Marcry Theory

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Marcry (aka magic) is an all-encompassing term used to describe the supernatural force that transcends mortal comprehension and bends reality. This power and energy is ultimately derived from the ancient source of the Idolons, known as the Eion, the first essence of creation. Within the Marcry system, there exist numerous Marcritic Anchors, each representing a distinct facet of Marcry. The Anchors have all evolved differently, yet originate from the same ancient source, the Eion. Marcritic Anchors serve as the primary sources from which various Marcry Ancestries draw their power and abilities. A Marcritic Anchor is the definition of the prime source, that all of its subordinate Marcry Ancestries are attached to and gain power from.

Understanding Basic Marcry

A Marcritic Anchor can be likened to the central hub of a vast network, with all its subordinate Marcry Ancestries interconnected and deriving their power from this singular source. To illustrate this concept, let's consider an example:

Aeos, the Elemental Marcry, stands as a prominent Marcritic Anchor.

It occupies this pivotal role because it functions as the primary source from which numerous Marcry Ancestries draw their power. These include Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Lightning.

Imagine Aeos as a tree of Marcry, and the individual elements as its branches.

Each of these branches represents a specific aspect of Marcry power. A mortal can utilize and tap into the source of a branch (a Marcry Ancestry) but the entire tree - Aeos (Marcritic Anchor) - is far too immense and potent for a mortal to wield directly, that is why living beings tap into the branches instead. Attempting to harness the full extent of an Anchor’s power is perilous, akin to trying to uproot the entire tree (and if somehow achieved, likely resulting in one's demise under its overwhelming might).

This analogy helps illustrate the distinction between Pure Power (the Anchor) and its Subordinates (the Ancestries), which are smaller, individual facets of the Anchor's boundless capabilities.
To provide a simpler understanding, each Marcritic Anchor is the manifestation of a broader, primal force, while the Marcy Ancestries are the specific, more manageable aspects of this cosmic energy. Just as each tree has its branches, each Anchor has its Ancestries, and those who seek to master Marcry must learn to navigate this intricate, hierarchical system.
Whoever uses Marcry, the individual is tied to one of the Marcritic Anchors from which the person draws their powers. While a Marcritic Anchor is something that a person is born with, the Marcry Ancestry is something that a person chooses or more like life chooses it for them based on certain life situations, childhood, general lifestyle.
All Marcry, apart from the Eion and Néero have evolved from the Eion into something that it was most used for, let it be war, protection, healing or corruption etc. All Marcritic Anchors and Ancestries change overtime, adapting to the way they are being used and those that wield it. They become the thing they mostly use them for, that is how both ends of the moral spectrum is present on both Aesor and out there in the Myst. Once someone is born with a specific Marcritic Anchor in their body and soul, that person must live with that Anchor. There are indeed ways to change the Anchor of a person, but generally the legal procedure involves a 99% death rate in current times.

