Evil_macaroni

This would be a nice change to see implemented as a start. I'm not fully satisfied with Tfig's place on the server as is but allowing abjurers to abjure magics they have MAs or TAs in is the smallest of tweaks that also falls in line with the current theme and vibe of abjuration as a whole.

I do not want to be meticulously counting points, let alone decimal points, in what is supposed to be an immersive experience. LOTC is a storytelling medium. Creating further systems that rely on complex OOC math and minmaxing just detract from the immersion of roleplay as a whole.

Void Magic culture posting my beloved.

Artist Unknown Background/Rediscovery Descendants have always strived for control. The rampaging tide, the billowing wind. the stalwart earth, the radiant flame all fell into the magi’s grasp. Yet, throughout ages past, a single element has eluded study more than all. Deemed madmen, storm chasers have long attempted to tame the untamable. To harness nature’s most elusive, destructive fury; Lightning. Yet, lightning stands in stark difference from all other evocations. To catch lightning in a bottle is not a one-in-a-million chance. It is impossible. Lightning rods cannot store their namesake either. Storm chasers came upon an epiphany. To understand lightning is to suffer it. To wield the crackling sparks is to be charged with its static. Magic Explanation Whereas fire may be kindled, water stored, wind breathed, and soil molded, lightning is fleeting. A combination of luck and awareness separates any individual from being beholden to the furious strikes of electricity amidst thunderclouds. As such, a magi who seeks an understanding of voidal lightning has but a single main avenue. To take to the pelting rains, the thunderous roars, and the charged strikes of a lightning storm. Voidal lightning is the warped product of all attempts to wield nature’s fury. Heat proves far too difficult to imbue into any lightning spell, but it is not without its replacement. Lightning’s facsimile takes the form of incredibly condensed arcane energy that seeps into all that is struck, blighting with The Void’s caress. Lightning Evocation is a precarious art where the electromancer is subjected to ever-increasing static charges. Overzealous mages keen on wielding the art to extremes would find themselves on the receiving end of its wrath. Magi do not control lightning. They direct it. The evoker uses mana both to retrieve the voidal arcana as well as the conductive pathway that leads the lightning toward their target. It is this very pathway that forces Voidal lightning to assume only the color of the magi’s aura itself. Lightning Evocation takes up 1 magic slot. Lightning Evocation can be practiced with a valid MA. Lightning Evocation requires a stable connection to the Void. Lightning Evocation can be taught with a valid TA. Properties of Conjured Lightning While conjured lightning carries some similarities to naturally occurring electricity, there are several notable distinctions. It is impossible to fully harness the entirety of lightning’s devastation. Conjured lightning is an extreme compression of voidal arcana. When a lightning spell strikes, it hits a precise point. Due to this, the explosion of the concentrated arcana leaves blight markings where natural lightning would normally leave scorch marks. Through consistent exposure to potent voidal lightning over a short period, a target would eventually succumb to voidal blight unless aided. This is unlikely, however, and in most cases would lead to limb corruption at most. If a limb is lost to voidal blight, it will not heal on its own. A person afflicted with voidal blight will feel a general numbness around the affected region. These blights can take deep purple and black hues, often taking the appearance of lightning marks. As blights grow more severe, an afflicted person might start losing the feeling of the blighted areas. A fully corrupted limb would be effectively paralyzed. Land blighted by conjured lightning is inert. It is incapable of spreading on its own. Voidal blights generated by lightning evocation can be healed by any means that explicitly state as capable of cleansing blights of voidal origin. Abjuration can also cleanse these blights. Voidal lightning strikes with concussive blows. While conjured lightning is conductive, due to line of sight requirements a spell will never course sightlessly through something. The moment it would pierce the target, the spell would dissipate instantly. As such, a lightning impact will always deal blunt damage. Voidal lightning cannot produce flames or any sort of harmful heat. Voidal lightning does not 'shock'. Its paralyzing capabilities come from prolonged exposure to blighting. Lightning cannot be cast at an endless range regardless of line of sight. If it lacks a target or the target is out of range (specified where applicable), voidal lightning will arc toward the ground and fizzle. Vertical distances must be taken into account for ranges. Combative voidal