S1nnerVsSa1nts

Just now, salamanderfantasy said:

This is for Corcs specifically, which DO allow mixed breed descendants

 

From what I was told, halflings were exluded from corcs because there was no source in their lore which said halflings were related to descendants, just that they "probably" were. But other lore has assumed that the "probably" is enough to treat halflings as mixed breed descendants, so this clarification is for Consistency, as well as making that clear in the original lore!

Ahhh I must've gotten it a bit mixed up, I gotchu. Yeah this makes sense - kinda funny that this wasn't already in it tbh.

I think it's important to note that it wasn't JUST an exclusion for Halflings. If I'm not mistaken the creator of Siliti/Corcituri was incredibly racist which is they didn't let mix-breeds (Half Elves, Half-Orcs, etc.) be capable of turning. Unless that is or has been changed this amendment doesn't really make much sense.

|||| The Magi’s Digest ||||

Volume #2

Introduction

Welcome readers one and all to the second volume of the Magi’s Digest. This author apologizes for the delay in publication and is proud to present this paper. Today we will be talking about the Void’s impact on a Mage’s psychology and personality. Admittedly, this edition took so long because of the samples that were required for this research to be done thoroughly. Without further adieu, let us begin!

The Physical Manifestations of Void Exposure

It is a well-documented fact that extended exposure to the Void and its energies greatly impact the physical form. Voidal sickness is the most well-known [1] as it is a trait every single Mage takes on when connected. This sickness results in the gradual weakening of the body the longer the Mage is connected, but eventually stops progressing when the Mage’s soul ‘metabolizes’ the energy [2]. Unless the Mage becomes a Scion this effect is permanent so long as they remain connected[3]. 

Traditionally this ‘weakening’ effect has been attributed to the decaying effect the Void often has when encountering living things (i,e. withers natural greenery, impact of too much Voidal energy being utilized on a person, etc.) [4] however with the new information that has been gathered for this document there may be another explanation. Another notable, major impact that the Void can cause is the drastic personality changes that Mages may undergo. This now leads us to the research portion of today’s theory.

What’s in the head of a Mage?

From much older research I had done as a new Mage it was revealed to me that certain mental conditions or traits correlate with the brain’s structure. Though this is far from an exact science this eventually led to the thought that inspired this edition; does the Void physically alter the brain’s structure? From the beginning I had my doubts [5], considering that many changes are tied to the varying Paths[6] that may be dropped or replaced with another. From merely observing the differences in those who went from one path[7] to another revealed that just from swapping between them your personality can undergo a drastic change. If the Void’s impact on the integrity of the cranial structure resulted in the changes, why did it kick in so quickly? Altering both the shape and internal chemistry of the brain would be a delicate task after all [8]. In order to solve this mystery I gathered my trusty gloves and began to request the corpses of any fallen Magi. This was all done ethically, and legally [9]. Relying on those who either agreed to this experiment or criminals already slated for death [10]. 

Though a rather grim task, over the last decade or so I have had enough cadavers (and background information on the individual) to finally reach a conclusion [11]. There was no observable difference in the brain’s shape that would indicate any changes via Voidal energy. Notably, many of the subjects had brains that were nearly identical to that of Magi without a Path or those who were not Mages at all. 

Now that this conclusion has been made, we must ask a new question; If the brain doesn’t change then how exactly does this change the psychology of a given individual?

A Proposed Answer

Over the centuries we have been able to vaguely understand some of the core functions of the Soul. It is documented that the Soul itself houses memory in some shape or form, but if altered by other Magics this can lead to memory erasure and other deformations to occur to the host . Oftentimes if a Soul is corrupted, whether by Dark Magic or other forces, there is also a physical change that occurs in the body. This information is imperative to the following theory.

Consider this. What if the Void had much more of an impact on the Soul than what we may have initially believed? Theoretically since the Soul houses memory, and memory shapes one’s personality, it could be assumed that changes to it are the true cause of mental alteration. Additionally this may also be the cause of Voidal Sickness. If this is true, it explains how quickly the changes to one’s behavior can be and gives us a more reasonable answer about why Magi are physically weaker.

