-Basic Magical Workings-

Era 74 year 254

To embark on the journey of magic, it's crucial to grasp its essence. Magic is the transformative effect wielded upon reality by the potent energies that flow through the cosmos. As a young initiate, you too can harness these energies and weave spells of wonder. However, to practice magic, one must delve into the realm of magecraft. These foundational arts serve as the building blocks of magical practice, empowering practitioners to shape and manipulate the forces of nature. Let us delve into the basics of magecrafts, laying the groundwork for your magical journey.

Spells—

Spellcasting through mana is a multifaceted art, requiring both finesse and control. To cast a spell, one must first imbue mana with a desire, infusing it with the conceptual essence of the desired effect. This charged mana awaits activation, poised to fulfill its purpose upon the caster’s command, consuming the mana in the process.

Such spellcasting is deemed both basic and masterful. Basic, for it demands a considerable amount of mana compared to alternative methods, yet it remains the most accessible for novice practitioners. Mastery is achieved when one can manipulate complex spells through this method, demonstrating an unparalleled command over magical energies.

Now, let us delve into the intricacies of crafting better spells. The optimal approach involves segregating a fragment of your mana, concentrating the concepts of the intended effect, and corresponding runes, and establishing connections to your Affinities within this isolated reservoir of magical energy. By compartmentalizing the mana, you gain precise control over the quantity utilized in the spellcasting process.

Visualization plays a pivotal role in spellcraft. Envisioning the requisite runes imbues the spell with specific information, thereby reducing its mana consumption. Through mental imagery, you embed the essence of the runes into the very fabric of the spell, enhancing its efficiency and potency.

Furthermore, forging connections with your Affinities amplifies the spell’s efficacy. By aligning with your inherent Aspects, you facilitate smoother access to the desired magical energies, thereby streamlining the manifestation of your spell.

For your help, there will be a dictionary of the Standard Abacian Glyphs of novice mages.

Elementalism–

Elementalism is a profound practice that empowers practitioners to harness Natura, the fundamental force of nature, and wield control over the physical elements themselves.

At the heart of Elementalism lies the utilization of mana as the conduit between the caster and the surrounding Natura. Through this energy, mages forge a connection with the elemental energies that permeate the world, enabling them to manipulate these forces at will. Whether through mental focus or spoken incantations, as previously noted, practitioners channel their mana to command the elements and shape reality itself.

The versatility of Elementalism knows no bounds, allowing adept mages to control both the tangible and ethereal elements of existence. From commanding the fury of flames to shaping the currents of water, Elementalism grants its wielders dominion over the very fabric of reality.

It is important to note that one’s affinity, or inherent connection to specific elemental energies, plays a crucial role in Elementalism. Mages will find it inherently easier to manipulate elements closely aligned with their affinities. Conversely, elements opposing one’s affinities present greater challenges, requiring heightened focus and mastery to control effectively.

Ritualism–

Ritualism is a big part of magical traditions, offering practitioners a structured and potent means of invoking otherworldly forces to achieve their desired outcomes.

At its core, Ritualism harnesses the power of mana to establish a connection with the unseen realms and aspects and commune with higher entities. Through meticulously crafted rituals, practitioners can beseech the aspects and entities for assistance, guidance, or empowerment in their magical endeavours.

The practice of Ritualism encompasses a wide array of styles and methodologies, each tailored to suit the preferences and traditions of different magical practitioners. However, there exists a standard framework for rituals, as established by the esteemed Magical College of Magoram, that serves as a foundational template for aspiring ritualists.

To commence a ritual, one must first channel mana, the lifeblood of magic, infusing each action with a subtle yet potent flow of energy. Next, a circular diagram, known as a mandala, is drawn to serve as the focal point for the ritual’s energies. Within this diagram, runes and symbols pertinent to the desired outcome of the ritual are inscribed, serving as a compact source of concepts for the more efficient flow of magical energies.

With the groundwork laid, the practitioner arranges the necessary ingredients in their designated positions within the ritual space. These ingredients, ranging from herbs, beast parts and natural resources to many kinds of crafted items, serve to amplify and attune the energies of the ritual to the desired purpose.

Once all preparations are in place, the practitioner channels mana through the mandala and ingredients, weaving their intentions and desires into the conceptual focus of the ritual. With a focused mind and unwavering intent, they chant the prepared incantations, invoking their ‘Title of Magic’—a personalized moniker imbued with the practitioner’s magical identity.

