Shifting back to the board, the instructor moved onto the next topic.
Alchemy
“While many argue Alchemy isn’t within the primary paths of magic, I personally reject that motion. Yes, classes within this profession rarely graduate from these halls. However, this is primary due to the nature and…cost of the class. The low-rank potions such as healing, endurance, mana, etc are fairly simple to make. Any mid-level [Apothecary] can produce it without issue. But what of a greater potion of restoration? What of a potion of giant’s strength? These tinctures are rare based on the difficulty of generating suitable ingredients. Even I have yet to brew a greater restoration potion, but let’s walk through something a bit more simple.” He returned to the board.
A lesser potion of restoration. The fastest method involved combining fifty high quality healing potions into a cauldron. On a low heat, the [Alchemist] carefully pours each one in, one at a time. While merging the liquids, the temperature could slowly add distilled basilisk blood. Of course, that is a three day purification process requiring a beast slaughtered within 48 hours. Titrate in the blood until the mixture transforms from a deep crimson to a light purple. If too much is added, and the color changes to maroon, it is a failure. Upon success, the mixture must be rapidly cooled within one degree of freezing. Pour the liquid into a glass vial, while keeping it chilled. Exposure the proto-potion to the sun for 12 hours, constantly rotating the liquid within. Sieve out any clumps of material and slowly mix with freshly ground toothward. Stir until a slight glow appears and then the potion is complete.
While the steps seem simple, the cost is exorbitant. Yes, a lesser portion of restoration can easily set a broken limb.--but a healer could do the same for a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, at each stage there is a high rate of failure. Even following the recipe exactly could end in failure. Minute conditions such as the laboratory’s temperature, humidity, latent magical energy, stray dust, and a variety of other factors can influence the final product. As such, most of the headmasters agreed that only those of significant talent would be allowed to walk this path. The cost of training would fund a small kingdom!
“Before next class, I want each of you to sit and calculate how much gold you’d need to create a potion of stoneskin without any levels. Good luck!” He began to wipe away the board and remembered the blind student.
“Oh, here” He popped open a minor restoration potion and poured it into their eyes. Within moments the blackness began to fade.
He wished he could speak more on the subject, but he himself didn’t have the passion for this area of study and quickly moved onto the next.
Enchanting
“I am sure you are well aware of the ban on enchanters in most kingdoms. However, here you are free to practice the art for…educational purposes. The path of an enchanting is a battle of wills. Nearly all spells in this school are ones of trickery, deceit, and illusion. I do hope after graduation, each of you will recognize the signs and learn to protect yourselves properly. This path is hard struck on the rule of three. Can anyone tell me what that is?”
One student raised their hand to answer.
“Spells and incantations can be repeated up to three times to amplify their effects” The pupil replied.
“Correct! In fact, nearly all forms of magic can be boosted by repeating the initial phrase. I’m sure some of you have tried to apply this phenomenon to your own spells and failed miserably. As I said before, it is deeply rooted within the enchanters realm. Each subsequent repetition drastically increases the difficulty of the casting. Even skill-based spells tend to falter under these conditions. However, for every spell on this path, you may only cast with a set of three. Now, I’ll be using a simple illusion spell. Please relax and don’t resist I promise no harm”
The instructor began the first round of incantations. Unlike before, the words could be heard by the entire class. It didn’t matter to him, the spell was far above the average mage’s ability. It was a long poem describing the beauty of nature. Each word delicately left his lips as a slight breeze overtook the room. Upon the first repetition, the smell of morning dew filled the space, the walls shifted in color, and a sense of relaxation crept into their minds. In the second round, his voice lowered. Each phrase taking much longer to speak, a bit of spittle flying past his lips as he forced the incantation out. His fingers gripped the desk to stabilize his weakening limbs. As he approached the last stanza, veins popped on his forehead while blood crept out of his nose. Upon completion; long vines began to snake across the walls, the sounds of birds echoed in the air, and rays of sunlight penetrated the sky.
He took a moment before starting the third repetition. Grabbing a bit of water, he wet his parched throat and wiped off the blood. Performing such a mass spell was a feat of strength. Even with something this simple spell, enchanting hundreds of minds tested his limits. Yet, he wanted to show off the power of a true archmage. Taking a deep breath, he began to utter the poem for the last time. Within the first few words, his muscles began to seize. An intense tremor overtook his body, but he powered through. Reaching the second part, it felt like he’d taken a bat to the head. A painful throbbing headache that made his vision blur. His eyes began to bleed and darkness started to take hold. This wasn’t good, gripping his arm, he dug the nails deep into the flesh. The rush of adrenaline allowed him to refocus as he forced out each and every syllable. His lips cracked open and bled, voice hoarse and sickly, and his mind addled from the casting. With one gargled cry, he finished the spell and collapsed into his chair.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
In a dazzling display, thousands of glistening butterflies appeared. The swarm of insects obscured the view as the world transformed around them. A scintillating display of otherworldly colors flooding the vision and exotic smells tickling the nose. Thousands of fluttering wings creating a high-pitched hum while their light touch caressed the skin. Within moments, the cascade of insects began to explode into dust. Each tiny pop revealed a cloud of color that melded into the scenery. At first the scene looked like a piece of watercolor, but as more joined it became more real. A living piece of art which enveloped the gawking students.