Marcritic Anchors

1. Shattered Light – The Anchor of Aesorian Marcry (see it as “Arcane Magic”)
The Shattered Light is a Marcritic Anchor forged through the eternal clash of Kyro and Arizen within the Heart of the Myst. It is a luminous fusion of Radiance, representing protection and healing, and Shadow, symbolizing destruction and chaos. This potent anchor holds the essence of the Eion, becoming almost the perfect subordinate of a mixture between the power of all three Idolons: Vals (Arizen's Shadow), Haeis (Kyro's Radiance), and Third’s elemental powers of creation (the Heart of the Myst). While still in its infancy compared to older anchors, the Shattered Light's potential knows no bounds.
2. Eion – The Progenitor Anchor (Idolonic Power)
Eion stands as the first and mightiest of Marcritic Anchors, the source from which all others derive their power. It is the embodiment of the ancient Idolons' might and the essence of the Myst’s true identity. Eion's significance dwarfs all other anchors; it serves as the primordial tree from which all Marcry energy branches out. Notably, both Vals and Haeis refrained from harnessing Eion, opting for the less powerful yet their own Anchor called Aysus instead. Eion was only ever used by Third, it’s the Marcry that was used to achieve the Eionic Outburst (Mystquake) that destroyed the other two warring Idolons, scattering their remains that became the Myst’s material (Shadow and Radiance).
3. Aeos – The Anchor of Elements (see it as “Elemental Magic”)
Aeos, the power of creation itself, is another crucial Marcritic Anchor. As the catalyst of the Scionic Wars, it is still sought after by the Scions of Vals. It houses the elemental marcry that shapes Aesor and is the only tool of true creation of the Myst, hence why it is so important for everyone to acquire it. It was the one true power allegedly gifted by the Myst itself to create and establish life. However ever since the birth of Kalzaamaath, until the Shattered Light stands, Aeos will be solely controlled by Kalzamaath and the mortals that are born with such an Anchor.
4. Aysus – The Anchor of Shadow & Radiance (see it as “Scionic Magic”)
Aysus emerged from the cataclysmic Eionic Outburst, with the death of Vals and Heais, Radiance and Shadow. This anchor embodies the new face of the Myst, a combination of the powers once wielded separately by Vals and Haeis. Aysus serves as the lifeblood of Scionic Marcry, the mystical energy source that has become the Myst itself. Aysus was the power (their own being) that the two warring Idolons used to battle each other until they were both destroyed by Third. During that time, Aysus was two separated things, however as the Idolons’ beings were torn apart by the Eionic Outburst, their remnants scattered over the Myst’s endless vastness and filled it with both Radiance and Shadow, making the Myst partly the Anchor of Aysus.
5. Néero – The Anchorless Marcry (The Power of Naught)
Néero remains shrouded in mystery, a formidable and mysterious Marcritic Anchor unlike any other. It exists without ties to the Eion and is among the most potent. Néero's very nature is frightening, representing a consuming void that defies the Myst's original purpose. Unlike the other anchors, it lacks a connection to reality and, therefore, operates beyond conventional limitations. Mortals can only wonder what a person possessing the Néero anchor might be like.

Maximum Reach of the Anchors

• Shattered Light: Extends its influence over Aesor and Azury, the Annon of the Shattered Light, unless its reach is deliberately expanded or someone establishes a special connection with it.
• Eion: Encompasses everything except for the Archavast, the boundless void.
• Aeos: Radiates throughout the Myst and extends to Abovia, the Annon of the Element's Gateway, along with the upper elemental planes.
• Aysus: Spreads its dominion over the Myst and any Annon featuring a Pathway to the Myst.
• Néero: Exerts control over the Archavast and all that resides within it, spanning across various planes, universes, and Annons, embodying the ultimate power of nothingness.

The Marcry Table

The Marcry Table serves as a comprehensive guide to the various Marcritic Anchors and the corresponding Marcry Ancestries they encompass.

1. Shattered Light
The Shattered Light acts as a Marcritic Anchor, bestowing its power upon a variety of Marcry Ancestries. These Ancestries are intrinsically linked to the Shattered Light and draw their strength from it:

• Poliacry: Embraces the Shadow from the Shattered Light. (akin to Necromancy in other fantasy settings)
• Mesmery: Masters the creation of illusions and phantoms from the Shattered Light. (essentially see it as illusion magic)
• Chronory: Manipulates time through the Shattered Light. (representing time magic)
• Divinery: Harnesses the Radiance from the Shattered Light. (essentially healing and “light” magic)
• Áhreany: Utilizes wonders of the Mother Nature, maintains a balance with the Nh’áhrean, through the Shattered Light. (pretty much druidic/nature magic)
• Simicry: Simicry focuses on embracing the Shattered Light’s ability to take on different forms or create copies of other things. (akin to transmutation and summoning magic)
• Noxery: Channels the battle between Kyro and Arizen inside the Shattered Light. (basically destruction magic)
• Aurnery: Draws upon the protective aura and nature of the Shattered Light above. (representing magic for protection and blessings)

This Anchor is found in most people living on Aesor.
2. Aeos
Aeos, as a Marcritic Anchor, is the source of power for various Marcry Ancestries that align with its elemental nature. These Ancestries draw their might from the elemental aspects of Aeos:

• Fire: Embraces the Fire element from Aeos (representing fire magic).
• Water: Harnesses the Water element from Aeos (representing water magic).
• Air: Wields the Air element from Aeos (representing air magic).
• Earth: Taps into the Earth element from Aeos (representing earth magic).
• Lightning: Commands the Lightning element from Aeos (representing lightning magic).

