The Proceedings of the Mystics of Arcana, Vol 1, #1
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Authored by: Wylsin Trillian Ilromie Pauwyr Aphrux Foggledonk

Editor: Wylsin Plindane, Abecedarian of Mystics


1) The Subtle Magicks of the Mind, by Aphrux (see 1-1)
2) Elemental Shields - A Perspective from Sanity, by Pauwyr (see 2-1, 2-2)
3) The Sounds of Magic, by Trillian (see 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4)
4) The Brainstorming of Blessings, by Ilromie (see 4-1)
5) Flame from the Ether, by Wylsin (see 5-1)
6) To Slow or Not to Slow?, by Foggledonk (see 6-1)

Letters to the editor may be sent c/o the Consortium


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Trillian pokes Dirnemak in the ribs.

Trillian giggles.

Dirnemak grins evilly.

Trillian says softly 'Fascinating...'

You say 'Since Foggledonk was the most recent author, we will begin with him.'

Wylsin turns towards Foggledonk.

Foggledonk bounces with excitement!

Dirnemak eats a bird of paradise flower.

Foggledonk stands in front of the audience.

Foggledonk clears his throat.

Avenar walks in.

You say to Foggledonk 'Is there anything in particular you would like to draw attention to regarding your experimentations? Perhaps a quick summary of what you did.'

Foggledonk says 'Please turn to section 6-1.'

read 6-1
I have taken it upon myself to research the benefits of slowing oneself
while engaged in battle. I seek to answer the question, "is the diminished
dexterity worth the enhanced mind recovery while maintaining a barrier or
mana shield?"

While slowed, I had an average mind recovery of 5.8% per Serin hour. This
was more than twice the rate of my mind's normal recovery, estimated at 2.4%
per Serin hour. These estimates were measured across 10 Serin hours each
while slowed and not slowed. This was controlled with no additional mind
recovery at play. A larger sample size may shift these average recovery
rates slightly, but not substantially.

My diminished dexterity translated to an increase in impact from a foe's
blows by 2.5%.

Based on my cursory research, I conclude that the diminished dexterity is
indeed worth the additional mind recovery while in battle. Furthermore, the
diminished dexterity can be offset by carefully selected armor and trinkets.

Fastidiously,
Foggledonk

Minimani the razor-clawed manticore miniature gives a leather-bound book titled 'The Proceedings of the Mystics of Arcana, Vol 1, #1' to Avenar.
Ok.

Ilromie opens her copy of the text.

Trillian raises his hand.

Foggledonk says 'I have conducted a bit of research around the benefits of slowing oneself while in battle.'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'Trillian?'

Dirnemak nods.

Trillian says 'I was uncertain. When you say diminished impact did you mean it is less painful or you are less evasive?'

Foggledonk says 'Less painful.'

Foggledonk says 'Good question.'

Trillian says 'Did you consider the emotional pain of being bludgeoned? I, personally, find it quite distressing.'

Trillian says 'Is that also more bearable?'


Foggledonk says 'I removed all regenerative wares so as not to have any interference.'

Foggledonk stops using a mystical banner of the dragon-magi.

Foggledonk unwraps robes of the archmagi from around his body.

Dirnemak says 'At one time it aided healing, perhaps that is part of it.'

Foggledonk says 'And I did not have my owl familiar about.'

Foggledonk says 'Dirn I cannot speak to that. It has no impact on healing now, for certain.'

Trillian says to Ilromie 'Perchance your usually specialty is available this night?'

Ilromie grins evilly.

Ilromie says 'In fact, I am always willing to discuss facts.'

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Ilromie says 'Being slow does not aid in recovery of health.'

Trillian salivates slightly while gazing wistfully at Ilromie.

You say to Foggledonk 'I noted that you accurately calculated the mental regeneration factor granted to you by the slow spell.'

Ilromie glances at Trillian.

Foggledonk says 'I found the additional pain from my foe's hits to be minimal. Whereas my mind recovered substantially faster.'

Ilromie whispers something to Trillian.

Trillian nods.

Foggledonk says 'Preserving my barrier or mana shield that much longer.'

Dirnemak agrees absolutely.

Trillian whispers something to Ilromie.

Ilromie says 'I have also found that a reduced dexterity leaves my hands quite full.'

Foggledonk says 'I would like to gather a larger sample size on mind recovery.'

Foggledonk says 'As I found it surprising it was greater than double.'


Ilromie says 'It is quite easy to gamble a ring or amulet that will fully negate your penalty.'

Dirnemak says 'Silly wizard wear gear to balance slow.'

Foggledonk says 'One should also consider that you cannot hit with your wielded weapon as much, but as a member of the invoker guild, that is of minimal significance to me.'

Ilromie nods in enthusiastic agreement with Dirnemak.

Dirnemak agrees absolutely.

Ilromie says to Foggledonk 'I would not discount the power of your arm.'

Foggledonk says 'It is also quite simple to offset the increased pain from my foe's hits.'

Trillian says 'That would not be much of a controlled experient if he compensated with gear, would it?'

Dirnemak says 'A second strike is beyond me at a 29th title.'

You say to Foggledonk 'Did you make note regarding the number of rounds of combat you may sustain with and without slowness?'

Foggledonk says 'Therefore, I conclude that it is overall advantageous to slow oneself while engaged in combat.'

Dirnemak rubs his hands together in greedy anticipation.

Ilromie nods at Dirnemak.

Ilromie says 'A fair point.'

Foggledonk says 'I removed my gauntlets for the experiment.'

Foggledonk slips a pair of phoenix-crested steel gauntlets off his hands.

Foggledonk says 'They enhance my dexterity slightly.'

Ilromie says 'It may be more effective when you are yet rising within your guild.'

Foggledonk says 'So I felt the full slowing effect while conducting my research.'

Ilromie nods.

