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INTERCESSION MAGIC By Viros Intro In the upper reaches of the Seven Skies, a nameless Aengul fulfills an ancient task. He, like all his brothers, was born in an instant: a spirit called forth during the dawn of all things. Unlike them, however, this spirit did not arrogantly burden the perfection of his birth with a name. Nor has he sought mortal worship--and who among all the other Aenguls and Daemons has never manifested, never once spoken? Faithfully, and for untold centuries, this silent servant has intervened in the deaths of the virtuous, calling their souls to his side to live on in glory and power, unified with him in worship of something greater. First was Horen, and all his disciples. More followed; Joren, Owyn, Clement, Godfrey, Adrian, Siegmund, Thomas, Jude, all these and innumerably more entered the Skies under his protection. Together they form the Congregation of Saints, granting the petitions of devoted mortals in the form of miraculous intervention. Intercession Magic is a new Deity magic archetype, specifically designed for members of the Canonist faith. Instead of connecting to a single “deity”, practitioners of Intercession Magic connect to the congregation of exalted, saints, and beatified in the Seven Skies. By supplicating the assistance of these saints, and by remaining virtuous and in good standing with the Church, the practitioner (called an “invoker”) may pray to saints for miracles. These miracles are unique because their outcomes are not under the control of the invoker (although they are under the control of the player); rather, the saint acts and determines all effects directly. Likewise, instead of a broad range of powers relating to a certain motif--such as Illusions, Water, or Healing--each saint grants only a specific set of miracles, relating to their portfolio. This is to allow invokers to access a range of minor abilities reflecting the diversity of the saints, without trespassing on other archetypes. Intercession Magic is divided into three subtypes, each with a rough theme. Ars Notoria are Miracles of Transcendence, which focus on insight, wisdom, and passive resistance. Ars Gloriosa are Miracles of Strength, which focus on displays of pious zeal, unity, and purity. Ars Magna are Miracles of Grace, which focus on healing, protection, and community. Each is associated with one of three Exalted; Ars Notoria with Siegmund, Ars Gloriosa with Owyn, and Ars Magna with Godfrey. The powers associated with the three subtypes are intended to communicate the ethos of their respective Exalted, and inspire players to engage others in Canonist roleplay. Initiation into a subtype is obtained by connection to the Congregation of Saints by the High Pontiff or a member of the Holy Synod (aka the Connector and the Teachers), who may also break a connection. The Congregation of Saints refuses connection to any person already connected to another Deity, and will not brook spiritual contact with anyone outside of the four descendant races. Additionally, undead characters or characters with knowledge of a Dark Arts subtype cannot use or obtain Intercession Magic. Obtaining a Dark Arts subtype or connecting to another Deity instantly breaks an invoker's connection with the Congregation of Saints. Ranks and Rituals Like other archetypes, Intercession Magic is divided into five tiers. Each tier represents increased veneration of the Congregation of Saints, and can only be accessed by dedicated emulation of the virtues of the Exalted, the Saints, and the Beatified. Generally, Ars Gloriosa emphasizes justice and strength, Ars Notoria emphasize wisdom and introspection, and Ars Magna emphasizes mercy and sovereignty. The archetype recognizes three ranks, Connector, Teacher, and Invoker. New Invokers can only be connected to or disconnected from the Congregation of Saints by a Teacher or the Connector. Likewise, new Teachers can only be raised to (or brought down from) that rank by the Connector. At any given time, there exists only one Connector--the High Pontiff. He may, through a sacrament, promote Invokers to Teachers, demote Teachers to Invokers, or sever an Invoker’s connection wholesale. When the Connector’s position is vacant, the living Teachers may assemble and conduct a holy ritual to select a new Connector from among their membership. In order for this ritual to be successful it must constitute the majority of all living Teachers participating willingly. It is important to remember that no Teacher, even when acting with others, can raise or lower someone to the rank of Teacher. Only a Connector may promote or demote a Teacher. When the Connector’s position is filled, the living Teachers may likewise assemble and conduct a different