[✗] [Amendment + Additions] - Metamancy

[Metamancy 1766]

Purpose

Let's be real a second. We've all seen @RoseyPosey532 post - linked here. 

 

Undeniably, this is a controversial but much-supported magic. And while it has been accepted, I think we all know that it's mostly for shits and giggles.

...but what if it wasn't? What if it was actually balanced - to the point where most people would be discouraged from using Metamancy at all?

I'm Metamancy, and I'm here to make all the amendments necessary to build off of @RoseyPosey532's genius idea of Metamancy in order to make it a truly functioning, realistic magic that has a place in our server.

Everything from here on out are the amendments I am making. Many of it is copy+pasted - especially the lore.

 

The concepts of "Skygods" has never been an official part of LOTC lore but has become such a common term in LOTC lingo that we really should do something about it. Furthermore, Metamancy has always been a joke of sorts in the LOTC community, and now it's time to bring it into the game itself. 

 

Note: I worked really hard on this, PLEASE at least consider it; it could actually work as a magic. I think I made it pretty balanced, but I am open to feedback - my priority while writing this was ensure that metagaming in this sense would not ruin other's experiences. 

 

Origins

 

 

Metaplay has existed for as long as the realms of the OOC and Discordium have existed, blurring the lines between worlds and offering glimpses into wisdoms otherwise unattainable. The first Metamancers found their power in the channels of Discoridum where the Sky Gods spoke and brought the wisdom down to use for themselves.

Chaos came upon them with the discovery of the mystical Server Logs, the great books where every action of man was recorded and kept sacred. This forced the Metamancers into secrecy, which in turn led to more clever ways to use their spells. Now, most are ridiculed and reviled, but the practice has been in use so long that many have found the bravery and lack of wit to use their spells without the shame it deserves.

 

Redlines

 

Spoiler

- Like the Seers of Vaasek, Metamancers are sworn to secrecy. If they are to even breathe a word regarding the powers of Discordium and Skygods, the wrath of the Blue and Green gods (Moderation and Story Team) is almighty. That individual will not only be hard PK'd but all individuals who ever knew them or listened to them speak of the powers of Metamancy out loud will forget that they or those cursed words ever existed. Individuals who are PK'd in this form cannot be revived through necromancy.

- The Metamancer is also not permitted to share any information that they receive through Metamancy, only act upon them. The consequences for breaking this rule is the same as mentioned above.

- Personas with knowledge of the Discordium are aware that their entire world is actually just cubes on a computer screen, even if to their eyes it does not appear that way. This can lead to identity crises, rage, or even acceptance - the way this manifests in the Metamancer's mind is relatively freeform.

 

Magic Explanation

 

Metamancy is a magic which allows the practitioner to glimpse in the mystical world of the OOC and Discordium, the realms of the Sky Gods. This ability allows the user to see things others cannot, allowing for an elevated state of being and mind for themselves at a heavy, heavy cost. This is a mostly non-combat magic, and in fact, basically makes you pretty useless in combat, with the strength of a voidal mage but no combative magics to make up for it.

 

Connection

 

A Master Metamancer may contact their Skygod and identify a potential student. The Skygod must then go to the said student's Skygod and inform them of this choice. The Skygod has the right to refuse, for the toll Metamancy takes on their poor persona's mind is a heavy one, but should they accept, their persona would be suddenly stricken with a sudden realization and a single message that the Skygod is able to send to them, letting them know their presence. This message must be sent not only while the persona is awake but while the persona is in an RP encounter with 3+ people. After this realization (which can take as many emotes as the Skygod would like with a minimum of 2 emotes), the persona will irrefutably faint/be knocked out, likely causing much panic and fear in the minds of those having to watch this frightful transformation. The persona will remain in this slumber-like state for 24 OOC hours, effectively shelving the character for this duration. Once the persona wakes, they will have all the knowledge of a Tier 1 Metamancer and will know exactly who their teacher is.