This Anchor is uncommon to rare among mortals.
3. Aysus
Aysus, a Marcritic Anchor, merges the powers of Shadow and Radiance into one. It serves as the source of energy for two distinct Marcry Ancestries:
Radiance: Embraces the Radiance from Aysus (representing pure Radiance magic).
Shadow: Masters the Shadow from Aysus (representing pure Shadow magic).
This Anchor is very rare among mortals.
4. Eion
Eion, an unparalleled Marcritic Anchor, stands alone without any associated Marcry Ancestries. Unlike other Anchors, Eion possesses no branches; it represents the power of Third and is beyond the need for specific Ancestries.
There is no living mortal or god possessing this Anchor, but the possibility is always there.
5. Néero
Néero, much like Eion stands alone without any Marcry Ancestries. It is the most mysterious and if not the most dangerous of all Marcritic Anchors as mortal knowledge and libraries store next to no information about the secrets of Néero.
There is no living mortal or god possessing this Anchor, but the possibility is always there.

Marcry Ancestors

Marcry Ancestor is the academic term used to define individuals actively learning and practicing the art of Marcry, including the two defined classes: Mages and Wizards, among other non-officially identified marcritic practitioners. In theory, almost everyone on Aesor possesses some level of Marcry in their body and soul (since 90% of the population has at least 1% of Marcry influence), but society and science only classify those who actively learn or practice Marcry as Marcry Ancestors.
As knowledge about Marcry Ancestries spread, various classes and definitions began to emerge, differentiating the types of Ancestors from each other.

Types of Ancestors

Initially, there were only two primary classes of Ancestors: Mages and Wizards. However, as people recognized significant differences within these groups, they began to use various names and classifications to distinguish between them.

Ancestor Classes

Shattered Light
This category includes Mages and Wizards with the Shattered Light as their Marcritic Anchor. Ancestors in this group specialize in various Marcry Ancestries:
Mages - The Talented
Mages are individuals born with incredibly potent Marcry Anchors, excelling in practical Marcry:

• Drunida: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Áhreany, becoming Aesor's talented Mages of nature.
• Shadow Weaver: Specializes in the Marcry Ancestry of Poliacry, mastering Shadow magic.
• Cleric: Excels in the Marcry Ancestry of Divinery, specializing in healing (Radiance) magic.
• Seer: Becomes proficient in the Marcry Ancestry of Chronory, mastering time manipulation.
• Sorcerer: Excels in the Marcry Ancestry of Noxery, specializing in destruction and war magic.
• Auron: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Aurnery, becoming skilled in protection and boon magic.
• Visiomage: Perfects the Marcry Ancestry of Mesmery, excelling in illusion and trickery.
• Conjurer: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Simicry, excelling in alteration and creation magic.

Wizards - The Diligent
Wizards are individuals born with less Marcry potency than Mages but, through study, practice, diligence, and time, have reached a level close or even surpassing Mages:

• Evoker: Practices the Marcry Ancestry of Áhreany, becoming diligent Wizards of nature.
• Warlock/Witch: Study and practice the art of Poliacry extensively.
• Priest: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Divinery, specializing in healing (Radiance) magic.
• Chronomancer: Practices the Marcry Ancestry of Chronory, excelling in time manipulation.
• Thaumaturgist: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Noxery, specializing in destruction and war magic.
• Auromancer: Becomes skilled in the Marcry Ancestry of Aurnery, focusing on protection and boon magic.
• Illusionist: Delves into the Marcry Ancestry of Mesmery, excelling in illusion and trickery.
• Summoner: Commands the Marcry Ancestry of Simicry, excelling in alteration and creation magic.

Aeos
Ancestors with the Aeos as their Marcritic Anchor can be classified into two main categories:
Elementalists (Mages) - The Talented
Elementalists are born with incredibly potent Marcry Anchors, specializing in practical Marcry and harnessing the elemental forces of Aeos:

• Firebrand: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Fire, becoming talented elementalists of flames.
• Wavecaller: Specializes in the Marcry Ancestry of Water, mastering water marcry.
• Windrider: Excels in the Marcry Ancestry of Air, becoming skilled in controlling gusts and wind.
• Earthspeaker: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Earth, excelling in manipulating rocks and earth.
• Thundersworn: Specializes in the Marcry Ancestry of Lightning, mastering thunder and lightning marcry.

