Varieties of Magic - Revision history

Admiralbenbo: /* Bards */

2025-05-05T00:12:27Z

Bards

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:12, 5 May 2025
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	"Bard" is the name given to those who resonate with reality using performance and the strength of their personalities. Through music, dance, oratory, or other performance they bend the minds of others, charm and confuse, etc. They learn their tricks (spells) by trial and experimentation. This means that they know fairly few spells but are less restricted by traditions and schools than some others. It should be noted that many people called bards do not have access to more than a few basic tricks (cantrips or simple first-level spells). Bards who can fully use their powers and grow in power are very rare. The bardic college is the organization devoted to bards.		"Bard" is the name given to those who resonate with reality using performance and the strength of their personalities. Through music, dance, oratory, or other performance they bend the minds of others, charm and confuse, etc. They learn their tricks (spells) by trial and experimentation. This means that they know fairly few spells but are less restricted by traditions and schools than some others. It should be noted that many people called bards do not have access to more than a few basic tricks (cantrips or simple first-level spells). Bards who can fully use their powers and grow in power are very rare. The bardic college is the organization devoted to bards.

	Bardic (or Harmonic) magic was one of the earliest forms of magic, dating back to the First Age, when agents of [[Leviathan]] taught mortals (the proteans and lightborn especially) the power of songs and chants. The chants used by commoners (especially in the [[Successor States]] are a primitive, ritualized form of harmonic magic.		Bardic (or Harmonic) magic was one of the earliest forms of magic, dating back to the First Age, when agents of [[Leviathan]] taught mortals (the proteans and lightborn especially) the power of songs and chants. The [[chants]] used by commoners (especially in the [[Successor States]] are a primitive, ritualized form of harmonic magic.

	Bards are about equally common throughout the [[Federated Nations]]. There is a Bardic College in [[Kaelthia]].		Bards are about equally common throughout the [[Federated Nations]]. There is a Bardic College in [[Kaelthia]].

Admiralbenbo: /* Warlocks */

2020-09-14T03:55:58Z

Warlocks

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:55, 14 September 2020
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	==Warlocks==		==Warlocks==
	Warlocks are those whose power is based on a contract. Often these individuals do not have intrinsic powers but gain power by forming a contract with a powerful being. These contracts may impose more or fewer strictures on the warlock--those who make contracts with fiends tend to see the most interference while those who contract with ~~outsiders (the Great Old Ones)~~ have little interference but often develop weird tics or quirks as a result of continued exposure to eldritch forces. Those who contract with fey powers tend to act normally except for a single oddity that reflects the quirks of their contracting partner. Warlocks are rare and not organized. Gaining power is easier for warlocks than for others, but much more hazardous. Warlocks who don't naturally cap in potential burn out or are consumed by their contracting partner.		Warlocks are those whose power is based on a contract. Often these individuals do not have intrinsic powers but gain power by forming a contract with a powerful being. These contracts may impose more or fewer strictures on the warlock--those who make contracts with fiends (devils mostly, as demons are...dangerous) tend to see the most interference while those who contract with stranger beings have little interference but often develop weird tics or quirks as a result of continued exposure to eldritch forces. Those pledged to astral beings act much like priests and are tied to the worship of their "deific" patron. Those who contract with fey powers tend to act normally except for a single oddity that reflects the quirks of their contracting partner. Warlocks are rare and not organized. Gaining power is easier for warlocks than for others, but much more hazardous. Warlocks who don't naturally cap in potential burn out or are consumed by their contracting partner.

