Valannor

In that one is forced, at the current moment, to teach just to progress to the final tier - something that encourages rapidly teaching people with little care, as opposed to picking students who will roleplay the magic properly. It has led to some issues in the past, and halted progression for others in the magic. It's something the community as a whole unanimously desires an alternative to, as some people acknowledge they would not make good teachers, and others are selective of prospective students.

While I appreciate the sentiment, Johann has already made killing darkspawn a very foundational mechanic of Paladinism required for progression - such as in the case of Chancery progression, wherein a high-tier Darkspawn such as a Wight, Arch-Lich, Azdrazi, etc. must have their remains sacrificed to attain the final tier of chancery, The Trial of the Hunter in order to become a Wyrmstalker, and indeed one of the potential criteria to uptier already was the slaying of Darkspawn. Paladins have very often faced harsh criticism for allowing Darkspawn to live in order to further a narrative, and it's something we cannot seem to win on - either we let spooks live to further a story and get dragged through the mud over it, or we slay them as we should and the same follows. Furthermore, it is an optional route of progression and one could simply just train a student to progress instead. Recent eventlines have shown Xan doesn't care about us working with druids, and Clerics had a dragon once - are Tahariae mages, former and future, to be taken as Darkspawn for this? Nor are druids inherently of a dark or draconic origin, as the lore outlines for Darkspawn criteria. While I appreciate the headcanon that you follow, it is by no means something canonized in current lore. Taynei is still gonna get shot at by Paladins if she shows up, but druids themselves do not fall under the definition of Darkspawn.

nub. it'd be far too easy in that case

From “Trials of the Arknight”: To: Reasoning: Through a community-wide referendum, it was unanimously decided that requiring one to teach exclusively in order to uptier was an untenable system - and while we can definitely see why Johann would embed such a mechanic in the magic, so as to encourage its spread, we have found that it encourages the active degradation of the magic’s integrity, and limits the possibility of individuals reaching Tier 5 on the numbers of prospective students who they believe fit to share the blessing to through roleplay. Thus, this amendment aims to introduce an alternative means of progression should the individual wish not to teach in order to progress.

A Lady of Silver prepares to resurrect the High Prophet from the dead as a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Hard at work in the Sunforges of Order, the Keeper would labor for days thereon - smiling upon the missive delivered to her, for truly blessed was Dwarvenkind in the eyes of the Sunlit Lord. In time, however, she would return to her work... For by her hand, Black Arrows were to be forged. The Dragons would be sundered from the sky, not by the blessed lightning of her Lord, but by the hands of mortal men.

While the premise is definitely very intriguing, as I myself am a fan of the niche Thallassos fills, I don't think this piece is at all "it", as it were. I get a very uncanny feeling reading it, can definitely tell it was rushed out in a hurry with no real consideration of implementation, or how that might fare. More than a few mechanics come up short, and some are just not there entirely - definitely not something I think works to this piece's benefit at all. I'll leave much of my criticism to loremag, but this ain't it, chief.

Absolutely agreed, otherwise its nonsensical.

Personally, I'd weaken and limit what curses it can affect, as I had in my tah magic lore - perhaps adding more difficulty to the procedure, making it multi-staged such as special incenses and such. Constrain the scope so it's only really useful against the common, weaker curses - such that the times when a paladin needs to be called are all the more special. I love the idea of an alchemical cure, but I agree there should be more to it. I think Muritor presents a wonderful way by which it can be done, e.g with the special surgery that needs done to cure Corcituri.

It seems odd to use an ad-hominem to try and justify lore, doubly so when you know the particulars of these circumstances and how the community has been working to weed such individuals out IRPly - especially when your own community, the Templars as stated, have done the same shenanigans and worse. I don't find this to be a valid justification by any sense of the word. Your mention of a monopoly is also relatively rebuked by the Shamanic player-base, which has the ability to cure curses as well. As one of the primary paladin players, and the one you've brought up in your posts, I disagree vehemently with the nature of this piece. Paladins need to draw on chanceries or proxies thereof - where the power of a god is most directly present on the mortal plane - in order to purge curses mostly-solo from most individuals and items, save a particular few which require additional paladins. The person leading the ritual needs to have been a paladin for around 2 months, and they require a particular ST approved enchantment or a Chancery in order to remove these curses. Why is a very cheap, plentiful, and non-ST approved potion able to not only perfectly replicate Paladin purging, but surpass it in terms of effectiveness and practicality, when throughout the server's history Paladins have always been the most proficient with the practice of removing curses? I can understand wanting a mundane method to deal with curses, as I broached the topic with Spoons, but there's a difference between having a method to deal with them and outright making yourself the best at the job. If you're truly insistent on wanting an alchemical method of mending curses, it should be scaled back and made limited in its effectiveness, and likely made more expensive and to require ST approval.

