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- Lightning Evocation - Origin/Background The phenomenon of lightning has long fascinated Descendants - devastating, ethereal, and impossible to capture, it was once the basis for one of the most devastating Voidal arts; Lightning Evocation. But like lightning itself, this ancient art once disappeared in the blink of an eye, and when it did, it did not return for generations… Centuries after the art of Lightning Evocation was lost, master Magi Sulieronn Ashwood and Ayche joined forces in a combined attempt to rediscover it. Though both magi had spent decades or centuries trying to rediscover the art separately - during which time Ayche managed to accomplish something close to Lightning Evocation in appearance, if not effect - it was in Hohkmat that the two magi finally succeeded. As the only two magi to survive the catastrophic expedition to the Voidal Hollow, during which they witnessed naturally occuring Voidal Lightning, they were able to form new theories based on their experiences to develop a new form of evoked Lightning, with properties both familiar and entirely new. “Brilliant, isn’t it? The feeling of lightning at your fingertips?” - Sulieronn Ashwood Magic Explanation Lightning Evocation is, in its most basic form, the summoning of Voidal Lightning. This long-lost art wasn’t so much rediscovered as recreated, and the spells - and the properties of evoked lightning - now function differently from the Lightning spells of ages past. Lightning Evocation takes up [1] Magic Slot. Lightning Evocation can be practiced with a valid [MA], which can be obtained by learning under a mastered lightning evocationist with a valid [TA]. Lightning Evocation requires a stable connection to the Void. In order to cast Lightning, one must understand the basics of Voidal Lightning. Voidal Lightning is not quite the same as real Lightning and does not necessarily behave in the same way. Spell descriptions take precedence over real-world physics or logic. [ The Basics ] Though it still holds some properties that match old Lightning Evocation, Voidal Lightning behaves differently after its rediscovery. While natural lightning strikes with an immense amount of heat, Voidal Lighting usually strikes with minimal heat; in most cases, it cannot cause meaningful burns without expending Static charges from previous spellcasts. Instead, it applies a strange form of static, and occasionally raw concussive force. Generally, this lightning travels with immense speed. Ranged spells (Lightning Bolt, Chain Bolt, and Thunderous Strike) will travel nearly as fast as normal lightning towards their targets, requiring one to either place something between themselves and the caster before the lightning is fired, or to teleport after the lightning is shot in order to avoid its effects. Thankfully for those on the receiving end of such spells, all of these fast-traveling spells require the formation of a highly visible mana anchor on the target, which produces harmless but impossible-to-miss glowing sparks. Lightning strikes with minimal heat naturally, though it will occasionally release heat by expending Static charges. Voidal Lightning can apply concussive, blunt force when described in a spell description. When a spell is listed as a “Bolt”, it means that it will travel nearly as fast as Lightning. Rather than dodging said attacks, those targeted will have ample advance warning in the form of a sparking anchor. Should one wish to prevent themselves from getting hit by a “Bolt” spell, they must either place a large object between them and the source of the lightning (like a building, tree, or other person) the emote before the lightning is cast, or perform an action that allows for an instant dodge, like Teleporting, the turn the Lightning is cast at them. Ducking behind metal bars or grates would also suffice. Voidal Lightning only does what is listed in this section of the lore. For example, it will not stop someone’s heart. [ Static ] As a person is struck by lightning spells, they will potentially gain an effect known as Static. Static will slowly build up on those who are hit constantly with lightning until they reach [3] (or more) Static. When that happens, the character will become Jolted for [1] emote, which prevents them from performing any significant actions such as attacking or casting, though they can still move up to [4] blocks. Being Jolted in this way feels rather painful as the target’s muscles contract and convulse involuntarily (akin to the effect of a taser). When a mage disconnects from the Void, all Static charges they have built up on all targets immediately reset to zero. Static is only applied when a spell says it is applied. When one has at least [1] Static applied to them, they will feel a slight tingling sensation, alerting them that something is wrong. If Static is applied from multiple spells (from different mages) in the same turn, it will only add the Static from whichever spell applies more. For example, if someone is hit with a [1] Static spell and a [2] Static spell, [2] Static would be applied. When one reaches [3] or more Static, they become Jolted for [1] emote and their Static is set back to [0]. They also become immune to receiving Static for the emote they are Jolted and the emote after they are Jolted. Being Jolted makes it so one cannot perform any significant actions, such as attacking. However, they can still move up to [4] blocks. It also causes a feeling akin to being hit with a powerful taser. However, this doesn’t cause any real injuries on its own. Whenever Static is applied, the Mage must emote how much is applied and to what person so it can easily be tracked. It is also the job of the Mage to keep track of how much Static they’ve applied, and to which people. [ Conductivity ] Not all beings are conductive, so not all beings will be susceptible to being Jolted. In-organic, non-metallic creatures, such as Golems, Eidola, and Sorvians, will never feel the effects of Jolt, though this does not necessarily prevent them from being hit by the other effects of Lightning spells. Meanwhile, constructs made partially from metal or organic materials, like Homunculi, Darkstalkers, Epiphytes, and Animii, will find that they are fully affected by Jolt. Jolt cannot be applied to constructs made of in-organic, non-metallic materials, such as Golems, Eidola, and Sorvians. Jolt will still be applied to constructs made partially of metal and/or organic material. Examples are Homunculi, Atronachs with metal plates, Darkstalkers, and Animii. Neither of these are an exhaustive list. If there is a