 

Connection Redlines

 

Spoiler

- While the RP encounter that occurs while the persona has this seizure/revelation must have 3+ people involved, it must also be documented and posted on the forums, with relevant information as well as what the "single message" that the Skygod sent to the persona was. This post must be linked on the MA.

- As soon as a Metamancer connects to their Skygod (awakes from their coma), they will find their body severely weakening, giving them strength and stamina akin to a voidal mage, as so much of their soul is taken away by the presence of the Almighty Skygod. 

- This realization will irrefutably have some personality change on the persona, which can be as big or small as the Skygod would like - but you really ought to consider how realizing your entire life is a lie affects you.

- Even after this revelation, no spells may be learned until the persona seeks out the teacher for guidance. 

- No RP between the teacher character and the student character is required - only an interaction between the two skygods as well as proof of this interaction.

- A teacher may only have one student at a time.

 

Casting

 

Once the accursed ritual to bind oneself to one's Skygod is complete, the Skygod will implant in the Metamancer's mind the knowledge of their Metamancing tool. This tool is usually something the persona already has on their person but does not necessarily have to be - it can be an item that the Metamancer has to seek out. The first spell a Metamancer will learn from their teacher is how to turn this item into a Metamancing tool. This item can be anything - a crystal ball, a ritual stick, a rock. This Metamancing tool physically cannot leave the Metamancer's person and cannot be forced away from them or destroyed, and if they voluntarily get rid if it or destroy it then they will lose the magic and the persona will forget ever having learned Metamancy, confused as to why they are now unable to learn any other magics. This Metamancing tool must be held with both hands in order to connect to their Skygod, and spells may only be cast while connected. 

 

Casting Redlines

 

Spoiler

- Metamancing tools must be ST-signed.

- A Metamancer will not be able to begin their studies without their Metamancing tool.

- The Skygod of the Metamancer gets to choose what this Metamancing tool is, not the teacher. 

- While the Metamancer is not connected to their Skygod, they have no access to any of their powers and any knowledge gained while connected is not retained while unconnected. Any knowledge gained while connected is only retained while connected, until Tier 6 (see Tier Progression below.) 

- The only knowledge the Metamancer retains while unconnected is the fact that their life is a lie and that there is a mysterious being known as a "Skygod" that gives them incredible knowledge. They do not know what this knowledge is until they connect. 

- Once connected, connection cannot be broken unless the Metamancer is knocked out or dies. However, connection can be interrupted during connection; any form of combat, melee or ranged, will knock the Metamancer out of connecting if they are mid-connection and leave them dazed for [1] emote. This includes but is not limited to dodging, parrying, and attacking.

- Connection cannot last longer than 1 RP encounter; this is to say, an RP encounter cannot begin with the Metamancer connected unless they are Tier 6 (see Tier Progression below.)

 

Tier Progression

 

Tier 1 - The Metamancer has just begun their binding to their Skygod, and still relatively retains the personality of their previous person with only minor changes, viewing Metamancy as any other Deific magic and their Skygod as any other Deity. They are still very much tethered to their cubic Minecraft world and are blissfully confused and unaware of the darkness that lies down their path, their weakened physical form the only foreshadowing of what is to come. Lasts for [2] OOC weeks. Connection takes [8] emotes at this stage. 

 

Tier 2 - The Metamancer has begun to realize that their life is fully a lie and the knowledge of the OOC realm slowly begins to come to them, through whispers spoken by their Skygod. Their persona's soul begins to conflict with the will of the Skygod. This is the most turbulent time for the Metamancer and lasts [4] OOC weeks. Connection takes [7] emotes at this stage. 

 

Tier 3 - The Metamancer's soul has slowly stabilized, and as they have finally begun to make peace with their Skygod, though they are still slightly turbulent. This is the stage where their power truly begins to show. This Tier lasts [4] OOC weeks. Connection takes [5] emotes at this stage. 

 

Tier 4 - The Metamancer has fully bound with their Skygod and has come to fully accept (or be enraged by) the harsh truth of their reality. They are now a powerful Metamancer and is able to recieve and send simple messages to and from their Skygod. This Tier lasts [6] OOC weeks. Connection takes [4] emotes at this stage. 

