Tal'andrian Battle Magic: A Field Guide

[Keening 1264]

Originally issued 12th of Snow’s Maiden, 237 SA

Penned by Heliwr Capric Reinhold

and Master Alcemydd Irulan Acaln’sae

 

@StingyParrot@Hodgeling

IT is no great secret that some members of our Order practice Voidal magicks; some have dedicated themselves to fighting with sorcery, abjuring enemy spells and slinging their own, while others have found a fine balance between martial prowess and arcane mastery to better deal with up-close confrontations by lacing their swordplay with sorcery. In either case, though especially for the latter, a streamlined, teachable system of casting is beneficial - one which will be outlined in this guide.

Glyphs - A Lyuerir’s Friend

 

MAGIC is complicated - that is no great revelation, of course - and without proper practice, a wielder of it may find themselves distracted and distressed amidst combat. Their spells may go awry, or may fail to appear altogether. Additionally, in the case of our Lyueriran, there may be simply no time to learn all of magic’s intricacies while also pursuing martial training.

 

The use of Glyphs is a casting method entailing, after Connection has been established, the carving, cutting, tracing or otherwise marking of a specific rune in the air, outlined in the user’s aura color and style. This may be performed with a free hand, or the tip of a blade. Some expert wielders show the ability to simply create the sigils without any physical movement - usually the full Aileran. 

 

The Glyph contains the magical information necessary to cast a spell designed to perform a specific action - then, the chosen subset of Voidal magic will be channeled into it, and thus molded by the existing spell-matrix to perform its intended task. Defense, offence, the slowing of enemies, or more specific actions are all taught.

 

 

Sgiath - Shield   For wards or defensive spells - those that prevent harm from being done to their caster or their allies. Abjurationists of the order make use of this Glyph in abundance for creating shields of antimagic, and a Lyuerir may employ it to form close-range defensive spells, or to knock aside incoming projectiles.	Fiaclan - Tooth   This Glyph works to create offensive spellwork, such as bolts of fire, spikes of earth or whips formed from water and ice. It may be traced over one’s blade to create a sheath of flame, or hastily signed in the air to force away encroaching adversaries by way of a compressed-air blast.	Cobhair - Aid   Reserved mainly for the use of beneficial spells - such as wreathing an ally’s weapon in flame, or providing a boost of airy speed - this Glyph finds equal use among the Lyueriran and Aileran alike. Cobhair is always present during a circling ritual - marked where each participant is to stand.
Sguir - Cease   The creation of magical traps or nets is beneficial when facing fast or craven foes - perhaps to trip them with weaves of air or water, or simply to freeze them in place using ice. A well-documented use of Sguir is the creation of a whirling area of wind around oneself to unsteady nearby opponents.	Cleas - Trick   To blind, to deafen, to stun - Cleas represents the concept of a trick. Lyueriran are taught its significance over and over - how a blast of sand to the eyes followed up by a well-placed swing can do just as well, if not better, than a magician’s fireball.	Gluais - Move   Reserved entirely for the art of Shifting, Gluais is used when one needs to transport themself, or their allies, to a more beneficial position. Be it for tactical maneuvering or a hasty retreat, this Glyph finds its use in battlefield and hunting ground alike.

 

Cruthaich - Create   Used when conjuring up weaponry or faux-living creatures, this Glyph represents life, or an artisan’s craft. The order’s enchanters tend to use it when imbuing weaponry with magical effects, and some of the Helwyr etch it into their armaments to remind themselves of their work’s purpose - the preservation of innocent life.

Sgrios - Destroy   Reserved exclusively for the Aileran - full mages of the order - Sgrios represents destruction, or the grinding-to-dust of one’s target. Perhaps invoked when conjuring streams of flame, great waves of water, whirling tornadoes, or a hail of pointed rocks; the use of this Glyph is rare.

Fuadach - Banish     The Lyueriran of the order make heavy use of Fuadach when unraveling an opponent’s spells with abjurations.   Variations of this Glyph are used when dismantling particular schools of magic and Voidspawn, as displayed below.

 

Spoiler

                    

 

Addendum - Evolving Perils

 

Just as the Helwyr’s targets - dark, wayward magi or unnatural monsters - display a constant ability to change and develop new methods, so must our order do the same. Magic is one of the many tools in our arsenal, and it must be treated as such - new experimentation and impromptu techniques are being discovered with each new hunt. The existing system of Glyphs is open to new additions - perhaps spells of banishing or empowering may be created in later years.

 

Glossary:

- Helwyr: Monster/Mage Hunters, typically non-magi.

- Lyuerir(-an): 'Silencer', a term for abjurationists of the order.

- Ailer(-an): Full mages of the order.

 

Updated 14th of the Deep Cold, 251 SA - Added Glyphs of Banishing

 

OOC NOTES:

It is common knowledge that the Helwyr occasionally wield voidal magics, however the Glyphs themselves should be learned or witnessed IRP.

 

Spoiler

Icons sourced from various BG3 wiki pages lol

[Frisket 4538]

Delicious, people asked me what group does witcher shit, I always point to you lot

(followed by the same redundant question "Who the **** are they?")