question if someone is/isn’t affected by Jolt, ST must be asked. Static will still apply, though only to preserve interactions with other spells. If a creature immune to Jolt reaches 3 stacks of Static, the stacks will reset to 0 with no effect. In some cases, the electricity from Lightning Evocation is supercharged, or discharged by objects in the environment. Metal is one such case. Attempting to cast a ranged Lightning spell through metal bars or gates will result in the Lightning curving to strike the material rather than the intended target. This is mainly the case for projectiles. However, assuming the mage is not firing lightning through metal bars, the lightning will generally behave as normal - lightning bolts will not arc away to strike large bodies of metal or those in plate armor unless they are specifically aimed at those targets. For those in full metal plate armor, they will find that the Lightning travels more easily through their bodies, despite what one might expect from standard non-voidal electricity. When Static is applied to those in metal armor, they will have [1] extra Static applied. Finally, when a Static applying spell strikes water of at least a half block in depth, the lightning will ripple out in a [2] block radius of the struck spot. Anyone unfortunate enough to stand within that radius will have [1] Static applied to them. No lightning spell will pass through metal bars or gates. Any target wearing metal plate armor, not half-plate, that covers more than half their body, will receive an extra [1] Static when hit by a Static applying spell. Anorum armor is excluded from this Static penalty. Metal prosthetics, such as Atronach and Animii Limbs, count as plate armor. Non-metal prosthetics, such as Golem limbs, do not count towards this. When a Static applying spell strikes water with a depth of a half block or more, the Static will radiate out in a [2] meter radius, applying [1] Static to any who are also standing in or in direct contact with that pool of water. The above interactions still apply to evoked Voidal Water, though the depth requirement must still be met. Standard dual-casting rules apply. If Lightning Evocation is to be used in a way that interacts with Water evocation, it will require at least two mages, one for each type of evocation. Solid objects, like evoked earth or ice shields, would block lightning bolts or Bolt type spells. Buildings or large trees would also work. Shields work if held with both hands, and a ‘bracing’ emote is made. Hiding behind someone (that you don’t like very much) would also work. [ Laws of Arcing ] Lightning always wants to end up in a complete circuit, especially when in a condensed form, like when conjuring bolts. When it comes to casting projectiles, an anchor must serve as the place of origin for the Lightning and then one on the target for the spell. This will be described in the charging and casting emotes. A line of mana will form between the two anchors, such acting as a path for the lightning to travel across, though it will always have its signature jagged form. Anyone who has an anchor placed on them will be surrounded by small, harmless, sparks of lightning. Bolt-type spells (Lightning Bolt, Chain Bolt, the targeted version of Thunderous Strike) require anchors to be placed, one at the place of origin and one at the destination. When an anchor has been placed on someone, they will be alerted to this by seeing harmless sparks of lightning float in the air around them. Anchors will move along with the target. Losing line of sight will generally mean that the target is behind cover and will thus not be hit by the spell. If line of sight is lost, the Anchor can be moved to a new target without expending more mana, but doing so will take as much time as forming the Anchor in the first place. (Effectively, this means the spell will have to be cast again - this is just a lore-friendly explanation for why canceling the cast doesn't cost additional mana). “What? No, I didn’t cheat at that game by amping up my reflexes. And if I did, you certainly can’t prove it.” -Ayche, shortly before walking away with a massive armful of carnival tickets Spells Evoked lightning has several interesting properties - it can imbue those affected by it with Static, strike with concussive force, or even burn those who have been primed with Static. And while enough Static can negatively affect the nerves and muscles of a target, more carefully controlled usage of evoked Lightning can provide opposite and more beneficial interactions. [Non-Combative] - Conjure Lightning The Evocationist may summon forth their element, allowing for the creation of aesthetic bolts of lightning that change shape for a beautiful display. The more masterful the Mage, the more details they may add to their electric artistry. Mechanics: Redlines: [Non-Combative] - Jump Start With a brief, yet powerful shock to the chest, a Lightning Evocationist may forcibly wake their target from an unconscious state, or stabilize a writhing heart. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative] - Charged Weapon Lightning Evokers are known to force their element to cover the metallic surfaces of their weapons, allowing them to place Static upon those they hit. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative/Non-Combative] - Amped Reflexes A mage can force a very low level of lightning to flow throughout their body, directly firing their muscle fibers with tiny amounts of Voidal Lightning. This allows them, for a split second, to react as fast as they can think; far faster than their nervous system and body would normally allow. Such is done to dodge, catch, or bat away projectiles that are flung towards them. Outside of combat, this can be used to quickly boost a mage’s reflexes - for example, to win at carnival games. Mechanics: Further Lore Explanation: Redlines: [Combative] - Static Field By electrifying a dome of air, the Evocationist will force targets who move through the area to become inflicted with Static. Those trapped in the field will have to decide whether to move, or stay still and avoid building up Static. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative] [Bolt] - Lightning Bolt A staple of Lightning Evocation, though far less damaging than previous incarnations. By placing an anchor on a target, the mage will launch forth a powerful bolt of lightning. This will either cause Static to slowly build up, or cause the victim to be burnt with the removal of Static. