A Treatise on Magic: Desire, Consequences, Dangers, and Limits – The Epic Backfire Spell
Magic, that ancient force that pulses through the veins of the universe, is both a fascination and a terror. It is the promise of achieving the impossible, of bending reality to one’s will, but it is also a treacherous path, fraught with danger and limits.
Desire
Desire, the driving force behind all magic, is the fuel that feeds the flame. It is the thirst for something more, the aspiration to transcend the natural order of things. Ambition, need, love, revenge—all of these desires can be catalysts for magic, for good or ill.
The Consequences: The Dance with Fate
Wish magic is not free. Every act of reality manipulation comes at a price. The consequences can be subtle or devastating, immediate or delayed. A cure can result in an unknown illness, a wish granted can bring new and greater suffering. Wish magic is a dance with destiny, and every step can change the course of the future.
The Dangers: The Darkness That Hides the Light
Wish magic, by its very nature, is an unstable power. It can corrupt, distort, and destroy. Desire, if left unchecked, can turn into obsession, leading to acts of cruelty and despair. Magic attracts the attention of dark entities, who can corrupt the magician and use him or her for their own ends.
The Limits: The Chains That Confine Power
Wish magic, however powerful, is not limitless. There are intrinsic limits to its power, barriers that protect the fabric of reality from complete disintegration. The laws of nature, the will of the gods, fate itself can all stand in the way of magical power. Arrogance and the pursuit of unlimited power are the greatest pitfalls of the magician when using this magic.
The Wisdom of the Magician: The Path of Balance
True wish magic lies in balance. The wise magician recognizes the power and dangers of this magic, using it with moderation and responsibility. He understands that power must be used for good, and that desire must be controlled by reason. Wisdom is the compass that guides the magician through the labyrinths of magic, allowing him to use his power for the good of humanity.
Conclusion
Desire magic is a powerful force, capable of wonders and horrors. It is a gift and a curse, a path of light and shadow. The magician, when approaching this power, must remember the responsibility it carries, the price it must pay, and the limits that must be respected. Only with wisdom and control can magic be used for the good of humanity, without succumbing to its dangers and limits.
-Nolo Ar Gall – Grand Master Order of The Aurora - A.C. 809
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Elysande Sausage and her fiancé are facing a very challenging situation with the infiltration of monsters into Lundina's society, including Beholders and undead giants. They think of possible strategies they can consider to deal with this threat:
1. Gathering allies - They can summon other members of the community, such as warriors, mages and monster experts, to form a strong alliance against the invaders. But the implicit threat of the monster puts their entire family at risk.
2. Investigation and intelligence: It is crucial to understand the origin and objectives of the monsters. They can send spies or use magic to obtain information about the Beholders and the undead giants. And she had already started doing this and expected answers in a few days. Her searches in the library had been fruitless as to the type of monster they were dealing with. Probably some unknown subspecies of beholders.
"I'm telling you, this monster, to appear here, in the capital of the empire, at a social event, is either very crazy or very powerful. I also don't believe in coincidences, these monsters appearing here at the same time as the royal wedding.
“I agree, Elysande. We need to gather our allies. Maybe we can summon the city's warriors and the wizards we know. Together, we are stronger.” Says Elorn Le Foll, trying to comfort and inspire his fiancée.
“Yes, we also need information. We can't face what we don't understand. I searched all night for information about the monster, but nothing fit. I spoke to my father and he said he would see who invited the monster to the event. Beholders, they are cunning and have terrible magical powers.”
Great idea! And in the meantime, we can convince him to leave Lundine. Do you still think it's a bad idea to tell anyone in the tower?”
“Definitely! The towers are still recovering from the plague and everyone is worried about the great evil that Cystemis, Father of the Gods, warned us about. As for my father and sister...she shakes her head... They will only leave here if she is married or promised in writing.”
“So Elysande, we have to act with great care and caution.”
“That’s true. But we need to be prepared for the worst.” Elysande still felt a strange sensation when her fiancé said her first name out loud. It was such an intimate thing and even though she had known for some time that he was crazy about her, she still found it very strange to be the target of a man’s attention.