In these incantations, the practitioner calls upon the aspects or entities relevant to the desired outcome, beseeching their aid and guidance in the manifestation of the ritual’s intent. Through the combined power of mana, magical energies, runes, ingredients, and incantations, the practitioner establishes a profound connection with the other realms, opening the door to the potential wonders of Ritualism.

Summoning–

Summoning, a profound practice that harnesses the three fundamental energies of magic—Mana, Natura, and Spiritua—empowers mages to conjure forth semi-permanent or temporary entities to aid in their endeavours. Whether seeking a steadfast ally or a fleeting guardian, mastering the art of summoning requires a keen understanding of magical principles and careful manipulation of energies.

Creating a semi-permanent entity through summoning is a task best undertaken through ritual. By weaving together runes, ingredients, and other components within a structured ceremony, practitioners imbue the entity with higher consciousness, courtesy of the increased presence of Spiritual energy, or Spiritua. This heightened consciousness not only enhances the entity’s capabilities but also facilitates greater control by the summoner.

For those seeking temporary aid in battle or other immediate situations, a blend of spellcasting and elementalism proves effective. By infusing a spell with elemental energies and a touch of Spiritua, mages can imbue the conjured entity with the necessary functions to serve its purpose. In this equation, the Spell dictates the abilities of the entity and Spiritua its consciousness by utilizing the residual spiritual energy in the surroundings. Elementalism plays a crucial role in creating a temporary vessel for the summoned entity, utilizing materials readily available in the environment. Should compatible substances be lacking, Natura steps in to conjure temporary materials, ensuring the entity’s manifestation.

However, it is imperative for aspiring summoners to exercise caution. Summoning entities beyond one’s ability to control can have dire consequences. Should the summoned entity exceed the summoner’s capacity to command, it may turn rogue, posing a threat to both the summoner and those nearby. Thus, practitioners must carefully gauge their abilities and exercise restraint when delving into the realm of summoning.

To mitigate the risks associated with summoning, thorough preparation and knowledge are essential. Before attempting to summon any entity, mages must diligently study the intricacies of magical energies, rituals, and the characteristics of the entities they seek to summon.

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Divination–

Delving into the enigmatic realm of Divination, aspiring mages discover a profound practice that harnesses the intertwined energies of Mana and Natura—essences of information and nature, respectively.

To embark on the path of divination, novice mages must first establish a connection with Natura, the elemental essence that permeates the world around us. Using a tendril of mana as their conduit, practitioners reach out to the natural energies, attuning their senses to the subtle fluctuations that carry echoes of past events and hidden knowledge.

The key to successful divination lies in focusing one’s intentions and inquiries, communicating them clearly to the receptive energies of Natura. Through concentrated effort and unwavering intent, practitioners can guide their divinations toward specific subjects or queries, seeking insights into the mysteries that lie beyond ordinary perception.

Once attuned to the energies of Natura, practitioners must learn to interpret the insights and impressions they receive. This may involve processing the information through elemental spells or enchanted mediums, allowing practitioners to experience a holistic understanding that transcends mere visual perception. Through divination, practitioners can engage almost all of the senses, immersing themselves in the informational imprints that linger within the energies of Mana and Natura.

It is important to note that divination primarily focuses on unveiling the recent past of objects, creatures, individuals, or locations. Delving into distant past events requires a level of mastery that exceeds the capabilities of novice mages, as it demands an exponential amount of energy and control. Similarly, while divination may offer glimpses into the future or fate, such endeavours require tremendous power and mastery, making them ill-suited for initiate mages.

Moreover, divination can also be employed for scrying over long distances, allowing practitioners to seek out specific objects or creatures by tracing their energetic imprints. By attuning their senses to the subtle traces left behind in the energies, practitioners can navigate the vast expanse of the mystical realms and uncover hidden truths.

Enchanting–

Enchanting, a versatile practice among mages, offers initiates the opportunity to imbue objects with magical properties, unlocking their potential through the manipulation of Mana and, at advanced levels, small amounts of Spiritua.

To embark on the path of enchanting, novice mages must first select an object to serve as the canvas for their enchantment. Whether a simple trinket or a cherished heirloom, the chosen object becomes the vessel through which magical energies will flow.

The first step in the enchanting process involves saturating the chosen object with Mana and infusing it with the raw magical energies that will fuel the enchantment. With focused intent and concentration, practitioners channel Mana into the object, filling it with the essence of magic.

Once the object is suffused with Mana, practitioners must envision the desired effect of the enchantment, ensuring compatibility between the object and the intended magical properties. Through mental focus and attunement to the subtle energies of the object, practitioners can discern whether their vision aligns harmoniously with the object's nature.