 

Tier 5 - A full master of Metamancy, after 16 long years, the Metamancer has truly become one with their Skygod, their soul almost indistinguishable from the presence of their Skygod. The Metamancer has access to all the most powerful of spells... and while this would be a good place to complete their journey, there is one more step. This Tier lasts [8] OOC weeks, and Connection takes [3] emotes at this stage. Their Metamancy training is essentialyl complete, and their Teacher may take on a new student at this point. Tier 6 is fully self-taught. If the Metamancer chooses to continue beyond this stage, they will be designated with a corrupted soul and will begin to lose themselves, surrendering the persona to the will of the Skygod - THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHETHER YOU WISH TO PROCEED. If you wish to continue onto Tier 6, ST should be contacted and the MA should be updated saying so.

 

Tier 6 - Twenty-four years... almost a full 6 months OOC-wise. The Metamancer is no longer themselves and is merely a shadow of their Skygod, but a spectator in the tragedy that is now their life. The persona is essentially locked behind a cage, forced to see their life play out before them as the Skygod assumes control. It is at this stage that a Metamancer is able to take on a student, and connection is no longer required - they are permanently connected. No new spells are learned except for the spell required to take on a student. As their soul now belongs to the Skygod, their physical strength is restored as well, possessing the strength they did before connecting to their Skygod instead of the weak, voidal-mage-like strength they had previously. They may speak in riddles and words, referring to Skygod terms, that others may not understand, dubbing them crazy. 

 

General Redlines

 

Spoiler

- Metamancy is a [5] slot magic. All slots dedicated to Metamancy are permanently lost and are not restored if Metamancy is dropped. 

- Metamancers may not learn any magics or pick up any feats. 

- Metamancers may still make CAs. 

- Metamancy is NOT a meme magic. Other forms of metagaming that is not listed within the magic section as well as powergaming and meme-rp is still punishable and may even lead to the magic being lost at the discretion of the ST and moderation with the slots not being given back.

- Because Metamancy is a deific magic of gods that are beyond the very world of LOTC, there are no restrictions on the races or creatures that can learn it, meaning even ghosts, creatures with lesser souls and constructs are able to learn Metamancy through a teacher.

 

Spells

 

"The best part."

 

Tier 1

 

Bind Tool: Non-Combat

The freshly-born Metamancer is designated an object by their Skygod, which they then use for casting. 

Spoiler

- The only spell that does not require connection. 

- Take [5] emotes to cast, requiring full concentration and both hands on the object.

- Requires teacher guidance throughout the duration of casting. Teacher guidance is freeform.

- Cannot be cast in combat. Why would you?

- The item can be anything of the Skygod's choice, as long as it is tangible and able to be held on the person (e.g. air could not be made into a Metamancing tool.)

- See above Casting for more information. 

 

Reading: Non-Combat

After connection, the Metamancer is able to figure out the nature of an item they are feeling. 

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Takes [2] emotes to cast AFTER connection.

- Requires physical contact. 

- Cannot be used on living things or personas.

- Cannot be cast in combat. 

- Cannot access forums or discord with this spell; can only determine the information given by the item itself. 

- For example, if an rpsign says "the symbol drawn here is the symbol of the Black Sun," the Metamancer would be able to figure out that it is the symbol of the Black Sun, but not what the Black Sun is. If the rpsign would lead to an external link, no information within that link can be read.

 

Minor Location: Non-Combat

The Metamancer, with the powers of their Skygod, is able to light a path for themselves.

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Takes [3] emotes to cast AFTER connection.

- Any external resources, such as OOC chat, forums, or discord can be used.

- The coordinates to a location, and a location only, can be identified by this spell, and the Metamancer will know how to get there.

- For example, if you are trying to get to Petra, you may use this spell to identify how to get there; but if you are trying to find a specific person or where an ET event is taking place, that would not be permitted.

 

Tier 2

 

No new spells are unlocked throughout Tier 2, for the Metamancer's mind is too turbulent and conflicting with their Skygod's will. The teacher's job at this stage is not to teach new abilities but to try and help the Metamancer overcome this crisis.