However this now prompts a dangerous question. If the Void impacts our Soul this much, what else may it do to it? How much of our identity is only real due to the outside influence? Well dear reader, you must question this yourself. Regardless.. We now have a much greater understanding of ourselves.  

In the next volume we will explore the differences between different ‘planes’ and how our reality fits into the greater cosmology of existence. Thank you, dear reader, for picking up this volume. For further inquiries, debate, or theories feel free to pen me a missive. 

Footnotes

[1] - “..however Enchanter’s Sickness, while a newer affliction, is also very relevant, though it’s effects are temporary.”

[2]  - “How the soul exactly handles the load of chaos still remains to be seen exactly. Current theory is that it’s like a muscle, or a pain tolerance. Where over time the Soul gets used to it. Had this idea after seeing [Redacted] act like it was no big deal that he had been cut to shit, saying he'd gotten used to it. Moron.”

[3] - “****. ****. Scions! What the **** do they do to retain their muscles and shit? Maybe they block off or lessen the energy they take in? It would explain the casting…”

[4] - “Sul stood next to the tree in Rosethorn long enough that the leaves started to die. Voidstalkers physically hurt me.”

[5] - “..considering how delicate it is, it wouldn’t make any sense. Even swelling can cause someone to die. Not to mention how the Void tends to literally kill living beings, touching the brain would be more likely to render someone braindead.”

[6] - “How the shit does someone refer to the different ‘subtypes’ of magic? Subclasses? Circles? Remember to debate this with Mika.” | Post: Path has won the debate.

[7] - “..is so ******* creepy. Watching her go from sweet and compelled to help, then turning into a raging sociopathic monster in the next when she became an Eminent is insane. Honestly it makes me wonder what it says about me that my personality didn’t change at all..”

[8] - “..is entirely unresponsive. Cutting chunks out of the brain has proven to be incapable of treating certain mental illnesses. Notably, some parts can be injured or removed that subject may survive - usually with drastic changes.”

[9] - “So fuckin’ slow! Who knew that waiting for people to die naturally took so long? I’ve only been able to study three subjects in the last three years! Eugh. If I were any less patient I’d have started making subjects instead of just taking them. Legality be damned.”

[10] - “..really weird. Usually ‘paying for someone’s head’ means an assassin. Not someone literally giving you a severed head.”

[11] - “..thank Yemekar. At long last I have had enough subject samples, from various races and connection to the void, to serve as evidence. I can finally throw out the jars of brains. Poor Aska walked into the lab once and got the scare of her life when she saw them..”

Signing off, 

Thessalia Elverhilin

Sat amidst walls on walls of bookshelves perched a crimson-eyed woman in a comfortable nook. Though attempting to scrawl upon the pages of the ashen tone in her lap it seemed as if she was unable to write more than a few words. With an agitated huff she re-capped the pen and slumped backwards in the plush cushions, speaking after a long moment to the two occupants in her room.

"Something was odd about him."

Hidden from the woman's view a small note of curiosity sounded from the Mage's husband-to-be, just audible over the sound of their babbling babe.

"He was.. hypocritical. Mentioning all connections of the Naz, yet voiced clear disgust with any and all Darkspawn. Going far enough to try and collect the names of 'all living Darkspawn' -- even if trying such will be futile, it speaks volumes of his hatred."

The redhead managed to yelp out a warning from behind the shelves. "Incoming!"

Just as the woman cleared her lap, a miniature bullet all but collided into her with loud squeaky laughter. Thessalia brushed aside her frown as she hauled the little girl into her lap and pressed a kiss against her brow. "Spawn! Spawn!" Crowed the youngling, voice loud as she proudly repeated her new favorite word; the current word that she had been repeating to everyone, everywhere, and without caring of what was happening.

"This is what you get for calling her that when she can hear." Lucis said tiredly as he poked his head out around one of the shelves. "She spilled her paints everywhere. I'm going to go get Ember to clean it all up.."

