Excerpt from 'An Auramancer's Life Blood: An exploration of Aura' published by The Association of Thaumaturgic Regulation
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Aura is a specialized form of thaumic energy generated organically by Augmenter-type awakened individuals. Unlike traditional mana, aura is deeply tied to the spiritual and emotional state of its user. This connection allows it to augment not only physical strength but also cognitive, sensory, and mental abilities, giving the awakened a broad range of enhancements.
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PROPERTIES OF AURA
Aura is a spiritual-matter that consists of both life force and mana, making it unique to each individual. Unlike mana, which is more universal, aura is deeply personal and influenced by the thoughts, emotions, and intentions of its user.
Key Characteristics:
* Spiritual-Matter: Like all spiritual-matter, aura is sensitive to the will of the user, influenced by their emotional state.
* Aetherions: The primary component of aura, aetherions, interact with the user's will to produce this energy.
* Dual Nature: A blend of life force and mana, aura is an intrinsic part of the awakened, functioning uniquely within their body.
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PRODUCTION AND MECHANISMS
Aura is produced in the Aurachamber of the mana core, but the precise thaumic processes behind its creation are unknown. The ability to generate aura is linked to the user's awakening and their capacity to channel mana. Aura manifests itself when both life force and mana combine within the user’s body, specifically within the Aurachamber, which acts as the energy generator.
Mystery of Aura Production:
* The exact mechanisms behind aura’s creation are still largely mysterious.
* Unlike mana, which can be generated and controlled by anyone with magical ability, aura is unique to Augmenters and tied to their specific physiological and emotional states.
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USES OF AURA
Aura is primarily used by Augmenters to enhance their physical abilities, but it can also be used to enhance cognition, senses, and mental capabilities. When manipulated through the mana veins, aura floods organs or systems within the body to give heightened abilities, such as superhuman strength, speed, and sensory perception.
Primary Applications:
* Physical Augmentation: Grants users superhuman strength, speed, reaction times, and endurance.
* Cognitive & Sensory Augmentation: Improves mental processing, reflexes, and sensory abilities, allowing for heightened awareness and faster decision-making.
* Emergency Enhancement: In high-stress situations, aura can trigger a burst of strength akin to hysterical strength, though this is often uncontrolled and dangerous without training.
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MANIFESTATION OF AURA
Aura is one of the few forms of thaumic energy that can be manifested outside the user's body. Skilled Auramancers can project their aura to create a physical, protective shield or perform specialized techniques. This ability is what sets aura apart from other forms of magic, as it can be used both defensively and offensively in combat.
External Manifestation:
* Aura Shield: A defense against both physical and magical attacks by forming a protective barrier around the body.
* Aura Techniques: Skilled Auramancers can shape their aura into specialized techniques, using it for offensive capabilities like devastating strikes or creating powerful energy blasts.
* Elemental Fusion: Combining aura with elemental magic, users can create hybrid attacks, such as fire-infused punches or lightning-charged blows.
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AURA AND MYSTICAL ARTS
When combined with mana-based magic, aura can give rise to a powerful sub discipline known as Mystic Arts or Mysticisms. This combination allows Augmenters to perform feats of magic and physical power that go beyond the capabilities of both mana and aura alone.
Mystic Arts Characteristics:
* Hybrid Magic: By channeling aura through magical spells, users can enhance their spells with physical prowess or elemental effects.
* Mana + Aura Synergy: The combination of mana-based magic and aura creates techniques of immense power, such as elemental storms or energy-absorbing shields.
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EMOTIONAL TRANSFER AND METAPHYSICAL EFFECTS
Aura shares a property with mana in its ability to transfer information, but while mana can transfer complex emotions and will, aura is limited to base emotions and the will of the user. This transfer can have powerful, often dangerous effects on others.
Emotional Transfer:
* Transference of Will & Emotion: Aura can transfer raw emotions, like anger, fear, or willpower, to others.
* Metaphysical Weight: Unlike mana, aura can manifest itself as a metaphysical weight on those around the user, which can cause physical or psychological harm, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or even death in extreme cases.
* Vivid Sensations: While less versatile than mana in terms of information transfer, the will behind the aura is often transferred more vividly, leaving a significant impact on the recipient.
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RISKS AND LIMITATIONS OF AURA
Aura, while powerful, can be incredibly dangerous if used recklessly or without proper training. Overuse of aura can lead to physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, or even long-term damage.
Potential Dangers:
* Aura Burnout: Prolonged or excessive use of aura can drain the user’s life force, leading to physical exhaustion or even death.
* Loss of Control: In moments of extreme stress, an Augmenter may lose control of their aura, causing uncontrollable surges of power that can be harmful to both the user and their surroundings.
* Harm to Non-Awakened: Non-awakened individuals can be adversely affected by exposure to high concentrations of aura, leading to nausea, weakness, or death in extreme cases.