Dirnemak says 'For my guild we need slow as our spells would wear out the strongest minds.'

Ilromie says 'Quite appropriate for the experiment, in fact.'

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Trillian says 'Quite proper.'

You say to Foggledonk 'Did you hear my question?'

Foggledonk says to you 'Apologies.'

Trillian says to you 'I confess I did not understand your question. Would that not be a function of the opponent?'

Foggledonk says to you 'I did not take note of that.'

You say 'The genesis of my question is rooted in the curiosity of the overall effectiveness of the strategy.'

Dirnemak agrees absolutely.

Foggledonk says to you 'It is a valid question indeed.'

You say 'If this tact does not result in a longer sustainment in battle the minute effects may be irrelevant.'

Dirnemak says 'If you maintain a barrier it would be helpful, I would guess.'

Pinelock carefully closes his book.

You say to Foggledonk 'Not to say that your experiment was not worthwhile.'

Foggledonk says to you 'I believe it would be difficult to research objectively.'

You say 'But it does seem like there is an opportunity for replication and further study.'

Foggledonk says to you 'As I may be more or less healthy than the next invoker.'

Trillian says 'So many variables. Foggie expressed his regeneration as a percentage. But then the amount of strikes you could take extra would depend on your personal reserves would it not?'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'I believe we are making the same point!'

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Foggledonk drinks water from a magical spring.

You say to Foggledonk 'Thank you for your research Oracle.'

Foggledonk says 'Of course!'

Avenar scans down.

Ilromie says 'Against a prepared foe, your barrier will not matter once they switch to something magical.'

Dirnemak agrees absolutely.

You say to Ilromie 'Polymath, would you please share a brief summary of your research?'

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Ilromie says 'Please turn to section 4.'

Foggledonk says to Ilromie 'Absolutely.'

Ilromie turns her own book to the page.

read 4-1
I have never felt a call to supplicate myself before a god and ask for their
power to be channeled through me. When my sister stood in great need before
me, I gazed inward and conceived a great unbinding through my own power and
knowledge. Luck was by my side, for the one whom I had need to save had
unlocked such power in me before. It needed only to be guided to my goal.

In fact, every form of magic can be accelerated, charged, and conflated by
the manipulation of trines. Truthfully, one should aspire to a triad
of trines. This can be difficult, but ensures the strongest result.
Fear not, I will teach you the basics of a blessing.


I:
The largest of your bindings must call together the three connections of
intent. These will form the boundaries of the magic that you can channel.
Often, these strictures are set forth as part of a spoken ritual. Once they
are defined, you can further refine how they will eventually bend and twist
the blessing through the smaller triads that support them.

- the benefactor of the spell
- the power to be wielded
- your specific desire


II:
The next triad of your casting should be made trifold across the earlier
three. You must draw straight lines of connections between the three key
realms of existence. This ensures that the blessing will be granted to the
one whom you wish to honor and gives you great control over the immediate
affects. Once blessed, nothing can stop the loose power, so choose your
devices with care.

-- physical
-- mental
-- spiritual


III:
The final triad should be cast upon each of the nine items or aspects which
comprise the first two steps. Consider the meaning of each contrivance and
how they work in concert to conceive your blessing. During the speaking or
casting of the blessing, raw power must flow through three channels. If
your earlier preparations were completed, this will create a tapestry of
power and intent capable of intense change. For each relic, consider the
following trajectories:

--- weakness to allow a foothold
--- strength to grant firm ground upon which to grow
--- tenacity to ensure longevity


In every case I have seen, a blessing or curse is most effective when it is
granted by one who is already well acquainted with the target. The more
personal information one has, the stronger the final triad of bindings can
be made and the greater shall be the result.

It is noted by the author that once a blessing is granted, it may grow and
change without further influence by the blessor. Such powerful magics are
inherently chaotic and even with a perfect binding, may have unintended
consequences. Bless at your own risk.

Trillian sits down and thinks deeply.

Trillian looks at Ilromie uncertainly.

Ilromie says 'In fact, this finding is less research and more experience.'

You say to Ilromie 'Is experience not simply the extended research of one's life?'

Ilromie smiles happily.

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Ilromie says 'Quite so!'

Ilromie says 'I was first introduced to the power of three when Valindra formed a coven between us and Serra.'

Ilromie says 'At that time, I knew only the ritual magics taught by our guild.'

Dirnemak says 'We should thank the blood god for weapon ward when you mention combat. '

Ilromie says 'Until such time as I recognized how the binding of our hands reflected the power back unto itself within the confines of our scryings.'

Dirnemak grins evilly.

You chuckle at his joke.

Pinelock says 'A pity. I had hoped Elder Halka might have had some musings written down. I shall have to watch for him to return, and see what advice he may pass down.'

Ilromie says 'Using this knowledge, I refined such foci into the greatest blessing I have seen.'

You nod at Pinelock.

Trillian raises his hand.

Foggledonk nods at Pinelock.

Ilromie says 'The freeing of Olgarda from Valindra.'

Ilromie says to Trillian 'Yes?'

You nod in enthusiastic agreement with Ilromie.

Trillian says 'Is blessing used interchangeably with curse in your writings or do you differentiate between the two?'

Trillian says 'I thought I was supporting a curse that night!'

Ilromie says 'A blessing to a wicked little goblin is a curse.'

Foggledonk sits down and thinks deeply.

Foggledonk nods at Ilromie.

Foggledonk says 'Perspective!'

Pinelock chants softly.

Trillian says 'So.... interchangeably it is then.'

Ilromie nods in enthusiastic agreement with Foggledonk.

Ilromie nods.

Ilromie says 'They are.'

Trillian giggles.

Trillian says 'How lovely.'

You chuckle politely.

Wylsin raises his hand.

Ilromie says to you 'Yes?'

Lurelian walks in.
An adolescent osprey flies in.