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUB

okay but is the name going to start with 'A'?

my two seater smogger dream its here

A Lady of Silver would have a clockwork critter pin a small scrap of parchment to the underside of the proposed treaty, a sentence scribed in jagged and unkempt script. "Four ingots of Thanhic Steel to the one who fetches the old Duke!"

A Vacationing Mali took a long drag from her cigar at the sight of the missive, blowing a ring of smoke into the air from her tropical retreat. "Looks like a lot of drama down south- good thing absolutely none of it is my problem!"

Dear god, he's gone mad with power... Brass is too strong for any mortal man!

Kharajyr are considered aberrants/abominations by the Aenguls to the best of my understanding, as sort of unholy bastardizations of life. I'd need to look at Hou but if they're just smart monke I can nix 'em. Otherwise, for your point on Iblees, descendants are not included as they do not owe their existence to being jammed into a blender with a cat - they're just all cursed in small part by Iblees. Seer will be patched, but I don't think they'd be affected, given the Witness being... the Witness. Law of Remediation will be patched to prevent fuckery, and correct one can only be healed once a day - this is to prevent people from speed healing an individual from the brink of death. Ward of Light ignores all physical attacks, correct. It can only repel magical effects, and it only takes effect on the [Cast] emote, not the prep one. So a minimum of 3 emotes to conjure a 1x1 ward. A dark mage could walk through it just fine given they're a physical force. I'll go in and redline that Final Oblation cannot rescue an individual from things like a Templar's Last Stand, or other lore-related PK clauses. I didn't think it needed to be specified that one needs lessons and time in order to progress, as is the case for every other magic. You do not progress in tier just by sitting on the MA per our lore rules, you require knowledge of every spell of your tier in order to progress in addition to the time requirement. Tyvm for the feedback mijo, I'll apply it asap!

I find that curious because both of these spells are already very well in line with what is in precedent - with Orb of Light being relatively tame for what it is, and Law of Judgement already taking an emote longer than all other abilities similar to it- and having an emote duration, in addition. As for the Foresight ability... yes. It's point is to allow the two playergroups to more readily engage in a conflict narrative. The adherent only knows whatever the target player wishes to show them- and even that is limited to vague hints... If you dislike this relatively small and cutesy ability, I would honestly wonder what you think of the Seers of Vaasek. Dark Magi possess a wealth of tools that allow them to deal with difficult encounters with relative ease, such as enhanced strength, immortality, or abilities that shut down the other's ability to fight back, among other things. As for your criticisms of 'Purity' roleplay and what follows... Yes, it has always been a trademark of Tahariaen magic that those who hold it tend to purify that which they perceive as an impurity, most often dark magi. Roleplay is roleplay, and it seems very ingenuine to try and stifle the possibility of roleplay because your own sensibilities demand it be stifled. There is nothing in this lore which directly contributes to the racism or homophobia you accuse it of - player culture may dictate otherwise, but as written, the only group 'persecuted' by this lore would be the undead, demons... Groups already widely persecuted throughout the realm of Almaris. I genuinely do not see why you're attempting to cancel the lore when the concept of Purity often touted and espoused in terms of the Aengudaemonica has nothing at all to do with High Elven Purity - and even then, I do not see why High Elven Purity is something to be shunned or scorned on an OOC level.

whats a varg not sure thats accepted lore mijo...

I lost it.