Laughing to herself, the witch blew a kiss to her partner and looked down to her child. Methodically retrieving a handkerchief from a Voidal pocket and setting to clean up the splotches of paint littered Aska's skin. "Always causing chaos. You take after both your parents in that regard." The Elder snickered, eliciting another set of 'Spawn' spouting from the little one. "Hmm.. yes, you're right. Juniper did have a few Spawn herself didn't she? Mayhaps they will have more information.."

Peaking over the shoulder of her Mud Buddy Thessalia read through the document with a gape. "What the ****? Are they wantin' tah throw you n' Jon in prison?" She asked rhetorically. "They do realize someone can just.. lie about you both being there? Or, if you're being forced to be there, you could just.. cause chaos until you leave? Who wrote this th-"

The Mage cut herself off upon finding the signatures. "..This would be something Edvard does, huh."

@mika1278

Another Mud-Elf casts a glance at Mika and pours him a glass of alcohol. He'd need it eventually.

"The sky is blue, water is wet. Razhad has never been suited to lead an Enclave of Magi. Who'd have thought?" Remarked an Ivory-Haired woman in a sarcastic drawl. Upon completion of a second read through of the missive she reached for her letter parchment and penned a missive for her long-time friend.

A Near Middle-Aged Elf blinked as she reviewed the paper. Reading it once more just to be certain, she pinned a sticky note beneath the parchment.

Mali are effectively immortal. No Elf has ever died of age, only insanity when they live beyond a thousand years. If you have further questions please do send me a missive.

- Thessalia

Any remaining posters left in public would vanish without a trace. Ash piled up beneath the place they once hung.

Long after the missive's initial release, a fashionably late pigeon would drop a parcel in front of Lucis. Inside lay a copy of the poster altered so that Lucis had a Dr. Doom style mustache and top-hat and a sticky-note stapled just below.

"First thing I see after getting out of the basement. Oof."

It's unsigned.

2 hours ago, Astrophysical said:

I lowkey thought it was a meme.

But I don't think Khas can even learn shamanism?

They can!

Valentina could hear the exact moment the Tennallar's got their invitation. The Elf huffed, mentally noting the need for thicker walls, and allowed herself a small smile as she returned to her reading.

Bruh. I thought we all knew to stop using it. Legit had a whole sit down in an older Delf server in 2020...

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/227552-translocation-ta-remy1278/?tab=comments#comment-1989585

Yeap. OOC Oversight until I am more active :>

"The Inquisition?" Muttered a short 'Ame from her living room's loveseat. She skimmed over the majority of the report carelessly, brows furrowed as her mind lingered on an all-too-familiar religious order.

|||| The Magi’s Digest ||||

Volume #1

24th of Snow's Maiden, SA 137

Introduction

Upon realizing the time necessary to create individual Research papers on the topic of the Void, the author of this publication, Thessalia Elverhilin, deemed it would be easier to work on developing projects if said papers were instead published in installments.  The Magi’s Digest as now held within the hand of my readers is the method such will be delivered. In order to prevent potential confusion each volume of digest that is released shall open with the information critical to the primary subject, date of writing and publishing, and with a section to elaborate on the formally written topic with quotes directly from the author’s journal. This paper does not work in collaboration with others, however the findings of other Magi who have collaborated on experiments will be properly recorded. 

The Author may be contacted by carrier bird OR via note delivery at the Tipsy Stag tavern in Lurin. Any requests made for other’s works to be published OR magic teaching will be ignored.  

Ripple Theory

Across the ages Magi have been united with nearly all branches of non-Voidal scholars with a single question: Why does Magic change? [1]

It is a question many of us now think of when we spend time pondering the orb. Older Mages who have witnessed the peculiar phenomenon have oftentimes blamed it upon irregular shifts in the Void. For example, I was able to locate a surviving document from the Athera’s Mages Guild that seems to be the earliest recording of the shift. [2] [3]

“Much like nature, magics is ruled by a series of physical and metaphysical laws. Magic has capabilities and limitations, things it can do and things it cannot. Spells operate in certain ways. A fire mage can only control a blaze they summon and upon losing focus it dissipates. Mind mages cannot communicate over very long distances. Summoned water cannot be drunk for it will vanish in the body when the spell expires.

