DRUIDIC ARMAMENTS

THE WOADBOW & WILD MUNITIONS

THE WOADBOW

CREATION & DESCRIPTION

Of Druidic Armaments, the Woadbow was once the most cherished by servants of the Aspects. These implements of war are meticulously crafted, each portion grown into place, providing microscopic ‘leylines’ for druidic energy to flow through. Once the bow has been fully formed, it must be Awakened to allow for the conductivity of such energy.

Rather than generalize the process of formation, the bow can be broken down into four ‘parts’. At the most basic level, these implements of war are composed of a core, a braided mid-layer, an outer casing and the bowstring. These are grown into the place through the use of Communion & Control, one layer over the last.

After the bow is Awakened, it may take on minor aesthetic qualities [ex. ‘leylines’ glow the color of the Druid’s aura, motes of light appear passively around it, etc]. Otherwise, at any point outside of combat Gleaning may be used to create or modify aesthetic patches of life across the weapon’s limbs.

USAGE

Woadbows act as a ‘primer’ for Wild Munitions used in combination with it. This is done by the Druid casting surge throughout it. The creation process facilitates the rapid and lossless transfer of this energy into the Munition, whose ‘fuse’, for lack of better terms, is lit by the Surge. In Mundane use, the Woadbow functions equivalent to a shortbow, as described in the techlock. However, if the 'Charged' variant of firing is used, the range and penetration capabilities become that of a longbow.

WILD MUNITIONS

The production of Wild Munitions is a long lost, only recently rediscovered branch of Druidic Infusions. From days before the advent of crossbows and cannonry, Wild Munitions are produced strictly in the form of an arrow.

In order to function, these Infusions utilize a technique to delay their effects post-activation. Similarly to other infusions, this is done through intention, in combination with rigorous expenditure of one’s natural energies.

FATHER’S FEROCITY [BATCHES OF THREE]

In the pursuit of threats to the Balance, Ancient Druii developed the means to bind them at a distance. Once primed, the munition splits mid-flight, binding around an opponent's ankles like manacles and rendering them immobile. This restraint may be broken in [1] emote focusing solely on escape.

MOTHER’S MISERY [BATCHES OF TWO]

Zealotry and wrath were paramount in the creation of this Munition. Meant to wound an opponent beyond the means of mundane treatment, if this Munition finds its target, over the course of [4] emotes it will take root in their flesh. The victim may expend [1] emote focusing solely on removing the arrow before this time elapses to remove it.

CRONE’S CACKLE [BATCHES OF ONE | REQUIRES HERBLORE]

This Munition is a peculiar one, requiring the crafting Druid to have experience in the alteration of herbs and reagents through Herblore. A Druid is to grow a spore-spreading plant over the Munition’s rounded head. Throughout the Infusion process, the spores are modified to produce a noxious effect. After being fired, and upon making contact with a solid surface, the ‘arrowhead’ bursts to produce a smoke-like cloud causing the symptoms of tear gas in a [2] meter radius sphere which lasts for [2] turns.

PURPOSE

CITATIONS

֍ Floral Flesh ֎

“Study the great spirits of our age and those of the past. Prune secrets from the branching traceries of our lineage.” - Magic: The Gathering

[Source]

An ancient boon wielded by druids since an era lost, Floral Flesh serves as a staple which allows druids to continue their duty even if they receive otherwise crippling injuries. Formed by infusing dormant flora, these infused floral crafts can be affixed to druids who have lost appendages or eyes as a crude replacement of their functions whilst remaining true to their duty and assimilating in their sworn environments.

Creation & Connection Process

[Source]

In order to create Floral Flesh for a druid, the method for the creation of limbs is fairly similar for all matters of prosthetics. A seed of any kind must be procured, and coated in Kuila dust of any colour. A Druid with the knowledge of Druidic Blight Healing and the infusion Awakening will then awaken the coated seed, making it akin to a ‘heart’ within the Flesh. 

From there, the seed needs only to be placed within the material that is being used for the prosthetics, including but not limited to Kuila, mushrooms, wood, or any other flora. The awakened seed must be lined up against the closest joint or bone to where the Flesh is to be grown from.

For eyes, the seed is placed where the pupil would be, and would assimilate with the materials. The eye is then placed within the empty socket before the material ‘anchors’ itself into the skull via roots, growths, etc to act as a pseudo-optic nerve through the seed. This requires the spell Growth (Communion & Control) to effectively cause the eye to ‘sprout’ into the druid’s head. For limbs or anything else such as a missing jaw or facial feature, the seed would be placed within the material before needed to be fitted to the druid’s body - requiring Growth once more to effectively ‘grow’ the limb into the body. This causes branches, vines and or roots to physically burrow from the seed into the druid’s flesh in order to anchor itself there. The growing pains are difficult to numb as it involves plant material physically being burrowed under the skin, often leaving the receiving druid exhausted from the pain or fully passed out.

Once fitted with their prosthetic, the druid must first commune in order to establish a link between it and themselves. From there, they will be able to passively feed their prosthetic natural energy to keep it functional. At first, the druid will find it difficult adjusting and using their prosthetic, similar to how one may have to do physical therapy with real-life injuries. The adjustment times may vary as a singular eye or fingers may take about [1] OOC day, while a full limb from the hip to the foot will take [1] OOC week. Once the limb is fully settled, the druid would be able to move it with near-natural ability.

There are two ‘categories’ of Floral Flesh, each reflecting different parts of the body and attributing unique effects that have to do with their creation. 

Living Limbs

Limbs classify anything that may be replaced externally as a part of the body, such as arms, legs, etc. They themselves may have a variety of appearances, like an arm carved out of wood, a collection of flowers, or a limb completely made of moss. Once the seed is placed and the limb is acclimated, the Druid may alter its shape to some degree with the spell ‘Gleaning’ over the course of [3] emotes.

Detailing the growth of the limb [1] - Reshaping the Flesh [1] - Allowing the shape to cement itself [1]

Depending on the seed that was used to awaken the limb in the first place, the druid may grow a part of that plant from their limb over the course of [3] emotes. The plant produced is the exact same as the original Awakened seed that was placed within the limb. This spell may be done in combat over the course of [4] emotes. 

Communing with the limb and seed [1] - Attempting to foster growth [1] - Flora begins to grow [1-2]
 

Budding Eyes

Eyes can be made with a myriad of different aesthetics and appearances, ranging from Kuila glass eyes, balls of moss, or wooden carvings resembling eyeballs. Once the seed is placed within and the eye is fitted, the Druid may passively begin to see slight wisps of living energy within nature - akin to Communion. 

In addition, their vision has since been affected by the inherent passive connection that is required to maintain these prosthetics. Implementing them allows the druid to see in partial or whole Greensight [Druidic Communion & Control], as if they had casted the spell themselves. This effect is dependent on if the druid has [1] Budding Eye or [2] Budding Eyes, with the former only being able to see with brief wisps of natural energy flowing from living things (flora, fauna, etc.) while the latter will find themselves seeing in exclusively Greensight.

Durability & Weaknesses

[Source]

Durability

Axes and heavier blades (greatsword, etc.) are particularly effective against Floral (wood, plant, etc.) Flesh, being able to sunder a limb entirely after [2] consecutive hits. Blunt weapons are also similar to axes - maces require [3] emotes to fully break a Floral Flesh. Other weapons (swords, daggers, spears etc.) require [4] emotes to break Floral Flesh, and have a likelihood of getting stuck in the material, ruining their edge. Kuila is much more fragile as a material - requiring [2] emotes from axes and blunt weapons to break, and [3] emotes of other weapon types to break.

Heavier materials (Carbarum, High-Density Boomsteel, and Kingstone, etc.) would be able to tear through Floral Flesh easier than regular materials due to their density and the momentum needed to wield them. Therefore, any weapon made out of these materials would be able to cut through and sunder Floral Flesh in [1] lowered emote count compared to the rest - that is to say a spear may require [4] emotes, but a High-Density Boomsteel spear will only require [3] emotes.

Fire

Consistent exposure to mundane flame will cause the Flesh to catch flame after [3] emotes, and will turn to ash after [5] emotes.

Consistent exposure to Azdrazi fire and Voidal fire will cause the Flesh to catch flame after [2] emotes, and turn to ash after [4] emotes. These prosthetics are also immune to Malflame due to their non-soul-bearing qualities.

Special Afflictions

If hit by Thanium or any anti-magic (Auric Oil, Null Arcana, etc.), the Flesh will stop working for [5] emotes, or until the end of the encounter unless stated otherwise.

If hit by Azhl or any corruptive magic, the Flesh will become blighted over the course of [3] emotes and will cease function, as well as make the connected Druid feel ill and nauseous. The Flesh’s abilities can be repaired and restored through the spell Cleansing [Druidic Blight Healing]. 

Repair & Removal

[Source]

Repair

In the case of the prosthetic being chopped off or damaged in some way, as long as the Flesh is still connected to the Druid’s body, the spell Growth [Druidic Communion & Control] may be used to regrow and repair the limb over the course of [3] - [5] emotes.

Communing with limb [1] - Guiding into growth [1] - Flora begins to repair itself [1-3], depending on size

This may be mildly to extremely uncomfortable for the druid as they would be able to feel the roots and plant-like tendrils in their body squirming around as they’re growing.

All Flesh may be regrown in this sense as long as the awakened seed is still intact. Should the seed be damaged in any way beyond repair like being turned into ash by flame or through puncture, the limb itself would be rendered wholly inert over the course of [1] emote and would have to be replaced in its entirety.