Shamans (Wizards) - The Diligent
Shamans are born with with less Marcry potency than Elementalists but, through dedication and study, have reached a level close or even surpassing Elementalists:

• Arsonist: Practices the Marcry Ancestry of Fire, becoming diligent shamans of flames.
• Aquanym: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Water, specializing in water marcry.
• Howler: Excels in the Marcry Ancestry of Air, focusing on gusts and wind manipulation.
• Wanderer: Masters the Marcry Ancestry of Earth, excelling in manipulating rocks and earth.
• Tempest: Specializes in the Marcry Ancestry of Lightning, becoming skilled in thunder and lightning marcry.

Marcry Potency & Percentage Chart

The Marcry Percentage Chart is a vital tool for understanding the impact of Marcry Anchors on individuals. This chart correlates an individual's Marcry percentage, equaling their Marcry Potency (the amount of Marcry in their body and soul) with the rarity of that group. The percentage determines whether a Marcry Ancestor requires Marcry Runestones to cast spells. Here are the key percentage categories:

• 1%: Virtually everyone on Aesor has at least 1% of their body and soul influenced by a Marcritic Anchor, implying that most of the population could become basic Wizards with adequate practice.
• 2-5%: Individuals in this category possess a significant amount of Marcry, though they are not incredibly rare. They have the potential and talent to become Wizards capable of shaping the future. The emphasis here is on diligence and hard work.
• 6-9%: It's an extraordinary rarity to find individuals born with pure Marcry at this percentage. These exceptional individuals can use their Marcritic Anchor's abilities without extensive training due to their high potency. The emphasis here is on innate talent, but not every Mage can reach their full potential.
• 10%+: This represents the maximum possible Marcry Potency for a mortal's body and soul. Individuals in this category are incredibly rare, making up a minuscule fraction of Aesor's population. They are the ones who can potentially utilize the entire Marcritic Anchor, rather than just its Ancestries.
  

Marcry Runestones

Marcry Runestones are crucial marcritic tools in Aesor, primarily used by individuals whose Marcry Potency falls at or below the 5% threshold in their body and soul. These Runestones serve as essential supplements, providing the required Marcry essence necessary for casting spells and manipulating reality to create marcritic effects that would otherwise be impossible.
Production
Aesorian Runestones are crafted from the blood of Mages, individuals possessing a substantial 6% or more Marcry in their beings (both body and soul, however the percentage is carried through the body the same as the soul, thus the process doesn’t require touching the soul at all). This unique and valuable resource is the lifeblood of Aesorian marcry. There are two primary methods of acquiring Mage blood for Runestone production:
Many Mages willingly donate a portion of their blood on a regular basis to support the marcritic community. These blood donations are highly sought after and are sold at astronomical prices due to their scarcity and effectiveness in crafting potent Runestones. Criminal Organizations: Unfortunately, some criminal groups resort to kidnapping and imprisoning Mages, and in extreme cases, even resort to murder to extract their blood for profit. This illicit and dangerous method of acquiring Mage blood is more cost-effective but highly illegal.

Rune Refineries
The heart of the Runestone industry in Aesor is the Rune Refinery. These refineries are among the most profitable businesses across the realms. Rune Refineries specialize in the delicate process of extracting pure Marcry essence from Mage blood and forging it into Runestones.
Ancestry-Specific Runes
Each Runestone is marked with Ancestry-specific indications, primarily using the language of Old Arkey, identified as Draconic Runes. The markings on a Runestone correspond to the Marcry Ancestry of the Mage whose blood was used to create it. For example, a Runestone derived from the blood of a Noxery Mage will bear Noxery markings, while a Simicry Runestone will feature Simicry indications. The Aesorian blood types are basically the Marcry Ancestries themselves.
Usage
Marcry Runestones can be employed in various ways:
Wearable Accessories: Many individuals wear Runestones as accessories, such as necklaces, belt buckles, or other adornments. This allows for easy access and use during spellcasting. Held in Hand: Some prefer to hold their Runestones in their hand when casting spells. The direct contact facilitates the flow of Marcry essence. Built into Weapons: Runestones are also integrated into weapons, infusing them with magical properties. This weapon-based approach adds a combat aspect to spellcasting.
Potency and Disposability
The effectiveness and potency of a Runestone can vary significantly based on several factors, including the quality of tools used in its creation, the percentage of Marcry in the blood, and how the extracted essence was utilized. Runestones gradually lose their potency with each use.
As a result, Runestones are considered temporary and disposable tools of spellcasting. Due to their limited lifespan and the necessity for most Wizards to use them, Runestones remain highly expensive and valuable marcritic assets within the world of Aesor.