You say to Ilromie 'Have you found that the Triad is the peak of the foci? Or are multiples of three increasingly powerful? What of seven? That has historically been the most powerful magical number.'

Lurelian sits down and rests.

Ilromie says 'I confess, I have not had opportunity to seek a greater nesting.'

Minimani the razor-clawed manticore miniature gives a leather-bound book titled 'The Proceedings of the Mystics of Arcana, Vol 1, #1' to Lurelian.

Lurelian nods at Minimani the razor-clawed manticore miniature.

You nod.

You say 'Room for more research then.'

You smile happily.

Trillian says 'So... do we openly discuss you as a witch now? I had somewhat inferred that didn't admit you and Serra were as such.'

Ilromie says 'It would be an extremely powerful blessing to nest so many weavings of power.'

Ilromie says 'The freeing of Olgarda required 27 singular threads of intent.'

You nod.

You say 'I see.'

Trillian says 'Take me through that? I didn't quite follow it in your writing.'

Ilromie says to Trillian 'It cannot now be denied.'

Trillian says 'It was 3 over 3?'

Trillian says 'How do we get to 27?'

Foggledonk utters the words, 'locate object'.

Trillian says '3 again? For the triad of trine?'


Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Trillian nods.

Trillian sits down and thinks deeply.

Ilromie says 'For example.'

Trillian looks a bit confused.

Ilromie says 'To secure the Benefactor of the spell, you must represent them physically, mentally, and spiritually.'

Trillian says 'So was that the role of the hair? Physically?'

Ilromie says 'For each of those, you must also find your weakness, strength, and tenacity.'

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Trillian plays with his foremost braid.

Trillian says 'I must say I am quite glad I wasn't her only option for salvation...'

Trillian giggles.

Trillian hums merrily.

Foggledonk says 'This is simply fascinating!'

Ilromie says 'Not every thread need have a physical relic to focus. I weaved many of them through the phrasing alone.'

Ilromie says 'It should also be noted that the blessing was not a complete success.'

You nod.

Foggledonk's ears wiggle.

Avenar says 'An important note.'

A Timaran citizen walks in.

Trillian says 'Oh dear, oh dear. The rhyme was integral to the power of the blessing? Now I simply must learn witchcraft...'

Ilromie says 'I had intended to bind Olgarda into the Ask an Orb, but she manifested as a toad instead.'

Trillian says 'Say, what ever happened to that toad?'

Foggledonk nods in enthusiastic agreement with Trillian.

Trillian perks up slightly..

Ilromie says to Trillian 'Not just any rhyme, but *her* rhymes.'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'My very next question!'

You glance at Ilromie.

Ilromie says 'It is secure.'

You nod.

Trillian says to Ilromie 'Can I visit?'

Ilromie says 'You may not.'

Trillian snaps his fingers.

Wylsin shifts uncomfortably.

Trillian mutters 'These sisters really do agree on everything...'

Ilromie says 'Are there any other questions?'

Dirnemak says 'Can we speak on the limiting of gate?'

You raise your eyebrow at Dirnemak.

Trillian says 'About a thousand.'

Trillian says 'But I do think I would need proper instruction to learn it. This seems quite a practical matter.'

You say to Dirnemak 'Yes, just a moment.'

Trillian says 'A writing can only do so much.'

Dirnemak says 'There are creatures who cannot be gated to, what a wasted effort.'

You say to Ilromie 'Any closing thoughts?'

Foggledonk says to Ilromie 'That was most excellent.'

Foggledonk thanks Ilromie heartily.

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Dirnemak stands up.

Dirnemak utters the words, 'oahz'.

Trillian says to Dirnemak 'It is quite frustrating.'

Ilromie warns 'Do not use this power without preparation.'

You nod.

You say 'Well said.'

Ilromie bows deeply.

Wylsin turns to Dirnemak.

Trillian looks incredibly innocent at this moment.

You say to Dirnemak 'Dirnemak, Is there something about the gate spell you have noticed?'

Dirnemak says 'If we are not meant to gate to an area, I would just gate close and walk in, the limitation is perplexing.'

Trillian says 'The bounds of the limitations are what are so perplexing.'

You say to Dirnemak 'I am not familiar with the limitation to refer to.'

Trillian says 'It does seem quite random.'

Dirnemak says 'Some creatures cannot be gated to.'

Trillian says 'Why I have made quite an effort to gate to various toads for no particular reason.'


You say 'Would you please expand upon that?'

Foggledonk says to Ilromie 'If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.'

Trillian says 'And a very large number cannot be gated to.'

Trillian says 'But why?'

Dirnemak says 'When I cast the spell, I get a magical knowlege they cannot be gated to.'

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Trillian says 'My experience as well.'

Trillian says 'It is expecially flummoxing knowing that the Mystic portals shatter boundaries our gates cannot.'

You say to Dirnemak 'Has it been your experience that this is common to all creatures in a particular area, or just individuals?'

Foggledonk buffs his nails on his cloak.

You wink suggestively at Foggledonk.

Ilromie eats a raspberry flan.

Dirnemak says 'I believe the limit was to keep illithids from the brain bath.'

Dirnemak shrugs helplessly.

Ilromie grimaces painfully at the thought.

Dirnemak says 'But there are ways around it.'

You say to Trillian 'Have you made note of anything related to Dirnemak's observations?'

Trillian says to you 'I have had very similar experiences. I actually have a large body of research on the topic but I am not prepared to publish it yet.'

Trillian says to Dirnemak 'What work arounds have you found?'

Dirnemak nods.

You say to Trillian 'And have you found that this referred to limitation is constant throughout and area, or exclusive to certain individuals?'

Trillian says to you 'Both I am afraid.'

Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!

Dirnemak agrees absolutely.

You say 'I see. So your hypothesis is that there are entire areas that cannot be gated to and also there are other certain individuals within otherwise accessible areas that cannot be traveled to?'

