Post by V.I.R.O.S. on Mar 21, 2009 19:19:08 GMT -5
This is a in-character manual on magic in my new series of Roleplayer's Haven games. I will update it as frequently as I can, though occasionally I may have to take a break from writing. Many chapters are missing, as I am often struck with inspiration and begin writing entire sections before I finish with others. Please leave comments, and enjoy!
On Magic
By Magus Alterio of The Summerset Isles
By Magus Alterio of The Summerset Isles
Contents
1. The Many Forms of Magic
2. Understanding the Principles of Magic
3. Common Misconceptions
4. The Arcane
5. The Pact and Ritual
6. Alchemy
1. The Many Forms of Magic
2. Understanding the Principles of Magic
3. Common Misconceptions
4. The Arcane
5. The Pact and Ritual
6. Alchemy
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Chapter One: The Many Forms of Magic
Many different forms of magic exist in the world and others outsude of it. From the utizilation of Ley Lines to the mixing of herbs, magic can be found in everything. In this book I will attempt to inform the masses and the pupil of the many forms and their uses. Firstly, we have the magic of the Arcane. Arcane magic is one of the most common forms, though this does not diminish it's usefulness and power. Arcane magic is the rearranging of the tiny particles of Aether that make up everything.
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Chapter Four: The Arcane
Now than, on to true magic. The first magic I will speak of is the Magic of the Arcane. As I said earlier, Arcane magic is the rearranging of the tiny particles of Aether that make up everything. Just as particles make up atoms, Aether makes up particles. Each trace of Aether is exactly the same, in no way different from it's bretheren. The way various particles of Aether are connected denote the particle they make up. By using Arcane Magic to shift various particles of Aether, a skilled Wizard could turn steel to gold. He could also, at the cost of much more of his energy, form the minute traces of Aether floating about into a smallish size object. He would also be able to break down an object and reform it in exactly the same way somewhere else. This constitutes teleportation. Arcane magic is revered by most Mages as the most versatile form of Magic. Sadly, however, most of the effects one can get from this incredible form of magic can also be obtained with modern day technology. From Teleportation to Transmutation, scientists truly have Arcanists backed up against a wall.
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Chapter Five: The Pact and Ritual
Of the many types of magic this is certainly thought of as the most heinous. Even by other Magi, invokers of Pacts are often reviled, sometimes prosecuted. The Ritual is not nearly as horrible, though it is still something to be wary of. The Pact is a truly evil crime as it often revolves around the sacrificing of somthing to some ancient demon or othe equally evil entity. From children to the caster's soul, it is always something that should be preserved and never handed out. No details on pacts will be given in this book, though basic information on Rituals will be provided. The Ritual is the use of a symbol of power or another type of rune to call on an extra-dimensional sentient being for assistance. By trading the being something usually inconsequential (Such as a gemstone, or an enemies life), the caster will be able to utilize that entities power, and indeed, sometimes it's physical being to his or her own advantage. Enslaving a being can also be used, though it is an infinetley evil act. The enslaving of an entity is truly a despicaable act, as it is captured heart and soul and has no hope of escape. It's only chance is for a fleeting moment before it is captured, to slip away from the magical bonding and usually consume the soul of the offending spell-caster as revenge. Both rituals and pacts are not recommended for small-time magic users.
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Chapter Six: Alchemy
Although rarely practiced, Alchemy is quite interesting. Many of it's basic principles coincide with those of Chemistry. However, there is one major difference. Chemistry is based on multiple substances coming together or being affected by a stimuli and creating a completely unrelated reaction. This reaction is usually some type of explosion, but not always. Alchemy on the other hand is founded on taking the basic properties of a (preferably organic) substance and mixing it with another substance with a quality in common. For example, the mixing of a Foxglove plant and a Ginseng would result in a mixture that stimulated the heart. However, of course, Alchemy requires the use of basic magical principles to properly isolate the magical components in the plant to prevent possible deadliness of the mixture (Unless it is a poison of course, in which case magic would enhance the effect). Alchemy is commonly practiced by mystics and other less socialable mages, though some important historical Archmagi have practiced it.
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