# Zeal

Zeal is the representation of a character's faith which grants him magic-using powers. This is provided by the [soulstone ](https://hexhunt.gitbook.io/hexhunt/of-sword-and-sorcery/magic/soulstone)bound to the magic-user's soul through a ritual, purifying it.  

Zeal value ranges from 1 to 6. A character starts the game with a zeal score equal to its INT.

Each **failed attempt at casting a spell** decreases zeal by one. When zeal of a character reaches zero

* soulstone's corrupting effect is activated
* the character cannot cast any spells 
* cannot learn any new spells

until his zeal score is greater than zero. 

To increase zeal, a character may perform rituals using its ritual kit (holy relics), or do deeds for his faith. Alternately the player may discard one card per level from their hand.