Emilia of CamlornMay 28, 2016May 28, 2016 at 08:34 AM
#1
OCC note: the following here is my attempt to build onto the already rich and plentiful arcane lore of Elder Scrolls, allowing anyone wishing to roleplay as a mage/arcanist type character to add some depth to it. Every concept here is based upon careful study of Elder Scrolls lore, as well as several appropriate magical concepts from similar franchises, peppered with logic and common sense. But, enough of my yapping - Enjoy! :D
Part 1: Varieties of Spell Weaving.
Welcome, student of the arcane! As one who is no doubt familiar with the most basic rules of the arcane arts, but wishing to further your grasp of this elusive discipline, there is no better place to start then going over the foundation, once again. Most spells are simple enough, and require only the will of an Enchanter to shape the latent Aetherian energy, tapping into the currents of Aetherian matter circulating trough the fabric of Nirn. Such spells do not require a formulated incantation - just the base will of an enchanter to compose the energy and bend it to their purpose; however their ability and application is rather limited. Verbal incantations allow a greater, in-depth approach towards the very foundation of each spell, enabling greater then conventional flexibility, as well as possibility of creating dedicated, multi-leveled spells capable of truly wondrous things. Such an art requires more then a latent willpower to manipulate the base levels of energy, but rather a keen intellect to temper it, shape it as a sculptor would a properly moistened block of clay.
The art of weaving verbal incantations has it's roots among the ancient arcane lore of the Merethic Era, with the sole purpose of expanding the boundaries of conventional arcane, building upon the caster's keen intellect, in opposition to the sheer strength of will to draw upon the currents of Nirn. Each singular word of power represents a whole, self-sufficient spell in itself. However, by using an appropriate syntax one can join together several words of power, seemingly with little effort magnifying the effects of the spell and/or adding an entirely new twist to it. As the origin of this enticing art rests within the legacy of ancient mer, the incantations themselves are formulated in the so-called 'Elder Tongue' - a basic dialect of the Merethic Era, predating it's subsequent variations in Ayleidon, or the more obscure writings of the Direnni dynasty. The mastery and fluency with the said language is the most base requirement for any aspiring arcanist to even attempt such a feat, for it requires a keen intellect - a mind as sharp as an Acaviri blade, to master and wield the complex syntax and wording fluently. Doing so often requires years, if not decades of diligent research, even before the most base incantation can be uttered safely. The complexity of the 'Elder Tongue' and it's syntax had dissuaded many, and as such mages capable of wielding the craft fluently are far and few between.
During the rule of Emperor Reman Cyrodiil I, the fledgling Empire had faced one of it's greatest adversaries of all times - the invaders from a distant land of Akavir. Despite the prowess at arms, the Imperial mages were found lacking when compared to their Akaviri brethren, especially as the Battle of the Pale Pass raged on. A shrewd strategist, Emperor Reman I recognized the weakness in his ranks, and set off to rectify this age-long oversight. Over the past centuries, rare few had ever mastered the art of verbal weaving, and the study of the 'Elder Tongue' required more time and resources then his fledgling Empire could spent. Regulus Tharn, one of the first recorded 'Imperial Battlemages', was the one responsible for the appearance of the so-called 'Imperium Artem' - or the 'Imperial arts', an attempt to adapt the concepts of spell-weaving into the more common, accessible background. Spells and incantations that formed the core of 'Imperium Artem' are based off their 'Elder Tongue' counterparts, transitioned into a form of old Cyrod. Even after the fall of Emperor Reman Cyrodiil III and the succession of the Imperial reign over to Versidue Shaie, thus beginning the Second Era under the leadership of Akaviri Potentate, the Imperial way of spell-craft experienced remarkable growth. The relative ease of access and usage, especially during the dark age of civil unrest and infighting sought to spreading the art far abroad the boundaries of the Heartland.
A logical question, then - what is the point of even considering the obscure ways of wielding the incantations of an 'Elder Tongue', when an easier, reasonably wide-spread option remains? While the 'Imperium Artem' succeeded in it's goal of making verbal weaving easier to master, the adaptation process was far from flawless. The arcane syntax of the Imperial Arts does not permit a spell, consisting of more then two iterations. The incantations themselves are much more utilitarian then the "Elder Tongue' counterparts, severely diminishing the flexibility of spell weaving. On the opposite, the arts of 'Elder Tongue' offer a great opportunity of experimentation hence the base syntax permits the formation of triple-tier spells, not to mention the ability to combine nearly-every known incantation in order to produce a finely tailored, unique result. Each school has it's unique purpose, and it's merit. It comes as no surprise that "Imperium Artem' is a predominant form of spell weaving known to the members of Mages Guild, simply due to it's availability. Now, dear student of the arcane, it is time to put aside the cumbersome theories and descent into the true grit of the art, that is the verbal weaving of arcane!
