Post by Aliton on Dec 21, 2008 18:43:02 GMT -5
"Magic," as the common people call it, is the use of sheer will to bend reality. This, however, takes a great deal of focus and stamina, not to mention an ample supply of "loose energy" or ether in the surrounding area. Of course, this energy can be collected and stored in vessels or in one's body. Most private practicioners will use the available ether in the air while mercenaries and other practicioners in the service of one nation or another will store up their ether.
All of this begs a question: Where does ether come from? There are several theories, most of which cannot be proved or disproved. The most widely accepted theory is that Maginus, god of magic and knowledge, refreshes the world with ether every morning. Some say the sun is Illehu's way of pouring ether into the world. Others say that ether is released from every living thing when it dies, while still others claim that ether is a byproduct of living and that every living thing emits a small flow of ether into their surroundings. The last theory is often denied by governments and magic colleges to prevent overuse in cities.
Ether can volatile if collected in large enough quantities. Because of this, a practicioner must learn to keep ether stable and under control before they can even attempt to collect vast amounts of it. That is, of course, assuming the practicioner values their life.
Stream Direction
Every practicioner of magic must first learn the basics of controlling ether, regardless of their faith in Maginus. This has resulted in a mostly introductory form of magic known as "Stream Direction." The concept is simple: gather enough ether to have an impact on your target and project it in a line or curve at the target.
A handful of practicioners will further their mastery over Stream Direction instead of following one specific path of magic or another. Because they are able to extend their control over ether long distances, they are capable of disabling enemy mages by directing all ether away from their opponent. These practicioners are often used as defense against enemy mages because of this.
Compulsion
The act of compelling anything to perform one's will is most often used by druids and warlocks. In general, the compeller's will must be stronger than the compellee's will. Where inanimate objects are concerned the practicioner must have a will as strong as the muscles required to physically move whatever object they happen to be moving.
In order to perform compulsion, the practicioner must saturate the object or entity being compelled with ether. Any knowledged practicioner will compell the mind instead of the entire body in order to conserve ether. That ether acts as a messenger of the practicioner's will.
Conjuration
Any mage capable of conjuring a ball of fire is skilled in the art of conversion. Often called Alteration, this form deals with converting one substance into another completely different substance. This form is often used in conjunction with stream direction as the various changed elements often act as ether just after conversion. To prevent inflation, most governments outlaw conversion to precious or semiprecious materials. This act of greed is also generally frowned upon by Maginus.
Matter Conjuration
At times, a practicioner of magic may become swamped with volatile ether. At this point they have two options: die, which isn't particularly helpful, or convert the ether into matter. Of course, Ether Conversion has uses other than saving one's skin. It is the only possible way to create stable artificial life. There is, however, a limit on this form in that the ether must be concentrated beyond the point of volatility in order to take shape and solidify.
The "World Barrier" form focuses heavily on opening or even breaking the barrier between the worlds. Summoners and faith practicioners will use the World Barrier form to call forth a beast from another plane of existance or to bring forth the wrath of the gods.
In order to open a hole between barriers, the practicioner must focus on two things: the world barrier being opened, and flattening the ether where the barrier will be opened, as the hole requires literally two dimensional ether.
All of this begs a question: Where does ether come from? There are several theories, most of which cannot be proved or disproved. The most widely accepted theory is that Maginus, god of magic and knowledge, refreshes the world with ether every morning. Some say the sun is Illehu's way of pouring ether into the world. Others say that ether is released from every living thing when it dies, while still others claim that ether is a byproduct of living and that every living thing emits a small flow of ether into their surroundings. The last theory is often denied by governments and magic colleges to prevent overuse in cities.
Ether can volatile if collected in large enough quantities. Because of this, a practicioner must learn to keep ether stable and under control before they can even attempt to collect vast amounts of it. That is, of course, assuming the practicioner values their life.
Stream Direction
Every practicioner of magic must first learn the basics of controlling ether, regardless of their faith in Maginus. This has resulted in a mostly introductory form of magic known as "Stream Direction." The concept is simple: gather enough ether to have an impact on your target and project it in a line or curve at the target.
A handful of practicioners will further their mastery over Stream Direction instead of following one specific path of magic or another. Because they are able to extend their control over ether long distances, they are capable of disabling enemy mages by directing all ether away from their opponent. These practicioners are often used as defense against enemy mages because of this.
Compulsion
The act of compelling anything to perform one's will is most often used by druids and warlocks. In general, the compeller's will must be stronger than the compellee's will. Where inanimate objects are concerned the practicioner must have a will as strong as the muscles required to physically move whatever object they happen to be moving.
In order to perform compulsion, the practicioner must saturate the object or entity being compelled with ether. Any knowledged practicioner will compell the mind instead of the entire body in order to conserve ether. That ether acts as a messenger of the practicioner's will.
Conjuration
Any mage capable of conjuring a ball of fire is skilled in the art of conversion. Often called Alteration, this form deals with converting one substance into another completely different substance. This form is often used in conjunction with stream direction as the various changed elements often act as ether just after conversion. To prevent inflation, most governments outlaw conversion to precious or semiprecious materials. This act of greed is also generally frowned upon by Maginus.
Matter Conjuration
At times, a practicioner of magic may become swamped with volatile ether. At this point they have two options: die, which isn't particularly helpful, or convert the ether into matter. Of course, Ether Conversion has uses other than saving one's skin. It is the only possible way to create stable artificial life. There is, however, a limit on this form in that the ether must be concentrated beyond the point of volatility in order to take shape and solidify.
The "World Barrier" form focuses heavily on opening or even breaking the barrier between the worlds. Summoners and faith practicioners will use the World Barrier form to call forth a beast from another plane of existance or to bring forth the wrath of the gods.
In order to open a hole between barriers, the practicioner must focus on two things: the world barrier being opened, and flattening the ether where the barrier will be opened, as the hole requires literally two dimensional ether.
This guide was made by Tahujoe.