Means to Power

There are many different ways for characters to gain power and be recognized in the Realm of Esoterica.

I'm thinking about doing a system like Loremastery, suitably modified for Esoterica and built around manipulating the Vim of 'Tween space. I would architect it so that practitioners would get an extra Magic die or two in the 'Tween and be pretty consistent, but have a rough time of it out of the 'Tween. Thoughts? Ideas for an equivalent for the "Curse of Tzeentch" would be welcome as well.

Killer Shrike, 2009/11/01 23:55

MAGIC SYSTEMS

"The Chamber Arcane was founded to investigate the many disparate mechanisms for the working of magic throughout the Multiverse. The Chamber Arcane feels that there must be some sort of fundamental and common principles underlying The Art in its myriad of forms but is no closer to understanding what it is.

The most common theorem states that beings learned in The Art are somehow able to manipulate Vim across a limited ‘set’ of its many forms. The Chamber Arcane believes that the many different styles of The Art are purely a result of the variety of conceptual techniques used by mortal beings to visualise and manipulate Vim.

However, the Zinmann Paradox argues that, if the magic is the manipulation of Vim, all forms of magic should work in all Planes, since Vim is a fundamental element of the multiverse. Patently, this is not the case as can be highlighted by the unfortunate - and horrific - turn of events that resulted in Isarc Zinmann suddenly finding himself being unable to summon a gale to disperse a necrotic swarm that was maliciously bent on his destruction.

It is also important to point out that a number of magical forms do not involve the use of conceptual - or any other such technique - that enables the practitioner to attain a higher state of awareness where they are able to perceive and manipulate Vim (shaping or willing Forms). Examples include Forms whereby the practitioner channels – or is bestowed with – a portion of a higher entity’s (those closer to the Rim) Vim-awareness, usually in return for some sort of favour or service (channelling or binding Forms). Other examples include using the natural alignment which certain substances have for certain aspects of Vim to produce effects (alchemickal Forms), or using symbols of power to shape Vim, similar to the effect prisms have upon light (runick Forms).

There are also many forms of magic whereby an individual practitioner may not have any great or deep understanding of what forces they are manipulating, but rather learn specific effects by rote, or else simply discover one-off effects that work by trial and error. While these "rote" Forms might be less cerebral or refined that some other styles, they can still be quite effective and very pragmatic."

- Extract from the Illustrated Arcane Primer, a document issued to all junior Fellows of the Chamber Arcane upon membership.

NATIVE TO ESOTERICA

The following Magic Systems are practiced in Esoterica and have some kind of presence in the 'Tween.

Winding: this Shaping form is perhaps the most common type of magic in the 'Tween as practiced by natives.
Crypticism: this Rote form is one of the most common types of magic in the 'Tween. (90 Active Point limit is imposed)
Alchemy - a strongly Alchemickal Form
Ecclesiasm - a Channelling Form
Daemonology - a Pact-Based form for the truly desperate.
Necromantism - there remains much debate in the Chamber Arcane as to what Forms this dart art draws upon.
Occultism - possibly a Shaping or Wiling Form
Incarnism - a Channelling Form

FOREIGN TO ESOTERICA

The following Magic Systems do not originate in Esoterica, but might be encountered by travel to other dimensions where they are native, or might be transplanted to Esoterica by travelers from other dimensions.

Elementalism - a style that combines both Willing and Channelling Forms
Naturalism - a Channelling Form that may contain elements of the Shaping Form
Runecrafting - a Runick Form
Thanomancy - a dark and powerful Willing Form. Some Fellows argue that Barbarican Thanomancy Channels lifeforce and then Shapes it.

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PSIONICS

Psionics exist within Esoterica although in many cultures, Psionically gifted individuals are often confused with practitioners of certain magical disciplines.

On Sanctuary, a group of Psions who are currently Fellows of the Chamber Arcane are trying to obtain formal recognition of their talents and are petitioning the Chamber Prime to further split the Chamber Arcane into the Chamber Arcane and the Chamber Psionick. Edit

SUPER SKILLS

Super skills exist within Esoterica and are often the result of strange, magical bloodlines; training in forgotten disciplines that blend skill with magical or psionick flair; or gifts endowed in return for allegiances.

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MARTIAL ARTS

TBD

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