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative/Non-Combative] - Lightning Step A more sustained and powerful enhancement on a similar principle to Amped Reflexes, Lightning Step allows a Lightning Evocationist to move (and when outside of combat, act) faster. By directly firing the muscle fibers and nerves in their own or another person’s bodies, the Evoker will force the target to move with great haste. This allows them to close or make distance while also being able to perform ferocious strikes. This spell also makes a master Lightning Evocationist highly in-demand for speeding up construction crews, crop harvesting, and so on. Mechanics: Further Lore Explanation: Redlines: [Combative] [Bolt] - Lightning Stream After placing an anchor on a target, the mage will throw forth a constant stream of Lightning in the form of sparks and arcs of electricity, converting the Static on those they strike into dangerous heat. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative] [Bolt] - Chain Bolt By sacrificing some of the intense power that a Lightning Bolt may hold, an Evoker may place multiple anchors on different targets, forcing their element to jump between each one. Mechanics: Redlines: [Combative] [Bolt] - Thunderous Strike The absolute pinnacle of Lightning Evocation, brilliant mages create a massive charge of Lightning that they will fling down on their targets, smiting them from the heavens. This may either be used to strike a crowd or target a single unfortunate soul. Mechanics: Redlines: General Redlines: Voidal lightning is not the same as real lightning. In the same way evoked fire isn’t exactly the same as real fire (for example, it requires no fuel), Voidal Lightning has its own set of rules and interactions that are similar to, but not exactly the same as, actual electricity. Real-world logic for electricity does not necessarily apply. All spells require line of sight, that being their maximum range, unless specified otherwise. Scion range restrictions still apply. If a target jumps over the three Static threshold in one turn (for example if they have [2] Static and another [+2] is applied), no additional effects will occur compared to reaching [3] Static, and no stacks are ‘preserved’ (the Static count is reset to [0] after being Jolted). The only exception to this is the interaction with Thunderous Strike, in which case the additional Static applies to the knockback before all Static stacks are removed. Evoked air shields will not block lightning bolts, but evoked earth shields will. Evoked ice shields will also block lightning. An evoked water shield will stop a lightning bolt, but the lightning will interact with the evoked water as mentioned above. Tier Progression [ Tier 1 - Novice ] The mage has just established a connection, assuming they haven’t done so already. If they are able to maintain such a connection, they’ll be able to conjure forth a handful of sparks around their fingers for but a moment before leaving them exhausted. This tier is often used for practicing a Voidal Connection and studying the nature of static electricity. Lasts two [OOC] Weeks. [ Tier 2 - Apprentice ] The mage has an increased connection to the Void and their understanding of lightning and electricity, able to conjure more than a handful of sparks non-combatively. No concrete shapes can be formed out of the chaotic sparks quite yet, though their abilities with lightning begin to venture outside the realm of simple shocks. Lasts three [OOC] Weeks. [ Tier 3 - Adept ] The mage’s connection is refined, their evocations of lightning able to arc further away from themselves, with more creative freedom being open to the mage in how they wield their electricity. They are able to conjure vague, chaotic geometric shapes out of ever shifting lightning and maintain those shapes with adequate focus.. Lasts five [OOC] Weeks. [ Tier 4 - Expert ] With near mastery of their element and their connection, the mage is able to wield lightning effectively, with a great amount of precision. Now the mage may progress without the aid of a mentor. Lasts six [OOC] Weeks. [ Tier 5 - Master ] With a mastered connection and nigh perfect knowledge of the element of lightning, the mage is unparalleled in their control over their lightning. It is at this stage that they may begin to take on their own students. Purpose Lightning evocation is an iconic evocation that was beloved by many in the past, though it suffered from a number of balancing flaws, lack of clarity for spell effects, and a sense from the community that it was difficult to react to or unfair to CRP against. With this write, our goals were to bring the magic back with clear and useful spells that roughly match the power and utility of spells from other evocations, new interactions with existing evocations (like earth or water/ice) and voidal feats (like Scion or Eminent), and clearly written tells and effects that distinguish it from other evocations (like fire). We added a little extra flair in the form of the Static mechanic, without overly complicating the magic in a way that makes it feel too far removed from other evocations. We also wanted to preserve the thematic fast travel time of lightning bolts without making them unbalanced - we believe we achieved this by making them weaker than comparable emote-count spells and forcing the caster to select specific targets for targeted ranged spells ahead of time, who will be alerted and have time to move for cover or raise a shield before the spell finishes casting. Additionally, spells like Lightning Bolt will have to be cast more than once on the same target to build up Static before they start to deal anything more than minor damage, which provides ample opportunity for others to react. Finally, our belief is that any magic should have interesting opportunities for RP generation outside of combat. The non-combat uses of this magic, like Jump Start, Amped Reflexes, and Lightning Step, will help generate RP and provide strong reasons for characters to interact with those who have mastered this magic. Thanks for your consideration. Lightning Evocation’s got a special place in my heart - it was the first magic Ayche ever learned back in 2013 (Wow, it’s been ten years), and I know there are countless others out there hoping for it to return in some form. Credits Authors: Meteor__Dragon, Xydraus Writer/Editor/Spell Creation: Xydraus Writer/Mechanics Creator: Meteor__Dragon Formatting: ScoutTheWitch Comments and Suggestions: Creete Comments and Suggestions: SimonItorp Citations So, why Static? Is Lightning Step Busted? Changelog