Removal

There may be a time that Floral Flesh needs to be removed, like the druid being unattuned and losing the ability to use the Flesh. In such cases, a druid with the knowledge of Ungrowing [Druidic Communion & Control] may cause the rooted growths in the person’s body to retract out of them over the course of [3] - [5] emotes.

Communing with limb [1] - Guiding into reversed growth [1] - Flora begins to remove itself [1-3], depending on size 

The removal process is just as painful, if not more so, than the original fitting process. With the anchors removing themselves from the body, it is effectively opening new wounds where they were once rooted. Thus, this must be done swiftly and carefully, lest the new injury causes more problems than it would have solved. The remaining injury corresponds to the size of the limb, as described below:
 

Quarter-Limbs [Light Injury/Bleeding]
Removing minor prosthetics equivalent to a quarter-limb (hand, foot etc.) or smaller will cause a minor amount of bleeding, akin to having been pierced by short needles throughout the span of the Flesh site. While painful, the bleeding is only akin to a bad scrape, able to heal even if left completely untreated.

Half Limbs & Eyes [Moderate Injury/Bleeding]
Removing moderate prosthetics (elbow or knee down) will cause wounds akin to slices from knives, causing dire pain followed by hefty blood loss. Medical treatment is required to quell the bleeding and mend the wound leftover from these removals. Eyes are considered to be more dangerous to remove despite their size, due to their placement and closeness to the brain, risking severe complications if done incorrectly such as damage to the brain or excessive bleeding.

Full Limbs [Severe Injury/Bleeding]
Removing major prosthetics (shoulder or hip down) will cause severe wounds to form upon the joint the limb was attached to, the limb not only leaving knife-sized puncture wounds in the joint, but also rending the area it was attached to. These injuries require immediate medical treatment following the removal of the Flesh, the wound being comparable to as if the limb was freshly severed/amputated.

Purpose

The current ‘Druidic Limb’ spell within Communion & Control resides in the lore without any grounds or meaning of actually being there. The spell itself is remnants from when the Limb could be solely created through Communion. However, since then, the delegation of creation has since shifted over to Blight Healing, as well as the mechanics itself feeling a bit dated and misaligned with how prosthetics are currently being outlined in recent lore, such as the inclusion of eyes.

This was meant to update the creation of these limbs to be more in-line with the current prosthetics that one can get currently through lore. It was also used for renovating and adding new additions to the lore that make it feel more flavourful and hopefully provide something more succinct for players who currently have or were thinking of making one of their own. 

Credits

Author: @marslol

Review: @Fleur___ @DragonofTaters @Akrassia @Pengin

Citations

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/186715-✓-magic-lore-druidic-communion/
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/227298-✓-magic-lore-druidic-blight-healing/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/192362-✓-world-lore-kuila-living-crystals/

Explanation:

For centuries wizards have worn hats. The stories and songs depict old men wearing hats and walking with large staves and long robes. Naturally, any scholar of the void understands why wizards chose large staves and long robes. The staves served as great foci for the casting of spells and the robes were fashionable alternatives to the clothes the poisoning of the void prevented them from wearing. But why the hat? No particular advantage to them and as such they’ve fallen out of use. It seems, until now.

Creation:

Wizards' hats are created via a ritual containing multiple mages. The process, while not difficult, can be timely as it requires the collection of materials and the crafting of a nice and sturdy hat. 

1. First the mage must make or acquire a hat of some sort. 

2. The hat must then have magegold or arcanium wire wrapped around it covering at the very least a fifth of its surface.

3. The leading mage must then imbue their mana into the hat alongside any other mages involved in the ritual.

4. The magegold or arcanium will seep into the weaves of the hat and cause it to be imbued with its voidal powers.

If the mage weave the hat with arcanium wire as opposed to magegold, the hat will take on an arcane appearance coinciding with any voidal MA a participant of the ritual may possess:

Red Lines/Restrictions:

Capabilities:

A Wizard hat’s job is the general upkeep and light protection of the mage that created them. Slight movements such as waking them up, making sure they’re fed, or scooching themselves over to cushion their mage’s head from bumping into a ceiling. Wizard hats have been known to often shift around independently to ensure the best air flow to their mage’s face to help cool it down on hot days or perhaps shift to cause friction and warm their mage’s heads. More notably though, mage hats have tasked themselves with the protection of their mage when the mage is no longer capable of doing such. An unconscious mage might find themselves clumsily dragged away from trouble or fed medicine or food wrapped up in the loose strands of their turban. Wizards' hats are often known to lightly tug their mages toward obelisks for their abundance of mana or away from hollows for their horrific safety violations. 

Red Lines/Restrictions:

Purpose (OOC)

A wizard’s hat is a staple of any good wizard archetype but I’ve found (myself included) a severe lack of them on the server. While, yes, you can chalk this up to stylization, I like the idea of producing lore to help perhaps revive these hats and add an additional level of flavor to voidal magic and mages. 

Citation:

Changelog:

 

“The first arts of arcane mastery inspired wonder, power, and fear, perhaps not for the mere feat of creating torrents of flame, whirlwinds of air, rumbling earth and torrents of water — but for the fear of what would come next — the fear of what was unknown.”

The Magnum Opus

Some things remain ever constant, unyielding to the duress of time and age. Yet others are not so rigid — expanded by the prowess of the most daring scholars and wisemen who would partake of the Arcane arts. This lust for power and greater knowledge drives many ages to hone their craft and refine it, altering the very fabric of magic and harnessing them as their own. 

Explanation

A Magnum Opus is a custom spell manifested by a mastered mage. Unique to the mage which created it, they can, through the demonstration of roleplay and ST oversight, effectively create spells and add to their respective voidal sect of magic — allowing them to work towards a legacy and flesh out their characters in ways they could not before. These spells are regarded as great works; typically with the ability to exceed the scope of standard magi, but at a great cost.

Mages can only create one Magnum Opus in total. These spells differ from general magical abilities outlined in lore due to the fact that some may go beyond the scope of a tier five spell. This comes with the caveat of great cost, and perhaps even detriment, to the caster of the spell. While these spells are unique to the character that derived them, they can still be taught to that character’s pupils, allowing for unique player-character traditions and arcane lineage. 

The following are the general criteria that a mage’s Magnum Opus should adhere to:

• Mages may submit their Magnum Opus through a MArt application. Along with the general requirements for a MArt to be filled out, the mage should also be able to explain the roleplay significance and/or discovery of the spell and how it relates to their persona.
• A Magnum Opus should be mechanically balanced. Spells should not be able to instantly disintegrate one’s enemies, be vague and/or undefined, and so on.
• The more potent a spell is in damage, the more drawbacks it should have to the caster.
• A Magnum Opus pertains to the mage’s general magic. One cannot create a gravity well spell from using fire evocation, or a supernova from conjuration.
• A Magnum Opus should specify all interactions and requirements of a normal voidal spell, including exhaustion, tier-usage, mana-usage, enchantment, abjuration interaction, emote count, tells, and so on.
• A Magnum Opus can only be applied for by those who are of tier five in the magic.

Spellforging

Spells are taught and used without much regard to where they had come from. A fiery whip, a roaring wave of water, a dome of impervious rock- granted with the boons of The Void and those who teach it’s influences. It is those rare few- who dare to test the origins, to go beyond and breach the veil to wield it to their own use, who create spells for those of the next generation to use.

The Anomaly

A shift in the leylines has caused a tentative, volatile influx within the void- causing those intense presences representative of the veil to allow those within manipulation of it unheard of for centuries. As if the very fabric of the world’s space changes in areas of intense voidal presence, something beyond the veil has shifted it’s influence to those within it’s safety.

Voidal Tears, Heaths, Nodes, and gatherings of Voidstalkers- thick in presence of potent voidal mana, would feel the very change around them. Uncertain, yet, familiar as this unknown shift would allow them to manipulate spells, twisting them and their magics unto new forms- yet only briefly. The rare few, among those magi who would experiment this change, would take-away fascinating new practices of their magic, akin to a new muscle to train and use. With new knowledge, and understanding of themselves and how the spell would impact them- they could spread this knowledge, yet others would suffer-yet the same strain it had brought the progenitor of the spell.

The Art

By using manipulation-spells or transfiguration, one may experiment different ways to utilize and manipulate spells to their own imagination. Different techniques, forms, or uses entirely - a Spellforger would be at limits of their own physical and mental constitution when creating spells. The rarity of spellforging is often enough given from one misunderstanding their control or their mastery over a magic, leading to only those fully confident within their proficiency to see the rare glimmer of success.

The Tax

Some unsuccessful, most not - one would find creation of spells incredibly draining, both mentally and physically. They may be inable to cast inklings of magic for days afterward, perhaps weeks- in hearsay some may lose their magic entirely with such massive strain brought upon one’s soul, even death for those misfortunate enough to go past their bodily limits. Despite the presence, voidal poisoning is everpresent and unforgiving in it’s nature, and would heavily afflict those spellforging. Even circling, though best to share the burden of The Void’s insidious tithe, those aiding in spellforging may find themselves suffering symptoms much the same to if but one magi were to attempt so. 

Redlines

-Spellforging is and can only ever be practiced and utilized by voidal magi, and for voidal magics. However, the effects of these voidal spells, may impact the utilization of other magics. 

-Spellforging may only be performed near Voidal Tears, Nodes, Heaths, or groups of 3+ Voidstalkers.