holy ritual which vacates the position of Connector, demoting the current holder to Teacher. It similarly requires a majority of all living Teachers participating willingly. Limitations Intercession Magic cannot communicate the infallible, ineffable will of the Creator, who acts of His own accord without consulting spiritual intermediaries. Neither can it confirm His existence, though the saints believe most fervently. Intercession Magic can communicate the sensible and goodly will of the Exalted, Saints, and Beatified, who will always advise mercy, righteousness, and the strict avoidance of sin. Intercession Magic cannot guarantee the outcome of future events. Although the saints and prophets know much, and can make good guesses, they are far from omniscient. Intercession Magic can make supernaturally accurate predictions and grant knowledge lost to the ages. The Congregation, and the nameless Aengul which lifts them into the Seven Skies, have seen much in their centuries watching over the world. Intercession Magic cannot grant innate power. A practitioner of this archetype humbly requests the aid of the Congregation of Saints, who dispense assistance as they see fit, and do not take presumption lightly. Intercession Magic can allow invokers to make use of incredible abilities that empower them to spread the good word of virtue. An arrogant user, who claims these abilities spring from his own heart rather than the charity of the Skies, may find himself disconnected or worse. A confused user, who worships the Congregation rather than merely asking their help, will only receive a saintly scolding. Intercession Magic cannot perform acts outside of those defined by the tier chart. While all saints and beatified look happily on veneration, they cannot grant new miracles without a subtype revision adding them. Invokers do not ever request a specific act; they simply petition the saint for "zeal", "succor", "protection", or so forth, and the miracle manifests as defined on the tier chart. Intercession Magic can be used in a variety of ways that encourages the user to be creative with the gifts of heaven, rather than make tailor-made miracles for his own purposes. Like all Deity magic, Intercession Magic places a toll upon the body and mind of the user. Constant contact with the Congregation of Saints distracts the mind, turning the invoker’s eye ever towards their realm; they may become preoccupied with particular verses of the Holy Scrolls, or trifling theological details. Likewise, the body becomes physically unimposing, even in practitioners of Ars Gloriosa, who may come to rely on miracles over force of arms. Invokers notice these changes, but generally consider them a sign of favor to be sought out. After all, the temporal world is the abode of sin. Users of Intercession Magic may only request a limited number of miracles. No invoker can petition for more than one miracle of T1 or T2 strength per IG month (RL day). Additionally, no invoker can use more than one miracle of T3, T4, or T5, strength per two RL weeks. While the saints are merciful and generous, they emphasize that miracles alone cannot bring souls to the Seven Skies. Saints and Sinners All members of the Congregation of Saints advise their petitioners to act mercifully and avoid sin. Since all saints are Canonists, they agree on what comprises sin, and--perhaps mistakenly--believe themselves to be correct on the nature of good and evil. To Canonist saints, the most grievous sins are the acts of murder, thievery, sexual immorality (which includes all carnal knowledge outside of marriage), lying, betrayal, apostasy, and idolatry, and the passions of covetousness, wrath, ambition, pride, and indulgence. They advise that while non-humans are permitted to worship foreign gods or no god at all, it is most praiseworthy to worship the Creator. If pressed, they will offer no proof for His existence, though they believe wholeheartedly and will happily profess it; rather, they emphasize faith and prayer. Likewise, while they are aware of the existence of their fellow saints and the Aenguls and Daemons of the Planes, they do not know what force brought them there, or why they were chosen above others. Though they may relate personal experiences, they decline to share any information which may be mistaken for new moral law or history; saints refuse to trespass into the realm of doctrine and dogma. Overall, saints tend to be brief in their interactions with mortals, and do not share anything except mundane (but possibly useful) knowledge, predictions of the future, and frequent reminders to act virtuously. Roleplaying Saintly Intercession Users of Intercession Magic are cautioned to remember that the powers it grants do not arise from the invokers