The Light of Tahariae “My word is inerrant, but the mortal spirit is seldom so. Remember who thy covenant is sworn to - for We are Purity incarnate.” Long had the Lord of Purity remained absent and aloof from the realms of mortal man - his blessings withdrawn, at the sin and degeneracy those he once considered servants had engaged in. He watched on from within His halls of judgement, as the descendant realm was set upon by myriad forces of impurity and darkness, the souls of mortal men in peril from infernal incursion and draconic blight. And so, with his crown of starlit antlers strewn with motes of possibility, the Vehement Judge would soon deign fit to enact his return to the mortal realm with the advent of the dread fleet of Dark Harbor, sent by the insidious forces of Ruin, and the brazen assaults upon the land by the Arch-Drakaar. To the realm below, he sent a singular messenger - Sordran the White Flame under the guise of 'The Silverblade', a mysterious emissary of all the High Heavens, and servant to Purity and his brother Order alike. The gaze of the White Stag has returned firmly to the realms of men, and to them, he has once more offered his gift; the boons of Light and Purity, sealed in hallowed covenant. Though dimmed in comparison to its past candescence, it remains a potent tool for those who would wish to see the darkness of the world banished, in the face of Light undiminished. The Light The boon of those sworn to Tahariae, the Light is granted to those who swear themselves to the White Stag’s goals and ambitions fully, by those chosen few entrusted with the ability to spread His gifts and His message. A tether to the realm of Purity itself, the connection between the practitioner and Tahariae bestows a select host of unique capabilities upon the adherent, along with the responsibilities they are to bear in their pursuit of the great work. As the adherent’s connection to the Stag grows, so too does their proficiency in the wielding of the holy Light, and the further their pact with the Lord of Purity is sealed. The acquisition of the Light is not without its consequences, however - the holy presence now cradled within the adherent serving to bolster their resolve, and to guide them towards the Stag’s intended vision; granting those who bear the Light a constant sense of clarity and tranquility, of warmth and charity beyond reckoning. While perhaps overbearing at first, like a wrathful judge at one’s side at every waking hour, the adherent will adjust over time to the remnant presence of the Stag within them, likely finding some comfort in the assurance offered by their newfound Purity. The Light of Tahariae feels as radiating warmth to any that it touches, so long as they do not harbor spiritual maladies or are themselves a product of the dark. Descendants, meaning humans, elves, orcs, and dwarves cannot be harmed by the light even if the adherent were to wish such upon them. It would simply pass over or through them as a tingling warmth which inspires comfort. Upon dark entities, or those who harbor spiritual taint, however, the light would feel akin to white-hot fire in the midst of combat. Typically manifesting as a White, Silver, or Blue confluence of holy light, it is commonly held that the hues one wields signifies what discipline the Stag believes them best fit for, though these beliefs are purely cultural. To those who are dubbed by Tahariae as Impure, the Light will often rebuke them violently, as the Stag’s desire to see them scourged from the world is made manifest in the fabric of the magicks his servants wield. Naturally, this makes wielding the Light impossible to those of a darker inclination, or those who possess altered or unnatural physical forms. Ordainment of the Light Held only by those entrusted to spread the word and boons of the White Stag, the wondrous act of strengthening the Light and spreading its embrace is held as the highest honor among the adherents. To connect an individual to the Light of Tahariae, a T5 Adherent must take the prospective practitioner to a location of relative peace associated with the Lord of Purity, such as a temple erected in Tahariae’s honor, or a private shrine dedicated to the Stag, and light incense to fill the area - weaving their light into the smoke, they may thereafter perform a freeform ceremony of their choosing, so long as such pertains to the themes of Light, Purity, Justice, and Holiness. This may entail visions of the Realm of Purity, bizarre phenomena occurring in the room, or anything of the teacher’s choosing within the prescribed themes. At the end of the ritual, the student’s soul would be tethered to the Realm of Purity, and the Light would begin to fill their very spirit - allowing them to practice the magick thereafter, and binding them to Tahariae’s service. The Commandments & Severance In the wake of the return of Tahariae’s influence, the White Stag charged those who would serve him with three commandments - and so was woven into the firmament of the Light the task of severing the boons of those who would profane them. I. As bearers of the Light, divine in its purpose, you shall abide. That which is born of Ruin, fel deceit and sin, shall be rejected now and forevermore - Suffer not those of Darkness, but scourge them from this realm. To suffer the Impure is sin - Hold true to Mine Virtue. II. As the Shepherd tends to his flock, so too shall you tend to the realm of mortal men. Guide all who would walk in the Light, and stand by your brothers of the Divine. Aid the cause of the Light above all else. III. Unto you has this blessing been bestowed - and hallowed by My Light, you have become sanctified. Profane not the sacral Light with petty mortal whimsy; My work is not of your world, and neither is My Light. The tenets which Tahariae has laid are left to be interpreted by the adherents as a whole in-roleplay, and thus do not bind the individual adherent to them mechanically - that being said, all adherents would inherently know these commandments from the moment of their connection, and would feel naturally compelled to follow them. In the event that one believes their fellow adherent to have gone against the commandments, they may attempt to sever their ties to the Light - and strike it from them entirely, through the Rite of Severance. Rite of Severance Held by a trusted few