Mithradites

"Get rid of Yuln, too!" Lucion yelled from a far off mountain top.

The reason LotC magic is jumbled is because it hasn't got a tangible theme that surrounds it. In all fantasy worlds magic compliments the societies and cultures that are present in the world. They make sense in the reality that's presented. The MAT in Asulon tried to pull together every bizarre magic type used in Aegis and have them fit in the world's lore, but many of them did not fit properly. Influences for magic came from vastly different sources like Warcraft for the shamans and druids (don't hate me 'cause I'm right, fwiends) while D&D was a source for the original clerical types (I think) to name a few examples. You also have a variety of sources for the varying powers--spirits, gods, space, gemstones infused with concentrated, soul-corrupting evil (shades are dumb), and even "lifeforce" or blood. It's too messy. It needs to go. For an example, in the game "The Witcher" you have lots of beings who use magic, from sorceresses to monsters. They do plenty of different and similar things to one another, but you assume (since there's not much information on the specifics) that all the magic must come from the same place, probably. More accurately, you don't really think about it at all, because it's magic. The mystery of it made it seem like this huge, unfathomable force rather than the deus ex machina that is was. What we need is a simplified concept like that. LotC magic's biggest weakness is that it needs a lot of lore explained so people can actually RP teaching it and learning it. There's a lot of dreadful quibbles to remember, and it's frustrating/embarrassing to get told off by someone for forgetting a detail or two. A while back I wanted to reform arcane magic to make it less sprawling and give specific, stone-set limits to what they were capable of. I say go for broke and kill the whole magic system. Decide on a theme and remake it from the ground up. Make one source for all magic and present a limited (but comprehensive) number of "schools" (Not archetypes! No different power sources!) that all give a buttload of interesting things to do. Make sure there's plenty of overlap in abilities, so no one school has a monopoly on fireballs or other such things. Set some very clear rules on what can and cannot be done. Once you have the limitations down-pat, let the players do the actual RP of it in whatever mystical way they wish, so long as it doesn't violate any of the standards and isn't too silly. Design all direct combat magic around the plugin. Poof. Non-intrusive magic plugin. Then never add anything to it ever again. Tl;dr Kill magic, start again. It's better to read it all, though.

A short query is scribbled on the bottom of a note. "Are stories in the form of poems acceptable?"

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/123175-reorganizing-arcane-magic/#entry1185186 Psstthisstwhisperwhisper!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk1TWpRJ4OQ I would have put a better song up, but I preferred one that'd get stuck in your head for a few days. Also, because I like Eurythmics. I promised myself I'd never do one of these if I left, but I've left before and I couldn't stick to it. Maybe this'll be like a contract to myself, and it'll appeal to my over-inflated sense blergleblrghdrrrdbbbrrxxsshhwiwowkpokdq3 Honestly, I have no clue how I'm supposed to write this leaving post. Most I see tend to be some kind of soap-box to vent issues with the server, or as some kind of credits-reel for a players friends. Those whom I adore, you already know I adore you. If you don't, I have likely been doing something terribly wrong. You know, if you read this, you're experiencing my thoughts as I try to write more things, but can't. "It feels too short!" I say to myself as my fingers skitter across the keys. I look towards my lamp. There is a dreadful night-bug flittering around it. You know those night-bugs? They're those really fragile and thin insects attracted to light around midnight. They land on you all the time and make you itchy if you have a laptop in the dark--anyone get what I'm talking about? I hate those things. Ugly, nasty little bugs. I think it might actually be more satisfying if they were biting insects--at least it would give me the motivation to kill them. But no, just float about and land all over me, why don't you? At least I won't have muck on my hands, right? Yeah. Anyway, leaving post. Explanations are in order I would suppose. No personal distaste for the server really, it's always been fine for me. This latest OOC leak business has just been so disheartening. I've never been sincerely called 'disgusting,' and other such things before. If I get down to the knitty-gritty of the situation, I just didn't like getting lumped into a generalised "high elf posse" that was trying to independantize the elves via OOC means. I feel what reputation I have is ruined, when all I wanted to do was to get everyone to be nicer to one-another. I guess I'm just a wimp that way, I'm fairly sure someone will see it as that. There are probably other reasons too, but this is the one that's really turned me off roleplaying. In the usual soap-box leaving post, people will make suggestions about how to fix the server, or something. So, here's ol' Mithradites advice for the server to fix everything and make the world a better place for the happy-go-lucky RPers of here, then, and every-now! Absolutely nothing. I have no clue how to fix the servers problems, and neither do you. It's why I almost never gave my opinion in those feedback threads. They're also always dreadfully obnoxious. See? Soapbox!! NOW it's a leaving-post! As a final gesture of my love for you all (and as a 'sorry' to all the people I have upset/insulted/annoyed over the years), I present you with this poem I have brain-crafted for you from the innermost, quivering crevices of my sanguine, sassy soul. Thanks for having me, everyone! Now, if it's quite all right with you lot, I'm going to slink back out the broken screen door I crawled through. Toodle-pip! Be nice!