Dirnemak says 'A smart person will find a way or get close so it seems like a wasted effort to limit gate.'

Lurelian looks at Dirnemak.

Ilromie says 'Perhaps you should try casting it with three separate intentions instead of by rote.'

Trillian says 'There are a slew of blockers. Inaccessible areas. Inaccessible rooms. Inaccessible creatures.'

Trillian says 'Quite frustrating.'

You smirk at her saying.

Trillian says 'And they you have the wandering blokes like the red dragon who varies in his access based on his travels.'

Dirnemak says 'Like you cannot gate near the brain bath, like the slaves there, but maybe you find the right blood leech.'

You say 'That is most curious.'

Trillian says to Ilromie 'And have it take even longer? It already takes aaaaaages.'

Trillian slowly crumples to the ground and begins to weep.

Dirnemak says 'So red dragon may be a good example.'

Trillian says 'Yes he is a good test case for certain.'

You say 'Perhaps the two of you can collaborate and compile a comprehensive list of sorts.'

Dirnemak says 'If it is on the ban list, I will call it, you could gate to jones and take a few steps.'

Foggledonk says to Ilromie 'I agree with your suggestion.'

Foggledonk says 'Try the second, or third "blood leech" in the area.'

Foggledonk says 'Not just the first.'

Dirnemak says 'Assuming I get that cannot be gated to knowledge.'

You say 'This is a good opportunity to pivot to Trillian's research.'

Wylsin turns towards Trillian.

Trillian says 'There actually is a more precise method of gating.... but I am not prepared to publish yet.'

Dirnemak says 'Try the tenth blood leech, your welcome.'

You say to Trillian 'Trillian, would you please summarize your submission briefly, as best you can?'

Foggledonk chuckles at your joke.

Foggledonk says 'Trillian summarize?'

Trillian says 'Oh dear. It is a bit difficult to summarize succinctly.'

You smirk at his saying.

Foggledonk throws back his head and cackles with insane glee!

Trillian says 'I trust those with the gumption got through it. The short and long of it is that we are all divine casters.'

Dirnemak says 'Want another secret with gate? '

Trillian says 'If you want the justification you will have to do a bit of reading.'

You say 'It is found in section three, pages one to four.'

read 3-1
It is with great enthusiasm that I publicize this initial corpus of research
and invite any and all to join me in this exciting endeavor!

The subject of my inquiries, and the central inflection point of it if you
will, is the role of sound in magic. However, perhaps to the surprise of
none, I think of magic in the same manner as I think of a story. My drive
to discover the complete narrative lurking behind each scattered detail
leads my studies in a direction of greater breadth more akin to the study of
the nature of magic itself. As a fair warning, and also without surprise,
my work might more accurately be described as a collection of observations
and hypotheses rather than a truly solidified body of research. The Oracle
of the Stars told me that he expected my entrant to be full of conjecture
and you do all know how earnestly I aim to please. I do so hope to entice
the more scholastically minded amongst you to extend the work in whatever
diligent fashion you see fit! Note that these theories will deal heavily
with realms outside of Serin. For the sake of clarity, we shall set aside
the minutiae of terminology such as dimension, world, realm, etc, and simply
use the term "reality" to refer to all distinct locals, Serin or otherwise.

Despite my personal preferences, I acknowledge that this symposium is not a
grand venue for the telling of stories. So let us not bury the lede and
begin with the fundamental hypotheses which I hereby formally posit.
Supporting evidence shall then be offered for each if you are willing to
join me on a ramble. Brace yourself! For these theories are not for the
faint of heart and may make you question your very worldview if you've only
the fortitude and the mental agility to do so.

1. All magic is collaborative
2. Most magic is divine
3. Minor "magic" is actually not magic at all but rather the intermixing of
two realities
4. And Sound, specifically the language of magic, is the method by which
one pierces the veil between realities to commune with the Gods of another

So come with me on this pilgrimage, friends. For it seems we are all
clerics after all.

read 3-2
Our journey begins with a dearly departed friend who was taken from us
too soon. Ravia was a bard of the most unique composition in all of Serin.
She lacked a tongue. Yet, somehow, she still sang. Oh, she had various
replacements but it is hard to believe these trinkets had the delicacy to
sing the songs of a master bard. And, furthermore, she sang in a voice that
was not her own. She began a research group to study the nature of sound
magics and to her I owe this entire line of inquiry. She put forth that in
any musical scenario there are at least three persons involved in a
performance: The composer, the musician, and the listener. Then she posed
the question which of these is the source of the power of sound magic (as
well as several other intriguing queries)? Our esteemed colleague Pauwyr
then contributed that it may, in fact, be a collective force drawing from
the composer and the musician and that this made sound magic unique. At
this point, yours truly entered the discourse.

I proposed that perhaps Pauwyr was correct but too narrow in his assertion
and shared my contemplations on how illusions are also inherently
collaborative. It was a most stirring missive that I will not repeat in its
entirety but suffice to say that I made a compelling case that illusion
magic is dependent upon the contributions of the target both for assumptions
and details of function and for force of impact. The strongest evidence of
this is the illusory beasts, their order of strength, and that their
appearance varies from casting to casting. I further suggested that while
the target's mind lends details to the illusions the soul is what lends
force to make it real.