	The status of warlocks depends on the nation. The [[Jungle of Fangs]] has many ~~fiend-pact or celestial warlocks~~, and they have respectable status. Many ~~Stone Throne~~ "priests" are closer to warlocks than to clerics--the [[Queen Ascendant]] cannot create clerics (not being a member of the Congregation). Fey warlocks are particularly common in Byssia~~; hexblades and celestial warlocks~~ are common in the Dynasty. The ~~Council Lands looks~~ askance on non-~~celestial~~ warlocks~~, although,~~ with the influence of [[Catalysts\|Catalyst]] Vassarian, ~~Great Old One~~ warlocks are becoming more tolerated and starting to come out of hiding.		The status of warlocks depends on the nation. The [[Jungle of Fangs]] has many devoted, both to fiends and to astral beings, and they have respectable status. Many "priests" in the jungle are closer to warlocks than to clerics--the [[Queen Ascendant]] cannot create clerics (not being a member of the Congregation). Fey warlocks are particularly common in Byssia. Warlocks pledged to astral forces or intelligent artifacts are common in the Dynasty. The [[Successor States]] generally look askance on non-astrally-pledged warlocks (with the [[Holy Kaelthian Republic]] having outlawed such pacts entirely). With the influence of [[Catalysts\|Catalyst]] Vassarian, warlocks pledged to certain, more bizarre, powers are becoming more tolerated and starting to come out of hiding.
	'''Other Names''': Pledged, Devoted. Many priests with power are actually ~~celestial~~ warlocks.
			'''Other Names''': Pledged, Devoted. Many priests with power are actually warlocks pledged to astral forces.

	==Wizards==		==Wizards==

Admiralbenbo: /* Sorcerers */

2020-09-14T03:51:35Z

Sorcerers

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:51, 14 September 2020
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	"Sorcerer" is a catch-all term for those whose spells come from their heritage (their genetics). These come as genetic memories or patterns as natural as breathing. They impose their will on reality by force of will and are not as bound by strictures and structures as other spell-casters. As they gain experience and power they learn to manipulate the patterns, breaking the normal limits of the spells. As a side effect, they tend not to have very many patterns available to them. Like clerics, relatively few can cast above 3rd-level spells. Sorcerers are rarer than either clerics or druids.		"Sorcerer" is a catch-all term for those whose spells come from their heritage (their genetics). These come as genetic memories or patterns as natural as breathing. They impose their will on reality by force of will and are not as bound by strictures and structures as other spell-casters. As they gain experience and power they learn to manipulate the patterns, breaking the normal limits of the spells. As a side effect, they tend not to have very many patterns available to them. Like clerics, relatively few can cast above 3rd-level spells. Sorcerers are rarer than either clerics or druids.

	Sorcerers are most common in the western nations--[[Wyrmhold]] and Byssia. [[Dragonborn]] sorcerers (who almost uniformly take after their draconic heritage) are respected by the clans and organized into schools. [[Byssia]]n sorcerers ~~are~~ usually ~~Storm~~ or ~~Favored Souls~~. Shadow and ~~Wild~~ magic both crop up at random throughout the [[Federated Nations]].		Sorcerers are most common in the western nations--[[Wyrmhold]] and Byssia. [[Dragonborn]] sorcerers (who almost uniformly take after their draconic heritage) are respected by the clans and organized into schools. [[Byssia]]n sorcerers usually arise in connection with the elements or by the intervention of astral beings. Those touched by [[Shadow]] and those affected by wild, uncontrollable magic both crop up at random throughout the [[Federated Nations]].

	==Warlocks==		==Warlocks==

Admiralbenbo: /* Orders and Oaths */

2020-09-14T03:50:02Z

Orders and Oaths

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:50, 14 September 2020
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	Three orders are most visible in the [[Federated Nations]]: the [[Scale Balancer]]s of the [[Successor States]], the [[Crownguard]] of [[Wyrmhold]], and the Sinner's Tear (found throughout).		Three orders are most visible in the [[Federated Nations]]: the [[Scale Balancer]]s of the [[Successor States]], the [[Crownguard]] of [[Wyrmhold]], and the Sinner's Tear (found throughout).

	The [[Scale Balancer]]s ~~are most associated with the Oaths of Conquest and Vengeance, although the Oaths of Devotion and Crown are not uncommon. They~~ swear to root out falseness and to punish wrongdoers.		The [[Scale Balancer]]s swear to root out falseness and to punish wrongdoers. Their motto is "Let justice be done, though the heavens fall." They pledge themselves to the service of [[Ytra]] and are highly hierarchical, although not political.

