Key embodiment ritual

This ritual was performed by monks of the Order of Dagon sometime late in the year 2000 in order to provide a different form for the Key. The result was a powerful warping of reality that transformed the Key, a mystical formless energy, into a human being named Dawn Summers. It created false memories for Dawn herself, and also on other people that were close to her, whether by familial or social ties.

The ritual required at least three monks with several components like amulets and candles. Concentration was important in completing the ritual, although it was finished by the monks in only a matter seconds. It was revealed that the monks used the blood of Buffy Summers in giving life to Dawn. The monks chose to send the Key to the slayer in the form of a younger sister so that the slayer will do everything in her power to protect he Key.

Despite being powerful, the ritual was not infallible. Other spells like Tirer La Couverture could allow the caster negate the reality warping effect of the ritual. Additionally, beings who were out of reality, or those suffering from mental disorders, could bypass the effects of the spell and see Dawn only as mystical light.