[He shrugs his shoulders. Something about her confidence in the matter makes him feel more comfortable being contrary and exposing his own doubts. After all, this is the sort of hopeless feeling situation where he would like to be convinced.]

In my realm, a 'ritual' would only mean that we were about to be enslaved. There are beasts called Primals... summoned gods that break the will of all those exposed to them. 'Twas not uncommon for soldiers and civilians alike to be captured for this purpose, offering up their manufactured faith to strengthen the Primal's influence.

[He scoffs.]

Though, normally they need not go as far as plucking their prey from other worlds.