-Spellforging is not eligible to make-up spells in combat near any of the listed areas where spellforging may be performed. It is strictly a noncombat ritual.

-One Magnum Opus may ever be created by a voidal magi.

-Only one taught Magnum Opus, and one created Magnum Opus may be used by a voidal magi. Meaning, if taught by another, and creating their own, those are the only two Magnum Opus’ a Voidal Mage may use.

-If chosen, The Voidal Mage may learn another magnum opus (With their “Learned” slot), replacing their current, after a period of four OOC months.

-A T5 Mage of any given voidal magic may create a Magnum Opus, though they may seek out cooperation from lesser mages.

-A Magnum Opus, at option of the original creator (once 12 months have passed since acceptance), may become baseline in their respective magic(s). 

-A Magnum Opus requires a TA to teach and spread to others. It must be marked on the user's MA to spread and the teacher must have a TA in the respective magic that it falls under in order to teach it. If it falls beneath multiple voidal magics, a TA of either magic is valid.

-A Magnum Opus may not be self-taught, meaning should one drop a magnum opus, that knowledge is lost until they are re-taught.

-One may not cast a Magnum Opus spell for a magic they do not possess an active MA in.

-All specifications, including enchantment, tells, tier-requirement, mana exhaustion, and so on, are unique to each Magnum Opus.

-Magnum Opus’ are submitted via MArt.

- A Magnum Opus' creation roleplay should take place before the MArt Application is accepted, and be included in the application. If the MArt is denied, then it should be treated as a one-off manifestion of wild magic in roleplay

- Magnum Opus' are marked upon the respective voidal MA for a student AND on the respecting MArt. This includes when they are unlearned.

Example Scenario

All credit to The Voidal Project members, for their hard, continued work throughout the project, and up until the very end here.

(Art by Zezhou Chen)

The Arcane Focus has been an important tool in the arsenal of a Voidal Mage since the beginning of time. It eases the strain of connecting to the void and allows one to evoke the chaotic elements of the void from a safe distance. Most objects, when adorned with a Focus Crystal, may be imbued to be used as a casting focus.

Arcane Focuses requires a [MA] in Voidal Magic to create. A mage must have access to an Obelisk or Tear in which they imbue the chaotic energy of the void into their desired Arcane Focus, utilizing a Focus Crystal or similarly capable gem, Magegold, or Arcanium to contain the energy. They do not require an ST signature, unless an ST material is used in their creation.

Wands - Spells are conjured at the tip of the wand and may be controlled and weaved with a flick of the wrist as opposed to using one's hands. A wand may give the mage a bit of an easier time shaping their art with specific evocations or more precision with transfiguration. When connecting to the void with this focus ethereal runes may shine in the casters aura upon the wand or it may glow in some mannerism in the casters aura. 

Staffs - Usually half the height to the full height of the mage these are one or two handed tools that allow a mage to conjure spells at its point with much more distance from themselves than a wand. Staffs are commonly also used in Voidal Rituals; a standing beacon that assisting mages can focus on during a ritual. When connecting to the void with this focus an ethereal glow in the casters aura will radiate in some form on the  staff.

Books / Grimoires - Filled with many pages, attached to the spine of a fine leather bound cover. A mage can draw magic directly from words within the pages as an aesthetic way of casting. A grimoire can provide a benefit of recalling specific details of a spell the mage knows by thinking of the spell; in turn, the pages will fill with knowledge of the spell. When casters connect to the void with this focus the writing upon the pages will begin to have an ethereal glow manifest in the casters aura.

Trinkets / Baubles - A ring, necklace or brooch can be used as one's Arcane Focus; however, they must be held or worn upon the fingers. Though this type of focus would not protect from elements evoked due to the lack of distance from the caster, it is a more subtle way to use the boons of an Arcane Focus. When casters connect to the void with this focus the item would have an ethereal glow in their aura color.

Gauntlet - A well forged gauntlet can be imbued with the chaotic energies of the void and used as an Arcane Focus. Evocation magic channeled through the focus will wrap around the gauntlet and its user may aesthetically cast with punches in the air. These are protective against one's own harsh evoked elements due to their nature as armor. When the caster connects to the void with this focus they may emote an ethereal glow of their aura one way or another.

Bows - A well made bow can serve as a focus point for creating spells in an aesthetic way similar to drawing and shooting normal arrows. If the mage is far enough into their respective evocation they may produce their projectile bolts in the shape of an arrow with zero change to how the spell works. Connecting to the void with an Arcane Focus Bow creates an ethereal drawstring made out of the casters mana where they may manifest their projectile spell as an arrow.

Swords / Daggers - Swords and Daggers may be used as a focus for casting. While they cannot be used in melee combat while you are creating your spell you may swing the blade to send forth your desired spells once created as an aesthetic way to cast. When connecting to the void the blade may either ethereal runes that glow in the casters aura color or light up in their aura color in some mannerism. 

Musical Instruments - Some might find themselves more at tune to the void while playing music. They may imbue a hand held instrument of sort as an Arcane Focus. With this they may play a tune as their spells conjure up around them in an aesthetic such in the shape of notes or perhaps the spell seemed to dance to the songs tune. When connecting to the void the instrument may have some sort of mannerism of the casters aura glowing, for example: the strings of a lute glowed an ethereal color of the users aura.

Beard Focus - A beard of sufficiently magnificent volume is indeed worth the admiration of many, yet should it be adorned with metals and crystals imbued with voidal essence it would become a focus of itself. It's hair radiating the light of its mage's aura, dancing of its own accord to the rhythm of their casting, or even to the whims of the caster should their focus be on their beard rather then casting a specific spell. While most of the benefits of casting with a focus are granted with such, the risks are magnified. Failure of ones spells would prove a frightful venture due to the proximity of the face. As well powerful castings with elements such as fire might risk the burning of the mage's mien.

Connecting to the void while in physical possession of an Arcane Focus, with the item in hand, allows a Voidal Mage to establish a deeper connection to the void due to the voidal imbued properties of the tool. In turn, Voidal Mages are not as easily disconnected from the void and newer mages will find it a bit easier to focus on their connection.

[Combative] [Passive] Increased Focus

When a mage connects to the void while they have a casting focus in their hands, they will feel their connection moderately eased. The potent voidal energies weaved into the focus in their hand helps draw voidal magic to the material realm and tune out distractions. 

Mechanics:

-Masterful Void Mages can hold a more secure link to their source of magic during moments where they might have had trouble keeping focus before, such as the midst of battle or in the middle of a disquieted city. They will sustain their connection through distracting situations like sudden loud noises, though they are still susceptible to disconnecting when extremely startling sounds occur (e.g., The sharp pitch of firecrackers or the ear-splitting blast of cannon going off beside them)

-Voidal Mages find that the range of their spells are doubled while using a Focus. For example if a spell has the range of [3] blocks it is doubled to [6] blocks. This is only the range of the spell not the area of effect for the spell.

-New Voidal Mages still have difficulty maintaining their connection from worldly distractions, however, an Arcane Focus will allow them to find ease at connecting to the void, allowing them to reduce the emotes needed to connect to the void by [1] emote. (Min 1 Emote to Connect)

Red Lines:

-Does not keep mages from being disconnected outright. Roleplaying such is powergaming.

-There is a bit of a size limit. These items should be able to be easily held in one hand with a secure grip i.e no massive two handed blades or tower shields etc. Concerns about the size of the item is up to the discretion of the LT. 

-Arcane Focuses must be held within the hand of a mage or worn upon the hand of a mage during time of casting to get the benefits of this passive ability. They cannot be hidden.

-Requires an item that is named, properly described stating that the item is an Arcane Focus, and player signed. Without this item in your inventory you cannot roleplay the benefits of a focus. 

-An Arcane Focus must utilize one of the following materials in its construction: Focus Crystal, Titan's Eye, Quietus Crystal, Magegold, or Arcanium. If the relevant portion of its construction is destroyed, the Arcane Focus will cease functioning until it is replaced and re-infused at an Obelisk or Tear.

-An Arcane Focus will not keep another mage’s elements from harming the one in possession of if. Voidally imbued gauntlets only offer minor protection, as any normal hand gauntlet would.

-The casting aesthetics of  each Arcane Focus does not change the spell being cast in any way and does not provide any benefit to the caster. The caster will only get the benefits outlined in Benefits of an Arcane Focus. 

-Though there is attacking motions for casting, that this 'attack' would not be viable to hurt someone and attack (Such as using gauntlets to punch someone AND cast, or a weapon to slash someone open AND cast,) and cast at the same time, any attempts to do such will cause the spell to fail.

-Book/Grimoire Focuses can hover around the mage's hands aesthetically, though the mage may never roleplaying the focus hovering or flying away from any attacks directed at it. 

Beard-Specific Red Lines:

Credit:

Toxcat - Writer

Vaynth - Editing

Previous Lore: Phil
 

Change List:

+Focus Benefit changed: Helps tune out distracting sounds & Doubles your spell range.

+Added red line clarifying attacking with a focus + casting is not allowed

+Added a red line clarifying the size of focuses.

+Added that focuses cannot be hidden, thus need to be visible and in ones hand.

+Added requirement for Arcane Focus items to include the use of a relevant mana-receptive material.

+Added clarification to Arcane Focus (Book/Grimoire) regarding aesthetics.

Origin

Discovered in decades past by Kalameet Izalith, Obelisks quickly spread, becoming a widely used invention by Mage-Artificer and Creations alike. Anthos heralded many magical advancements, but the Obelisk was easily the most remarkable.