For permanent enchantments, practitioners engrave the necessary runes into the surface of the object, carefully selecting symbols that resonate with the desired effect. These runes serve as conduits for magical energies, directing and shaping the flow of Mana to manifest the enchantment.

To further enhance the potency of the enchantment, practitioners may choose to utilize a runic language known as the 'Neutral Nebuleus,' which offers unparalleled versatility and potency in enchanting. Developed by the enigmatic {Mad Enchanter} during the 71st Era, this language provides practitioners with a vast array of runes and symbols to enhance their enchantments. While mastery of the Neutral Nebuleus is highly recommended for achieving optimal results, practitioners may also opt to use simpler runes or symbols if they prefer.

To assist novice enchanters in their journey, a small dictionary of the Neutral Nebuleus is provided, offering guidance and insight into the meanings and applications of the runes. This invaluable resource serves as a foundation for practitioners to explore the depths of magical craftsmanship and unlock the hidden potential of ordinary objects.

Warding–

Warding, a multifaceted practice drawing upon principles from Enchanting, Divination, and Ritualism, serves as a cornerstone of magical defence and surveillance. Novice mages seeking to safeguard themselves and their surroundings must understand the fundamentals of warding, which involve the construction of a parameter monitored by a quasi-conscious entity capable of triggering responses based on predefined directives.

To create a ward, practitioners utilize ward focal points crafted through enchanting, alchemy, or ritualistic means. These focal points not only serve as anchors for the ward but also contain the effects that the quasi-conscious entity may activate when triggered. By strategically placing these focal points, a perimeter is established, within which divination vectors are employed to monitor the warded area for anything that may involve their directive.

The next step in warding involves the summoning of a pseudo-conscious entity to oversee the wards and execute directives. This entity is created through a summoning ritual, drawing upon nearby Spiritua and the practitioner's mana to imbue it with the necessary intelligence and agency. Once summoned, the pseudo-conscious entity becomes the custodian of the wards, responsible for activating their effects in response to specific stimuli or commands.

It is important to note that wards require regular maintenance to ensure their efficacy. A well-constructed ward should continue operating as long as it has sufficient energy and remains intact. However, if not properly maintained, wards may degrade over time or become susceptible to external interference. As such, novice mages are advised to monitor their wards closely and perform necessary upkeep as needed.

Temporary wards, designed for short-term protection or specific purposes, may be linked to external mana storage to ensure continuous operation. Conversely, non-temporary wards, intended for long-term defence, often incorporate self-recharging mana storage mechanisms to sustain their energy reserves independently.

Alchemy–

At its core, alchemy revolves around the manipulation of traits and properties of ingredients, allowing practitioners to mix, separate, and transform substances to create potent concoctions and mystical creations. Through the skillful blending of multiple ingredients, alchemists craft tinctures, balms, oils, and potions of various kinds, each imbued with unique properties and effects. However, alchemy extends beyond mere concoctions, as practitioners can also create crystals, metals, plant seeds, and an array of miscellaneous objects through their mastery of the art.

While the primary energies utilized in alchemy are the practitioner's mana and their connection to Natura, the practice often shares similarities with Ritualism. Many alchemical processes are performed with the aid of rituals, harnessing the synergistic energies of mana and natural forces to enhance the potency and efficacy of the transmutation.

However, one of the challenges that practitioners often encounter in alchemy is the reliance on affinities. Unlike other branches of magecraft, where practitioners can wield their abilities more freely, alchemy requires a deep understanding and alignment with specific affinities. This reliance on affinities can be limiting for some, as practitioners may struggle to work with ingredients that do not align with their natural inclinations, hindering their progress and efficacy in the art. The inverse is also true, as those with affinities that match the ingredients will allow the practitioner greater ease in the art. This relationship and reliability with affinities make many scholars think that Elementalism and Alchemy hail from the same roots in Natura.

In addition to its mystical applications, alchemy finds practical utility in various professions, where it is utilized to improve the quality and properties of materials. From enhancing the durability of metals to imbuing fabrics with magical properties, alchemy plays a vital role in crafting materials for use in diverse fields.

In conclusion, alchemy stands as a profound and multifaceted branch of magecraft, offering novice mages a gateway to the transformative power of magic. Through the skillful manipulation of ingredients and energies, practitioners can unlock the secrets of transmutation, crafting potions, objects, and materials of extraordinary potency and versatility. Aspiring mages are encouraged to explore the mysteries of alchemy with curiosity and dedication, unravelling its secrets and unlocking their potential as masters of magical transmutation.