“Together, we can face any challenge that comes our way. We won’t let those monsters destroy our home!” He said this and took her hands.
And for the first time he began to see himself as a matron.
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Crixus left Paradise with his 5 wives, 4 days in paradise, just a few hours later, in the world of Dhah'ar. Cōpa was already waiting for him at the exit of the portal with his praetorian guard and the guard of his wives, inside the star fortress. Yes, the word is procrastination. For almost half a week, he found every excuse to lose himself in the arms of his wives and when he ran out of excuses, his wives helped him with dozens of other forms and types of excuses. He was already expecting to receive the title “master of putting things off” at any moment. But the link wouldn't let him, the collective mind, his curiosity to see what his family thought, saw and felt, was as addictive as surfing the internet in his past life and because of that he knew the problems were there, waiting. The golden light of the Paradise portal went out, leaving behind a trail of heat and a faint smell of incense. Cōpa, the imposing figure with piercing eyes, waited anxiously on the other side. His tense muscles revealed the apprehension that consumed him. Beside him, Captain Grishinak, a tall and corpulent giant, even by the standards of his race, maintained his rigid and implacable posture. Akaos, his father's personal advisor with a mischievous smile, his father's presence always made him happy and calm, observing everything with a scrutinizing gaze. The first to emerge from the portal were Cōpa's wives: Hethress, followed by Meikosil. Both looked exhausted, but their faces radiated wild joy. Bhenkumbyrznaax, Ingath and Agatan soon passed through the portal, all radiating happiness, with the 7th wife, Agatan, being the star that shone the brightest. Her sexual energy was palpable. But none of the men had the slightest improper thought in the face of her nudity and sexuality; for all the men in the family, she was one of the sacred mothers.
Soon after, the immense form of the Father emerged from the portal, his mere presence bringing peace and happiness to his family. Crixus, who would rule the world with wisdom and justice for eternity.
Cōpa and all the others who awaited the return of the Father, knelt as one being, like a trained troop, joy flooding their hearts like a river, a feeling shared by all present. "Welcome, Paradise... was it as you expected?"
Hethress smiled, her eyes shining. "It was more beautiful than I ever dreamed, Cōpa. The peace and beauty... are unimaginable, but the best thing is to share all of this with the Husband and my sisters."
Meikosil, with a slight tremor in her voice, added: "Yes, it was all wonderful, we have to do more of this, Cōpa."
Cōpa looked at his father, who was watching him with a serene gaze. "Father, how was it?"
Crixus placed one of his tentacles on Cōpa's shoulder, his gaze full of understanding. "I have found the peace I have been searching for. My batteries have been fully charged."
"Batteries?" Cōpa did not understand the analogy.
Grishinak, who had been watching the scene with an impassive expression, interrupted the moment. "Your Majesty, the cardinal kings wish to make reports, personally, they must return to Rashakn in 2 days."
Crixus already knew what the 4 kings, Velbog IV, Velbog V, Velbog VI and Velbog VII, wanted to say. By all indications, the pacification of the Valley of Shadows was going well, the 4 kings each with a copy of the 2 dragons, Nikkan and Condrus, but 10 copies of Grishinak had little resistance from the leaders of the disunited tribes of the giants of the Valley.
Velbog V, King of the South, had a surprise, of course it would be a surprise for the family, not for me. But why spoil it, he was happy to have found a gift for me.
Cōpa nodded, joy now mixed with the responsibility that surrounded him. "Yes, Grishinak. Let's go back. Father, Mothers, we have much to do." With a step back and to the side he gestured with his arm, the praetorian guard formed a corridor of honor and Akaos, took his position right behind the wives and mothers.
Akaos, with an enigmatic smile, approached Cōpa. "Father was really in need of a rest. Now we can focus on the grand plans to bring peace and happiness to Lord Crixus.."