THE GIFT OF NOTHING The Void as the foe to the Heart of Humanity, the killer to the Key of Creation Published --th of the Second Age by Jaghari yr Kastafir’ei | Jean, Écolier de la Maison de Fir Preface 1 Introduction to the Void Drawing From Nothing The Price of Nothing Understanding the Magi The death of Nothing Conclusion Preface The Gift of Nothing is meant to be an expansive volume on the inherent threat posed by the Void. It is an informed and thorough thesis on the mechanics from which liminal ties are formed between the Void and existing Creation, and the latter's consequence on reality itself, in the de-manifestation of life itself. More importantly, this publication will focus on the troublesome reality of the dawn of the second age with its variety and wide-spread application of voidal mechanics and sorceries. Let this allow future generations to the understanding and battling of an ultimate foe presaged to bring about the end of all times - and the repression of Xionistic acceptance of that fate, in which all would cease to exist. Introduction to the Void The ‘Void’ as we know it is a flawed concept. Exalted Godfrey declared that the Void itself was the furthest point from God - a land without being, as none could exist beyond and without the God, who made and is all things. Furthermore, the term associated with void is nothing - it is a thorough lack of being, and in this sense it is not an abyss, a great darkness or a realm in of itself, it is nothing. Making the attempt, hence, of imagining or thinking of the void creates a falsified image of it, as it is displaced from anything the mind can properly imagine or even describe. The only thing close to bringing one’s mind to understand it, stems from a voidal connection where one must tear apart any possible thought from their cognitive function, this form of emptiness then creates a connection with the void. But the mechanics and sciences of drawing energy from the void, and the very concepts of the veil will be described in chapter two, Drawing from Nothing. One may therefore wonder, how is it that some may ascribe descriptions and encounters with physical beings stemming from the void ? The existing worlds, which shall in this production be termed Creation, is made a part of a multitude of souls, each and all bound by both will and pre-deterministic forces suggesting all things towards a certain fate. Each soul possesses especially strong cognitive supernatural potential, in many cases, the magical sciences derive from these liminal abilities to draw from a certain powersource, or even universal mechanics, functions and laws which allow one to tap into certain powers, creating a number of rippling consequences, whether positive or negative. This is visible in a number of Arts other than voidal castings, such as those who bow and kiss the feet of Aenguls, the spirits of the dead, or even those who divine the Fates through rite and spell, the theurgies of east-Aeldenic sages, and to an extent - the physical Arts of alchemy that presage over universal archetypical symbolism. This cocktail of souls, each enterprising towards a specific goal or belief, twist and turn the fates of the event, dependent on the purity and strength of one’s soul and blood. One may even manifest occurrences through sheer belief, this shall be termed as Conjuring the Godhead. The Godhead being the true and collective ALL, the association of all things, including symbols, words, beings, material, spirits and thoughts. Through this overarching influential mechanic, the void is able to take actual shape - this is why voidal horrors, somber entities stemming from nothing, only actually come into existence when they pass the threshold between nothing, and everything. Their physical shapes are determined either by random, or mortal associations and beliefs for the creation of especially horrible creatures. Because Creation is exactly as the name implies - all things, even nothing, are forced to take shape because of various metaphysical mechanics including Godhead Conjuring and worldly balance, which would otherwise create a problematic issue within the fabric of Creation, leading to eventually increasing tears between what is, and what is not. When the void passes our threshold, it is forced to take shape, when one enters the void on their own accord and with proper protection, one may essentially turn it into Creation, whereas it will take an actual shape based on the Conjuring of the Godhead pertaining to the individual, manifesting itself through the fact that his physical body allows his soul to craft a perception of what actually does not exist. This is not dissimilar from how one may dream, create vivid images one may interact with while not actually existing in the way that we understand proper Creation. It can therefore be assumed that if one exited the voidal realm, what had been manifested would in return cease to exist entirely, no matter how large, as the astral processes of the individual are no longer present, in this sense, without the presence of the soul, the God cannot exist within nothing, at least not in the way we may properly perceive it, as the weavings of fate controlled by the Godhead still persist, and are believed to be able to interact with voidal affairs even without its mortal manifestation. So how does nothing operate? What does it desire? More on this in chapter 3, The Price of Nothing. The void being nothing, it is a stagnant force, not even order, but acts as an antithesis to creation. This is not to say that at this point in time, it acts as a force able to create balance between what is and what is not. I should go as far as to say that Creation is a minority when compared to the void, for the void is all that is not, and in this sense is not only eternal but all-expansive outside of what is created. The void essentially consumes, deconstructs or better stated negates all creative spirit and being where it steps in. The thinning of void-restrictive elements may not only lead to its growth and threat to the realm, but a pervasive lessening of Godhead Conjuring through the living, burning souls that the void is able to successfully negate, meaning that entire individuals, consciousnesses and the ‘eternity’ of higher entities and planes ceases to exist at large. Drawing from Nothing As previously described, the Void is often considered one of the most widespread and easily available sources of power for various sciences and prowesses, weaved and binded with what we know as Voidal magic or voidal sorceries. The term magic describes the use of supernatural or mysterious forces in order to shape the events of the worlds. This is well known, whether it be from existing war-mages throwing great orbs of fire or those more reserved ones found