Post by Admin on May 27, 2008 21:49:21 GMT
In the world of Darkening Nights, Magic is broken down into two categories. Traditions, and Schools.
Traditions are the three broad spectra that cover the various outlooks, practices and methodology of magical practice. These Traditions are: Hermetic, Psionic, and Wild. Schools are subsets of the Traditions that describe how a particular Traditions ideology is used in the practice of certain magical 'acts', be they spells, enchantments or whatever the mystic in question wishes to call them. Of note, no mage can use more than one School of magic.
The Hermetic Tradition is perhaps what people most commonly think of at the mention of the word magic. The old sage pouring over a dusty tome for that one sequence of gestures and that one arcane phrase to conjure an effect of his wish. Hermetics approach magic in a regimented, almost scientific fashion, using 'tried and tested' techniques and methods to produce results by rote that have been practiced for centuries. Most Hermetic magic makes use of symbology, mystic iconography that channels mystical power into a form able to be shaped and manipulated. Some examples of Hermetic Schools are: alchemy, the transmutation of matter by infusing mystical energy through almost chemical processes; demonology, the summoning and binding of 'demons' or other entities not of this word through ritual; and necromancy, the manipulation of the threads of life and death through incantation, brews and salves.
The Psionic Tradition is the focus on the power of the mind over matter. Traditional psychic abilities fall under this label and it is perhaps the least obvious in terms of outward effect, with the notable exception of psychokinesis. Unlike Hermetic magic, Psionic magic is a natural talent, you either have it or you don't, it cannot be learned nor taught. As such, each individual Psion learns and develops their art in a unique way, clouded by their own perceptions of the world and the links between their mind and what exists around them. Some examples of Psionic Schools are: telepathy, the act of reading the thoughts and emotions of others; psychokinesis, affecting real world matter using the invisible forces of the mind; clairsentience, extra-sensory perception and the sixth senses such as precognition and the 'second sight'.
The Wild Tradition is by far the oldest of the three, for it harnesses the power of the natural forces of the world that have surrounded mankind since its infancy. Like Psionics, Wild magic is an inherent trait that cannot be learned, although it is far less personalised and subsequently shares some similarities with Hermetic magic in its occasionally regimented approach. Natural forces, of course, does not solely include the powers of the Forces of Nature themselves, but also things endemic to the human condition, such as faith, and the power of a 'true name'. Some examples of Wild Magic include: elementalism, the control of one of the natural forces of earth, fire, water and air; theurgy, praying or making offerings to one or more divine entities in order to call down their power or favour; nocturnomancy, the control and manipulation of ambient levels of light and darkness.
The examples of Schools listed above are, of course, not an exclusive list. They are merely a taste of the possibilities offered within each tradition as a springboard for creativity. There are, however, several rules that bear noting with regards to what magic can and cannot do:
1. Time travel is impossible.
2. Resurrection is impossible. Reanimation of dead tissue can be achieved, however bringing someone back to life as they were at the time of their death is impossible.
Traditions are the three broad spectra that cover the various outlooks, practices and methodology of magical practice. These Traditions are: Hermetic, Psionic, and Wild. Schools are subsets of the Traditions that describe how a particular Traditions ideology is used in the practice of certain magical 'acts', be they spells, enchantments or whatever the mystic in question wishes to call them. Of note, no mage can use more than one School of magic.
The Hermetic Tradition is perhaps what people most commonly think of at the mention of the word magic. The old sage pouring over a dusty tome for that one sequence of gestures and that one arcane phrase to conjure an effect of his wish. Hermetics approach magic in a regimented, almost scientific fashion, using 'tried and tested' techniques and methods to produce results by rote that have been practiced for centuries. Most Hermetic magic makes use of symbology, mystic iconography that channels mystical power into a form able to be shaped and manipulated. Some examples of Hermetic Schools are: alchemy, the transmutation of matter by infusing mystical energy through almost chemical processes; demonology, the summoning and binding of 'demons' or other entities not of this word through ritual; and necromancy, the manipulation of the threads of life and death through incantation, brews and salves.
The Psionic Tradition is the focus on the power of the mind over matter. Traditional psychic abilities fall under this label and it is perhaps the least obvious in terms of outward effect, with the notable exception of psychokinesis. Unlike Hermetic magic, Psionic magic is a natural talent, you either have it or you don't, it cannot be learned nor taught. As such, each individual Psion learns and develops their art in a unique way, clouded by their own perceptions of the world and the links between their mind and what exists around them. Some examples of Psionic Schools are: telepathy, the act of reading the thoughts and emotions of others; psychokinesis, affecting real world matter using the invisible forces of the mind; clairsentience, extra-sensory perception and the sixth senses such as precognition and the 'second sight'.
The Wild Tradition is by far the oldest of the three, for it harnesses the power of the natural forces of the world that have surrounded mankind since its infancy. Like Psionics, Wild magic is an inherent trait that cannot be learned, although it is far less personalised and subsequently shares some similarities with Hermetic magic in its occasionally regimented approach. Natural forces, of course, does not solely include the powers of the Forces of Nature themselves, but also things endemic to the human condition, such as faith, and the power of a 'true name'. Some examples of Wild Magic include: elementalism, the control of one of the natural forces of earth, fire, water and air; theurgy, praying or making offerings to one or more divine entities in order to call down their power or favour; nocturnomancy, the control and manipulation of ambient levels of light and darkness.
The examples of Schools listed above are, of course, not an exclusive list. They are merely a taste of the possibilities offered within each tradition as a springboard for creativity. There are, however, several rules that bear noting with regards to what magic can and cannot do:
1. Time travel is impossible.
2. Resurrection is impossible. Reanimation of dead tissue can be achieved, however bringing someone back to life as they were at the time of their death is impossible.