lightning travels no faster than any other voidal incantation. Casting lightning does not guarantee a strike and can be dodged or blocked. Combative voidal lightning can only be conjured through the use of an arcane focus. Lightning is too powerful to be cast without something to direct it. Voidal lightning can only be the color of the mage’s aura. Lightning tells are extremely obvious. A mage beginning to charge a lightning spell would at least manifest sparks around them before the spell is cast. This effect scales with the intensity of the spell. An electromancer can eventually conjure lightning that produces sound frequencies capable of being pitched up or down by the magi. This can never cause any form of permanent damage to the ear but can eventually be used to disrupt other magi’s focus. Voidal lightning afflicts the casting mage with charges of Static. Reaching as many Static charges as the Mage’s current tier would make casting any more lightning an impossible feat without incurring great harm. Surpassing the amount would at least forcibly disconnect the mage, and at most greatly wound or kill the mage. lie setiawan - Ardent Electromancer Static The circumstances that lead voidal lightning to its target are the same that force a portion of its effects onto the casting mage. The passive mana within the mage diverts and withholds a segment of the conjured arcana. Static is received after casting most lightning spells. The amount of stacks received is equal to the tier of the spell unless otherwise specified. An electromancer has the capacity to withstand as many Static charges as their highest achieved tier. After surpassing that amount, the mage would have their connection severed. Depending on the amount of charges above the threshold, varying effects can happen, all of which are detailed in the Tier Progression segment. For every ascending tier of overcharged static, all effects from the prior category are applied as well. Despite its namesake, voidal static refers to the phenomenon where an electromancer is imbued with the voidal residue of their casting. While it carries some similarities to electrification, the more drastic effects fall closer in line with voidal blighting. Static charges remain if a mage casts spells from other magics. In combat, Static charges will dissipate at a rate of 1 charge per 5 emotes. Static cannot be imbued into spells. It is rampant voidal arcana that afflicts the mage until it either dissipates or is returned to The Void. Disconnection would render the voidal arcana uncontrollable, with charges passively dissipating at a rate of 1 charge per OOC hour. These cannot be removed through Ground. Disconnection by Static would stop the mage from reconnecting until the charges passively dissipate. If a cast spell inflicts enough Static charges to disconnect the mage, the spell’s effect is completed before disconnection. If a spell is interrupted before casting, the user does not gain any stacks of Static. Mana is still consumed as normal. The Powers of Lightning Lightning is chaotic and dangerous. Of the most difficult elements to conjure. Through diligent, patient technique, mages are capable of learning the precise prowess necessary to bring forth its power and survive to tell the tale. Abbreviation Key: [N] - Non-Combat [C] - Combat [T#] - Tier Number Conjure Spark [T1] [N] - A lightning evoker is capable of conjuring anything from small sparks to calamitous displays of thunderous lightning with varying lengths, shapes, and sounds. Mechanics Redlines Zap [T2] [C] - The simplest lightning projectile in an electromancer’s arsenal. A quick jolt that shoots forward in a linear path from the mage. Mechanics Redlines Jolt [T2] [N] - An electromancer is capable of condensing a harmless amount of voidal lightning that may produce jolts of energy on others. Mechanics Redlines Magnetize [T3] [N] - Using the principles of Alterationism, magi discovered another attribute that can be modified through voidal means; the push and pull between metals. Mechanics Redlines Ground [T3] [C] - By focusing on their connection, electromancers are capable of returning electric arcana through their mana anchor and into The Void, ridding themselves of Static charges. Mechanics Redlines Lightning Bolt [T3] [C] - The stronger iteration of the electromancer’s Zap. A potent bolt of voidal lightning that strikes with significant force. Mechanics Redlines Relay [T4] [C] - The principles of translocative anchors lead magi to the discovery of their conductive applications. Should a mage so choose, they may create a mana anchor at a distance for the sake of extending the range of their or another’s lightning spell. Mechanics Redlines Chain Lightning [T4] [C] - A densely packed bolt of lightning that splits into two on first impact and arcs toward the nearest target. It is a dangerous spell, easily backfiring without proper care given. Mechanics Redlines Thunder [T5] [C] - Those who earn mastery over evoked lightning are capable of wielding its thunderous rage. Mechanics