	The [[Crownguard]]~~, associated with Devotion and the Crown, with Vengeance as not uncommon,~~ swear to protect the queen of [[Wyrmhold]] with their lives and souls.		The [[Crownguard]] swear to protect the queen of [[Wyrmhold]] with their lives and souls. They are the Crown's agents; honor and obedience come before anything else.

	The oath-sworn of the [[Sinner's Tear]] ~~are most associated with Devotion, Redemption, and the Ancients, although Vengeance is also common. They~~ swear to protect the light from the darkness, to take on the sins of the world so that innocents don't falter. Most of them believe themselves damned beyond redemption, but have a fierce dedication to not letting others go down that path.		The oath-sworn of the [[Sinner's Tear]] swear to protect the light from the darkness, to take on the sins of the world so that innocents don't falter. Most of them believe themselves damned beyond redemption, but have a fierce dedication to not letting others go down that path. Unlike the others, they are non-hierarchical--the "order" is a loose association of wandering knights and their squires (often novices on that dark and lonely path).

	==Rangers==		==Rangers==

Admiralbenbo: /* Clerics */

2020-09-14T03:47:20Z

Clerics

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:47, 14 September 2020
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	Clerics are most common in the [[Successor States]] and in [[Wyrmhold]]; priests are common in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], but mainly draw their power as warlocks instead. Clerics are vanishingly rare in [[Byssia]]--priests there are actually Pledged serving [[Nocthis]].		Clerics are most common in the [[Successor States]] and in [[Wyrmhold]]; priests are common in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], but mainly draw their power as warlocks instead. Clerics are vanishingly rare in [[Byssia]]--priests there are actually Pledged serving [[Nocthis]].

	'''Other Names''': Clerics of each member of the [[Congregation]] use culturally-specific names and titles. For instance, wandering clerics of [[Selesurala]] are often called "storm crows," while priests of [[Korokonolkom]] are known as Listeners.		'''Other Names''': Clerics of each member of the [[Congregation]] use culturally-specific names and titles. For instance, wandering clerics of [[Selesurala]] are often called "storm crows," while priests of [[Korokonolkom]] are known as Listeners.

Admiralbenbo: /* Bards */

2020-09-14T03:46:48Z

Bards

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:46, 14 September 2020
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	==Bards==		==Bards==
	"Bard" is the name given to those who resonate with reality using performance and the strength of their personalities. Through music, dance, oratory, or other performance they bend the minds of others, charm and confuse, etc. They learn their tricks (spells) by trial and experimentation. This means that they know fairly few spells but are less restricted by traditions and schools than some others. It should be noted that many people called bards do not have access to more than a few basic tricks (cantrips or simple first-level spells). Bards who can fully use their powers and grow in power are very rare. The bardic college is the organization devoted to bards.		"Bard" is the name given to those who resonate with reality using performance and the strength of their personalities. Through music, dance, oratory, or other performance they bend the minds of others, charm and confuse, etc. They learn their tricks (spells) by trial and experimentation. This means that they know fairly few spells but are less restricted by traditions and schools than some others. It should be noted that many people called bards do not have access to more than a few basic tricks (cantrips or simple first-level spells). Bards who can fully use their powers and grow in power are very rare. The bardic college is the organization devoted to bards.

			Bardic (or Harmonic) magic was one of the earliest forms of magic, dating back to the First Age, when agents of [[Leviathan]] taught mortals (the proteans and lightborn especially) the power of songs and chants. The chants used by commoners (especially in the [[Successor States]] are a primitive, ritualized form of harmonic magic.

	Bards are about equally common throughout the [[Federated Nations]]. There is a Bardic College in [[Kaelthia]].		Bards are about equally common throughout the [[Federated Nations]]. There is a Bardic College in [[Kaelthia]].