While no mage can break these laws, one thing can warp them: time. The physical laws of magic cannot be broken but they do change: they are not constant. They slowly change over the years and decades, powerful abilities become less effective or even impossible and new avenues of magical spellcasting open up. The changes are very subtle over the lifespan of most descendants with only major ripples or disruptions of the Void being able to create a noticeable change quickly.”

As read in the above excerpts we establish two things.

1. There is an unwritten and non-material law of magic that our world is beholden to, such as the law of gravity. [4]

2. Changes in all non-defic Magic or Universal Law can be attributed to changes in the Void. [5] [6]

And just like that we are able to answer our initial question. Simple, no? Alas, nothing in regards to the Void is ever that easily explainable [7]. While our initial question was answered, it is that very answer that leads us to a new question: What causes the Void to change?

This is the true question this paper seeks to solve. Of course one may always write off  the causation as being something ‘random’ due to the Void’s nature of being a primordial Chaos [8] [9]. As painful as it may be to admit to the more logical minds of Descendant-Kind there are some things that simply aren’t meant to be understood. 

However that will not be the stance taken here. For while the Void may be incomprehensible, that does not mean we are unable to theorize about potential causes relating to it. As such, the following concepts written will henceforth be dubbed “Ripple Theory” that later branches into to-be Published “Faith-Theory” that further elaborates on this concept with other facets of the Material Realm [10]. 

Every ‘shift’ in the Void shall now be noted as a Ripple for ease of communication. 

Ripples seemingly occur at random intervals with no major cause that can be found in our realm or the metaphysical. They range in severity, from the light tailoring of spells or Magic’s function (such as turbulent Voidal Sickness inflicted upon those utilizing enchantments [11]) to more severe cases such as the utter loss of entire schools of Magic (such as the loss of Electrical Evocation [12]). Strangely this is not a trait exclusive to the Voidal Arts (even if it may be more frequent than other disciplines) and can be observed in other Magics. Defic Magics can attribute their changes to the very powers that gave it to them, however it is interesting that Magics that have no such source experience these changes just as Voidal Magi do [13]. 

Seemingly with no thread to follow, too many Ripples that affect Magic in too different ways, with unaffiliated Magic even being an external factor in play, there is no immediate answer that can be puzzled together to solve our question. We are left with nothing but our own imagination to fill the holes [14].

Imagination. It was that word alone that struck me [15]. To utilize any sort of Voidal art one must be able to imagine what it is they wish to do and mold it to conform to the Material’s Law before being able to pull it from the Void. Of course, saying that any sort of Mortal can cause a Ripple by believing it enough would be both discourteous to Magi and downright moronic in practice [16]. Though it does serve as a stepping stone to what may be the answer we so desperately seek. 

Descendants through the ages have historically drawn a connection between Dreams and the Void. While I cannot find the source for many of these beliefs [17], it is not a terribly hard conclusion to draw. It is this anecdote that now leads me to present a potential conclusion for our working theory: What if the Void is impacted by the Unconscious mind? 

This solution would tie several loose ends that our theory has presented: The irregular pattern for Ripples to occur, why Ripples impact things beyond just Voidal Magics, it connects the lines of Descendant Imagination’s impacting the Void in unconscious ways, etc. 

In the opinion of this Author, it would be an understandable and logical solution to our question with little evidence to outwardly disprove it [18], albeit with new questions that may add to the conundrum: Who all is capable of impacting the Void in this way?  What does it take to create a Ripple? Are there other factors that can change the importance of one’s dream?

Unfortunately these questions open up many doors that I will be unable to answer in this volume. Some that I may not be able to answer at all. At the end of it all, everything here is disprovable and lacks solid evidence, theories crafted only through leaps of logical judgment. Just as everything so sept in the Void’s Chaos… we may never find a true answer, and that is something I now leave in the hands of you readers. While there may be no singular truth in the law of Universal Function, there may be in the mind of the one now reading. 

Footnotes

[1] - “So help me GOD if another one of these motherfuckers asks me why shit changes I’m going to start production of those Flatulence theories so I can fuckin’ stuff them into their faces.” 