A large notice is pasted on multiple walls in the city of Haelun'or. The words are written in an overly-neat, golden script, with the symbol of the Sullas bloodline heading it. Being the overly curious fellow that you are, you read onward. The Maehr’sae Consortium To all those within the Silver Walls, the Consortium Returns Mr L. Sullas laments the passing of his beloved organisation, which was unable to reach the fullness of its potential. Therefore the recreation and revision of the Consortium is hereby announced to the citizenry of the city (and those outside of it who are respectable enough for its ranks). As such, it shall be henceforth known as the Maehr'sae Consortium. Previously, the purpose of the Consortium was to merely be a forum for learned individuals to find similarly-minded comrades in order to further their projects and aims. Now that our city has survived the ravages of war, education and other scholarly activities must take precedence over the sword. Education is paramount to furthering the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya. Thus, this Consortium is for those with an aptitude for scientific and scholarly pursuits to endeavor in learning from one-another. It is, therefore, a highly selective educational institution. However, this is not a place for lazy magii, poets, or any other sort of do-nothing. This Consortium is for serious scholars, as science is a serious matter. To elaborate, if you identify with the following, you need not apply: -You are unable to write tomes upon experiments you have performed. -You feel that magic is worthy of respect in scientific circles. -You are disinclined to explore caves, unruly forests, and ancient ruins for the purposes of study and discovery. -You believe that experimenting on non-consenting sentient beings is morally justifiable. -You feel that the Eternal Library requires further volumes on poetry. If your mindset is unrelated to those stated, then you may apply. However, this Consortium has a number rules by which all members must adhere to. The list is short but succinct, and one hopes there will be no confusion in the matter of following them. 1. No idle minds. If you have no project, nor showing any advancement in a project, then your purpose here is naught, and you will face expulsion. 2. No unwilling participants. We will not debase ourselves to kidnapping individuals for experimentation. Exceptions to this rule can be made, but only in extraordinary circumstances. 3. No theft of research. Taking/using a member's work without their permission will be met with scorn, and immediate expulsion. 4. No tarnishing of the Consortiums reputation. Good behaviour, regardless of where you may be, is expected on those within this organisation. If you feel liable to law-breaking (any law of any nation) for your research, expect immediate expulsion. 5. No sharing of Consortium information designated as "sensitive" without the explicit permission of the Maehr Circle. Some knowledge is best not shared with those who would use it for ill-purposes. Individuals ascending through the hierarchy (excluding those of lay-members) will receive official papers acknowledging their level of input and success within the Consortium. Each of these will be signed by the members of the Maehr Circle to ensure their authenticity, and the quality of the individual's knowledge. Some of these may include -Certificate of Graduation -Certificate of Advanced Disciplines within the Field of [subject] -Diploma of Theoretical Logic -Diploma of Abstract Sciences -Diploma of Higher Sciences -Diploma of Advanced Disciplines within the Field of [subject] -The Professorship The Maehr'sae Consortium has numerous levels of involvement within the Institutions workings, all of which are reduced to simple titles for quick reference. These will be listed from the lowest possible position, to the highest. Lay-Member (Requirements: An interest in scholarly activities) Any individual who shows interest in joining the Consortium must at first be a 'lay-member.' These are usually those still creating their entry-level works, or simply attempting to impress others of the Consortium. They have no access to special lectures or information, nor any right to declare themselves affiliated with this Consortium. They will be expected, however, to perform tasks demanded of them (unless they desire not to join). Scholar (Requirements: One tome upon a scientific subject written by the individual) Once a lay-member has had his tome accepted, and found him/herself a high scholar to be apprenticed to, they may consider themselves a part of this Consortium. They will learn from their new master until they, at their discretion, choose to allow their advancement. High Scholar (Requirements: One tome upon a scientific subject, a Certificate of Graduation) This individual has been educated by those of venerable skill, and are now open to higher learning. They will learn from the professors of the Consortium and advance their education through individual study and performing/attending lectures. It is expected of any High Scholar of the Consortium to take on apprentices, just as they were themselves. Professor (Requirements: One tome upon a scientific subject, a Diploma of Advanced Disciplines, a minimum of three graduated apprentices) When a member has distinguished themselves within the Consortium, offers of professorship may be forth-coming. These are talented individuals, with exceptional knowledge in the sciences, and brilliant enough to be respected in all fields they ply. Members of the Maehr Circle In the Consortium, there are individuals selected (initially at the whim of L. Sullas) to be a part of the administrative core of the institution. They are responsible for judging the advancement of members through its ranks, and keeping hold of sensitive experiments and information. They are the ultimate authority on all things within the Maehr'sae Consortium. If one desires to join this institution, then merely fill out this form, and send it to linwehn kulin within the city of Haelun’or, and an interview will be organised. This is only for those who are applying for advanced positions within the Consortium. Citizens of Haelun’or need not apply for lay-positions, but foreigners shall have to make contact with city authorities in order to gain entrance. Below the poster there are a number of leaflets; all of which are small enough to fit inside any manner of envelope. The application begins as thus: One’s Name: The Position one Desires: One’s Prior Education (if any): One’s Preferred Field of Study: Subject of your first Tome: By sending this document to Mr L. Sullas, you acknowledge and pledge to obey all laws and regulations of this Consortium. Do you agree (using any word other than 'yes')?:

Name: L. Sullas Vote 1: Abstain Vote 2: Abstain

Lucion, being the polite high elf that he is, sucks up his pride, and speaks as warmly as possible upon the subject. "As much as it is admirable that you are attempting to bridge the gaps between the disparate elven cities, one feels that after numerous, somewhat recent, events would make such a move - if not impossible - dreadfully awkward. This would not be the best time, I feel."

Well, she's a wood elf... plenty of stinky, grassy spots to sleep in at the Cerulin. If no-where can be found, there's a nice, abandoned cave-camp in the caves above it.

New sets of posters are set up around the city of Haelun'or, each emblazoned with golden writing, and overly-elaborate silver borders. It stands out from the other, weathered posters surrounding it. Be Aware, Citizen. The Election is Nigh. With the cessation of hostilities between Haelun'or and Oren, it turns to the citizenry to once more elevate one of our own to the office of Sohaer. A semblance of continuity is paramount to our continued existence after these trying times, and we must aspire to all that we are, and can be, once more. The method of election shall be in the usual fashion. It is advised that all possible candidates make themselves known officially here, and then perform the customary campaign speech. Citizens are also reminded of our new state as a Protectorate under the Kingdom of Oren. Candidates are advised to recall and memorize the conditions of the Silver Binding, and all that it means for our people. ((https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/124560-the-silver-binding/)) Maehr'sae Hiylun'ehya

I NOIRED FOR YOU, BIRD. YOU OWE ME A EURO!

It was regular January night in my office, nearly hitting the eleventh hour. I was deep in a case, and a bottle of scotch. Figures that the case would match the weather - in that it had gone cold. I had clients breathing on my neck at all sides, and my reputation was down the john. I needed a new case. One I could crack. And then, she walked into my office. I could tell the moment I saw her, she weren't no low-town doll. She covered herself up well, but she was a class act, through and through. She wasn't one for chit-chat, she got right down to business. Offered me a job. A tough job. But I wasn't in this business to ride the gravy-train to Jacksonville. The only work for a guy like me lies in the scummiest places, that well-to-do P.I.s wouldn't touch. She gave me a piece of paper. It had a name, and a list of questions, each answered in relative detail. It was everything I needed. "And what is it you want me to do with this "Boidwhasperer" dame, dollface?" I ask her. I know there was still scotch on my breath, so made my question brief. She leaned on my desk, and eyed me closely like I was an old, stinking fish. She spoke to me real quiet, and slow. "I want you to support it on the LotC forums." I didn't say a word, at first. There was something twisted in this job. Too simple. Too clean. I didn't like it. I lit up a cigarette, and read over the document one more time. "What's the catch?" She just smiled at me - a smile that would enrapture a younger man - and walked away from my desk. She turned to me once more as she stepped into the doorway. "You have to write it in the form of a 50's film noire." Now everything was out in the open. This job had blood on it. Bad blood. But work was work for a guy like me. "What's the payment?" She looked at me differently, now. I didn't know what it was in her eyes. They were an enigma now more than ever. And then she said two words that would haunt me for the rest of my life. "My gratitude." And with that, she waltzed out of my office. Women. The greatest thing on God's earth. Nine times out of ten I'd say that. Tonight was that lonely one tenth. But I had a job to do, and I wasn't going to give up on it just yet.

Lucion would join UKIP.

First/Last Name: Lucion Sullas! Nickname (if they survive that long): Worm MC skin for reference during customization: Preferred class (Assault/Support/Heavy/Sniper): Heavy. He lays down the explody-blams. Helmet or hair?: Helmet, of course! He needs to be safe. Color of armor: White, or baby-blue.