A Pillar capable of acting as a semi-permanent anchor to allow the recharging of magical creations and anomalies. Stapled, over the centuries, and upstanding through time as a creation with remarkable use. Revitalizing enchantments, Atronachs, and other creations such as Arcanium. In the more recent years of Arcas, more uses have been found.

Obelisks are often sized of anywhere from three to fifteen metres tall, of varied compositions; mostly something easily cost, such as stone. Imbued and bombarded with vast amounts of mana, the sturdy structure may house a more permanent flow of mana; albeit minor. Far more effective than any naturally occurring anomaly and far ahead of passive regeneration. 

Upon Arcas, past the Voidal Tears which had been as much an explanation as it had been a mystery, offered more consolation. With the appearance of resident Heaths, magi began to find solace unto Obelisks - finding that with different methods of creation, one may manipulate the land around it to behave remarkably similar to a Voidal Heath. Much more personal and portable, these Obelisks began to become far more widespread in their use and observation, as they had replaced a once difficult task of requiring a Monolith to initiate teaching.

Creation

Contriving a mana obelisk is a procedure master alterationists would consider trivial common knowledge, as one would expect of creating something so simple in the first place. A mana obelisk is, in essence, a very large mana gem, acting as a reservoir of active mana imparted to it by its makers, and thus creating it is a similarly straightforward process. 

Artificery must first be prepared for the undertaking, requiring a tall core of adequate height and diameter encased by a more common material, be it stone, quartz, or perhaps finer metals if affordable. Exact specifications of the obelisk, concerning the matter of actual height and size, can be variable, though it must be borne in mind that a minimum height of 3 meters is necessary for stability. 

The modus operandi for the artificery of a mana obelisk consists of two principal procedures - manufacturing the ‘quintessence’ or core of the obelisk, and encasing said core with the more common material. 

The manufacturing of the core generally requires two or more magi to collaborate in transmutation as part of a circling ritual, wherein numerous mana gems will be fused over about a narrative week to form a cyclical core with a pointed end, destined to become the quintessence of the obelisk. Afterward, through further contrivance through transmutation or impeccable masonry, the outer casing of the obelisk is to be made with appropriate design, its purpose being to provide protection and aesthetic liberties to those making the structure. In this process, a pyramidion capstone wrought of arcaurum, or ‘magegold’ is necessary to act as the ‘spire’ of the obelisk due to its conductive properties, though any similarly conductive materials can act as alternatives. This capstone essentially serves as an outlet for the obelisk’s passive influence, a necessary measure to ensure that potency is not lost with the casing’s insulation, especially for powering passive enchantments in its range.

Once the quintessence and the casing are united, the obelisk’s physical composition complete, a formidable sum of mana must be stored within its heart for it to truly serve its purpose. Naturally, a singular mage attempting to power an entire obelisk will only face death as they inevitably exhaust their mana reserves completely, thus requiring yet again the collaboration of multiple magi, be it alterationists or otherwise, to ensorcell the formidable structure. A minimum of two magi are required for the process of fuelling an obelisk (of a minimum 3 meters), by way of a simple ritual which involves all participating magi to channel active mana towards the structure, until fatigue begins to set in. Every additional mage participating in the creation of an obelisk increases its minimum height threshold by 2 metres, lest the channeled mana is burnt away, wasted as aura into the obelisk’s vicinity. 

The telltale sign of an obelisk adequately fuelled would be a brilliant illumination of light from the capstone, the colour of which a mixture of the auras imbibed within; this is the result of sufficient mana entering the system, allowing for successful conduction all about the obelisk’s structure. Other signs would include aura beginning to linger about the crevices of the casing and nearby enchantments of voidal origin emboldening in its presence. An obelisk’s effective range is largely dependent on the quantity of stored mana, beginning at a 5m radius for 2 magi involved in the creation, with this radius increasing by 5m for every additional mage invested.

With artificery and ensorcellment concluded, the obelisk may finally serve its functions, elaborated in the section below. 

Redlines

- The creation of an obelisk requires TWO TIER 5 voidal magi (Or ONE TIER 5 Artificer) at the very least for baseline minimum stats of 3 meters in height with a 5m effective radius. Every additional tier 5 mage partaking in creation raises the minimum height by 2m and increases the effective radius by 5m.

- An Artificer, when creating an obelisk alone, can only do so to a maximum of 1 per OOC day.

- An Artificer does not count as an additional TIER 5 voidal mage when in a group ritual for obelisk creation.

- A mana obelisk is a structure comprised of a thin layer of stone or metal covering a arcanium, focus crystal, or magegold core of a similar shape, and than topped with a capstone at its pinnacle made of any of the latter 3 materials. This obelisk can be any shape, so long as it is twice as tall as it is wide, at a minimum, being able to be relatively taller. The structure must be a minimum of 3 meters tall, yet can be made up to 15 meters tall should the creating requirements be met, any taller requiring a MART submission.

- The presence of 1 tier 5 mage is compulsory for the creation process, however magi of a lesser tier may act as equivalents of a tier 5 magi:

 Two tier 4 magi = One tier 5 magi

 Two tier 3 magi = One tier 5 magi

- The creation of an obelisk takes a substantial amount of time in RP and would leave the mage exhausted of their mana for one OOC day with its conclusion.

- Mana Obelisks require ST Signage.

- 5 strikes with non-specialized weapons, such as swords or strong kicks, or 2 strong blunt weapons, such as hammers, mauls, or maces shall destroy the obelisk.

- Mana Obelisks must be represented in the form of a physical build which adheres to height threshold guidelines.

- Mana Obelisks are easily breakable given the force of an applied tool, with the consistency of a malleable metal like Gold, a brittle Stone, or an extremely malleable metal. 

- Mana Obelisks may not be moved unless the intent is to break the Obelisk.

- Aesthetic liberties may be taken with the capstone of the obelisk, as long as it is made of a good conductor of mana, ex. magegold, arcanium, focus crystals, etc., and adheres to all rules of builds. 

- Mana Obelisks, while not having a height cap, do fall under "common sense" in reference to the build. Please do not call a mountain a mana obelisk.

Function

Charging
The primary use of Mana Obelisk is recharging. As solutions have been found to have mana more permanently imbued unto Gems and Conduits themselves, this use has largely faded away; save Atronachs. Mana Obelisks, without the aid of a Magi, may recharge and revitalize an Atronach from just being in the proximity. 

Connection
A new use gained from studies of Voidal Heaths is being able to awaken a Voidal Connection within one, allowing the utility and learning of voidal magic. Akin to Heaths, one would encounter esoteric visions, incomprehensible and subliminal conceptions of the void before finally being met with an inevitable loss of consciousness, after which connection is finally established. This follows the mechanics of connection as outlined in Voidal Connection lore.

Voidal Groves
A newfound side effect of mana obelisks is its behaviour, akin to a miniature-hollow which causes the same manner corruption upon the nearby area. One may find within a small area, the land would become much more magical; though the specifics of so vary wildly- as an Obelisk does take the mark of its creators. Furthermore, within the Obelisks’ Proximity, one would find it incredibly easy to create passive enchantments, most notably those of a lesser variant; creating one within an obelisk’s effective range would allow these enchantments to remain activated, as they would be able to draw from the obelisk’s vast reserves with proper connection by an alterationist. Aswell, Voidal Reagents previously found at Voidal Heaths would be eligible for find and growth at these groves. 

Mana Reservoir

As per it’s inherent nature, Mana Obelisks predominantly function as large banks of active mana which naturally enables it to provide the tremendous flow of fuel necessary for tasks. Mana Obelisks may provide the exceptional amount of mana required for MArt tier enchantments, and aswell may passively fuel enchantments within it’s radius, though mana-intensive (Combative) enchantments are incapable of utilizing this resonant mana. Aswell, Voidal mages may find Obelisks to act as a sort of Battery, allowing themselves to siphon mana into their reserves, though by no means replenishing it - adding a fortification, or resilience, to their manapool while casting- exhausting themselves at a twice-slower pace. 

Redlines

- A Mana Obelisk does not carry the same permanently environmentally-negative effects of a Voidal Tear.

-A Mana Obelisk may have creative and aesthetic enchantments passively within their radius which do not require ST signature. These are wholly disallowed to be combative in nature in any way whatsoever.

-Noncombative casting (Strictly spells that are listed as 'non-combative' are free to use and are unrestricted by emotecounts, without any incurring of exhaustion. This does not apply to Enchantments.)
-Artifice-related expenses of incurring manaloss (Potent/Grand enchantment, Arcanium crafting, Spellforging (not the use of spellforged spells), etc.) are not refunded, meaning one is still unable to create more even if their reserves are fortified or quickly replenished.

-A Mana Obelisk, at best, fortifies the manapool of mages within it’s range, reducing their voidal exhaustion by half.

-A Voidal Mage may not “Recharge” themselves at a mana obelisk. An exhausted voidal mage, or a voidal mage who has expended their mana for some reason (Arcanium forging, enchantment creation, liquid mana creation, etc) may not recharge any quicker here.

-A Mana Obelisk does not have its effects stack for the purposes of recharging, batteries, and so on. They may justify MArt creation, but may not amplify casting, enchantments, constructs, or so on in any manner.
-Thanhium armour/weaponry within radius of a Mana Obelisk does not bear any unique effects. 

- A Mana Obelisk may be used as a connection point.