 

Tier 3

 

Discordium Alert: Non-Combat

The Metamancer can now access the Discordium through their connection and hence can be alerted through it.

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Passive while connected - and ONLY while connected.

- Alerts CAN be received in combat.

- When a discord notification is received regarding the Metamancer's persona (and regarding that persona only), the Metamancer will immediately gain knowledge of it and be able to read it.

- Any external links attached to that notification cannot be opened (e.g. forum links.)

 

Location: Non-Combat

A stronger version of the Tier 1 Minor Location spell, the Metamancer is now able to locate more specific things. 

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Takes [4] emotes to cast AFTER connection. 

- Any external resources, such as OOC chat, forums, or discord can be used.

- Any living thing, or more specific location, can be located with this spell, but OOC consent is required. Once the spell is cast, the Metamancer will be able to figure out how to reach their desired persona or location. 

- Cannot be used in combat, but CAN be used to locate where a specific combat scenario is going on. 

- This is going to sound crazy, but don't metagame. If your friend tells you that they're being bandited, there's no way that your character would know that - so it wouldn't make sense to cast Location to see where they are when your persona doesn't even know that they're in trouble. 

- For example, specific structures within a nation, or a specific person's whereabouts, can be located with this spell, but, again, only with OOC consent of those who are being located. 

 

Card Reading: Non-Combat

The Metamancer is now able to read other's cards.

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Takes [3] emotes to cast AFTER connection.

- Requires physical contact. 

- OOC consent is not required.

- Cannot be cast in combat. 

- Can only read other's cards, not access links on the cards that lead to external websites (e.g. character sheet.)

- Any information on the cards, the Metamancer is able to collect and know. This information is not retained upon disconnection, but comes back to you if you connect again.

 

Tier 4

 

Broadcast: Combat/Non-Combat

The Metamancer can send a message to other Skygods, informing them of something that is going on. 

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Takes [2] emotes to cast AFTER connection.

- Requires concentration throughout casting.

- Broadcasts may be sent in either discord or OOC chat.

- If you are in CRP, you cannot wait or stall for help to arrive; you can only call for help.

- Those that respond to this broadcast are not considered to be metagaming, as a mysterious calling would manifest in their persona's minds, compelling them to follow the broadcast.

- When indicating the use of this spell in discord or OOC, it should be specified that Metamancy is being used as to not be accused of just simply metagaming.

 

Accessibility: Non-Combat

The Metamancer now has full access to the forums, discord, and other external links. 

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Passive.

- Any spells mentioned above that say "external links cannot be opened" can now have their links opened. 

- The forums can now also be searched for any information the Metamancer might want to know. Searching the forums requires [1] emote per link opened (so forums -> implemented lore -> voidal magic -> transfiguration would be 4 emotes), and the caster will enter a dream-like state for the duration of casting.

- Discord can be fully utilized.

 

Tier 5

 

One With The Skygod: Combat/Non-Combat

Anything the Skygod knows, the persona knows.

Spoiler

- Requires connection.

- Passive.

- Anything that you know, your persona is allowed to know. The pinnacle of Metamancy mastery.

- This manifests in the form of the persona speaking to their Skygod, requiring focus. Outside of combat, this is freeform, but within combat, to access a Metamancer's Skygod's data bank requires [3] emotes of casting AFTER connection.

 

 

Tier 6

 

Teaching: Non-Combat

The Metamancer is able to pass on the mystical and accursed knowledge of Metamancy.

Spoiler

- See above Connection and Tier Progression.

 

Credits & References

 

@RoseyPosey532's post, linked at the top

@Quesadilla Man helped with balancing and inspiration

@Dracaniumand @McSteve, special mentions for showing interest and giving me motivation!

[Unwillingly 18102]

you need a time out

[Islamadon 9158]

This lore has been denied. You will be sent a forum PM regarding the reasons for denial within the next 24 hours.

SLOP

[Pallodium 3775]

 

[Werew0lf 24180]

12 year old moron is getting a bit too excited