MC Name: Mithradites Skype: michaelcarlson2 IC Name: Lucion Sullas Magic/Magics you use/know: Elemental Evocation (though can only use fire and lightning), transfiguration, conjuration, and the basics of illusion. Magic/magics you wish to teach: All of the above, baby! Lets go! How long have you been practicing these magics?: Electro. evo. since 2.5 (and also unofficially conjuration), and transfiguration since the beginning of 3.0. The rest of them my character learned from books after magic was deregulated. I forget when I started which.

Very sorry for my rather late replies, everyone! A man cannot be everywhere! And I don't think there will be a poem this time, sadly. Which is a shame, because we all know that's why you keep returning to this thread. I must await the return of my muse! I'm not going to comment on anything involving what the magics will be capable of or how they work just yet. I'm mostly concentrating on the idea of joining the arcane schools together. Thanks for your support, though! And sorry about the late reply! I'll try to keep my answers as concise as possible, here. In regards to mastering more than one school, or being close to mastering more than one school, I have to disagree utterly. Having multiple schools mastered destroys the attractiveness of being a lower-level mage. Who would choose being average over that? It kind of defeats a large portion of this, is what I'm saying. My word, I don't have much to tell you after all, do I? :/ Very sorry, Booklight. If this gets enough support, how the magics work, what skills will be available when, and how they interact with one-another will probably be on the next draft. P.S. Tiers don't really have any difference from your apprentice-novice-etc system you propose. They're just to show how many accompanying magics you may have, and what is available at what stage. As the title of this thread says, this is an reorganisation of arcane magic. I didn't consider other magic archetypes in this draft. I'd say that the relationship between void magic and other magics will not have changed, so yes--necromancy and sorcery will likely be compatible. So what does that make me then, an atypical RPer? :P The object of this reorganisation is not to stop OP mages (you can't actually stop people powergaming with RP restrictions, because powergaming in magic is RPing outside of magical restrictions), but to a) Make being a non-masterful mage a viable adn attractive option, b) remove the swathes of superfluous subtypes and moulding them into 'schools' (basically big subtypes based on themes), c) make finding magic teachers easier, d) make learning magic more convenient. The blacklist doesn't currently help the things I'm trying to abate, you see! And also, who says these 'restrictions' won't work as well as it does on paper? I have no evidence to suggest they won't yet! Do you? Are you holding out on me, Solitare? You best not be holdin', sucker... I completely understand that many characters are excellent in multiple schools, and this will disrupt current RP. My main character is highly skilled in electrical evocation and transfiguration, mid-skilled in fire evocation and conjuration, and low-skilled in illusion. And I disagree that it doesn't make characters more powerful, because it does. They can react to more problems with a greater array of utilities. My character can react to direct attacks with fire and lightning, conjure animals to murder things and/or set off traps, enchant things, transmute objects, ward against magics he doesn't like, and if all else fails, make people feel there is a spider on their neck, or something. He's -too- versatile, and there is less creativity, less cooperation, and less interest. Magically, he's essentially got all bases covered. This is the kind of thing I want to stop. To use another example, a master swordsman who is also a master bowman can deal with most violent obstructions. But with magic, my character can deal with any obstruction. There is a point where magic stops being a power used to interact with the environment, and becomes super-powers. And I disagree. Eliminating their versatility will literally stop their existence. Because they literally can't be that anymore (without maybe being put on a blacklist, I guess). The OOC organisation is literally what it is: OOC organisation. Things need to have rules, positives, negatives, and consequences. It does need to be OOC organised so stuff works the way it's supposed to work. But what exactly is it you have a problem with, here? If it's the names, you can call them whatever you like IC. I've never called a fire-evocationist a 'fire-evoker' once. You can look to previous answers as to what I feel it will achieve (I don't want to cover previous ground too much, it gets a little tedious. Sorry if I come off as prickly. I'm not trying to be). I hope this answers your questions to some degree of satisfaction! And if not, ask them again, this time using an angrier font! And written out more clearly I guess. That might help too. :P

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/123175-reorganizing-arcane-magic/ Do what I think we should do! Ahurrhurrhurrr! Though seriously. Apps are not necessary. We just need to restrict magic to be teacher-taught only. Which can be a problem for some in bad timezones. But if you re-organise arcane magic (the only one that was ever truly unlocked, for some reason) in the way /I/ want, that'll no longer be a problem, because there won't be 16-or-so unique types of teacher to seek out. Just four! You ought to do it, because I wrote a thing! How many things have written? Not as good things, I reckon!

This is arcane. This is not necromancy! They are different things! Different, separate things!

I answered the restriction-statements on page 4 of this thread. The only thing you're being restricted from is being 'the best' at everything.