in history, able to manipulate individuals through voidal connections. Albeit, some will have remarked that due to its common nature amongst most societies, it has lost most of its status as magical, with the void as nothing more than a natural phenomena outside of creation, and therefore an important piece in the factual existence and balance of all things. Voidal magic, therefore, becomes much more of a science, where one turns what is essentially a non-existing force into one, essentially “creating” with it. This is one argument of many, which those manipulating the void claim. But little is learned through the manipulation of the Void in magicks, as the Void is utterly nothing. Therein, voidal magic relies principally on the manipulation of forces to form something, much more like an artisan using cognitive abilities much like a smith would beat iron with tools. What is there to be learned from the void? As the previous chapter underlines, the void is made of nothing, and the stars themselves, not voidal. If one wishes to draw from the power of the stars, he should not rely on the void but other astral forces focusing on Creation itself, rather than the entity standing for its destruction. Additionally, any creation or spell reliant on voidal energies is not actually real, but depends on the liminal manipulation and projection I have termed Godhead Conjuration. All spells, all injections of voidal forces never truly remain, they never add anything, the force always disperses after it’s casting, after voidal energies are quite literally torn from outside of creation, and integrated within Creation, albeit only for a short time until dissipated. Voidal crafts therefore, offer nothing true to the world, nothing but a short lasting rippling of energies to form some spell of the empowering of certain objects - in this sense, it is a false creation, a perversion of the natural system. Voidal energies, or the voidal spell itself, is not recycled akin to any lifeform which might serve a purpose even after death, no, it leaves nothing, it is nothing. Voidal spells are false, they are dreamt and conjured from the mortal mind and forced unto our plane for combat or ego. Albeit, this forceful creation is dependent on a most holy relic - that of mana, a source of power present in all which lives, which in this case is primordial in the process of manipulating the energies found within the void. A connection to the void may therefore create a small rift of sorts between the caster, and the void itself. In this rift, necessitates the separation of the veil, in which a meta-physical hole is pierced, and voidal energies pulled from it, and descended upon the voidal magician. From this, he may produce his spells. But what is most impressive to learn from this is the effect on the veil, and as its name suggests, it is some thin barrier between Void and Creation. If one were to remove such a veil, they would in effect lead us to a doom as is prophesied in Book of Xion, an end of the world where horrors devour and negate souls, leading to the manifestation of all of creation, until all that remains is utter nothing, a silent world devoid of song and devoid of any light and dark - nothing. As of Canonist interpretations - of much more relevance and accuracy, many shall be provided about the Void in the following chapter. Returning to the subject at hand, the veil is a rather thin line. Even more, it is not so much physical as it exists as an astral, meta-physical barrier. This barrier is in turn influenced by the cognitive strength of voidal mages, who not only thin it but pierce it - and especially during much more complicated spells or events brought about by mages drawing on its energies, larger cracks may be formed from it, from which especially traumatic events may occur. Voidal rifts in essence, have caused the death of many. Such rifts are much more likely to occur next to voidally attuned settlements or cities. Should I need to cite the Atlasian voidal invasions of Sutica, wherein the nation was assaulted by various voidal horrors, and corrupted by nefarious power. The entire attack was encouraged by voidal practitioners, some of which seem to be able to be consumed by the devouring and negating nature of the void. In this way, the void is ‘evil’, it brings about for most negative consequences, threatening all that exists. And with growing acceptance and teaching of the art itself, becoming widespread across existing nations, the tax upon the veil grows. Despite the veil theorized as being able to heal itself from various wounds inflicted by magi. The price of Nothing Ishtar upon Vargengotz ~ Ambrose, 22 SA What has been presided so forth is the ultimate risk of an over-extension of cognitive links to the Void - destruction and annihilation by utter Nothing. Creation would not be devoured by a shadow, it would cease to exist, our history, our legacies - our faith, vanished before solution could be wrought, before light and making could shine past the veil and make life where there was nothing, extending the realms of making and being. The Scroll of Auspice is clear in the demarcation of the Void and what it represents - an evil, in which the archetypal symbol of betrayal itself persists; Iblees. By thinning the veil, one forms bridges, and unshackles the omen of ends upon ends. The void is meant to serve Creation - not Creation shattered or threatened by it. The Void is a separation from God, association with it is the ultimate relation with sin. Simply put, one distanced with Creation would simply cease to exist, as he would no longer belong to the God. And yet we see the praise and use of voidal artificers and spell-weavers by many states, and it’s thorough toleration in places named holy and blessed ! In face of such accusations, I say here that Providence will become Damnation with it’s pursuits and it’s love for the Void and its correlated arts. One may not serve the God while one weaves with forces from which God has been separated. More than this - any scholar can point to the Epistle to the Magi for proof of sin within spellcasting. Let none stand and claim that magics, especially voidal, should be used for good intent within a city with a House of God. By making false creations with the use of the void - one seeks to emulate the God in it’s craft and making, the Magi performs a sin greater than most would. It is described as the deepest blasphemy, a sin in which one envies the God. So how then - I ask how then, may any tolerate the sorcerer ? I have penned these words with midnight ink, and I forget myself, none should lose their temper, but