- A Voidal Grove may provide and sustain Voidal Reagents.

- The effects of a Mana Obelisk are only effective within it's effective radius (Found in creation). 

- A Voidal Grove does not make active (Potent or Grand) enchantments easier, and aswell does not create a hostile or 'unwelcoming' environment by itself. It does not negatively effect voidal magi, or anyone in particular. 

- A Voidal Grove afflicting natural flora would count for use of the spell "Purging" under druidic blighthealing. However, should the Obelisk remain undestroyed, the flora would shortly return back to afflicted-state.

- A Voidal Grove, if housing natural flora, would be clearly suffering to druids using Communion.

- One may not connect to the void at a Mana Obelisk unless being taught by someone possessing a TA in a voidal magic.

- Obelisks require ST Notification (a simple sreq suffices) that an Obelisk is being destroyed. An ST does not need to actively be present. 

- A Mana Obelisks build must adhere to building rules, and must adhere to building redlines outlined in Creation- one may not be at creative freedom to make a "different" style of Obelisk.

- Firing spells at a Mana Obelisk would yield no effect. Abjuration however, regardless of knowledge, would destroy the Obelisk- causing it to fall apart, crumbling and breaking.

- Mana Obelisks are considered lore structures and do not require region owner permission to be destroyed.

Purpose

Mana Obelisks have long-been a piece of lore on LOTC utilized by multiple pieces and parts while itself being rather ignored- the original piece had been quite good for it's time and serviced for many years. Given some changes from the last Voidal Project under Flamboyant, it was time for an update and a good way to round in the changes which were cut, but liked, from other pieces, and to make it a more cooperative goal for Voidal Mages to wish to achieve. If any issues are found with the piece, subjective or objective, please do not be afraid to list them below or in personal message. 

Credits
The Voidal Project Team (Consultation)

Johann (Writer)
SquakHawk (Writer)

Moot (Original Writer)

Origins

Ever since the days of Norseth’onn, naught but a whisper has been heard- let alone even recalled, of the Voidal Tears. Finding a once more prevalent word within the Voidal Horror attacks upon Arcas, it misconstrued unto corruption of the void upon land, rather than the tamed use of The Void tempted to perfection, it once was.

At least, or so we thought.

Voidal Tears had come from Ac’Aelu Tinuvial and Anordal Elverhilin- an experiment, upon Transfiguration and Translocation, to import supplies for a prosperous city too quickly-growing, for the small import it had gotten. Unfruitful harvests, numerous caravans robbed. The Voidal Tears allowed unprecedented supply transported in complete secrecy with pure efficiency. Near instant, near untouched.

The operation continued so, and as demand continued to grow, so did the import in supply. Atronachs, capable of transcending the outer void, began to use The Tears to deliver carts, caravans, thousands of supplies by the days upon command of their Artificers. However, the well-kept secret of Norseth’onn would last not much longer.

It was not but glorified portals from point to point - altered, effects began to appear rather rapidly. The well of pure Void within Norseth’onn began to gloom the land, shifting it to a darker and more drained tone. Mothers had given birth to stillborn children in droves, as but a few normal had come out from the far reaches of the city - those upon a fringe, giving birth to blind children of translucent, coloured eyes. A mark “gifted” from their righteous leader, who found rest and rejuvenation from the scarred land.

The Tear grew in maturity, as if the unnatural spawn belonged to the land itself. Far from, the unnatural creation caught wind, and so did the thought of potential. This object, rather; creation, of pure power and thought, was likely to be as destructive as it was useful. As unrest continued within Norseth’onn, so did the thought of contingency that the blessed, lifeline’d portal may be used as a weapon. After all - it had proven but as deadly, as it was helpful.

Ac’Aelu and Anordal had found themselves at sword-point by Belestram Sylvaeri, the soon to be replacement of the two Triumvir in the midst of a ball. The Celebration of the Tear, would be it’s last footnote in history, as it gently faded away to obscurity; no further tears appearing, or showing themselves since.

Properties

Description

A Voidal Tear is a theoretical portal- similar to that of a wormhole. A connector of immediate destination to one another- in this case, being the material plane within The Veil, and The Void beyond it. The Tear itself is too small to cause any large disturbance but to the immediate land around it, an instant display of the void and it’s corruption. Large Voidal Tears may stoke the envy of other forces, and potentially garner unwanted attention gathered upon a specific area in order to attain control of the tear. For better, or for worse. Tears may appear Horizontally or Vertically, so long as they fit the frame. This may be a simple portal-like figure, or a twisting well, or a swirling vortex which transcends it’s frame. The design is up to the magi, so long as it is unintrusive and approved by a Story Manager.

Requirements  - Voidal tears require a frame of Magegold, Focus Crystals, or Arcanium, and an equal number of individual Transfigurationists and Translocationists of Tier 5. See redlines regarding mages below tier 5.

Variable Requirements
- Tears start at a 5m-10m radius, starting from the centrepoint. For each additional pair of Transfigurationists or Translocationists, this is upped by another 1m-10m as chosen. 

- The frame itself depending on composition would bear different effects.

- Magegold would give a gentle glow

- Focus Crystals would give a gentle glow of the selected colour, depending on the crystals

- Arcanium would bear the effects of choice when the item(s) are made. 

Build examples

Effects upon Landscape 

The Landscape directly where the tear forms is completely vaporized, as a swirling voidal energy is created which takes its place - within the bounds of the frame, nothing may exist, or would post-creation. In the direct radius, should the tear be contained within something similar to a room or cavern, would bear a glow attributed to the frame of the tear. A gentle vortex swirling would emanate a susurrus of ethereal wind, almost similar to a river flowing gently nearby- focusing upon the sound may even amplify it to that of a waterfall, should one pay too-close attention.

The Landscape
Slowly, natural-things in radius of the tear would begin to wither and alter, becoming notably weaker, and as the tear matures- even death. Organic, or formerly organic material stationary by the tear for too long would wither and wilt, and likely even warping to an unrecognizable form. As the tear matures, so would the land around it- becoming more unnatural and alien, past a point of explanation shortly after reaching it’s immaturity (second) stage has passed. Things such as focus crystal or aura-coloured trees, floating chunks of landscape, upside-down waterfalls and crystal rivers. 

Blighthealing
The gift of the druids would with effortous repair, bring back life to the land which was scarred by The Void. However, should the Tear be still active - Blighthealing would only last for a short duration, that of around a full-day before The Tear reclaims it's land to hollow. However, should the tear be destroyed, the Blighthealing could occur as normal. Even the most torn of lands may be brought to life oncemore- only however, with rigorous healing process. 

Effects on Other Voidal Tears 
Voidal tears that encounter one another are strange, infinite things; forming an almost syncretic relationship in some circumstances. As their growth hardens and strengthens, they grow together; relying off one another to strengthen as they act as conduits of the void together upon the material plane. This would rapidly advance the tear's strength, punching well above their individual weights as they effectively combine incompletely. In effect, they act as relays for one another, and yet their own creation. Sometimes this is a willing experiment, and others, an unintentional consequence. 

Effects on People

Within direct radius of The Tear

The direct radius of a Voidal Tear is defined as the immediate vicinity of the Tear, where its effects are most prominent and dangerous. A “Direct Radius” is counted as within 10 meters of the edge of the tear.

Those who step foot into the direct radius of a Voidal Tear will find themselves experiencing a number of immediately tangible side-effects, all exclusively negative to the average person, but mildly beneficial in the early stages to magi. Over time, this can lead to more severe symptoms and, ultimately, Voidal Poisoning.

Alchemy both primed or not would be disabled and inert the moment it comes in direct radius of a tear.

On Non-Magi

To the average person lingering within the direct radius, the constant flow of mana from the Tear will be experienced as a sort of ‘buzz’ or hum in the air, not so much heard as it is felt, like the warbling of an impossibly deep bass note. This is neither pleasant nor particularly distressing, merely a strange and constant sensation as the mana washes over their unattuned forms. Over time, however, this effect will skew towards becoming quite unpleasant indeed. 

With their bodies unused to exposure to such quantities of mana and voidal influence, these unattuned individuals will start to feel various ill symptoms, beginning with a simple headache as the constant ‘hum’ turns to a grating whine. As they spend more time in the direct radius, this headache shall worsen alongside the onset of other symptoms, eventually leading to what is known as Voidal Poisoning, a condition that can lead to organ failure, temporary mutation in direct subjects, death, or permanent mutation to any unborn child whose mother reaches a certain stage. Each stage lasts approximately thirty narrative minutes.

Symptom Progression

Subject begins perceiving a soft buzz or hum in the air.

Subject acquires a moderate headache as this sound / sensation becomes more severe.

Subject’s headache intensifies, as feelings of nausea and dizziness begin to set in.

Subject’s prior symptoms continue to exacerbate, as mild hallucinations begin to take hold, often a feeling of being watched, the distant chirp of moonspeech, or the manifestation of strange shapes and distortions at the edges of their vision.

Subject’s headache is now a splitting migraine, they struggle to stand, may vomit, and the hallucinations become difficult to distinguish from reality. Serious damage is now being done through the eroding effects of the Tear’s influence. This is the point at which ‘Voidal Poisoning’ is now in effect, and mutations to any unborn children whose parents reach this stage may occur. These mutations are expanded on below.

Subject begins to experience internal damage as the structure of their body struggles against the corrosive influx of chaotic mana, symptoms have now reached a point that the subject will struggle to escape the direct radius, unable to stand or clearly discern reality from the influx of voidal hallucinations they are plagued with. Mutation in unborn children is now essentially guaranteed.