[2] - “Had to dig out my first notebook from when I first began learning. I didn’t really bother to take care of it so most of the paper’s have given up over the centuries..”

[3] - “Managed to write down what I could salvage from the original into my new book. Almost forgot I used to write everything in Elven before slipping into Dwarven a couple decades after that one. Anyways, here’s what it said..”

[4] - “..cannot believe I had to explain gravity to this dipshit. He didn’t get it after I dropped an apple for him, so I just threw one at him. The concussion probably didn’t help me win favors but he finally got it!”

[5] - “..Gods are fucky. Godly magic is even Fucky-er. Didn’t Xan cuck the Paladins by taking away one of their powers not too long ago?”

[6] - “..is making me start to believe the Aenguls and Daemons are just divine babysitters. It’s like, they gave a toddler a toy and are having to take it away because the toddler used it to commit atrocities..” 

[7] - “..morons who don’t understand that magic can’t always be understood. One of these days I’m going to bite someone and refuse to explain why. Maybe then they’ll take a ******* hint.”

[8] - “[Redacted]’s first lesson went great! She already had an okay-ish grasp on the concept of the Void, but once I hammered it home that it was chaos she seemed to get it. On another note she seemed to have some sort of existential crisis…” 

[9] - “Today I have had to explain basic Theory Fundamentals to a Mage that should be at my skill level. Every day I wonder why we haven’t let ourselves get destroyed in one of the ‘World Ends’..” 

[10] - “..most non-deity-ish Planes seem to function mostly like ours. With the Void stuff, anyways. Still having flashbacks of the one Cain told me about..”

[11] - “New Ripple just dropped. Non-Voidal Mages get blasted with Void Juice and suffer like us for a bit. Get fucked Fire-Sword.. Ers.” 

[12] - “..Seems that all practicals of Electrical Evocation have reported the same thing. Another lost to the ebb and flow of the Void it would seem.” 

[13] - “People always fail to remember that EVERYTHING was once part of the Void. Honestly, even if you do not practice Voidal Magics, it’s rather dumb to shun the concept of it entirely..”

[14] - “So. Maln appeared again. He said something to me about our belief impacting the Void.. something about it make me think of ..”

[15] - “..keeps coming to me. There’s something there that my mind is trying to latch to, but I can’t figure out why. At this point I may need another pin board, but going out now without three days sleep..” 

[16] - “..don’t explain everything to them step-by-step they’ll get their panties into a twist and ***** about it not making sense. ******* Mages.”

[18] - “If Raziel says one more goddamn thing about Yisar I’m going to beat him so hard he’ll be able to dream about the stars he always raves about..”

Signing off, 

Thessalia Elverhilin

In the past several parties came forward with reports about then ST-Manager Spoon's misconduct that had no action aside from a demotion to normal ST. Why did you not take more action with these reports and why was Spoons only banned this year?

(Genuine question, as someone who attempted to involve Admins on behalf of a victim. Insight into your POV of the ordeal would be very appreciated!)

Thessalia paused to look over the letter, her eyes rolling. "..Stupid feckin' idiot. How th'**** do you get caught out so badly that the feckin' Orcs come after ye?"

On 7/1/2023 at 3:05 PM, MeteorDragon said:

It would be better if you had the SS to CT and then you could just click a button or click a warp sign at the different pillars to warp you to the correct hub

+1

The amount of times I've overriden the wrong slot makes my head hurt..

New student? More like. Free Son.

Logo's hot, web design.. is not imo

MC Name:

         remy1278

Character's Name:

         Thessalia

Character's Age:

         411

Character's Race:

         Elf

Link to your accepted MA:

        https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/212176-translocation-ma-remothy/?tab=comments#comment-1910614

What magic(s) will you be teaching?

         Translocation

Describe this magic or a creature as a whole:

Translocation is the practice of deconstructing and reconstructing nonliving entities within the void. By using expatriation, these stored entities can be summoned back into the physical realm at the desired location chosen by the mage. As one progresses in translocation, they gain the ability to manipulate larger objects from greater distances and with increased frequency. In addition to expatriation the Mage utilize the same fundamentals to transport themselves OR other Descendents through the sub-’art’ of Shifting. While living beings cannot be kept within the void for extended periods, it is possible to briefly enter and exit the void, thereby appearing at a new location dictated by the caster’s Anchor.