beholden to the Lord of Purity, the knowledge of this rite is a harrowing thing - for there is no greater sacrilege than to snuff out the Light. Though born of necessity, it is no less a haunting task to perform. Boons of the Light The primary basis of the adherent’s sorceries, wielding the Light is in some aspects a delicate practice - Though connection does not harbor any passive strains or detriments to the body, the direct channeling of divine light nonetheless requires discipline and focus, due to the feeble limitations of the mortal coil. Though, once this discipline is achieved, the enactment of divine magick is swift to follow. [T1] Weave of Fate A Fundamental and intrinsic tie to destiny, all of those beholden to the White Stag are bound to the weave of fate and prophecy. [T1] Orb of Light A cantrip spell and combative mainstay, this basic liturgy of the divine has been wielded by Tahariae’s servants for generations. [T2] Law of Judgement One of the fundamental laws of Tahariaen doctrine made manifest, which describes the inevitability of Impurity’s eradication - and the adjudication of those responsible. A primitive enhancement of one’s weapon, to enable them to perform their duties adequately. [T3] Law of Remediation One of the fundamental laws of Tahariaen doctrine made manifest, which describes the empyrean truth that all which has been rendered Impure shall one day be returned to Purity. A healing sacrament, to bring about this sacred truth. [T3] Rite of Exorcism Hardly as effective as the disciples of the Lion, those adherent to the Stag’s doctrine still possess a mild acumen when it comes to the removal of curses and blights. [T3] Ward of Light A defensive veil, often used when leading the allies of Tahariae’s folk into battle against the Impure of the realm, first devised by the prophet Jakob in his service to the Stag centuries ago. [T4] Sight Beyond Sight An evolution of their natural ties to the weave of fate, and the prophetic acumen of their Aengul, adherents may learn to beseech faint glimpses into the future - to better act against the darker powers of the realm who would oppose the White Stag. [T4] Presence of Light An aspect of the Light ill touched upon in ages yore, the capacity to uplift and kindle hope is one not to be underestimated in the fight against Impurity. [T5] Final Oblation To save the life of another is no greater honor - and there is no sacrifice akin to giving one’s own life to drag another back from the jaws of death. A sacrament of deafening finality, to end one’s story and prolong another’s at the same time; for what else could possibly equal the value of a mortal life? On Artifice Though the newly reintroduced magicks of Tahariae lack the capability for standard artifice as their Xannic cousins do, the Light holds a faint memory - that of the awesome relics wrought from its power in elder days by the sworn Clerics of the Stag, before the Great Relinquish. Upon reaching Tier 4 in the magic, this capability is reawakened in part - allowing the adherent to partake in the creation of hallowed relics, and in conjunction with other holy magi such as the Templars of Malchediael, or the Paladins of Xan, may indeed lend greater potency and power to relics and artefacts wrought by their brothers. Tier Progression Tier 1: Newly tethered to the Aengul of Purity, the adherent is tied intrinsically to the weave of fate their Aengul divines, and may bring forth a weak representation of His Light in the form of an Orb of Light. Tier 2: Upon Week 2 of holding their tether to the blessed Stag, the adherent’s power begins to swell from its nascent capabilities - enabling them to invoke the Law of Judgement for pursuing their Lord’s claim. Tier 3: The middling progression of the Light’s growth within an individual upon reaching Week 4, the adherent may now invoke the Tahariaen Law of Remediation to begin healing the wounds of others, exorcise weaker curses with the aid of their fellows, or conjure great wards to abjure dark magicks. Tier 4: Nearing the apogee of their progression upon Week 8, the adherent’s foresight has strengthened, allowing them to perceive faint motes of fate to divine the course of action of their foes or allies, and may manifest their strengthened tether in shows of power to inspire hope or cow the wicked. Tier 5: The pinnacle of an adherent’s strength, reached upon Week 12, they may now perform the ultimate gesture of self-sacrifice, and invoke the Final Oblation. Citation, Credit & Purpose Valannor - Writing, Conceptualization, Chasing this white whale for my entire LoTC career. Pundimonium - Letting me cannibalize aspects of his concept write. Wandiferous, Seo, Spoons, Nooblius, Unbaed, Amayonnaise, and all of my dear friends - Moral support, general feedback, delivery of a will to live and supporting me throughout my time on LoTC. Mostly, this lore was written as part of a multi-year desire of mine to see new holy pieces enter the sphere of the server’s lore - and indeed, to see a return of Tahariaen magic in some capacity. I’ve decided that the legacy of the Clerics is one that should not be repeated however - and for this, I wish to ask that should this lore be approved, that all prior Clericalism MAs be wiped. I’ve instead geared this iteration of Tahariaen magic towards a slim, basic package of impactful abilities as opposed to prior writes fraught with unfathomable quantities of bloat or complex mechanics. Something that can stand with an identity of its own as a magic of prophecy and mending, as opposed to being a discount paladin at its core. My intent is to provide the player base at large with a holy magic less focused on being the outright heroes, and instead positioned uniquely to support the stories of other holy or good-aligned groups; a support magic, not necessarily in the way of buffs and such, but in helping to drive others in their own goals and stories while being able to adequately cultivate their own. In this, I've also decided that it is best if it is reintroduced as a fairly minimalist piece of lore, and it is very much my intent that its playerbase, should this lore pass, add on to it or even rewrite it over time - but it is for the best that it merely exists to begin with. The time of the Clerics has come and gone. Let this new step forwards put that particular chapter of history behind us.