron and agrees to act in a manner befitting one associated with the patron. This varies, obviously, from patron to patron. The patron always gets something for their patronage. This is called “the Ask.” The vislae gets something too. This is called “the Aid.”
In addition to any specific aid detailed in the patronage agreement, patrons are very likely to respond to their vislae’s invocations and are somewhat more favorably disposed to them.
Patrons can always be called upon in times of great need, similar to the Beseech invocation, although no long-form magic need be performed. Likewise, the vislae should expect that their patron will require them to carry out a specific task from time to time.