To know and utilize Translocation, an aspiring mage must first establish a connection with the Void. This is done by the teacher at a Mana Obelisk unless said student is already connected. Once connected, the trainee mage must mentally envision the specific object or person they intend to translocate, while also manifesting a visible indication of their aura swirling around said entity. In the case of teleportation or partial expulsion, the mage must additionally place a mana anchor at the intended destination where they wish the translocated entity to reappear. This placement is demonstrated through a small dot, a swirling aura, or a distortion in the air at the designated location.

Are there different sections or subsections of magic? Can those be elaborated upon?

Expatriation - Likely the first thing taught to a new student. Expatriation is the art of moving objects, of both living and non-living matter, through the Void. Examples of this can be found in the following: Void Pocket, a spell that allows the caster to store objects ranging in size from handheld to around 3³ cubic meters depending on the Caster's Tier. Objects stored may later be Reconstructed if this was not done immediately after. Other spells include Half-Expatriation which creates two portals that will permit objects to pass through them, and Summon Weapon which is used as a more flavorful unsheathing emote. To Expatriate something larger than the specified maximum there must be a circling ritual performed. Living beings cannot be stored in the Void -- however things that have been killed, or never had a soul (i.e. a raccoon carcass) can be stored.

Shifting - Often taught after the basics of Expatriation. Shifting is the term used for when Living Entities (such as Descendants or animals) pull themselves from point A to point B utilizing the Void. This can be minor, such as Brisk Step or Blink, where the caster moves immediately after they cast with the spell costing more energy than the slower Minor teleport. All Shifting requires an Anchor to be visible in the area where the caster intends to 'land' after the spell's completion, Brisk Step is a minor exception to this rule, only because the movement is visible and immediate. The caster does not physically traverse through the Void, nor do they enter it, this is why one cannot shift through materials, such as walls or people, and cannot be used to get to places unreachable unless the RO permits, or ST allows in cases of events.

Can you give an example of a casting emote, of a spell of your choice?

Thessalia spoke with a roll of the eyes. "Really?" She deadpanned, a smog of ashen smoke billowed forth from her maw alongside her words. Like a fire to a line of gunpowder it caught on the lines of her inked flesh causing an eruption of shifting lines and a glimmering glow.

[!]

At the swing of the blade the air surrounding the Mage exploded into a cloud of ashen mist. Smoky footsteps trail from the cloud forwards directly ahead, stopping when another cloud puffed into existence, revealing a grinning Thessalia trying to gulp down as much air as humanly possible.

Can you give an example of a teaching-emote (interacting with another) of a spell of your choice?

The short Magi watched the young trainee with pinched brows.. nodding only once the other was connected appropriately. "Good, good. If you couldn' even do that I'd have to make y'walk the coals again. Now.. last lesson y'learned the basics of storin' shit in a Voidal pocket. Now.. yer goin' to be summoning tha' blade I made y'put in to yer hand." Thessalia informed cheerfully, perched cross-legged atop her perch. "Now. In yer mind's eye, just like when y'put it in, envison the blade. Focus on it.. feel it. Then pull it to your hand."

Say your student powergames during or after teaching, how do you reprimand that?

Depending on the severity, correction of the emotes power gaming with a reprimand may be enough. In other greater cases it would need to be a lengthier conversation that would re-teach the spell powergamed. Repeat powergamers should be reported to the ST and dropped as a student at worst.

Do you have a magic(s) you are dropping due to this app? If so, link it:

         N/A

Do you agree to keep the ST updated on the status of your magic app?:

         Yeap

Have you applied to teach this magic on this character before, and had it denied? If so, link the app.

         Nub

Valentina frowns at the document, humming an odd rattle as she showed the document to her Fiance without a word. @_yink_

Yeah im ooc oversighting this rupaul reject :D

In the ancient year of ~2016~, my friend group all made characters VERY VERY VERY roughly based on MCD Characters.

I still thank God no one understood "Zani" was based on Zane when she was alive...