Cōpa, with a firm and determined gaze, faced the future. "Yes, Lord Akaos. And we are ready to follow Lord Crixus's will." The group headed into the castle, leaving behind the portal to Paradise.
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The royal chamber in the palace of the capital Rashakn shone with the light of the torches of magical fire. Crixus, the conqueror of the Kingdom of the Serpent People, floated in his imposing true form on the royal dais, in front of him in the position of a beggar and supplicant, was Queen Calxochitli, his 5th wife, the Feathered Serpent Queen, her cold and piercing eyes fixed on her husband, feeling the full weight of her contempt.
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“Calxochitli, does peace reign in my domains?” He of course already knew the answer.
“Peace reigns, my love. The homes are full of plenty, the harvests abundant and the warriors strong.”
“The slaves?”
“They are well, Lord Crixus. Your advice is like the wisdom of ancient snakes, guiding us along safe paths. Those who dared to question it were impaled alive, after that, no one dared to question your wisdom again.” Calxochitli said with joy in her voice.
Impale, heavy, really heavy. We have to improve the judicial system in my lands, something in the Roman style, when we return to Lundine I will research the judicial system of the Talay Empire, maybe I can use something. "And the merchants? Does trade flow like blood through the veins? How are the dark elf tribes, the mantis and the bee people doing?
"Trade is prospering, my love. Peace is good for business. The dark elves are calm, probably still in shock from the flood of freed slaves returning to their villages and enclaves. The mantis are also calm. Kings Velbog IV and VI attacked, with their dragons, some nests during their trip to the mountains and they are still recovering. As soon as the kings pacify the giants it will be easier to deal with the bee people."
"That is good to hear."
"Do not worry, husband. Our warriors are prepared. The sentries watch the borders and our spies bring information about the movements of any trouble. The valley will be completely yours in a few weeks at the most.”
“Great.”
“The gods are with us, Crixus.” Through the link she sends me a request for permission to share the bed.
“Only when the Valley is at Peace and under my complete control.” Crixus says.
And all the wives look inquiringly at Queen Calxochitli, each one trying to imagine what the viper wants from her husband.
Calxochitli. The queen, with a look of love and trust, bows and leaves the hall. She will do anything to be worthy of her husband's love. Everything.
Soon after they leave, Crixus orders his court to leave the hall.
No one even looks at the monstrosity that now rules them with iron tentacles. Everyone saw what happened to Queen Calxochitli and those who didn't saw it soon found out. The queen had been corrupted in a way no one had ever seen. The way she behaved with the monster that slaughtered her children was abject.
And according to the Vizier's reports, this could happen to anyone who disobeyed the monster.
Soon after everyone left the hall, Crixus reunites with his wives and children.
Lord Crixus, with a strategic look, turns to his wives, gathered around a giant map of the known world, their fingers tracing the lines that delimit the continents.
"My beloveds, Shadowdale will soon be in our hands. Our strength is unbeatable in this region, and our power will soon extend throughout the region. But the future... We must decide what steps we will take next.
I want ideas.
Hethress, 1st wife, what do you advise? Should we be content with Shadowdale, or should we expand our domains? If so, where should we direct our efforts?" Hethress, with a piercing gaze, replies: "Lord, ambition is a powerful engine, but prudence is an essential compass. Shadowdale is a cradle of power, unknown to most of the world, protected within a wall of Volcanoes, but it is also a hostile territory. Expanding our domains must be done with caution. The continent of Xok'al, with its abundant resources and fertile lands, is tempting, but it is also a territory populated by fierce warriors, secrets and ancient curses. Conquest would be long and bloody. Diplomacy may be a more effective tool to ensure their loyalty."
"Meikosil, what do you think about the conquest of Xok'al?"