one should remain logical. The scrolls are sanctic, they grant each and all of us beauteous passages and an understanding of the past. But in their passages, many allegories, and many warnings which never cease to take new meanings with the passage of time and the evolution of Man. Nonetheless, the Epistle to the Magi is clear in it’s thesis, the want for power of mages, and the slippery slope which may lead many an apprentice to seeking powers that might threaten their souls, and their surrounding environments, extending to the case of the voidal arts to Creation itself. And what do we learn of the Book of Provenance ? We learn that through his desire to rule outside of Creation - of the Whole, Iblees, sin was made incarnate, made a symbol of strife and decay upon the earth because he desired, and had touched ultimate Nothing from which the God had left. Are those of Voidal inclination not so different I ask ? They touch the Void, and weave it for their own purposes. Most are aware, but I should nonetheless remind that the practice of Voidal arts weakens one’s physical body, performing alterations both to the mind, soul, and flesh as one furthers their practice in the art of pulling and tugging at the void. Such a cancer begins in the weakening of one’s body, while much more psychological and spiritual effects are not well documented, albeit it is known that in some instances, men may begin to grow weak of spirit, delusional, and should I say mad from their usage of the very void. More than that, they become effeminate in many cases. This has immense repercussions for the social reality of many, as individuals turn from fulfilling duties to one’s community and nation, but rather arm themselves as sorcerous weapons or self-proclaimed sages because they were able to attune their minds to Nothing, and harness energies from it. For some, the Void becomes more than simple nothing - but it is not unlike a devouring mother. Their life’s work, and all manner of defense becomes reliant on drawing, time and time again from the veil, so much so that they eventually begin to rely on their crafts for the sake of payment and thorough existence. Voidal mages are not often poor - for they become not only the desirers of Divine power, but embody the merchant as well. Whether entertained by the state for the sake of intelligence on dealing with magical anomalies, Voidal practitioners may imbue artifacts with a number of tethers drawing from their own spells for sale. But beyond armaments, what other purposes does the mage possess ? Many Voidal practitioners are markedly curious individuals, performing the ideal nature of the Magi as one that is inquisitive and wondering, and may amass a library of knowledge, whether or not relating to magical theorems. Though such knowledge can be amassed by any - any may study mortal ideas on the great Nothing, and other such critical studies relating to higher mysteries. The one who takes from the Void is not awarded a stronger, or more critical consciousness, rather, ties to the void may even worsen their mental state, punching holes in their spiritual and mental abilities from constant connection - which requires an utter liberation, or lack of thought. Regrettably, with each passing connection, the veil, the very thing that keeps us, descendants, safe from Nothing is continuously damaged. This occurs when a soon-to-be practitioner of the voidal-arts eventually decides to meddle with the void-completing process known as a connection or tether where they force their will within the aforementioned veil, piercing a hole in it, a necessity for the casting of voidal magics. By doing this, they lose concentration upon the very reality in which they live - they forget, deny, or do not know the consequences of their acts, and threaten the All. It is an ultimately selfish act, by which one begins to seek out power and ability from a plane in which lies doom, and separation from the God. ----- “And GOD was furious, but Iblees would not repent. And he fled into the Void, for he hated the glory of GOD, and by his own will was shackled there from the Lord” ----- The void has been used by forces of malign interest, Iblees namely. The Void has been proclaimed a realm of freedom - one where individuality may escape the incessant, nagging rules and decrees of the physical world which define and make up the God. But one cannot evade God’s wrath by entering the Void - as the Void is a natural result of evading God, it is a part of It’s punishment upon the unbelievers, the blasphemers and mouthers of Nothing. Ever since the indefinite banishment of the aforementioned creature, it has been a force that has been puppeteered by the descendants - the most recent, almost mankind-ending event that resulted in the apparition of multiple tears in our plane, an after-effect of a damaged veil. So then, how may clergy-men and nations proclaiming themselves holy, profess and tolerate the use and teaching of voidal manipulations ? In many cases, this is because many are either cowards, or because they do not know, and have not learned. Even more, the very nature of the voidal arts relies on the slow and progressive destruction of the veil, threatening the world at large. Understanding the Magi In a way, the Magi who turns to the Void is misled, he creates himself a wall of beliefs, a parapet and cognitive shield in which his mind seeks to preserve reason in the face of argumentation. One may claim that he crafts, that he creates - that he makes from nothing. But this is a false emulation of life, one born of desire and pride. This marks a troublesome mindset, one which leads one to desire much and more. Albeit, the voidal practitioners, those bestowed with the gift of Nothing, are not to be blamed in majority for attempting to cause the annihilation of Creation, or the shattering of the veil. Rather, these peoples have committed fault either because they do not know, or do not care. There is a thorough lack of education within the voidal community - for while the wielding itself might require a sturdy mind, and the understanding of elements and abstract conceptions, it does not require a modicum of empathy, or emotion, nor strong knowledge of the void. Many will, however, pursue theorizations on the cosmos and the differing realms and places far and beyond the places that the commoner will recognize, but this is not a necessity, neither is it pre-determined in the path of a voidal mage, it is merely a possibility, with too many variables to establish a common causality except claiming that many of these individuals are simply curious and inquisitive by