themselves. An increase in tier does not indicate that the invoker is more personally powerful, virtuous, or wise, but rather that they have spent sufficient time contemplating the mysteries of the Seven Skies. As a user’s devotion grows, they become more attuned to the Congregation of Saints and may request more ostentatious interventions; however, no tier grants any inherent power to the invoker. Accordingly, all emotes should indicate that the user first requests a miracle, and second is granted it. No emote should imply that the miracle arose from the invoker’s own will; particularly, invokers should avoid announcing what they want specifically or what the saint should do. Instead, they make a general request, such as for purity, righteousness, guidance, or protection, and the saint responds as defined in the tier chart. This always requires at least three emotes: one where the invoker initiates the prayer or action, one where he or she requests assistance, and one where it is granted. For example: *Father Kristoff kneels in prayer, a copy of the liturgy written in Elvish before him. He prays to Blessed Daniel the Reader for sagacity in language. “Blessed Daniel, I beg your wisdom in sharing these holy words with my flock.” *Father Kristoff opens the book, and miraculously comprehends the foreign language. He reads the Hymn to Exalted Horen in Elvish to his parish. *Holy Ser Arthur leads the gathered levies in a song to St. Emma of Woldzimir, praising her mercy. He looks to the heavens and asks her assistance. “Patroness of battle, we beseech your mercy and counsel. Aid us in this conflict, that we might share the Virtue’s truth.” [!] St. Emma’s benevolent presence can be felt by those participating in the song. She will surely guide their hand in battle. *Sister Lydia begins to consecrate the newly-built home, sprinkling holy water at its threshhold. “Oh merciful Lord, we ask that your servant Blessed Thomas Denims protect this household and shield its inhabitants from evil.” [!] An aura of serene devotion descends upon the home. It will stand against strong winds and evil spirits. *Inquisitor Roland circles the room, muttering a prayer to exorcise it of wicked influences and fallen Daemons. Hearing a fell voice, he calls on Exalted Owyn’s purity. “Exalted Owyn, second prophet and nephew of Horen, I call on thee to cast out these enemies of Our Father.” *Inquisitor Roland draws his sword, which now glows with white light. It will certainly wound the supernatural interlopers. “Begone, demons!” *Brother Karl blesses the cauldron of stew meant for the poor, begging St. Tobias for mercy and generosity. “In St. Tobias’ time, friends, it is said that an empty stomach in Kralta was rarer than a chaste elf.” “And may that patron of charity see to our bellies as he has to so many others, in the Lord’s name.” *Brother Karl begins to ladle out stew, finding that the pot does not empty until every bowl is full. Disclaimer Please note that this is a significant departure from normal human religious lore, which focuses on the Creator almost to the exclusion of all else. We realize that is at odds with other server lore, and have accordingly made compromises with the archetype, adding significant ambiguity to the truth of his existence and turning the focus of our religion to the Exalted, Saints, and Beatified. This is not a vehicle for cementing human religious lore in server core lore. The only addition to server lore presented in this archetype is a new Aengul who intercepts particular souls before they enter the soul stream, pulling them to his side in the Aengudaemonic Planes.

Ilzgûl Udalgum - The Spirit Connection There where tool and spirit become one, to empower the Shaman. He shall act in honour and compensate the given powers well, for that… is the orc way. The concept of the Ilzgûl Udalgum is that of the connection a shaman can make between a spirit and a tool. The process itself is a ritual unique for each type of spirit and thus, for each sub-type of the shamanic arts with an exception for Lutaumancy. The ritual is performed during the forging of the weapon and goes on for a few days after the material weapon is done. Though different the ritual always consists of the following steps: ~ The creation The process where the tool of choice is crafted out of any material. The type of material chosen does not affect the result of the connection, though Aurum keeps its abilities against Undead. As do other materials, that have their abilities. The inscribing Here the Shaman inscribes the tool with lines of the old speech. The language is written onto the weapon, marking it and forming the framework for the connection. This is an essential part of the connection, for if the old speech is in any way damaged from its