Meikosil, with a calculating look, answers: "Hethress is right, husband. Xok'al is an ambitious target, but it is not the only continent. Zeisibar, with its precious mineral mines and strategic ports, offers a greater reward. We can dominate Zeisibar with relative ease, infiltrating the summits of power and thus ensuring a constant flow of resources and a much larger power base. Zeisibar is a house already set up and ready to be taken." "Bhenkumbyrznaax, what do you think about Zeisibar? Are there hidden dangers in this territory?" Bhenkumbyrznaax, with a dark look, answers: "Zeisibar is a territory of power, but also of new magic. There are hidden forces that can harm us. Caution is needed. But, if we know how to deal with these forces, Zeisibar can become a center of unparalleled power." "Ingath, you, with your strength and knowledge of the magical arts, what do you think about Zeisibar? Can we really infiltrate this continent using copies?"
Ingath, with a determined look, answers: "Zeisibar is a powerful continent, with a strong army and a complex society. Infiltration through copies is risky, but not impossible. If we do it carefully, we can obtain valuable information and perhaps even copy the region's cupola of power, as suggested by the 2nd wife - key people, leaders, anyone important. But we must be careful, because if they discover our true intention, the plan could fall like a house of cards, our greatest asset would be lost."
"Agatan, what do you think about all these options? What is the best path to follow?"
Agatan, every slight movement a whiplash of sensuality, replies: "My Lord, all options have their risks and rewards. Xok'al offers wealth, lands and relative safety in the unknown. Zeisibar offers resources and power, but also a greater and more dangerous resistance. Zeisibar brings the risk of full-scale war. Currently its forces are considerable… She licks her lips...but...they are not yet ready to face 2 Empires and the heroes, but - she touches one of his tentacles with her needle-thin fingers - the final decision is yours, my husband and Lord. But I advise caution and wisdom. Do not rush into rash decisions. Patience and strategy are the most powerful weapons we have and my husband has a weapon that few have.
Immortality."
Lord Crixus, listening to the words of his wives, ponders his options. He knows that each choice will have consequences, and that the future of the Valley of Shadows, and perhaps even the world, depends on his decisions.
Then the lyrics of a song came to mind, Time Is on My Side, he only remembered the chorus, he didn't even remember the name of the song anymore.
Yes, time was on his side. He would build an empire, one that no one could ever challenge.
Agatan continues. "Husband, we need information and I, with my skills and powers, can infiltrate almost anywhere and get that information."
"Agatan the spy, I like it, but it won't be you who does that, it will be your sisters."
"The wisdom of the husband is infinite." Agatan says, thinking about how she was the only one her husband wanted to make more copies of. Soon she would be the 1st among the wives, her and her sisters.
A little while later.
Only Akaos, 7th wife Agatan, 8th wife Agata and 9th wife Agar were present.
How I miss my random name generator.
Agatan, you will be the Spy Master, Agata you will go to the Zeisibar continent and collect information there, also check things in the Mansion and the orphanage, in addition to continuing the marriage with the daughter of the bankrupt baron. Agar you will go to the Eadrus continent and infiltrate the Romani Empire. I want weekly reports.
Three sensual voices respond together. "Of course husband, we will leave immediately."
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The air in the blue tower, once dense and full of magic, dissipated, leaving behind a smell of sea air and a light touch of breeze. Four exhausted figures emerged from the teleportation circle, their faces marked by the journey. Filiz, with a tired but satisfied look, turned to his wife, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. "My love, we are finally back. The Blue Tower awaits you, but I promise we will meet again soon." His wife, with a smile that lit up her eyes, replied: "I know, my love. Go carefully. I will wait for you." With a gesture he indicated one of his assistants. "Take my wife to my chambers." Filiz, giving his wife one last look before turning and leading the paladins towards the tower exit. Antinua Ofandrus, with a sigh of relief, stretched. "Finally! The red tower can wait. I need a hot bath, a good glass of wine, a good hog to ride and a wild pig wheel from Aunt Nena." With that she gave Filiz a nudge. Charlig Abguillerm, with a mischievous smile, replied: "I agree with you, Antinua, except for the stallion part. But before we relax, we have to make the expedition report. I imagine the cathedral is full of curious people." Filiz was happy to be free of the paladin and her rudeness, accepting the nudge as a small price to pay for being free of her. Antinua rolled her eyes. "You've always been a fan of reports, Charlig. But you're right. We have to inform the Council about our deeds." The two friends, side by side, walked towards the tower exit, their steps firm and their hearts light. The adventure was not over, but life, with its joys and challenges, continued. Before they leave, Antinua turns to Filiz and asks:
“How long do you think it will take to convince the red tower?”