For all the magic displayed, this was the most impressive of all. The chamber transformed into an idyllic outdoor paradise. A faint sun casting colored rays of light over a bright green meadow. A winding river cut through the landscape displaying a variety of exotic fish. Even the smell was comforting, a rich scent that calmed the mind. Within the spell's effects, it was a perfect paradise. But for those watching from outside, the students looked like drooling addicts. The sight always made the instructor chuckle. So many rich brats now in a magical stupor. Thankfully, the spell would last about ten minutes giving him a much needed rest. Wiping the sweat from his face, he popped open a mana potion, and closed his eyes. He was their master enchanter, but he hated how these spells exhausted him. Maybe he could find a prodigy within this group, but most couldn’t handle the…drawbacks.
“I hope you enjoyed the trip” He watched as the students were horrified by the drool and other…expulsions. He could see a few had pissed themselves, well they should have read the pamphlet about not drinking before class…
“As you experienced first hand, most enchantments have some tell at the start. If you are weak willed and allow the spell to cast, the duel is over. Entire armies can be removed by one well placed spell. Fortunately, recognizing what is happening instantly makes it harder for the caster. Something as simple as calling out the spell can cause it to fail. If something feels off, assume the worst. However; if against a high level enchanter, then you must physically stop them. Track the flow of aether or search for the one who is struggling. Thankfully, the more debilitating the effects, the harder it is to cast. Once identified, stopping them once is usually enough.”
Taking another sip of water he continued.
“However, for simple enchants you may not have that luxury. While they are not nearly as dangerous, they can be used to obfuscate. Your best option is to study basic anti-enchantment techniques including various eye buffs or counter magic. Those who graduate shouldn’t have any issue acquiring these skills without the Will’s assistance. Moving on to the most dangerous type of all”
Summoning
“Some may argue that summons are a combination of other paths. However that is not the case. Each summon is unique in both casting and effects. There are a wide variety of creatures you may call to assist you. Demons, Avatars, Servants of the Greater Powers, and more. Before even attempting to cast a summon, it is imperative to do thorough research. Calling a demon and not knowing its proper name is a surefire way to become possessed. Likewise, calling in a servant without proper precautions can lead to a very angry god. However, while we encourage the development of all aspects of magic, summoning is one that requires oversight in every casting. For this reason, if you decide to take this path I recommend you supplement with a secondary type. Now let's go over the basics shall we?
Demons tended to be the most dangerous of all and each fell into a predefined category. Demons of Law were silver-tongue and promised great power for “little” costs. Usually something simple that could be construed into something far greater. They used magical contracts, negotiations, and red tape to trap the summoner in a never-ending contract of servitude. On the opposite end are demons of chaos. These are wildly unpredictable and are natural oathbreakers. Sure a contract my work at first, but due to their nature these binds will slowly fade. However, they are far less intelligent than those of the Law and can be brute-forced to serve. When working with those of chaos, always be ready for a trick. Nothing about them is to be trusted, for example a demon of life may be called to heal a devastating plague. However, if not banished in time, those twisted life energies can lead to bulbous growths and fleshy tumors. In one extreme incident, a small town was completely merged into a living pile of flesh. Their bodies combine into a towering growth, but never experience death. Others you may call upon are those of nature, progress, death, and some of more…esoteric aspects. He turned back to the group and made one simple command.
“If you would like to try a demon summoning, you will need explicit permission from our representative from the city of contracts. Even the headmasters cannot overrule this requirement. Moving on.”
The second set of summons would be that of the divine. Each god had a different set of servants which fulfilled various roles. Calling upon a All-Seeing One from Dalros can help fight illusions or other trickery. Normally, these types of beings are restricted to their various sects or from acts of mercy. However, with sufficient material and power, a mage can forcefully summon one for assistance. When dabbling in the realm of gods, tread carefully. These creatures are extensions of the divine and most deities do not take kindly to these magics. As such, it is best to hide your identity before calling or you WILL make one very powerful enemy. Of course, not all gods are against these. In fact, some may encourage the calling of their servants. As they require a sufficient offering or equal trade. As with demons, it is imperative to property research the being you call. The mortal body is not designed to withstand the divine. You’ll either burn out, become enslaved, or far worse.
“Now we do have some priests here that may teach you how to summon the lesser spawn. Just avoid their sermons, I don’t want to lose any of you to the priesthood ok? Now for our last section for summoning we will discuss necromancy”