The Magister's Portfolio — Blue Skooma archive

From the pages of "Magus Arcana, or the nature of Magic" by Magister Bethany Leandra Hawke-Amelle, of Camlorn.

...The importance of Nirn and it's place within the cosmic works of the Aetherian convergence cannot be stressed enough. Referred as "Cor' Mundum" in the Ayleid manuscript located at the halls of Nenalata, Nirn in it's entirety as a plane within the oceans of Oblivion stands as a centerpiece, a point of Foci for the converging currents of both Padomeic and Aetherian nature. However, the phenomena of the Aether energy influx within the fabric of Nirn manifests itself far more substantially then the Padomeic currents of raw Oblivion fabric. Per legends, the departure of Magnus and the et'Ada into the immortal realm of Aetherius produced a great amount of 'punctures' within the Veil that separates the plane of Nirn from the immortal sphere of Aetherius. It is commonly believed that our very Sun and stars are the visible results of the phenomena that occured in times immemorial. While there is no sufficient evidence to either support or disprove the commonly accepted myth of the divine exodus, there are clear signs of the catastrophic event, that very well had reshaped the very fabric of our world, introducing the element of Arcana into Nirn.

As such, the unique positioning of Nirn within the matrix of inter-locking and overlaping currents of Aetherian matter flowing trough the said raptures into our world resulted in said energy saturating every inch of the existant creation, living and static. The very elements displayed in the makeing of our world are a version of these energies made manifest. The complicated ratio requires precise balancing, and ofted capable of producing spectacular backlash should it be offset even for a fraction. The deformities observed at the aftermath of the Craglorn incident suggest that, while the Aetherian energy penetrates every aspect of Nirnian existance it is a foreign substance that was, at some stage, introduced to our plane during the rapture of the Veil.

The severety of the effects displayed by the insertion of the Aetherian matter into the fabric of Nirn is linked in a direct ratio with the estimated volume of foreign matter per unit of distance and the length of time during which the exposure took place. The elemental forces utilized by the Arcanists are the direct result of gradual introduction of Aetherian currents into the interlinking fabric of our plane, over the period of several millenia. As such, it can be observed that the nature of 'magic' itself had evolved, and will likely continue to do so in the future. The ratio of Aetherian Influx may, to a degree, predict the venue this evolution shall take, as well as allow us to trace back it's traces directly to the point of origin. However the introduction of time factor over a century allows for a dangerously large margin of error, making current predictions approximate, at best...

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From the pages of "Magus Arcana, or the nature of Magic" by Magister Bethany Leandra Hawke-Amelle, of Camlorn.

While on the outside the difference between the so-called 'ward-class' spell - a static, charged matrix of Aetherian energy, - and the 'barrier dome-class' formula might appear superficial at best, the key principles of the arcane matrix behind each type varies greatly. Both types rely heavily on the principle of direct energy transmutation, or the formation of absorbtion and/or deflection wall of pure yet point-focused energy. This, howeverm is where the similarities end.

The 'ward-class' spell consists of a statically-charged matrix of loose formation between the micro-foci points of the spell, formed by the inter-locking lines of the Aetherian currents within the spell formula. Such formation allows for the absorption and storage of immense reserves of raw magica, approximately three to four hundred present above the point maxima of a conventional 'barrier-class' spell, without inclusion of secondary Foci. The energy imbued into the spell matrix remains static from the moment of interconnection within the Aetherian current map as depicted by the formula, as such it requires no additional input from the time of it's establishment till the point of it's collapse. This may be considered as the core strength of the 'ward-class' formula as the arcane matrix requires no continuous income of raw magica to support it's structure. On the other hand, this also serves as a fundamental limitation for the ward, while capable of absorbing immence amounts of incoming fire, cannot be reinforced and/or repaired until it's full collapse. The loose setting of the Aetherian currents within the spell matrix acts as a sealed vessel, preventing the magica bound within from being drawn in or out, with the exception of an incoming impact.

True to this, the sheer strength of the projectile inbound plays an essential part in the estimated ratio of time versus the energy drain per impact, where the magnitude of the impact plays a defining role. It is important to note that the ratio of sheer force infused within the spell versus the estimated optimal balance of the spell matrix serves as defining factor for the longevity of the spell. While it is possible to increase the strength of the static charge several times over the estimated norm, this shall result in resonating dissonance within the Aetherian flow patterns decreasing the lifespan of the formula exponentially in proportion to the magnitude of the infusion. The dissonance results in the imminent collapse of the spell matrix and release of the residual energy. As such, an over-charge of the 'ward-class' formula is feasible only as a case of an emergency, when magnitude of the stored energy avaliable for repultion has clear-cut advantage over duration of the spell.

Note: wards can represent both unmoving, static charges bound to an object as well as a small, portable ward typically conjured around a mobile Foci. There is no distinct variation between the stationary and motion ward, for the static charge of the spell remains intact during the lifespan of the formula.

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