Magus Arcana - Or the principles of Advanced Spellcasting, by Magister Bethany Leandra Hawke, of Camlorn.
Part 1: Varieties of Spell Weaving.
Welcome, student of the arcane! As one who is no doubt familiar with the most basic rules of the arcane arts, but wishing to further your grasp of this elusive discipline, there is no better place to start then going over the foundation, once again. Most spells are simple enough, and require only the will of an Enchanter to shape the latent Aetherian energy, tapping into the currents of Aetherian matter circulating trough the fabric of Nirn. Such spells do not require a formulated incantation - just the base will of an enchanter to compose the energy and bend it to their purpose; however their ability and application is rather limited. Verbal incantations allow a greater, in-depth approach towards the very foundation of each spell, enabling greater then conventional flexibility, as well as possibility of creating dedicated, multi-leveled spells capable of truly wondrous things. Such an art requires more then a latent willpower to manipulate the base levels of energy, but rather a keen intellect to temper it, shape it as a sculptor would a properly moistened block of clay.
The art of weaving verbal incantations has it's roots among the ancient arcane lore of the Merethic Era, with the sole purpose of expanding the boundaries of conventional arcane, building upon the caster's keen intellect, in opposition to the sheer strength of will to draw upon the currents of Nirn. Each singular word of power represents a whole, self-sufficient spell in itself. However, by using an appropriate syntax one can join together several words of power, seemingly with little effort magnifying the effects of the spell and/or adding an entirely new twist to it. As the origin of this enticing art rests within the legacy of ancient mer, the incantations themselves are formulated in the so-called 'Elder Tongue' - a basic dialect of the Merethic Era, predating it's subsequent variations in Ayleidon, or the more obscure writings of the Direnni dynasty. The mastery and fluency with the said language is the most base requirement for any aspiring arcanist to even attempt such a feat, for it requires a keen intellect - a mind as sharp as an Acaviri blade, to master and wield the complex syntax and wording fluently. Doing so often requires years, if not decades of diligent research, even before the most base incantation can be uttered safely. The complexity of the 'Elder Tongue' and it's syntax had dissuaded many, and as such mages capable of wielding the craft fluently are far and few between.
During the rule of Emperor Reman Cyrodiil I, the fledgling Empire had faced one of it's greatest adversaries of all times - the invaders from a distant land of Akavir. Despite the prowess at arms, the Imperial mages were found lacking when compared to their Akaviri brethren, especially as the Battle of the Pale Pass raged on. A shrewd strategist, Emperor Reman I recognized the weakness in his ranks, and set off to rectify this age-long oversight. Over the past centuries, rare few had ever mastered the art of verbal weaving, and the study of the 'Elder Tongue' required more time and resources then his fledgling Empire could spent. Regulus Tharn, one of the first recorded 'Imperial Battlemages', was the one responsible for the appearance of the so-called 'Imperium Artem' - or the 'Imperial arts', an attempt to adapt the concepts of spell-weaving into the more common, accessible background. Spells and incantations that formed the core of 'Imperium Artem' are based off their 'Elder Tongue' counterparts, transitioned into a form of old Cyrod. Even after the fall of Emperor Reman Cyrodiil III and the succession of the Imperial reign over to Versidue Shaie, thus beginning the Second Era under the leadership of Akaviri Potentate, the Imperial way of spell-craft experienced remarkable growth. The relative ease of access and usage, especially during the dark age of civil unrest and infighting sought to spreading the art far abroad the boundaries of the Heartland.
A logical question, then - what is the point of even considering the obscure ways of wielding the incantations of an 'Elder Tongue', when an easier, reasonably wide-spread option remains? While the 'Imperium Artem' succeeded in it's goal of making verbal weaving easier to master, the adaptation process was far from flawless. The arcane syntax of the Imperial Arts does not permit a spell, consisting of more then two iterations. The incantations themselves are much more utilitarian then the "Elder Tongue' counterparts, severely diminishing the flexibility of spell weaving. On the opposite, the arts of 'Elder Tongue' offer a great opportunity of experimentation hence the base syntax permits the formation of triple-tier spells, not to mention the ability to combine nearly-every known incantation in order to produce a finely tailored, unique result. Each school has it's unique purpose, and it's merit. It comes as no surprise that "Imperium Artem' is a predominant form of spell weaving known to the members of Mages Guild, simply due to it's availability. Now, dear student of the arcane, it is time to put aside the cumbersome theories and descent into the true grit of the art, that is the verbal weaving of arcane!
Edited May 30, 2016 at 02:19 AM by 0