original form, the connection will fail to succeed. Atop of the shamanic scripture written on the tool, instrument or weapon, a part is to be copied on a part of the body of the shaman himself, or the future user/owner of the tool, instrument or weapon created. This way the tool is bonded and can only be used by the one that has this similar scripture. The sacrifice After the framework for the connection is made, a sacrifice is to be made to the spirit the shaman wishes to make the connection with. The type of sacrifice must be one that has any relation to the spirit, it must be one that is logical. It must be a fresh sacrifice, which is performed together with the last step of the process. The chant As the sacrificial ritual progresses and the tool is brought in with this sacrifice the Shaman has to audibly seal the connection made between spirit and tool, by ways of a chant. The chant itself consists of Four parts. The first part is evoking the spirit, the second one specifying the augmentation that the connection will bring, and the third is the command that is to be spoken for its activation. The last chant will be the assignment of the tool to its owner(s). By this is implied that only those who are named in this chant, can use the tool created, or rather more: can activate it. ~ During the last phase of this ritual, and the creation of the tool, the spirit is channeled. If the sacrifice made is deemed honorable and worthy, the spirit shall allow a connection to be made. This way the Shaman may utilize the tool to honor the spirit in the future. The bond between user and tool, instrument or weapon sealed by the similar old blah that is written not only on the tool, instrument or weapon, but also the user himself. The workings of this craft will then offer an augmentation upon command. This way only the creator and owner of this tool have the ability to activate and use the spirit’s power. Upon activation the inscribed text will emit a soft hue, in the color that is most likely to appear with the spirit connected. Next to the scripture on the tool, instrument or weapon: the old blah on the users body (where ever they were inscribed into the flesh during the sealing of this bond) will emit the same colored hue of dim light. ~ Elemental connections: Can be created by either a Witchdoctor or an Elementalist, and allows the Shaman to connect a tool to a lesser or greater Elemental Spirit. ~ Witchdoctor: Curses, therefore activation of a connection will cause drawbacks to the Shaman itself. Aside from which, the augmentation the connection brings is one related to cursing and the spirit chosen. Elementalist: Pacts, therefore an elementalist can only create a connection with an elemental spirit that they have a pact with. The augmentation the connection brings is one related to this spirit and can reach beyond the applications that a witchdoctor variant of an elemental connection can bring. Examples for Elemental connections could be: The creation of an orcish cleaver, smithed through roleplay. Then a sacrifice to a lesser spirit under Skathach (Spirit of Fire) must be made paired with the needed chants in order to create a cleaver that, when activated, heats up and glows a red hue. (or at least the inscribed text will emit a red hue) The creation of a steel rod. Within this rod is room for a small reservoir of water. Then a sacrifice to a lesser spirit under Akathro (Spirit of Water), or more specific: Ice paired with the needed chants will create a rod, that upon activation: will grow a pike-like ice shard on the top. (Using the water in the reservoir as 'fuel') Immortal connections: Can be created by either a Witchdoctor or a Farseer and allows the Shaman to connect a tool to a lesser or greater Immortal Spirit. ~ Witchdoctor: Curses, therefore activation of a connection will cause drawbacks to the Shaman itself. Aside from which, the augmentation the connection brings is one related to cursing and the spirit chosen. Farseer: Blessings, therefore activation of a connection will not cause any drawbacks and the augmentation of the connection is one related to blessing and the spirit chosen. Examples for Immortal connections could be: The creation of an orcish Lumber Axe, smithed through roleplay. Then with inscriptions, a sacrifice and chants to a lesser spirit under Jevax (Spirit of hard work) will create an axe that, upon activation, will cut lumber faster and with more ease. The creation of an orcish spear, smithed through roleplay. Then with inscriptions, a sacrifice and chants to Votar (Spirit of Hunting) will create a tool that, upon activation, will gift the hunter improved scent and ability to track animals. Red Lines: This is all up to change for it is but a concept. Your feedback is very welcome!