The Rituals

The Hooded Man

Certain similarities strike between the worlds traveled to by the Hooded Man’s taxi cab and the one(s) that can be reached via the Elevator to Another World ritual. I’m not sure whether they’re the same ones, though, so do with that what you will.

This ritual should Not be attempted in a state of agitation, nervousness, or fear.

As always, play at your own risk.
______________________________

Players:

One principal.

Requirements:

Two black cords or ropes measuring half a meter in length each.

A telephone. If you have access to an old-fashioned rotary phone, it is suggested you use it, as it will provide the greatest effect. A modern touch-tone phone will also work, although it is recommended that it be of a corded variety. Cordless or cellular phones may present some difficulties and are not recommended.

Matches or a lighter.

A watch.

Salt.

Instructions:

The Prelude:

Prior to beginning, perform a cleansing ritual in the location in which you plan to perform the Hooded Man Ritual. Burning a sage smudge stick and spreading salt or ash before the front door are recommended; for more detailed instructions, see here.

Shut all the doors, close all the windows, and draw all the curtains.

Turn off the lights, as well as all electronic devices. Set the two black cords, as well as the matches or lighter, near the phone.

Empty your pockets of any power or protection items, but keep the watch on your person.

Calling the Cab:

Begin at night.

Sit down before the telephone and count to the number 13.

Then, leaving the phone on the hook, dial the following number: 20496888.

Tie one black cord securely to the telephone’s handset. Lift the handset by holding the cord only; then dial the following number: 25515823.

Count to 13 and set the handset down, but do not hang it back on the cradle.

Speak the following words into the receiver: “Hello? I need a cab.”

Untie the first black cord from the handset and replace it with the second one, making sure to secure it tightly. Burn the first cord immediately if possible; if it is not possible to do it immediately, burn it as soon as you have completed the ritual.

Open the curtains and look out. If you have completed steps one through five correctly, you will see a black taxi cab parked outside. Exit the building, locking the door behind you, and climb into the cab’s empty back seat.
Lock the cab door and go to sleep.

During the Ride:

When you are awaken, use your watch to check the time.
If your watch reads anytime other than 3:30am: Exit the cab and reenter your home within two minutes. Proceed to “The Ending – Step 1.”

If your watch reads 3:30am: Go back to sleep.

When you are awaken for the second time, you will find the cab to be driving on a highway with a man wearing a hood at the wheel. Do NOT do any of the following:
Panic.
Attempt to get out of the cab while it is moving.
Speak to any other passengers the cab may pick up.
When you are ready to end your ride, lean close to the hooded man’s ear and say the following words, slowly and deliberately: “I have reached my destination.” You will fall asleep one last time; when you awaken, you will have returned to your starting location.
The Ending:

Once you have returned to your starting location, seat yourself before the telephone once more and dial the following number: 200082.
Use the black cord to lift the handset, set it down, and recite the following words into the receiver: “Thank you for the ride.”
Untie the black cord from the handset. Burn it; then bury the ashes of both it and the first cord in the ground. Scatter salt over the top of the burial site.
Perform a cleansing ritual.
Additional Notes:

Sage, salt, or other items of protection may be used during the cleansing rituals performed before and after the Hooded Man Ritual itself; however, these items should NOT be carried with you while you are performing the Hooded Man Ritual.

Should you feel threatened, followed, stalked, or otherwise unsafe at any point during the ritual, do NOT proceed. If you have not yet