Game narrative 3: Sacred pal tree

Sacred Palm Oil

FADE IN

INT. - A BRAZILIAN AFRO ESPIRITUAL CENTER - NIGHT

The small living room in the Umbanda Center has a tiny veranda with open windows, and decorating the walls there are paintings with elemental beings, hanging plants and a six-pointed star made of metal. From outside the room comes the hooting of an owl. On a glass table are arranged sculptures of old black men and women. Jorge (the protagonist), the Pai and Mãe de Santo are sitting in humble armchairs, talking.

PAI DE SANTO: "Welcome to our terreiro, my child. I am the Pai de Santo of this community. What brings you here?"

PLAYER: "I am here to learn more about Umbanda and its practices. I've heard I can use the things I can learn here to make myself wise... And help people!"

PAI DE SANTO: "Umbanda is a religion that brings together the worship of African and Indigenous spirits, as well as Catholic saints. It's a way of understanding the world and our place in it, through rituals and ceremonies."

MÃE DE SANTO: "I am the Mãe de Santo of this community. Umbanda is a way to connect with our ancestors and the spiritual realm. It's a way to heal ourselves and others."

PLAYER: "Can you tell me more about the rituals and ceremonies?"

MÃE DE SANTO: "Sure, we have different rituals such as the 'trabalhos' where we make offerings to the spirits and ask for their protection and guidance, and the 'passe' where we receive the spiritual energy that allows us to heal ourselves and others. We also have ceremonies to celebrate the saints, such as Saint George and Our Lady of Aparecida."

PAI DE SANTO: "Umbanda is a way of life, it's about living in harmony with nature and the spirits, and respecting the sacredness of everything. It's a way to understand the world and our place in it."

PLAYER: Can you tell me about the different entities and spirits in Umbanda?"

MÃE DE SANTO: "Yes, there are many different entities and spirits in Umbanda. We have the pretos velhos, who are wise and experienced spirits, the caboclos, who are Indigenous spirits, and the crianças, who are young and playful spirits. We also have the exus, who are trickster spirits, and the pombagiras, who are feminine spirits associated with love and sensuality."

PAI DE SANTO: "Each spirit or entity has its own characteristics and qualities, and we honor and respect them all. They can help us in different areas of our lives such as health, work, love, and more."

PLAYER: "How can I become involved in Umbanda?"

PAI DE SANTO: "Umbanda is open to anyone who wants to learn and participate. To become involved, you can attend our terreiro, participate in the rituals and ceremonies, and learn from our elders. It's also important to study and read about Umbanda, so you can deepen your understanding of the practice."

MÃE DE SANTO: "You can also seek guidance and help from the spirits and entities through our mediums, who are trained to communicate with the spiritual realm. Remember that Umbanda is a way of life, it's about living in harmony with nature and the spirits, and respecting the sacredness of everything."

PAI DE SANTO: "My child, you have learned much about Umbanda and its practices. Are you ready to take on a challenge that will test your understanding and commitment to the religion?"

PLAYER: "Yes, I am ready."

MÃE DE SANTO: "Great, we have received a request for help from a family whose crops are failing. We believe that it is the work of a malicious spirit. Your challenge is to identify the spirit causing the problem and perform a ritual to banish it and bring peace to the family. Can you do that?"

PLAYER: "How can I identify the spirit and perform the ritual? I've started studying already, but I don't know much. Forgive me."

MÃE DE SANTO: "You will need to study the signs and symptoms of the problem and consult with our elders and mediums to determine the spirit responsible. Then, you will need to gather the necessary materials for the ritual and perform it with the guidance of our elders."

PAI DE SANTO: "Remember... This is a serious matter, and it requires your full attention and commitment. We will be here to guide you, but ultimately it is up to you to complete the challenge and bring peace to the family."