nature. While many are selfish, or sinners of great magnitude, careless, and would react to arguments against their art by plugging their ears with their fingers and singing a Sutican ballad as loudly as they could, this is once again, not always the case. True and zealous canonists have wielded voidal energies in the defense of their lands, and with the name of the God on their lips, only it is that they fail to realize the nature and truth of their craft, and the symbol of false creation that comes with it. So it is not that those seeking to or those that do practice the void are of ill intent, but it is rather that such arts lead to corruption, and to a mounting fragility of the spirit when touched by temptation, both physical and spiritual. Those touched by the void, or desiring of it, are often of cultural and moral weakness; often lustful, they are prone to tempt the youth into their webs by offering to teach them magic, a technique famous for being practiced by the druids of the father circle, who would lock young elves in magical circles to possess and make use of them to their strange desires. But worst of all is in their rejection of the threat - to claims to an inevitability of destruction by the Void, and of the frailty of the Veil, and the rejection of a number of physiological and spiritual effects of the Void merely because such minute side-effects are not clearly visible, or documented, as well as understood amongst a multitude of communities and cabals that make use of voidal arts. Worst of all - across nations, the voidal arts are monitored to a limited degree, often confined, they are still to be used liberally within lax restrictions which encourage its use and practice - albeit a necessity to part of the Void’s understanding, but a promulgation of its practices nonetheless. And of its teaching ? The tutoring in the forming of veil-piercing tethers through mana-manipulation and the meta-extraction of the Nihil-Suci, Voidal Energies, and further use of the Godhead Projection/Conjuration in order to imagine forms, ideas and physical laws into limited shape for their application is only limited by the connections one possesses with the magi, albeit none will find any shortage of beggars lifting their palms to the voidal practitioners for their gift of Nothing. So then, what comes of unrestrictive teaching, where every child is taught those ways of projecting fire with the use of Nihil-Suci ? A tightening, encroaching Void is what emerges, the threat of rifts, and the threat of non-being, that of zero-sum in the environment of the living. But even more, it is the ultimately careless and near zealous attitude and confidence of the Void-magicians that will bring about a fruit which will devour all that Is and shall Be ; they will teach and they will weave, careless for what woes they cause, thinking the Void an eternal fount, from which they will draw power to caress and break the world. But who are they, to wrestle - or to seek to break fate and the challenges of the World through the usages of Nihil-Suci ? The death of Nothing At what cost, do these power-hungered magi attain their so called ‘power’. Oft, many succumb to the faux gifts of the void, falling to the everlasting thirst for power, which seems to never be quenched. Many therefore, with this information, may be tempted to employ a defeatist attitude, or even claim that the God itself stems entirely from the Void, in effect, a product of Nothing, a simple answer, for a question meant for the ages. One therefore, should not see the Void as the ultimate end, no, one should see liberation as the end of ends, liberations from the stark emptiness of the Void, and the creation of a true form of Man in spirit and in flesh. This is meant to be an arduous journey - the creation of a thousand generations in the forming of a true and pious Humanity able to coerce the very meaning of the world into overcoming their nature of sin and depravity into those of grace - a seemingly impossible task, meant to seem impossible. Jaded by warfare, economic strife and personal desires, the races have found themselves divided amongst themselves, and so quickly forget the greatest of all foes, Nothing itself, threatening to swallow each and all of them whole. Men would now fight to strive for a happy life, rather than a meaningful one. They would sit, basking in the pleasures of flesh and drink, rather than coerce themselves into the struggle against being and non-existence. So part of restricting the void necessitates the use of complex symbolism in life, whereas one strives and struggles against the very essence that would see him cease to be, whereas he becomes a bastion of true being, and would in such make being where there is nothing, empowering life where there is death and void. One must thereof convince his very soul - his very flesh, blood, tissue, name, and the very patterns of his existence, as well as his very shadow, and the reflection of his image, and every very cognitive source holding his person, and thought of his essence that they are in fact in a state of perpetual existence. In this sense, not only must he convince himself, but also the World itself that he indeed, exists. Now while this may appear strange, nigh illogical for the lack of sense in the forgoing of balance between a state which exists, and one which does not, allow me to make the supposition that the void as it stands is out of balance, that the world as it is, is in a state with too much negated being (matter which is not), and too little being (matter which is). So it is therefore that matter must be made where there is none - and in the careful ways that one must make such matter in the way that it must, forbidding the creation and manifestation of the Horrors that plague that which does not exist, for they should negate our very essence, and make it so that we had never even existed in the first place. Conclusion The point of this volume is informative - it is a warning to those that practice with the Void, and to those who do not. The point is to link Voidal mages to the true foe - the Void itself, and how by their own designs, are able to ever so inch forward the Void, weakening the barriers between a state of existence and none-existence through manipulation of Nihil-Suci so used in projections and conjurations by use of a liminal, wide-reaching Godhead with one’s own use of mana. Too much, and too quickly, have the living of this age forgotten the nigh-eternal threat, the looming evil that would remove all that is, even darkness, even shadow, heart and limb, to return this world to a state in which it never