Subject is afflicted with general exhaustion and would struggle to perform any intensive action. Subjects may cause self harm or perceive actions performed by themselves or others to be the action of these hallucinations; audible, or visible. Subject would feel a strong urge to leave the Tear, and no further harm would come; though they may find it easier to succumb to exhaustion as time further continues. 

Voidal Mutations

The mutations that can be caused to children whose mothers have reached the point of Voidal Poisoning are numerous and at times more debilitating than others. As a general rule of thumb, the further a prospective mother gets in the stages of Voidal Poisoning, the more severe and numerous the mutations may be; up to the point of the potential loss of the unborn child around stage 8.

Possible mutations include

Distortions of the eyes, ranging from a simple clouded appearance, but ranging to more striking mutations such as a constant colorful glow, a star-speckled haze, or misshapen or outright missing pupils. These are always accompanied by blindness or other visual impairments such as color blindness, short or long-sightedness, etc.

Unnatural variations of skin tone usually ranging in desaturated shades of purple, blue, or green, alongside near pure white or deep black. These are at times paired with nerve issues such as sudden and unexplained burn-like pains anywhere on or all over the body, or even a total lack of sensation altogether on individual areas or the entire body.

Malformation of bones leading to deformities such as a hunched back, unusual excess or lack of height, fragility or dangerous overgrowth leading to eventual paralysis.

Minor mutations to details like fingernails, teeth, or the tongue. Nails may be strangely soft or even claw-like but brittle, teeth may be strangely small or over exaggerated, a tongue may wind up elongated or indeed missing entirely.

Any number of more common and mundane chronic maladies.

Mutations are largely freeform, but it is noteworthy that in no case will a mutation ever be more helpful than it is harmful. Unlisted or significantly varied ones can be proposed to the ST for approval. Powergaming of disabilities like loss of sensation is grounds for infraction.

Notably, the lone positive of such an affliction, those children who have been mutated by in-utero exposure to the tear and reached sufficient age will find themselves naturally inclined towards voidal magics, having an easier time establishing their connection to the void than others; though this provides no benefit beyond the simply narrative, emote counts remain the same for magic use. However, the same is in retrograde - for other magics, they would deeply struggle and perhaps even find it impossible to form a connection; let alone practice something. Those of these mutations would find themselves born with a Tainted Soul. 

On Magi

Unlike the unattuned, magi have developed a greater resistance to the effects of the Void upon their bodies and minds, and may even briefly find the influence of the Voidal Tear somewhat pleasant and beneficial. As they first enter the vicinity, a mage will experience an uplifting sensation as the latent mana in the air interacts with that within them, working to refill or ‘overflow’ their inner mana pool. This as well may be a calming effect, that which would rest and recharge a magi quicker than otherwise. 

Generally this is experienced simply as a somewhat lively, energetic feeling akin to a mild and pleasant adrenaline rush. Given immense reservoir available at tap, voidmages would be replenish their mana reserves twice as quickly- able to recover from expenditure in half the time normally taken otherwise, often varying upon the voidmage if it would take longer- this aswell would apply in combat, Voidal magi able to replenish mana in the Voidal Tear’s reserve to side in spellcasting- exhausting themselves twice as slowly. Aswell given voidal affinity,  a voidal mage within a Tear’s greater radius would find themselves able to connect seamlessly- with such grand construct, a voidal mage could begin connection and charging in the same emote of spellcasting. Ultimately, however, even magi will begin to succumb to the negative effects of the Tear if tier-three or below.

Due to their resistance, these positive effects will last up one narrative hour, before the first negative signs of exposure start taking place. These take the place of the first stage of an average person’s experience of the Voidal Tear’s vicinity, the next step after that hour being the second stage. For a mage, each of these stages lasts a full narrative hour before the next begins to take hold. Nonetheless, ultimately, even a mage will succumb to the effects of Voidal Poisoning - lest they are tier four or above. Those of greater Voidal Affinity would find themselves immunized to the negative effects of the tear, almost as if natured and related to the tear - finding it a sanctuary to an otherwise normal world. 

In addition, voidal mages would find their casting almost "In flow" - Able to, at the further expense of mana, hasten their spells. Within the radius of a voidal tear, a voidal mage may willingly, gradually, submit themselves to an almost passive connection; this trancelike state causing their tells to be more grotesque and overt, their identity born fully as they would find their casting quickened by [1] emote (Min. 1 emote on casts] at the expense of further mana cost. A mage may too willingly suppress this, and negate the more overt effects of greater mana replenishment, but would suddenly and rapidly combust and expire if they submit to this haste in under an hour.

Within greater radius of The Tear

The greater radius of the Voidal Tear is defined as the overall area that the Tear is capable of influencing, which is up to triple-that of it’s maximum diameter. Until a mature and natured stage is reached, those within the Greater Radius feel minorly unsettled and disturbed, prolonged exposure potentially leading to side effects; but otherwise, unaffected. Magi would feel a tug, that of a familiar connection within them, toward The Tear’s centre. 

Maturity

As a Voidal Tear continues to grow, it matures - becoming more stable, and a more reliable tether from beyond the veil unto the material world. Initially, incredibly unstable and dangerous, the Tear would be volatile and most-susceptible to damage. However, as time goes on, the tear continues to nature to the environment around it; and manipulate it with it’s corruption.

Volatility - The First Stage

A Voidal Tear remains Volatile for 7 days (one year IC), where moderate damage to the frame would yield it’s destruction- tearing the immediate radius to pieces, and dissipating to nothing. During this time, a Voidal Mage and non-voidal magi would not have any beneficial or detrimental affect near the tear.

Immaturity - The Second Stage

A Voidal Tear is Immature once Volatility is passed, remaining Immature for thirty days (four years IC). During this time, the land around The Tear would hollow; but only in direct radius. Withering wildlife and fauna, potential chance of spawning lesser-voidal-creatures, and so on. 

Unnatured - The Third Stage

A Voidal Tear is unnatured up until thirty additional days (four more years IC) have been passed. During this, the land converted further into a small, voidally-afflicted area; not far from a miniature heath. All permanent residents of non-magical nature, would find the area deeply uncomfortable passively to be in, succumbing to voidal poisoning after mere minutes of exposure.

Natured, Mature - The Fourth and Final Stage

A Voidal Tear is natured and mature after thirty additional days (four more years IC). During maturity, a Voidal Tear afflicts voidal poisoning upon all those within it’s greater proximity, and toxic to prolonged residence and wildlife- completely warping near-everything to be absolutely unnatural and inexplicable. No longer does one need to be in the direct radius to find harm or affliction, the greater radius applying any and all effects of The Tear.

Destruction

Destruction of a Voidal Tear is violent - as ebb and flow of the void tug, the more mature a Tear is, the more danger it may pose. Although, in every form, Voidal Tears bear requirements to shattering.

Volatile Stage
A Volatile-Stage Tear may be destroyed by easy means- damaging it’s frame to a moderate extent (such as breaking crystals, or breaking the magegold/arcanium to pieces). This would cause the unstable tear to merely twist in on itself, disappearing from existence. (50% of the frame damaged, or with a major break in the frame disconnecting pieces.)

Immature and Unnatured Stages
These Voidal Tears are still acclimating but relatively stable. To destroy a tear of this maturity, one must completely break it’s frame - taking it to pieces, or disconnecting a large part of it. This would cause a curt implosion, with enough force to send anyone nearby 10 meters in knockback; with a deep cold remaining afterward for a few narrative months.(100% of frame damaged or over half of the total frame completely broken off.)

Matured Stage

These Voidal Tears are acclimated, with complete leylines from the veil and beyond, to the world. Destroying it requires complete destruction and removal of it’s frame, causing an implosion. This implosion would suck in all those within ten meters of it’s event-horizon, causing immediate death - aswell as likely spawning a Voidal Horror, or Voidal Horrors, of Greater or Superior tier. The greater-radius of where the Tear was would be in permanent chill, likely inhospitable to any natural life. (100% of frame fully broken to pieces.)

General Redlines and Guidelines

-Spawning or sighting of voidal creatures or horrors requires ST-Manager presence and/or approval

-Creation of a Voidal Tear requires ST approval

- The presence of 1 tier 5 mage is compulsory for the creation process, however magi of a lesser tier may act as equivalents of a tier 5 magi:

 Two tier 4 magi = One tier 5 magi

 Two tier 3 magi = One tier 5 magi

-Voidal Tears may be used to IRPly explain materials getting from point A to B. A Voidal Tear may be linked in a freeform manner (Linked focus crystals, sharing an aura, etc.)
-One may not walk through a voidal tear, or go into one. Atronachs may IRPly say they have traversed through one. 

-A Voidal Tear may only be created by two people minimum. Someone possessing both Translocation and Transfiguration simply would not have a singular mana pool big enough to create one.

-A Voidal Mage may only be responsible for the creation of one Voidal Tear, throughout their lifetime. Meaning, a Voidal Mage can only play part in the creation of one tear- if and when it is destroyed, they would gain the ability to create another once more.

-If created in a larger than 10 block radius size, requires approval of an RO alongside ST Manager. If on a open tile, will aswell required WT Approval (attained from the manager). 

-Tears may be destroyed by anyone, but require Story oversight.

-One may not be thrown “through” or “in” to a tear, as it is not a portal.