I now put forth that like Pauwyr, I too was overly narrow in my initial
assertions. Bardic and Illusion magic do appear more similar than other
types. Both are collaborative. And both are often grounded in this reality
in similar fashion. Stories that are known. Creatures that are feared.
And a force generated by both caster and target. But consider what other
magics are clearly collaborative? Once one widens their perspective the
answer is obvious. Divine magic. A collaboration between a priest and
their chosen God. And where else does one find sound in magic? Again, the
answer is obvious. In all magic. Illusionists, necromancers, invokers. We
all speak when we cast. In the tongue of magic. When struck silent, we
cannot cast. These are not arcane and mysterious words of ill understood
purpose taught to us by our respective guilds. There is one dominant
purpose to speech. To communicate. The appropriate question is not why we
speak when we cast. The question is, to whom do we speak?

read 3-3
Our journey now takes a slight tangent to a topic most familiar to
myself. That of belonging. It is the normal order for a creature to be
"of" a place. The person born and raised in Seringale who knows its alleys
and its stories as if it were a part of them. The predators of the jungle
who camouflage so perfectly that they are near invisible. And when you are
of a place, it is a part of you and you a part of it. So how is this
pertinent to our discourse? It is equally possible to be "of" a reality.

I began investigating this concept after watching Wylsin's demonstration of
Fire evocation during the launch party for the first issue of the 16th
volume of the Mystique. I confess now that I was unable to follow along.
But it did feel familiar. And what could be more familiar to me than
myself? For I am not "of" this reality. I, like my kind, am "of" Acadia as
you all call it. So let us set aside Fire for the moment and instead focus
on the Fae.

What of the abilities particular to Pixies? The ability to shrink. The
ability to fly. The thing about reality is that there are rules that govern
them. These rules are taken as fundamental by those "of" that reality. But
each reality is different. It is a common thing for a traveler of one
reality visiting another to perceive the differences in the inherent rules
between the two realities as magical. The prodigious writer Serra described
Acadia as atypically full of magic. Indeed, with Acadia being one of the
most accessible alternate realities, even creatures of Acadia have come to
adopt the term. But in truth, the rules are just different. One of the
major differences is that the physical is far less permanent in Acadia than
it is in Serin. It is far more malleable. Things can be changed with
relative ease. Objects can be altered, appearances shifted. But the
altered item remains the very same thing despite these alterations. Indeed,
the inability of visitors to discern that an object is still the same object
after permutation makes for a favored game of young pixes. It tickles them
proper.

So when a pixie, such as myself, comes to Serin how do they shrink items?
Objects and forms have far stronger permanence here. How do I do it? The
answer is straightforward. I do not shrink them in Serin. I shrink them in
Acadia. This is a key difference between enchanting as an invoker does and
shrinking. I cannot shrink an item upon the ground. I must hold it. I am
"of" Acadia. And I carry Acadia with me at all times. I can extend my
native reality to encompass the item I hold. There I alter it. Then I
release, the item returns to the reality of Serin, and it remains shrunken
for objects do not simply change willy-nilly here. Pixie dust works on the
same premise. The dust is of me. And I am of Acadia. This ability to mix
realities, to combine the properties of the two, is central to many minor
magics. Indeed, I would argue these are not actually magic at all.

So where does the evocation of Fire tie in? The thing about belonging is
that it is also not permanent. It holds great power. It is difficult to
alter. But it can shifted through time and decisions. A person who starts
of one place can eventually become of another. My kind again produce a fine
example of the concept. When a pixie comes to Serin and begins worshiping a
God of this reality they show their devotion as would any other native of
Serin. And this level of commitment and recurrence eventually changes them.
Eventually, they lose their Fae gifts. They can no longer shrink items.
Their dust no longer provides flight. For they are no longer "of" Acadia.
They have become "of" Serin. They can no longer call to Acadia and project
it about themselves for it is no longer home.

Now, we return to Fire. Why is it that only Wylsin and Valindra were able
to evoke Fire? Why was Wylsin's stronger? I believe these are the same
principles in practice. Invokers are learning to project other realities
through their meticulous studies and practices. Elemental realities. They
learn to attune themselves to them. And the more they study, the stronger
they become able to do so. This is evident in their specializations as
well. Wylsin did not create fire magically. He exposed the natural
properties of that reality for us all to see.

read 3-4
Thank you to all readers who have stuck with the journey thus far. We
now spiral towards the completion of our walkabout as we attempt to tie
together everything we have discovered up to now. We have seen how minor
magics are actually the blending of two realities that utilize the
properties of each to impart an effect. We have also observed that the
ability to project an alternate reality can be both acquired and lost. And
finally, we have seen limitations set upon this methodology. Most
specifically distance. My need to hold the item I shrink. The aura of
flame tightly encompassing Wylsin during his evocation of Fire.

So what of the more bombastic of magics that all here are capable of? The
magics which require us to speak as we cast? Consider what is known.
Divine magic is capable of such dramatic impacts. A divine caster communes,
telepathically, with a God of their own reality, and the God imparts great
feats beyond what any mortal could accomplish. And divine casters devote to
their God regularly. The more they devote, the more favor they obtain, the
stronger their bond, the more they advance in the guild, and the greater
effects they can request. We have also seen that Gods have unique
capabilities in the greater boons they offer their own.

Now compare this to what we "know" of arcane casters if we are accepting
this line of hypothesis. The veil between realities can be pierced. We
speak when we cast. A caster can become attuned to an alternate reality
such that they can project it as a native creature who is "of" it can. The
more we pursue a particular school of magic the stronger we become in it.
The projection and mixing of realities is constrained in its impact. The
spells we cast far outstrip these constraints. Now consider, what does all
this call to mind? And consider the question from earlier: To whom do we
speak?

Pixies become "of" Serin by devoting to Serin Gods. Divine casters gain
strength through increased devotion. We are doing the same thing. We are
speaking to the Gods of other realities. They are granting us power.
Invokers are "attuning" to an elemental reality through consistent and
repeated action. It is devotion. It is one and the same. The only reason
we cast instead of commune is because the language of magic is the pathway
to piercing the veil between realities to speak with these foreign Gods.
Call them what you want. Gods, forces, extradimensional entities. But they
can converse. And they can grant power on a level comparable to the Serin
Gods. I suspect the founders of our respective guilds were great explorers
and visited these realities in person to learn the secret building blocks of
the arcane tongue.

