Owner's Manual

Section 4: Summoning Circle Assembly

Before You Begin

Estimated Assembly Time: 2-3 hours
Verify all components are present before beginning assembly

What's In The Box

• (1) Primary summoning circle (copper inlay, 5 cubit diameter)
• (5) Runic anchor posts (obsidian, 1 quintal each)
• (1) Central focus crystal (amethyst, approximately 3 ort)
• (1) Containment ward scroll
• (12) Silver binding pins
• (1) Chalk (enchanted, phosphorescent blue)
• (1) Small vial of sanctified salt

Note: If any components are missing or damaged, contact Castle Support immediately. Do not attempt to substitute materials.

Required Tools (Not Included)

• Spirit level (mundane or enchanted)
• Circumferentor
• Mallet (non-metallic preferred)
• Ptolomæus Ruler
• Basic protective ward (personal)

Safety Precautions

Step 1: Site Preparation

1. Select a location at least 15 cubts from exterior walls and 20 cubits from other magical installations.
2. Clear the area of all furniture, carpets, and mundane objects within a 10-cubit radius.
3. Sweep the floor thoroughly. Even small debris can disrupt runic patterns.
4. Use the spirit level to verify the floor is level within 2 degrees. If floor is not level, proceed to Appendix C: Leveling Procedures.

Note: Basements and ground-floor rooms are recommended. Upper-floor installations require additional structural reinforcement (see Section 4.7: Load-Bearing Considerations for Summoning).

Step 2: Circle Placement

1. Locate the center point of your chosen area. Mark with chalk.
2. Unroll the primary summoning circle carefully. The copper inlay is delicate and kinking will compromise its function.
3. Center the circle on your chalk mark. The outermost edge should have a 6-cubit diameter.
4. Verify the circle is perfectly round using your measuring tape. Measure the diameter at three different angles. All measurements should be within 1/4 inch of each other.

IMPORTANT: Do not step inside the circle during assembly. Always work from the perimeter.

Step 3: Anchor Post Installation

1. Identify the five anchor points marked on the circle's perimeter. They form a perfect pentagon.
2. Place one obsidian anchor post at each marked position. The rune-carved side should face inward toward the circle's center.
3. Using your mallet, gently tap each post until it sits flush with the floor.
4. Secure each post with two silver binding pins driven at 45-degree angles through the pre-drilled holes.

CAUTION: Do not strike the anchor posts directly on their runed surfaces. This may crack the obsidian and void your warranty.

Step 4: Central Crystal Installation

1. Remove the focus crystal from its protective case.
2. Wipe the crystal with a clean, dry cloth to remove any oils or debris.
3. Place the crystal in the exact center of the circle. The natural point of the crystal should face upward.
4. The crystal should rest stable without rocking. If it rocks, rotate it slightly until it settles.

ᚨᚾᚨᛗ ᚲᚨᚱᚨ: The crystal may emit a faint hum when properly positioned. This is normal.

Step 5: Containment Ward Application

1. Unroll the containment ward scroll completely. Do not crease or fold.
2. Read the activation phrase aloud three times clearly: "Claustra firma, limina tuta, nihil transit."
3. You should observe a faint shimmer around the circle's perimeter. If no shimmer appears, repeat step II.
4. Once activated, place the scroll in your castle's ward repository. The ward remains active as long as the scroll is intact and stored within 40 rods of the circle.

Step 6: Salt Barrier

1. Pour the sanctified salt in an unbroken line around the outside of the circle, approximately 1 toise from the copper inlay.
2. The salt line must be continuous with no gaps. Even small breaks compromise the containment field.
3. Smooth the salt line so it is approximately 1/4 pouce thick and uniform in width.

Step 7: Final Verification

Before first use, verify the following:

• ☐ All five anchor posts are secure and facing inward
• ☐ Central crystal is centered and stable
• ☐ Containment ward shimmer is visible
• ☐ Salt line is unbroken and uniform
• ☐ No cracks or gaps in the copper inlay
• ☐ Area within 10 cubits is clear of objects and debris

Testing Your Installation

1. Stand outside the circle and cast a basic light cantrip at the center.
2. The light should bounce off the containment ward and dissipate. If the light passes through, your ward is not properly activated. Return to Step V.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of mundane salt on the central crystal. If the salt sparks briefly before falling away, your circle is properly grounded.

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to summon entities until you have successfully completed both tests above.

Maintenance

• Inspect the copper inlay monthly for tarnish or damage
• Replace the salt barrier after every use
• Recharge the focus crystal quarterly during new moon phases
• Re-apply containment ward annually or after 100 summonings, whichever comes first

Troubleshooting

Problem: Crystal doesn't hum when positioned
Solution: Ensure all anchor posts are properly grounded. Check that posts are not cracked.

Problem: Ward shimmer is inconsistent or flickering
Solution: Scroll may be damaged or improperly activated. Obtain replacement scroll from Castle Support.

Problem: Salt line keeps breaking or dispersing
Solution: Check for drafts or air currents. Summoning circles should not be placed near windows or ventilation shafts.

Next Steps

Once assembly is complete, proceed to Section 5: Basic Summoning Protocols and Safety Procedures.

For advanced configurations, see Section 5.4: Multi-Circle Arrays and Dimensional Anchoring.

Technical Support: For assembly assistance, contact Castle Support at support@wizardcastle.arcane or via sending spell to Crystal Network Node 447.