existed, and make past be future, and future made past. So that this very World; Creation itself had never even existed in the womb of the God in the first place, damning all that is, and the very song of the World, to be nothing but silence. This is to be a sad end, one with no tune, no melody; nothing. To be the end of all our suffering, but of all our works as well. How long have we toiled ? How hard have our ancestors mustered their strength, how hard have the angels we so recognize, the Saints we revere, the heroes we remember and the children we cherished fought so hard, with agonizing succor every passing day so that they and their work will forever be unrewarded, and will verily cease to ever have been a thing. Or is it that you will call such thinkers as I cowards ? Unable to face the end of all things, as all things must die and verily end ? The God has no end, and cannot have one. We exist within a myriad of cycles, some that we must shatter, and some which we must uphold, for who will uphold us if not us ? If not the favored living, made and bestowed intellect, and fire within our hearts ? Who, I ask ? Not those that would have Void enter our fold. So I ask, is it worth it, your craft ? Your fireballs, and your glittering eyes ? Is the making of those sorcerous weapons so worth the price all shall pay ? Come now sweet child, look upon your hands and your heart - think not for your abilities, the possibilities of sweeping flames, or ravaging ice - but think for a wider fate, a wider world, and greater possibilities not borne from a state of oblivion. Will you turn now, from your mother-who-devours, or will you keep sucking at her teet, oblivious of a crawling doom that gnaws its way through space and star, to mark an end to our being, and to all that is known and ever will be known. You play at your magics, thinking of the now, and so kill the future. But how cruel is a man, who would give the world, for a gift of Nothing ? Additional works on the subject: Aabdil Availyr; The Sleeper: True Maker, Egregores, Mirrors and Demiurge (Fragmented) The Holy Scrolls Avenel Synalli; Voidal Commentaries (Part 1, 2, and 3) Haghar-Yk Shedan; The Limbed Sun, threats of a Black Dawn (Fragmented, Interpreted) Gyg’dash; Theurgy as a Non-Magic, Commentary on the Old-Science (Translated) Unknown, The Book of Xion Rasmot the Mad; Where the End Stands (Fragmented) Tristal Herrigan; Of Nothing and of the Great Heart Siegyst Esdrit’Khaii’r; The Second Analytics of Men

Event Notice Paper Pit Brawl The event board of Haelun’or proudly presents the first ever Paper Pit Brawl. What is a Paper Pit Fight? Paper animation is a scarcely known voidal art. It can be used to send letters, play games, or minor party tricks. In this event, the attendees will be separated into teams. One connected person on each, they will compete to fold the greatest paper animal, creature, or any fantastical or whimsical paper construction. There is a time limit for all of the teams for how long they can come up with a concept, and get their hands folding! These paper constructions are put in a pit to fight to the death! They will fight in a tournament placement system, the construct who comes out as the strongest wins for its team! Feel free to get creative. Who is invited? Anyone! High elves and ‘thill are encouraged to attend, outsiders and foreigners are also invited, however, as always- you are required to observe and follow the laws of the Silver State. Rules and Restrictions: Paper constructions must be at most 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. Failing to do so will force you to remake your construction. Interference with the connected individual on each team during the brawl will result in your team being disqualified Outside interference while the paper constructed creatures are fighting is strictly prohibited, you and your team will be disqualified Paper constructions must be made with parchment or paper, no adhesives of any kind will be allowed. If paper constructions interfere with participants outside of the pit, your construction will be out for an entire round. Constructs may come apart, yet when beginning the fight it must remain in one piece There may not be an attachment to the construct that makes it taller or wider than the size boundaries. Let the Best Team Win! Festivities will be Wednesday, May 12, 6 PM EST In the Tavern in Haelun’or

*This thread is over 6k words. For easy of reading, mind the spoilers.* *For anybody wishing to comment "But Fi-magic is the anti-magic, this is unneeded!", abjuration is already present as a spell to negate magic, under transfiguration. Furthermore, counterspell is one ability of the five active ones in the magic submission. As per the submission, it couldn't be even used completely on its own.* Support abjuration! Here's the official banner. Also, first lore submission a magic submission. Big thanks to Lhindir, EdgyMagey for their critique and ideas for the lore, as well as to Fury_Fire for the harsh critique on the first, 1.0 version that shall never be released from shame. Overview: This suggestion is about moving abjuration (but not warding and enchanted wards) from transfiguration into an own school of magic centered around the manipulation of mana in the surroundings, with a spellcasting / usage system different to most other magics, based on available lore and the core principles of voidal magic. This includes current available lore on abjuration as well. The school would retain the original idea of abjuration in the form of one of its spells, with the change that the new counterspell would not simply negate a spell but absorb it for use against its caster. The base idea is a dual system, where the abjurer keeps hopping between two sets of spells, between an attempt to focus on support and endurance or offense and burst. At the same time, it should provide a means of anti-magic other than wards and fi-magic, which is pro-active and weaker than the mentioned two. That's the original principle behind abjuration anyways. The magic would be classified under alteration, arcane magics. But ... why? What's this? The OOC part and summary: Answers to complaints, suggestions and critique: Introduction / History: Definitions: Temporary mana pool: Overcharge: Self-burst: Implosion: Conservation law applied to abjuration: Half-charge: Interruption: Spell specifics: Generating an overcharge Counterspell: Mana Absorption: Mana Draining: Using an overcharge Implosion: Empowerment: Expulsion: Distortion field: Roleplay guidelines: Technicalities: Counterspell: Mana-drain: Empowerment: Distortion field UNLEASH THE HATRED