Still not convinced? Then one last piece of evidence. I can directly tie
one Illusionist spell to its granting deity: Terrain. When one is under the
blessed embrace of terrain they lose all sense of orientation and detail of
landscape. They simply find themselves Within the Heart of Losla. Many
think this to be a simple deception of the mind. An illusory landscape.
But who conceived of this place? Of this Losla? Nobody. For Losla is very
much real. And her heart is very much all encompassing. You can confirm
this for yourself as I did. Take a journey to the Ethereal Plane. There
you will find no illusion but a real place. Roughly every fifth location is
of this local: Within the Hearth of Losla. She is real and her heart has
room for us all. When an Illusionist casts terrain they make a request of
Losla and she welcomes our targets into her loving embrace.

- Trillian Triffle, Researcher Extraordinaire

Trillian says 'The key is that we channel power from Gods of other realities.'

Trillian says 'Whereas what we call clerics here worship local Gods.'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'Do we now?'

Lurelian looks at Pinelock.

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'Quite nearly certain!'

You say to Foggledonk 'That is his supposition.'

Trillian says 'I admit this is observational and logical deduction.'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'My hellstream is channeled from a God of a different reality or universe?'

Trillian says 'But I find it compelling.'

Foggledonk says 'Compelling indeed.'

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'Oh yes. How else could it be so powerful?'

A Timaran citizen walks east.

Foggledonk says 'Imagine the power that could be unlocked by better understanding such a connection.'

Trillian says 'I submitted the work to the Symposium to see what the other great minds of the realm would think of it though. So please. Do tell!'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'You have me quite intrigued!'

Foggledonk says 'I find it most fascinating, that I could wield such power, not knowing its source.'

You say to Trillian 'I find your hypothesis intriguing, but I am not certain I am wholly convinced. Detailed as your reasoning may be.'

Ilromie says 'You do not feel the source within yourself?'

Foggledonk says 'Put another way, by studying ancient tomes, I am effectively harnessing a connection to another reality. A deity of another reality.'

Trillian says to Ilromie 'A cleric would say they feel the light of their God within themself.'

Dirnemak flies east.

You say to Trillian 'Would you expound on your definition of 'Gods'? Do you imply that there is an intelligence at work granting the power of incantations?'

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'I believe the founders of our guilds made contact. And that the arcane language is a means to communicate cross reality.'

Trillian says to you 'It is difficult to say for certain. I believe there must be enough intelligence for communcation.'

Foggledonk's jaw slowly drops.

You say 'Curious.'

Trillian says to you 'But a will with intent? I do not know.'

Trillian says to you 'Why does fire burn? It's goal is unto itself.'

Trillian says to Ilromie 'Am not going so far as to say we are all striking deals with demons.'

Trillian says to you 'I do think it would very by the God.'

Foggledonk pushes his chin up with his finger, closing his mouth once more.

Trillian says to you 'Vary even!'

Ilromie peers intently at Trillian.

Ilromie says to Trillian 'In fact, until now I hadn't considered that.'

Avenar says 'Serin's 18 elements have power all their own. The deities also have their own powers to grant. And, as you elude to Trillian, there are forces beyond the nature of Serin with their own powers.'

Trillian nods at Avenar.

Trillian nods at Avenar.

Avenar says 'I see them as many different potential sources of mortal power.'

Trillian says 'Precisely!'

Trillian says 'I feel confident in my assertion about Terrain and Losla.'

You say to Trillian 'How do you reconcile that hypothesis with the magical effects of otherwise mundane things? For example, a potion may grant Sanctuary, albeit more briefly than one of us might.'

Trillian says 'It is possible I err in how far I extend the theory.'

Trillian says 'But I do not think so.'

Ilromie says 'In fact, that is one compelling point.'

Ilromie says 'For how else do you know whose heart it is?'

Trillian says 'I think of items as storage devices.'

Pinelock shakes himselv slightly, branches filled with pine needles rustling.

Trillian says 'If a potion can hold a blessing of Olyn there is no reason a rod cannot hold an elemental earthquake.'

Trillian says 'Just because they can be stored does not necessarily change the source.'

You say 'That is well reasoned.'

Foggledonk nods in enthusiastic agreement with you.

Foggledonk says 'Olyn in a bottle!'

Pinelock says 'I can not say much....but the older ways that I have yet to learn, I have heard can take you places where you cannot gate normally, if you provide enough energy for the transfer.'

Dirnemak flies in.

Trillian says 'Druidic magic is one I certainly did not account for in my initial research.'

You say 'It is a rather ancient form of such.'

Trillian says 'I believe it to be more soundly of this reality than others. Similar to bardic. But I would have to investigate in far greater detail.'

Foggledonk says 'Perhaps a greater connection to the otherworldly deity empowering your ability to gate would lift some of your current restrictions!'

Dirnemak says 'Ok red dragon yes, enslaved prisoner will get you the knowledge, if you gate.'

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'Perhaps! I do think the Illusionist guild teachings are quite scattered across many foreign Gods most likely.'

Dirnemak sits down and rests.

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'Thus we never reach the levels of attunement as you Invokers.'

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'Your specialties speak to my theories I believe.'

You say to Foggledonk 'It seems to me that there are inherent restrictions associated with the mortal coil that limit what even the most devoted or concentrated practitioner can accomplish.'

Foggledonk nods.

Foggledonk says 'That does make sense, put that way.'

Foggledonk nods in enthusiastic agreement with you.

You say to Trillian 'Thank you for sharing your insight and reflections with us. Do you have any final thoughts?'

Trillian says 'It is also worth noting that many restrictions are likely imposed by the Gods of *this* reality.'

Dirnemak puts a leather-bound book titled 'The Proceedings of the Mystics of Arcana, Vol 1, #1' in a Big Ol'Pack Sack.