A little while later. At Aunt Nena’s tavern.
Antinua is enjoying a good wine from the Totoro region, Charlig thinking about his children he hasn’t seen in a few months and whether he’ll have time to see them this time, while they eat pork rinds.
On Antinua’s lap sits his new toy, a bard, Drogo something or other. Fragile and delicate, his fiery-colored hair tied in a ponytail, his deep, hoarse voice isn’t good for singing, but from the little he’s talked to him, he’s more of a storyteller and poet. He’ll bet that this one will last 2 days, maybe enough to buy him some nice gifts if he wins this time.
Antinua is holding the bard possessively by the neck while drinking a mug of wine and starting a conversation.
“Damn, we lost the finals, they say the final fight between the champions was epic. And we also missed the parties that were happening in the city on the wedding day.”
“Some are still happening, the wedding spirit is strong this season, some say. Who knows...” Charlig, hiding a wicked smile behind the mug of wine.
Two huge, golden doe eyes fix on Charlig, in despair, and a slight nod.
Antinua focuses on the pig, not noticing anything.
The bard moves his lips without making a sound “Please, no.”
Charlig starts to laugh out loud, almost spitting out the wine.
Antinua looks on without understanding.
“I remembered an old joke.”
“It must be a very good one if it still makes you laugh.”
“Yes, it is, the food was great, Captain, but I miss my family, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen them, I’m going to take advantage of this break. I’m going to leave the bunnies alone.” He gets up, bows to Antinua and leaves.
Antinua. “Basic needs satisfied, now let’s have some fun.” She stands up and throws Drogo over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. A crack is heard as Antinua slaps Drogo’s ass in front of everyone, “Don’t disappoint me, my little bunny.” Everyone present laughs. Aunt Nena looks at her guest of honor and thinks it was a good investment to put anti-sound spells on the paladin’s room.
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In another part of the city, Agata, the 8th wife, teleports to an alley near the address where the lawyer lives. She has just come from the mansion, where she left money and orders for renovations and the construction of a swimming pool for her husband. When she arrives at the building, she learns that the lawyer was murdered along with one of his bodyguards; the other is missing.
She teleports again to where the body is.
She appears in a place outside the city, about 2 km away. Several bodies are piled up, in various stages of putrefaction, most of them naked or in rags. Four men are working on digging new graves. The beautiful woman appears out of nowhere, wearing noble clothes. They quickly kneel down, acknowledging her power and prestige, fascinated by her beauty. Agata, without looking at the men, “Bring me that body.” She points to the lawyer’s body.
They drag him to her.
A stab wound in his back, a combat knife of the same type that his bodyguards used to wear. Without wasting much time, she resurrects Joavan.
Joavan blinks and sits, staring without understanding where he is and how he got here.
“You were murdered, robbed and probably betrayed. Such an affront will not be allowed.” Agata says in a cold and hard voice.
He now remembers, Arnold stabbed Miles in the back when they were entering the room. He tried to defend himself and escape through the window when he felt a terrible pain in his back. “Give me your hand.” Joavan, still dazed and weak, extends his hand and disappears with her.
4 men look at each other thinking, was it a dream, too much sun on the head? Bad drink?
“Husband, the lawyer was attacked, murdered and robbed.” Agata says through the link.
Crixus thinks, it was taking too long, Joavan was carrying a lot of money and spending a lot, not that it was his fault, but it was inevitable, this was going to happen sooner or later.
“Agata, I want you to send a message, a clear message, serious consequences will occur to those who confront me in any way. Leave it up to you how to do this, Akaos is warned to help you in whatever way you see fit.”
“Yes, husband, your will be done.”
How one sentence can have so many effects. Crixus didn’t know yet, but he would learn.