Admiralbenbo at 19:48, 3 May 2020

2020-05-03T19:48:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:48, 3 May 2020
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	Warlocks are those whose power is based on a contract. Often these individuals do not have intrinsic powers but gain power by forming a contract with a powerful being. These contracts may impose more or fewer strictures on the warlock--those who make contracts with fiends tend to see the most interference while those who contract with outsiders (the Great Old Ones) have little interference but often develop weird tics or quirks as a result of continued exposure to eldritch forces. Those who contract with fey powers tend to act normally except for a single oddity that reflects the quirks of their contracting partner. Warlocks are rare and not organized. Gaining power is easier for warlocks than for others, but much more hazardous. Warlocks who don't naturally cap in potential burn out or are consumed by their contracting partner.		Warlocks are those whose power is based on a contract. Often these individuals do not have intrinsic powers but gain power by forming a contract with a powerful being. These contracts may impose more or fewer strictures on the warlock--those who make contracts with fiends tend to see the most interference while those who contract with outsiders (the Great Old Ones) have little interference but often develop weird tics or quirks as a result of continued exposure to eldritch forces. Those who contract with fey powers tend to act normally except for a single oddity that reflects the quirks of their contracting partner. Warlocks are rare and not organized. Gaining power is easier for warlocks than for others, but much more hazardous. Warlocks who don't naturally cap in potential burn out or are consumed by their contracting partner.

	The status of warlocks depends on the nation. The [[Jungle of Fangs]] has many fiend-pact or celestial warlocks, and they have respectable status. Many Stone Throne "priests" are closer to warlocks than to clerics--the [[Queen Ascendant]] cannot create clerics (not being a member of the Congregation). Fey warlocks are particularly common in Byssia; hexblades and celestial warlocks are common in the Dynasty. The Council Lands looks askance on non-celestial warlocks, although, with the influence of [[Catalyst]] Vassarian, Great Old One warlocks are becoming more tolerated and starting to come out of hiding.		The status of warlocks depends on the nation. The [[Jungle of Fangs]] has many fiend-pact or celestial warlocks, and they have respectable status. Many Stone Throne "priests" are closer to warlocks than to clerics--the [[Queen Ascendant]] cannot create clerics (not being a member of the Congregation). Fey warlocks are particularly common in Byssia; hexblades and celestial warlocks are common in the Dynasty. The Council Lands looks askance on non-celestial warlocks, although, with the influence of [[Catalysts\|Catalyst]] Vassarian, Great Old One warlocks are becoming more tolerated and starting to come out of hiding.
	'''Other Names''': Pledged, Devoted. Many priests with power are actually celestial warlocks.		'''Other Names''': Pledged, Devoted. Many priests with power are actually celestial warlocks.

Admiralbenbo at 19:47, 3 May 2020

2020-05-03T19:47:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 3 May 2020
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	"Sorcerer" is a catch-all term for those whose spells come from their heritage (their genetics). These come as genetic memories or patterns as natural as breathing. They impose their will on reality by force of will and are not as bound by strictures and structures as other spell-casters. As they gain experience and power they learn to manipulate the patterns, breaking the normal limits of the spells. As a side effect, they tend not to have very many patterns available to them. Like clerics, relatively few can cast above 3rd-level spells. Sorcerers are rarer than either clerics or druids.		"Sorcerer" is a catch-all term for those whose spells come from their heritage (their genetics). These come as genetic memories or patterns as natural as breathing. They impose their will on reality by force of will and are not as bound by strictures and structures as other spell-casters. As they gain experience and power they learn to manipulate the patterns, breaking the normal limits of the spells. As a side effect, they tend not to have very many patterns available to them. Like clerics, relatively few can cast above 3rd-level spells. Sorcerers are rarer than either clerics or druids.