Lurelian puts a leather-bound book titled 'The Proceedings of the Mystics of Arcana, Vol 1, #1' in a Big Ol'Pack Sack.

Trillian says 'Trying to leverage the power of foreign God to violate the laws of a local...'

Trillian says 'Well, I would have to be *quite* the conduit.'

Dirnemak stands up.

Dirnemak flies down.

Dirnemak flies in.

Ilromie says 'Laws are not difficult to violate.'

Trillian says 'Some harder than others!'

Foggledonk cackles gleefully at Trillian.

You say 'Well said, Trillian.'

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Lurelian nods at Pinelock.

Foggledonk agrees absolutely.

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'Marvelous research.'

Trillian says 'Many thanks!'

Dirnemak utters the words, 'xafe ay candusqarr'.
A ray of light from above envelops Dirnemak.
Dirnemak disappears.

Lurelian says 'A fascinating discussion, researchers. I'm glad to have heard your thoughts on these matters.'

Lurelian nods.

Lurelian walks down.
An adolescent osprey flies down.

Pinelock says 'I feel the urge to go and walk among the elements.'

Lurelian walks in.
An adolescent osprey flies in.

You say 'That concludes the official portion of the Symposium. Thank you all for attending. I shall remain here to continue the discussion if there is anyone who wishes to.'

Trillian says 'I do so hope it piqued enough interest for some of you to reflect on it and pursue the study if you desire.'

You nod in enthusiastic agreement with Trillian.

Foggledonk bows before you.

Foggledonk says 'I appreciate you facilitating such a mind-expanding discussion!'

Ilromie says 'An excellent meeting of magical minds, Abecedarian.'

Trillian giggles.

Foggledonk hugs you.

Avenar says 'And Trillian too.'

Trillian playfully slaps Foggledonk on the shoulder.

Trillian says to Foggledonk 'You flatterer you.'

Foggledonk hugs Trillian.

Trillian pokes Avenar in the ribs.

Trillian says 'So cruel!'

Foggledonk says to Trillian 'Your research was the most extensive!'

Avenar says 'It was tremendous in its detail, indeed.'

Foggledonk says to Avenar 'I don't see your contribution in here. What gives?'

Trillian says to Avenar 'Did it surpass your hopes for the level of conjecture?'

Foggledonk pages through the leather-bound book.

Avenar chuckles politely.

Trillian giggles.

You are no longer in the limelight.
<HERALD> Odile the Crier gossips: 'Wylsin is no longer in the limelight.'

Wylsin slumps down onto a nearby bench.

Trillian says 'So tell us Wyllie, which was your favorite? We didn't even discuss your own!'

You say to Ilromie 'That is exhausting, how do you do it?'

Foggledonk chuckles politely.

Ilromie smiles at you.

Ilromie says to you 'Practice, poise, and preparation.'

Trillian says 'She has a trick.'

Avenar nods at Ilromie.

You say to Trillian 'Unfortunately our time was exhausted.'

Ilromie winks at Trillian.

Trillian says 'She always thinks shes at the center.'

Trillian says 'Makes it far more natural feeling.'

You chuckle at his joke

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Ilromie says 'I also have the benefit of living in high society since I was born.'

You say 'I most certainly did not enjoy that benefit.

Trillian says 'No light quite like rich light!

Ilromie says 'Our title may have yet been defunct but we lived on Main Street.

Foggledonk says to you 'The Ether you speak of. Does this conflict with Trillian's theories? Or perhaps there is more depth to the Ether than we realize?'

Trillian says 'I quite think his work and mine are rather complimentary. But I'd like his thoughts on it.'

You say to Foggledonk 'That question I believe remains unanswered. I have not detected what I would describe as 'intelligence' or 'will' within the Ether.'

Trillian sighs contentedly.

Avenar says 'Here is something to ponder.'

Avenar says 'The Ether is defined even in the most ancient scrolls as its own reality.'

Foggledonk nods at you in agreement.

Trillian says 'I think the difficulty with discerning intelligence is that we do not actually know the whole language we use to communicate. We know just the requests taught us by our respective guilds.'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Trillian says 'If I am right, we need to *find* them. As did our forebearers.'

You say 'You have not fully researched the incantations we speak?'

Trillian says 'I know all my guild has to teach.'

Trillian says 'But I do not know how to ask Losla to lunch in the arcane tongue.'

Trillian says 'And my common words do not reach her.'

You ponder the question.

Trillian says 'And I would so like to ask her to a meal...'

Wylsin takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

Trillian sighs 'With longing...'

Trillian hums merrily.

Wylsin murmurs 'It is a language like others..'

Avenar says 'Forgive me, I must...gate away to one of those unreachable places as I have something to attend to.'

Trillian watches Wylsin intently.

Foggledonk snickers with Avenar about their shared secret.

Avenar says 'Thank you for hosting, Wylsin.'

Foggledonk waves at Avenar cheerfully.

A bolt of golden lightning flashes down from the sky and Avenar vanishes.

Wylsin utters the words 'Iz wjgh rzabrai uh.'

Wylsin opens his eyes.

You nod.

Trillian says 'Discover anything?'

You say 'I spoke the language of the Ether. You do not yet understand it.'

Trillian says 'Oh? How well do you know it?'

Trillian says 'What did you say?'

You say 'I said, 'One must learn it.''

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Trillian says 'Fair.'

Trillian says 'So are you fluent then?'

You say 'I am.'

Trillian says 'Have you ever tried then?'

Trillian says 'Thinking of there being an entity on the other side of your invocations?'

Trillian says 'Have you ever asked them for something other than one of your guild spells?'

Trillian says 'Tried to strike up a conversation?'

You say 'I had not considered that possibility until you posited it. As I said, I have not sensed such myself.'

Trillian nods.

