Magic:
Vira:
Attire:
Weavers had existed long before the current Branch system of magical categorization existed. Their culture is diverse, but as far as attire is concerned, Weavers have traditionally worn as little as possible. Ancient civilizations are thought to have had mages who wore nothing at all, even when not casting spells. They believed it kept them in tune with magical energies.
There are certain specific kinds of materials to be avoided, such as metals, “living clothing”, and anything that repels or distorts vira energy. Some substances also amplify magic. Matter that contorts it in various ways can still be useful to a trained mage. Knowledge of what materials and elements impacted spellcasting was limited until recently. The Shrouded Theocracy leads the known world in this respect.
Modern Weavers are not the nudists of the past, especially in Shroud. They often wear porous fibers, woven into configurations that lessen the distortion of magical energies. Expensive magewear of this variety is sometimes crafted to guide magical energies. Few can afford these items, and even fewer can fabricate them.
Vitality:
Specialists: Lifemages
Lifemages specialize in using magic to augment growth. They are healers, botanists, and generally, some of the most respected and accepted mages around. Most Lifemages will study biology alongside magic so that they can understand how to more effectively use their magic. A common goal of spells in this channel is to make orderly an organism’s parts or to enhance it in some way.
Entropy:
Specialists: Siphons, Warpweavers
Siphons specialize in using magic to turn the energy within a creature against them, or they distort the way magical energy flows in the environment, with unpredictable effects. Siphons do not receive the same adoration that is heaped upon Lifemages. They are treated like walking disasters, fit to be avoided. Some revel in this infamy, while others conceal their specialty to shield themselves.
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Commutation:
Specialists: Shapemages, Shapers
Shapemages use the magic in this channel to move magical energy that is not within a living thing around. It can enter a living thing or not, but it must originate outside and not inside a living thing. It is easier for those not versed in magic to wrap their heads around what a Shapemage is capable of. This is because Commutation spells include those that produce things like flame and magical projectiles.
Insight 112: Be advised: Insight Advocate [INFORMATION INACCESSIBLE - FACTION LEADER OVERRIDE] passed on a false report that the lesser sentients in the Shrouded Theocracy territories have knowledge of a “Lumine” Branch. The mission leader had judged that they are not at fault. Either way, we are unlikely to hear about what is being done to correct this.
Insight 72: It isn’t just one. There are multiple reports of Pulseteks on the surface. Without more access, we can’t be sure of what they are. Personally, I think this is a cause for concern.
Insight 67: Our concern is with the Coalescence Project and the larger project goals, but I share your worries. Communication channels are restricted right now to preserve the integrity of the experiment. Best we can do is pass it directly to the Faction Leader herself.
Insight 72: Then, that is what we will do. It is hard to believe that one of our own is already breaking protocol in a big way.
Insight 67: Using the project to append this communication channel is somewhat of a gray area too. I appreciate the effort, 112.
Insight 112: No problem. We are learning to use their language, so there should be no reprisal, as difficult as it is to do it.
Insight 72: Agreed on both counts.
Insight 67: We might just learn something important like we were told to.
Insight 72: I learned what a “gray area” was just now.
Insight 67: Happy to help. Now, let’s get back to it.