Redlines Call Lightning [T5] [C] - The pinnacle of electrical prowess. A looming cloud of voidally charged aura that discharges a singular devastating strike of voidal lightning and arcs towards all targets within range. Mechanics Redlines Enchanting To attempt to wield lightning is an affront, let alone to imbue objects with its effects. While not impossible, creative or non-creative lightning enchantments must be made with magely implements (magegold, arcanium, etc.). Objects incapable of conducting mana would take the full brunt of Static, blighting and crumbling to dust at creation. Grand enchantments suffer the largest limitations. All must be made exclusively with arcanium. Additionally, T4 and T5 enchantments do not recharge after use. Instead, they expire immediately as their final charge is expended. This is due to the extreme effect that condensed voidal arcana has on the object. This could theoretically be circumvented through the creation of a powerful enough artifact (MART). Mechanics Redlines General Red Lines A lightning evoker cannot control real lightning, only their own conjured lightning from The Void. All spells require line of sight. The range of Lightning spells cannot be increased beyond what is listed in the lore (unless through Relay), including Arcane foci. No lightning spell is capable of an ‘instant kill’. Despite its blighting effects, voidal lightning does not inflict the debilitating effects of voidal poison. The blighting effects of lightning evocation are rarely permanent. Due to the small concentrations of arcana that a mage can muster, the blights would fade very quickly with time. The only exceptions to this are wounds agreed upon OOCily or at events with ET supervision and approval. The temporary effects of voidal lightning cannot be disregarded entirely. Such would be powergaming. Sounds produced by voidal lightning cannot be anything other than crackling or thunderous. Static charges do not have a combative effect on others. Someone touching an electromancer will not be combatively shocked or blighted by the accumulated charge. Voidal lightning cannot, under any circumstance, generate heat capable of inflicting harm or sparking a flame. An electromancer cannot cast through blocks, regardless of line of sight. This includes iron gates. In such a case, it would instantly cling to the metal, passing no further. Bodies of water cannot be abused combatively as a means of conducting mass amounts of voidal electricity. While voidal lightning can be used in the rain, the rain cannot be used to heighten the range or strength of its effects. The amount of control necessary to electrify only a small area of rainfall is too much for anyone and would likely lead to the mage being electrified first, thereby disconnecting them. Conjured water and conjured lightning can be mixed by two separate mages. This, however, would do no more damage than if the two had been used separately, and is purely for flavor. The charge from conjured lightning cannot be stored. As with all other evocations, losing line of sight would dispel the conjured lightning entirely. Artist Unknown Tier Progression [ Tier 1 ] Novice [ Tier 2 ] Apprentice [ Tier 3 ] Adept [ Tier 4 ] Expert [ Tier 5 ] Master Purpose (OOC) As a relative newhead to LOTC and Void magic, I was instantly enamored by the aesthetics of this server’s rendition of elemental magics. When I heard of lightning evocation’s past, I was sad to see such a cool and potentially flavorful magic left to collect dust as a far-off relic. This rendition of lightning evocation attempts to write lightning for its power rather than its quickness. I knew I didn’t want to write lightning capable of heat, but without it, I struggled to find an interesting combative niche for the magic. The idea of ‘blightning’ was a cool solution to the problem. I also tried to play into the idea of it being an incredibly difficult element to control. The Static mechanic was created from this. I believe voidal poison is one of the best inclusions to voidal magic as a whole, and playing further into a void mage’s detriment through their craft fits greatly with its overarching themes. However, I didn’t want lightning evocation to simply be a combat magic with heavy detriments. Additions like Magnetize and Jolt were made to tap into the innate whimsy and wonder of electricity’s unique utilities outside of modern-tech applications. I also believe Relay can be used non-combatively to achieve a similar effect. With that said, this is my first completed attempt at a large LOTC lore write. I hope my debut is at least pleasing to your eyes and minds. Credits @Evil_macaroni - Author @BoyWonderr - Main Consultor @Cally - Minor Consulting/Image Finding @S1nnerVsSa1nts - Minor Consulting/Grammar @Lord_of_losers - Tech Support Prior Lightning Evocation Writes - Inspiration Big shoutout to Wizard of Legend (Game), Rain Sounds for Sleeping (YT channel), and the tesla coil scene in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Movie). Changelog