Ilromie says 'In fact, I have also felt that my power came from within me.'

Foggledonk says 'I must take my leave I'm afraid.'

Foggledonk bows before you.

Foggledonk bows before Ilromie.

Foggledonk bows before Trillian.

Trillian says 'It is a tricky thing. An odd theory.'

Foggledonk wiggles his bottom.

Foggledonk waves happily.

Trillian says 'Most local Gods do not respond to prayers as well.'

Foggledonk says 'Thank you for a wonderful Symposium!'

Trillian says 'The problem with Gods is that they are so unknowable.'

Trillian says 'Hard to know what to expect.'

Foggledonk walks east.

You say 'That is quite true.'

Trillian says 'I do so wish I could find Losla.'

You say 'Do you believe Losla to be an entity or a locale?'

Trillian says 'She seems infinite. Even with with her in the ethereal there seems to be no getting outside her to look her in the eye.'

Trillian says 'I believe she is an entity.'

You say 'Curious. I always took it to mean a locale.'

Trillian says 'I have for a very long time.'

Trillian says 'Think of the druids.'

Trillian says 'Do they not speak of the land as both an entity and a locale?'

Trillian says 'I think it can be both. They are just big.'

You say 'I suppose they do, an interesting perspective.'

Trillian says 'Losla might well be infinite.'

Ilromie says 'How did the name come to you?'

Trillian giggles.

Trillian says 'You don't know?'

Trillian says 'I wrote a song about it. Surely you've read it.'

You say 'She reads a great many things.'

Trillian says 'It was one of my submission pieces to enter the Consortium.'

Ilromie says 'Why don't you sing it for us.'

Trillian sits down and thinks deeply.

Trillian says 'I probably could. I haven't sung it in quite some time.'

Trillian raps 'Lah dee dah de-da dee dah de-da deet deet dee doo.'

Trillian raps 'Ah lah dee dah de-da dee dah de-da deet deet dee doo.'

Trillian raps 'When I was a young man visit Jim down on the farm.'

Trillian raps 'In the surrounding forest practiced all my fledgling charms.'

Trillian raps 'Then one day took a wrong turn darkness spread amongst the boughs.'

Trillian raps 'The huntsman set upon me to send me into my death throes.'

Trillian raps 'His devil horns they glistened like the black tip of his spear.'

Trillian raps 'I curled up tight into a ball could hardly move for fear.'

Trillian raps 'Now when I'm feeling frightened I just pull back from the world.'

Trillian raps 'I closed my eyes, drifted away into those crimson walls.'

Trillian raps 'And I saaaaaw you.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la my first siiight of you.'

Trillian raps 'The monsters they don't fade away cause Lorsa loves them too.'

Trillian raps 'They still growl and rend with mighty claws, their razor teeth still chew.'

Trillian raps 'But they don't seem so scary now her love is all around.'

Trillian raps 'I fight them off with fervor I can take them pound for pound.'

Trillian raps 'When I'm wiiiiith you.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la I-iiiiii need you.'

Trillian raps 'I may just be a mortal and I am so very small.'

Trillian raps 'But my love is endless it can fill those empty halls.'

Trillian raps 'If I could only find her know we'd reconcile our size.'

Trillian raps 'So I will keep on searching til the day of my demise.'

Trillian raps 'I close mmmmyyyy eyes.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la I'llllllllll find you.'

Trillian raps 'I searched the arcane towers but I never heard her name.'

Trillian raps 'All these old wise scholars met me with ridicule and shame.'

Trillian raps 'Their words cut worse than scimitars their laughter hurt my bones.'

Trillian raps 'I internalized derision be-fore waves of mocking tones.'

Trillian raps 'I close mmmmyyy eyes.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la I-iiii see you.'

Trillian raps 'I drift away to hallowed halls familiar and the same.'

Trillian raps 'Their words still drip with acid but now everything is changed.'

Trillian raps 'I walk myself straight out the door, this place holds no val-ue.'

Trillian raps 'I close mmmmyyy eyes.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la wheerrre are you?'

Trillian raps 'They say she's an illusion but I know that isn't true.'

Trillian raps 'I'll search the whole Serin just to find a single clue.'

Trillian raps 'I close mmmmyyy eyes.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la I-iiii love you.'

Trillian raps 'Close yoooouur eyes.'

Trillian raps 'Los-la loves youuuu too.'

Trillian coughs loudly.

Trillian says 'That Val... rubbing off on me.'

Trillian says 'I used to sing it sweeter.'

Ilromie smiles happily.

Ilromie shows her approval by clapping her hands together.

Ilromie says 'In fact, I am only disappointed that I have not asked for a live performance earlier.'

Ilromie says 'But it does not quite address the question.'

Trillian says 'The first time I saw her was when I was attacked as a young man.'

Trillian says 'It just happened.'

Ilromie nods.

Ilromie says 'How did you know her as Losla?'

Trillian sits down and thinks deeply.

Trillian says 'You know... I've never thought about it.'

Trillian says 'I actually thought of her as Lorsa for many as year.'

Trillian says 'But I after I obtained terrain in my guild I starting going to her in difficult times.'

Trillian says 'And came to know her true name was Losla.'

Trillian says 'Perhaps she is speaking to me... just more subtly than I had imagined.'

Ilromie glances towards the window at the sudden darkening.

Trillian says 'That is an encouraging thought. I quite like that.'

Trillian must like Ilromie a great deal to beam at her so broadly!

You chuckle politely.

Ilromie says 'It seems to have a suddenness in common with how visions can come upon me.'

You say 'However this comes into focus, I look forward to a joint research.'

Trillian nods.

Trillian nods.

Ilromie agrees absolutely.

Trillian says 'I as well! You can always learn more with experiences outside your own.'

You nod.

Trillian says 'Theories are just theories. Only a fool is overly protective of them.'

You say 'Quite.'