-If at any point a large tear or it’s greater radius has it’s effects bleed into another tile, it requires RO, Story Manager, and WT Approval. 

-Once leaving the greater radius of a Voidal Tear, all positive effects would immediately cease. 

-Noncombative casting (Strictly spells that are listed as 'non-combative' are free to use and are unrestricted by emotecounts, without any incurring of exhaustion. This does not apply to Enchantments.)

-Artifice-related expenses of incurring manaloss (Potent/Grand enchantment, Arcanium crafting, Spellforging (not the use of spellforged spells), etc.) are not refunded, meaning one is still unable to create more even if their reserves are fortified or quickly replenished.

-Upon entering the greater radius of a Voidal Tear, all positive effects would begin after three emotes of being in it’s radius.

-A Voidal Tear allows a voidal mage within it’s greater radius to replenish mana at twice the rate, fortifying their mana pools and slowing exhaustion by 2x. 

-A Voidal Tear allows a voidal mage to merge their initial connection and first charging emote. This benefit does not shrink emote count if used in tandem with similar effects found in lores such as Voidal Eminence, or if chain-casting (As two emotes of connection is not necessary if casting spells one after another). 

-Enchantments are not at the same benefit of connection-charging merging when utilized within a Voidal Tear’s range, as their drawpoint of mana is based within themselves.

-Thanhium armour/weapons within a voidal tear would heat to a steam, if absorbing more than [1] total spell, beginning to superheat. If taking [2] spells total, the Thanhium armour/weapon would begin to melt. This obviously overrides the spell-absorption based by tiers outlined in Thanhium lore.

-Voidally Mutated children do not require a CA, however do require proper-RP proof that the character was spawned with mutations, with IRP parents - similar to Cursed Children. 

-Once leaving a Tear for one narrative hour, all negative effects would cease.

-A child affected by Voidal Mutation’s Tainted Soul would disable them from learning magics incompatible with Tainted/Corrupted Souls. This may not be purged by any known means. 

-A Voidal Tear’s build must make lore sense, and not be considered a landscar. 

-Firing spells or magic into a Voidal Tear would yield no effect, merely being absorbed. 

-Voidal Tears may act as a magic-connection point.

-If multiple voidal tears should intersect within radius of one another, their radius' would merge to a cumulative total by addition. E.x. if two 10x10 (minimum size) tears intersect at any point, they would both become 20x20 sized tears. This is at the discretion of ST to occur, and may not always be the case. Should either voidal tear be destroyed, so too would their bond. 

-A voidal mage may choose when entering a tear's greater radius to have tells be passive, constant, and more garish than would otherwise be normally permitted (Though to not combative, and strictly aesthetic, advantage). A voidal mage may fire spells [1] emote faster, stacking with other effects such as merged connection and eminent chaincasting (Min. 1 emote) at the cost of twice the regular mana expenditure.
-A voidal mage, if not choosing to have more overt, constant, and active tells, will submit to the void and does not get the above effect. They may choose to do switch if they wish, at the cost of having constant and overt tells over the course of a narrative hour before achieving the effect. Attempting to utilize the quickened emotecount in combat or pre-combative scenarios before a full narrative hour has passed would incur spontaneous combustion, the voidal mage exploding into mana and dying.
 

-Voidstalkers count as up to 2 mages when opening Voidal tears, and can be both the transfigurationist and translocationist - however, they still may not create a Voidal tear on their own, requiring at least one other. Ex: A voidstalker possessing both Transfiguration and Translocation may collaborate with both a mundane Transfigurationist and a mundane Translocationist to make a tear which would usually require 4 people.

-This also means that two Voidstalkers would count as four mages, three would count as six, four would count as eight, and so-on.

-Arcane Scions only count as half of a mage when opening Voidal tears - meaning a Scion may not count as one entire Transfigurationist or Translocationist. Two Scions holding the same MA would count as one. Ex: A Scion holding Transfiguration and a Scion holding Translocation would not count as one, but two scions holding Transfiguration would.

Communication is key for any project or collaboration, especially when it comes to dealings with the arcane. Many people have sought to find a way to communicate over long distances in order to stay in touch, record findings, and many other reasons. Thus, the arcane relay was designed, built to allow magi to keep in contact with each other across the event the greatest distances. 

Function

Arcane relays act as an advances method of communication, allowing descendant mages to contact each other no matter the distance. In order to communicate with another arcane relay, a sigil must be transcribed upon the focus crystal, more on that later.

When an arcane relay is used, it creates an image not unlike the one shown below, which allows the mage to see the other side and a few of its surroundings. Sound and color can pass through, though not physical matter. In simple terms, one can think of an Arcane Relay like a window to the other side. Flickers and ‘glitches’ in the image are not uncommon and sometimes sound can static as well. But for the most part, arcane relays transmit most things quite clearly.

Creation 

In order to create an arcane relay, one must build a base for which the focus crystal must sit atop in a secured fashion. Aurum bands must be made to spiral up and around the pillar, and into the focus crystal shaft. Three of these stands must be made in total, the center pillar allowing the relay to connect through the void to its designation, the other two allowing for the mage to see and hear the other side. 

The focus lenses and metal bands must be lined with focus crystal dust. Mana imbued chalk should be used to mark the positions of the bases on the ground as well, allowing the enchantments to flow between each of the pillars with ease. The focus crystal then must be marked with a certain sigil, allowing it to communicate with all the relays that have that same sigil.

It should also be noted that any minor displacement or crack in the focus crystal may cause the relay to explode violently, likely harming the mage if they attempt to use it. That is why precision is of utmost accuracy. 

Guidelines:

• An arcane relay has three pillars; one for connecting through the void, one to store received images and sound, and one to project them for the mage to see and hear.
• Pillars can take any form or shape, at the extreme taking a flat form perhaps acting as the rim of a reflective surface (such as a mirror or small pool of water), as long as mana infused chalk or some other form of circling connected three focus crystals to each other.
• An arcane relay must be crafted with incredible precision in role-play, the failure of such causing an arcane explosion that may burn the mage.
• Creating the relay requires no feat itself, so long as the creator can establish some form of voidal connection

Redlines:

• The sigils on the relay must match those of any relay a mage wishes to connect to. Think of it like a telephone number, except you’re only able to connect to the telephone with the same number as you.
• In order to operate an arcane relay one must be a voidal mage or be able to maintain some form of voidal connection.
• Requires three emotes to connect to the relay and then to connect your relay to the other relay destination. One can emote freely after this until they no longer wish to do so, without having to re-emote connecting the relay.
• In order to send a message, both the recipient and under must be at an arcane relay at the time of the sent message.
• Arcane relays cannot be moved around with ease, making it impossible to carry them around with you.
• Arcane relays cannot be used in combat, or in any scenario where one briefly leaves combat to utilize one.

An example of an Arcane Relay in-game

Bond Sigils & Glamour Focii

Bond Sigils are physical items which can be made by a Tier 3 or higher Voidal Mage acting equivalent to a lesser enchantment. The object must depict an arcane relay sigil on it but may otherwise be freeform in design. it could be placed upon or within the pillar which has the function of connecting through the void. Upon the necessary activation ritual of the enchantment the arcane relay would seek out a connection to another arcane relay with the same sigil. This one must be manned by one capable of connecting to the void, so that they can maintain the stability of the connection. The bond sigil could easily be swapped with another or simply edited to change its connection (if a mage is around to do so.)

A dark elven mage contacts a human noble for some devious scheme, through an arcane relay mirror.

        Glamour Focii are an additional element, which must include arcanium of the desire glamour, and placed upon the projection element of the arcane relay (it could be added to the bond sigil enchantment alternatively). This would form a glamor upon the projection effectively making it an extension of the effects of the arcanium. The projection takes on the form of whatever form of magic the arcanium is made of.

-Fire Evocation: Would form a harmless smoke in muted hues for the projection.

-Water Evocation: Would form a mist with no temperature, vibrant colors forming in a  similar way to a rainbow for the projection.

-Earth Evocation: Would form dust or sand which quickly faded and replaced itself which would shape which would form the projection.

-Air Evocation: Would form an extremely gentle breeze which would form into a colored projection. These hues are entirely up to the air evocation. who created the enchantment. The voice of the projection would be ethereal and dream like, as if cast through air evocation.

-Illusion: Could make projection appear twice as large or twice as small. Upon the creation of mart such arcane relays could be incorporated into grand illusions.

-Conjuration (Life Evocation): Is the same as illusion.

-Translocation: Would cause the air to warp and for the projection to be formed out of every shifting patterns of mana which constantly appear and disappear, making an quite difficult experience to view.

-Voidstalker: Would cause the projection to me made out of shifting shadows upon a surface.

-Artificer, Scion, Watcher and Eminence have no unique interaction beyond the appearance of the sigil itself flavorfully changing when it is activated. In the aesthetic of the arcanium.

Redlines:

-Glamour Foci elements have very little physicality beyond aesthetic heat or dampness, and are incapable of interacting with anything beyond temporarily dispersing and reappearing upon being touched.

-Arcanium must be incorporated into the structure of the relay for its effects to be applied.

-Glamour foci only require arcanium to function, and enchantment is not required. This is no longer true if both items were to be combined into one piece.

-The Bond Sigils must have a player signature of someone with at least T3 in any Voidal Magic, and have a clear indication of who to contact. Should the Glamour Foci be included in the item, such information is still required but of course with the ST signature for arcanium.

-Bond sigils and Glamour Foci can not be used in combat.