This rewrite saved my life. I remember there was an argument made about enchantment sickness where ST wished to make enchantments less viable for non mages but as it stands, they're equally non viable outside of lesser enchants (which are goated flavor tbf). Bypassing the connection emote makes enchantments have an actual viable use seeing as it actually becomes the +1 emote rather than what is effectively a +2 for most casting mages. Abjuration change is also really nice simply bc as it stands, it's crazy that air evo is the only other void magic capable of explicitly manipulating other spells and it does it better than abjuration so having the extended repertoire is a nice change that makes sense.

A voidal magus read the letter in likewise anger. Having seen what lead to the altercation, he now sat alone in his desk. "To dismiss one's most proficient is to leave oneself vulnerable." The scholar spoke to himself as he took upon parchment, writing furiously unto it.

Pastel Pink my beloved

Over the course of the current year, a certain voidal scholar would go missing. His general whereabouts known only to a select few, entirely unknown to most. After several months, scheduled letters would arrive in the mailboxes of specific individuals. All letters would begin with the following excerpt: I have always prided myself on the uncanny degree to which fortune favors me. However, if this letter has reached your graces then my luck has run dry. I have likely perished in the conflict between the Númendil and the Ar-Adunaim forces. Originally I sought to lend my assistance due to the voidal nature of their conflict but should you read this, it was my hubris the source of my undoing. I send these letters out of duty. In the event of my presumed death, this letter is a recognition of my responsibility to you. I know not of my future fate but know that if I am alive as you receive this letter, my absence is not intentional. Henceforth lies a specifically tailored message for your eyes alone. The following excerpts are only received by the named character: To Primula Divadri: To Gloria Aestra: To Wisteria Pinemaw: To Calomir Aep Morwyn: To Sebastian: The letters all end with the same signature, May fortune be with you in your future endeavors, Bastien Vaenyr Krüger Araaloq The letters are stamped with a sigil none of the students would recognize.

The battlefield would be littered by an intense slew of flame volleys, an elven mage standing against the assailing enemy's artillery. Though the toll was heavy, and the enemy fearsome, Bastien Krüger toiled with resolve.

Sitting upon a lone corner in a grand library, an elven scholar reminisced on his one and only memory of the studied Mali as he clasped one of the many tomes that bore Sarrion's name. "A single cup of tea." His one eye gazed softly into the book, caressing the cover. "Though our meeting was brief, I am deeply grateful to have exchanged words with you, First Enchanter." The mournful magi settled the book onto a large pile at his side. After all, much work was left to be done.

(Bastien writing this letter) [!] A letter would make rounds across the notice boards of the many nations of Aevos. The fine papyrus and detailed calligraphy would denote the writing of a scholar This is a calling to those who wish to be considered among the chosen few with the moniker of ‘arcanist’. Those who believe themselves thoroughly studious and driven to understand the void are welcome to apply for the position of arcane apprentice. The amount of students that shall be accepted is limited. Through a process of interviews, promising candidates will be chosen. The responsibilities of an arcane apprentice are many. Some days you will act as my assistant, analyzing scriptures and paperwork while other days you will be tasked with the arduous labor of mastering voidal practice. In addition, my responsibilities will require me to travel across Aevos at times. As such there will be an expectation that you travel alongside me for some of these ventures, especially as your mastery progresses. Your responsibilities will also be influenced by the study you are assigned. Upon the conclusion of the interview process you shall be made to choose one of three specialties: Pyromancy: Dominion over voidal flame. Transfiguration: The Alterationist and Abjurative Art. Translocation: Devotion to voidal displacement. The exact requirements for the positions shall not be disclosed. As a general rule, however, applicants must be open-minded individuals with an inquisitive fervor. Slacking during studies shall not be tolerated. Interview dates shall be accorded through the mail. Your letter must include your name, where you currently reside, and a general description of your yearly availability. You may include a single name, or your full family name. If you do not currently reside anywhere, you may state that as well. These factors will neither bolster nor detract from your application. Note that though your penmanship will not disqualify you, it shall be a factor. Signed, Bastien Krüger Araaloq (IGN: Evil_Macaroni) [OOC Note]

this amendment saved my life

The ever gracious and merciful greehn; lord of tech and all things code, has bestowed upon his people yet one more of his benevolent gifts.