	Sorcerers are most common in the western nations--[[Wyrmhold]] and Byssia. [[Dragonborn]] sorcerers (who almost uniformly take after their draconic heritage) are respected by the clans and organized into schools. [[~~Byssian~~]] sorcerers are usually Storm or Favored Souls. Shadow and Wild magic both crop up at random throughout the [[Federated Nations]].		Sorcerers are most common in the western nations--[[Wyrmhold]] and Byssia. [[Dragonborn]] sorcerers (who almost uniformly take after their draconic heritage) are respected by the clans and organized into schools. [[Byssia]]n sorcerers are usually Storm or Favored Souls. Shadow and Wild magic both crop up at random throughout the [[Federated Nations]].

	==Warlocks==		==Warlocks==

Admiralbenbo at 19:36, 3 May 2020

2020-05-03T19:36:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:36, 3 May 2020
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	Druids gain access to spells through communion with the [[kami]] or spirits of nature--genii loci, elemental spirits, fey creatures, etc. Unlike warlocks who make a single contract with a single powerful being, druids make deals with the lesser spirits that suffuse the landscape. Each spirit allows itself to be bound to a task in return for packets of aether from the druid. These tasks are expressed as spells. This gives the druid a wide array of effects to choose from; he or she must choose during meditation what pacts to make each day as only a limited number of pacts can be maintained simultaneously. Of all the full casting traditions, druids are the most common as this is the tradition followed by most tribal shamans (although many shamans follow bardic traditions or are incapable of casting spells). The exact expression varies between the tribes--some are more elemental in orientation and others are more animal-focused. They tend to cap around 4th level spells with a very few capable of 5th level. Druids are not usually organized beyond the tribal level.		Druids gain access to spells through communion with the [[kami]] or spirits of nature--genii loci, elemental spirits, fey creatures, etc. Unlike warlocks who make a single contract with a single powerful being, druids make deals with the lesser spirits that suffuse the landscape. Each spirit allows itself to be bound to a task in return for packets of aether from the druid. These tasks are expressed as spells. This gives the druid a wide array of effects to choose from; he or she must choose during meditation what pacts to make each day as only a limited number of pacts can be maintained simultaneously. Of all the full casting traditions, druids are the most common as this is the tradition followed by most tribal shamans (although many shamans follow bardic traditions or are incapable of casting spells). The exact expression varies between the tribes--some are more elemental in orientation and others are more animal-focused. They tend to cap around 4th level spells with a very few capable of 5th level. Druids are not usually organized beyond the tribal level.

	Druids are most common in [[Byssia]] and in the [[~~Orc~~\|orc]]ish areas of [[Wyrmhold]], although [[Southshore]] is now home to a Circle, and the [[puun ihmisia]] of [[Kotimaa]] also commonly follow these traditions. Druids are rare in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], although not unknown.		Druids are most common in [[Byssia]] and in the [[Orcs\|orc]]ish areas of [[Wyrmhold]], although [[Southshore]] is now home to a Circle, and the [[puun ihmisia]] of [[Kotimaa]] also commonly follow these traditions. Druids are rare in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], although not unknown.

	==Paladins==		==Paladins==

Admiralbenbo: /* Clerics */

2020-05-03T16:14:26Z

Clerics

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 3 May 2020
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	Clerics are most common in the [[Successor States]] and in [[Wyrmhold]]; priests are common in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], but mainly draw their power as warlocks instead. Clerics are vanishingly rare in [[Byssia]]--priests there are actually Pledged serving [[Nocthis]].		Clerics are most common in the [[Successor States]] and in [[Wyrmhold]]; priests are common in the [[Jungle of Fangs]], but mainly draw their power as warlocks instead. Clerics are vanishingly rare in [[Byssia]]--priests there are actually Pledged serving [[Nocthis]].
	'''Other Names''': Clerics of each member of the [[Congregation]] use culturally-specific names and titles. For instance, wandering clerics of [[Selesurala]] are often called "storm crows," while priests of [[~~Korokonolkolm~~]] are known as Listeners.		'''Other Names''': Clerics of each member of the [[Congregation]] use culturally-specific names and titles. For instance, wandering clerics of [[Selesurala]] are often called "storm crows," while priests of [[Korokonolkom]] are known as Listeners.

	==Druids==		==Druids==