-Bond sigils have same emote requirements as arcane relay.

-The mage who is running the connection with another non mage is responsible for them roleplaying it properly.

-Glamour Focii are open-knowledge and do not require teaching to utilize.

OOC Explanation

While the bird communication system often does the trick, it is rather bland and boring, lacking the spice and roleplay flair so many dramatics wish for. Arcane relays, however, add a more unique method of communication than simply writing on a piece of paper and sending it via a bird. With arcane relays, it allows mages to communicate in a way that sets them apart from every other commoner with a quill and trained bird courier. I personally enjoy this kind of roleplay and I feel it would be a shame if we were left with only the bird communication system, which is why I did a rewrite.

The Diamond Pox - Studies on Thaumic Petrification

Lore by Combustionary

OOC Note

[ This lore is to primarily serve as a tool for events, and as flavor available to those whose characters are regularly in contact with large quantities of mana. In its current form, it is not something that can be easily manipulated by a character, and is simply a description of a natural occurrence in the realm of Voidal Mechanics.

For example, mages working with Voidal Tears might opt to RP the formation of these crystalline growths, or areas with high mana concentrations can be populated with crystalline trees and petrified corpses. It is, for now, merely a worldbuilding tool. ]

Since the exploration of the first Hollow, the strange crystallization found in sights of Voidal upheaval has been noted. The exact nature of the creation of these crystalline landscapes largely eludes reason, but the emergence of sources of a more controlled flow of mana has led to cases of this process, known as ‘Thaumic Petrification’, to occur over a much more easily studied period of time. Known colloquially as “The Diamond Pox”, for its most immediate effect, the stages and consequences of convalesced mana has at last been thoroughly documented.

On The Nature of Thaumic Petrification

Any flow of a large amount of mana, be it from the explosion of a Void Node, or the gradual seepage of a Tear, will ultimately convalesce into its surroundings. Typically, less mana is absorbed into denser materials such as stone and metals; and more into into supple organic materials such as flesh and wood.

As seen in the hollows formed from explosive Nodes, highly concentrated mana tends to form into crystalline structures. While most dramatic in the ruins left from these mentioned hollows, suitable materials left near a voidal tear or other mana source will eventually begin to host such growth.

Thaumic Petrification is the process of an organic material becoming host to such growths, and eventually being overtaken by them.

On The “Stages” of Thaumic Petrification

Thaumic Petrification is much more of a scale than a series of steps. All changes are gradual, and simply describe the effects as the victim further succumbs to the effects of excess mana.

Furthermore, all stages are reversible. Should the victim be removed from the source of mana for an adequate period of time, the growths will gradually fade - leaving only the scars and wounds they may have created.

Stage One - Skin Irritants

The earliest form of Thaumic Petrification occurs only hours after contact with a suitable source of mana. This stage is neither harmful nor unsightly.

At this stage, miniscule crystal fragments form within the outermost layer of the victim’s skin. Usually, this is not even felt by the subject, and even then, only as mild pain or itches. The growths are not yet visible at this stage.

Stage Two - Minor Growths

The second stage of Thaumic Petrification, and the one for which it is called “The Diamond Pox”. At this point, the tiny shards have grown into pea-sized crystals, found within the outer layers of the skin. It is highly reminiscent of a pox, except the growths are both crystalline, and faintly glowing.

These objects are, by this point, highly painful to the victim. By this point, this pain combined with the obviously-voidal appearance of the growths leads to the majority of victims removing themselves from the vicinity of any obvious source.

By this point, most victims who leave the area and let the mana disperse will be left with scars from the outermost growths.

Stage Three - Major Growths

Should the victim, by choice or not, persevere through the pain of stage two petrification and linger still, the growths will continue to both grow in size, and appear deeper within their tissue.

The defining aspect of this stage is that, by this point, the growths have appeared within the victim’s muscular system. While the exact effects vary with the location of these initial muscular growths, they are typically lessened function within the affected muscles.

This is the first stage where the affliction can regularly prove fatal, usually due to growths appearing near the arteries in the neck.

Permanent effects for a survivor vary, based on the exact locations of these growths. Usually, it is simply damage to the affected muscles - a victim who experienced numerous growths in his legs may forever have trouble running, for example.

Stage Four - Lethal Growths

Stage four is simply defined - It is the point at which these growths have interrupted vital life functions, and given the victim a lethal injury. Typically, this is the result of the growths piercing an organ, or obstructing blood flow.

Stage Five - Petrification

Thaumic Petrification, as a whole, fully begins to occur after the victim’s death. Should the corpse remain within the vicinity of the mana source, the dead tissue will continue to grow the crystals as the flesh decomposes around it.

Depending on the nature of the mana source, there are two primary classifications of Thaumic Petrification - Petrification and Ossification. These are based on the general mana output of the source.

They are in no ways exact classifications, and are more of a scale - with victims appearing more petrified as a result of more powerful sources of mana.

Petrification

The result of Thaumic Petrification through a fast-acting mana source, typically the explosion of a Void Node (where all five stages are almost instantaneous).

A petrified victim tends to, ultimately, resemble a smattering of crystals vaguely in the shape of a man (or whatever creature was petrified). Little to no identifying features can be found, and in extreme cases, it becomes difficult to discern even whether it was a living thing in the first place.

Ossification

The opposite of Petrification, Ossification is the end result of a victim to a slower source of mana. As such may imply, this takes a much longer amount of time, but as a result, the crystallized remains will grow more closely to the shape of the victim.

Ossification can create nearly life-like replicas of the victim, and in many cases, faces, expressions, and any other features are nearly perfectly preserved.

Mana, it is useful energy - able to grant magi of all kinds their powers. To some, the energy might be difficult to control, causing it to fizzle out or become incredibly inaccurate. To remedy this, there will always be something that can aid the magi in casting and channeling their energies to forge a spell or coax beings. Enter the implement, an item imbued by the magi to act as a receiver for their archaic power.
 

Attuned Items Examples:

• Staff (Quarterstaff, Stick, Scepter)

• Book (Grimoire, Tome, Volume)

• Scrolls (Texts, Pages, Papyrus)

• Crystal ball (Gems, Crystals, Stones, Jewelry)

• Wand (Rod, Sprig, Twig)

• Idol (Fetish, Statue, Carvings)

• Gloves (Gauntlets, Mitts)

• Tools (Hammers, Spades, Shears)

• Weapons (Swords, axes, mace, so on)

•  Body augmentations (Redstone tattoos, tattoos, piercings, carvings, scars)

•  Miscellaneous Items (musical instruments, so on)

   This instrument acts as a focal point for the magic users, channeling the chaos of the void, orderly deific power, or dark and primal energy, similar to the focus crystals one might find on a mage's wand or staff. It would not be uncommon for apprentices of each wake to use their attuning power as a means to aid their casting, making sense of the archaic power, if they themselves are unable to. For those who can make sense of their power, and wish to use their implement, will find that their focus point allows them a slightly easier time casting, akin to a fellow that is calm and collected. Truly, those who master and understand the manipulation of magical energies gain very little benefit, only really gaining some if they have an unsound and troubled mind. To make these implements, one must take an item and perform a ritual to imbue the item with its receiving power. This process is fairly open-ended, revolving around the mage for how the item is imbued -- it is their own personal instrument after all; once the instrument is done, the maker will fin themselves physically strained and groggy for a short duration -- but they would find themselves unable to make another implement for the next three IRL days. Along with this, the item will take on an aesthetic change, occurring due to the magical energies influencing the item; this change will always be present, be it subtle or obviously apparent -- should the item not be obscured by some magical means, and due to the magical power within, the mage can only hold two of their own make on them, lest they wish for the others to overlap and shut one another off. Should one be devious enough, they will find that warding, abjuration, and even other magic disabling practices will turn off the item's receiving ability, even removing the aesthetic changes.

 While some magic users can benefit from this, others are unaffected, as they do not require a focus like the others; an implement for them would simply be there for aesthetic purposes. These practices are:

List of Outliers (more to be added):

Cognatism

Frost Witch

Golemancy

Atronach Forging

Shade

Thallassos

Pros and Cons:

• A new way for mages to cast.

• Creativity in the implements they use.

• A minor focus, allowing a mage a slightly easier time in casting. Using a focus, a skilled mage would have the focus of someone in a calm and collected state; however, should anything occur to them that can break such a connection (a migraine, harsh physical damage), their casting will cease.

• Every mage has the ability to make these.

• The Implements need only be destroyed or removed from the mage to thwart any boons.

• These items can be warded or disrupted.

• Looking at an instrument, should it not be obscured in some mannerism, will show some magical change on it, be it something subtle like occasional gleaming, to something huge like giving of a faint aura and change in being.

• A mage using implements can only have so many of their own make, as the receiving signals, should there be too many, will confuse one another and render them inert.

• A mage can only make one instrument every three OOC days.

• More than likely unable to be made in combat, unless a lot of time is given.

Redlines:

• The focal boon is unable to keep a magi focused, should they gain harsh physical and mental harm, meaning that while a slap to the cheek, or a groggy feeling might not influence their cast - a hard punch to the stomach, migraines, or a stab will remove their spell.

• All instruments, untampered, must show some visual magical influence.

• You can only make one implement per 3 OOC days.

• Outliers gain no advantages, besides having aesthetic.

Credits:

KnghtArtorias 

Zarsies - advice, helper, and assisted with writing the item list!

Changelog:

- Removed Strength Boons.

+ Added focus