This lore saved my life

I'm actually very like minded in almost everything you mentioned in your post. The only thing that I personally disagree with is the enchantment sickness. While I do understand the reasoning, I think it was far too big of an overcorrection to the other end. It's impossible to deny that mina is an essential part of the server. Between things like nation maintenance, tile purchasing, tile upkeep all the way to purchasing ct items or in general trading for goods, mina runs a lot of how the server operates at a foundational level. The enchantment changes make it almost impossible for mages to be able to leverage their economic force. A warrior has no reason to purchase an enchanted item if they will be useless after using it. A compromise somewhere in the middle would've probably been a closer solution. Perhaps making it so that there is a limit to the level of spell that can be enchanted onto an item or make it so enchants with spells of higher levels cause the sickness instead. As for this, I already mentioned it in dms but I absolutely love and have been wanting this for quite a while now. Very awesome concept. I resonate with a few points in your reply, especially about transfig. I do feel like tfig being 2 slots is a bit absurd, especially after the recent enchantment sickness along with the already existing issues like abjuration being quite underpowered. However I think it's not really fair to lay most of the blame on translocation for "bringing a ton of things down with it". To me, the problems with void magic are much more systemic. On one end, the culture around lore applications seems to have left a big portion of voidal mages very jaded, and so during many of my conversations, I am often faced with a constant barrage of people saying "this would never be approved" "that'll never work" and a general putting down of many ideas I've tried coming up with. Then, on the other side it does feel as though there is a lack of transparency and overall communication with ST, leaving both groups completely disconnected from each other. Using the example of enchantment sickness again, I firmly believe that if that change had been discussed publicly with other mage roleplayers, it would not have resulted in as many people complaining and perhaps could've even become more suited to both parties' desires. One group is trying very desperately to create cool plots that fulfill their roleplay needs and desires, and another group is desperately trying to keep an overall cohesive story that doesn't fall apart. These two don't have to operate separately, and in fact, should more often than not operate together. That is my opinion on what the real problem is with the void. Squak also mentioned in his reply about a lot of writers having too much of an ego and being unwilling to change things about their literature. While that's very likely true, I also feel like there are a lot of egos that are constantly clashing on both sides. It's unfair to pin the entirety of the blame on a single group, magic, person, etc.

Hello forum frequenters! For the better part of a year now I've been quite interested in pursuing plots that involve the void. I've always been a big fan of elemental magics in popular media and the "arcanist" trope has always been among my most favored when it comes to roleplay. As such, when I first heard of the void I was quite excited. I found the established voidal world lore to be quite compelling. Still, where I've felt a lot of excitement for the void I've also felt a lot of frustration. Seeing how frequently interesting rewrites get denied along with how the modern void feels like a punching bag that constantly receives more and more nerfs, I can't help but feel like the compelling world lore surrounding the void is being wasted. I was introduced to the server by a friend who told me insanely cool stories about an "Enchantry" back in Arcas and about a huge diversity of plots that arose from some kind of voidal golden age in the past. However, I've also been made aware of a time in which the voidal magics were too powergameable. How things like "Voidal Archons" and Lightning evocation were of the most broken magics of their time. Despite this, it feels as though there's too much pent-up resentment for these lore pieces that to my knowledge, existed 2 or 3 years ago. To me, this is counterintuitive to creating good stories when members of the various voidal communities attempt to push forward interesting literature only to be instantly shut down. I write this post for one main purpose. I want to know the perspective of the community at large. Preferably those who've had experience with the void however I would also like to hear some perspectives from even those outside of it. -What is the void to you? -What do you think are the problems with the void, if any? -What pieces of voidal lore do you wish were rewritten or received additions? -What do you envision the void being in the future?

Elias looks upon the missive in the Celian'or announcement board and examines carefully. He quickly begins to write a note as follows: To the academics in the Celian Academy, My name is Elias. My main interests are smithing, fishing and hoping for better times. I'm mostly interested in the Mystic course, but I'd love to learn as much as I can about everything if possible. My main work has been smithing and carpentry and my experience with magic has only been in working with strange and rare ores or looking at magic from afar in awe. I don't have a home anymore, as I've mostly been traveling the past few years but I am looking to settle soon. Best wishes, Elias Towers#0001

Ezekiel sat silently as he clutched the letter; now crumpled and moist, in hand and tried unsuccessfully to steady his shaking. All the years of having known Zand kept circling around his head. Finally, Ezekiel would give in to his shaking and sob quietly for the rest of the evening in the solitary confines of his home.