Marcry Inspiration - How do you cast a Spell on Aesor?

On Aesor, individuals are not the owners of their Marcritic Anchor or Ancestries, nor do they possess their powers. Instead, they serve as vessels through which Marcry energy flows. This means that when casting spells, they are not drawing power from within themselves but rather channeling energy from external sources.
Inspiration System
The core of Marcry casting relies on the Inspiration System, a critical mechanism that ensures the safe and effective use of Marcry. To cast a spell successfully, an individual's body and soul must be "inspired" in two key ways:
Permissible Passage: The person must establish a channel within themselves through which Marcry energies can safely flow. Presence Confirmation: They must confirm that the Marcry power they intend to summon exists in the location where they currently reside.

This system is in place to prevent potential hazards that could arise if these requirements are not met. Failure to inspire the Alt (the Ancestor term for the body and soul) properly can result in severe consequences, even death.
The Consequences of Inadequate Inspiration
When an Ancestor opens their Alt to channel Marcry but cannot find the specific Anchor and Ancestry they seek, they risk a perilous outcome. In such cases, the Alt may latch onto the nearest available source, often with catastrophic results. For instance, if one with the Shattered Light’s Anchor attempts to cast a spell without proper Inspiration and ends up tapping into Aeos - e.g. Fire, they may suffer a horrific death by spontaneous combustion.
Instances like these, though incredibly rare due to the abundance of Marcry sources on Aesor, underscore the importance of Inspiration in Marcry casting. Ancestors typically take precautions to ensure they are never without Inspiration, often carrying Marcritic items (for example Runestones) or even embedding them under their skin.
Inspire the Alt
Inspiring the Alt is the foundational spell for all Ancestors. It is the gateway to spellcasting and the primary method to establish Inspiration. For novices, Inspiring the Alt can be a time-consuming process, taking several minutes or even hours. However, experienced Ancestors can perform this crucial task in seconds or even milliseconds.
For those with the Shattered Light as their Anchor, Inspiration is relatively straightforward. They can always access the Shattered Light directly from the dome above them. However, for others, Inspiration involves specific steps.
An Ancestor must either:

• Feel (Touch)
• See
• Hear
• Smell

The source they’re trying to tap into.
These steps are followed in order, and the Alt will choose the most suitable method available. The strength of the connection and the density of Marcry in the Inspiration source affect an Ancestor's power. For instance, touching a relatively weak Marcritic rune establishes a strong connection, but the Marcry within is less condensed and potent than that of the Shattered Light above them, thus weakening the intended effect of the spell they’re about to cast.
Ancestor expertise plays a significant role in enhancing Inspiration. The most experienced master Mages and Wizards can establish potent connections even with the Shattered Light (even though it is hundreds of miles above them), although touching a highly condensed Marcritic item remains a more sutiable option for most.
The Cost of Marcry
Casting a spell doesn't deplete the source of Marcry, but it taxes the caster's Alt. Marcry casting generates a by-product that fills the Alt, preventing further channeling until it cools down. There is no traditional "mana" in Aesor; instead, a threshold determines how many spells can be cast before overheating.
Various methods exist to cleanse or cool the Alt, but they are risky and painful. Altpurge Potions can provide temporary relief but come with health risks, including the formation of Alt Stones.
Inspiration Methods
The method of Inspiration influences how a spell is cast. Most Ancestors employ gestures to aid their casting, even if their primary Inspiration method differs. Combining gestures from multiple methods enhances focus but does not change the core method of Inspiration.

• Touch: Hand gestures accompany spells.
• Sight: Casting involves closing one's eyes.
• Auditory: Speaking is integral to spellcasting.
• Smell: Spellcasting aligns with one's breathing.

Ancestors often switch between these methods as needed, sometimes utilizing touch to establish the initial connection and then relying on another method while casting the spell. This flexibility enhances their ability to channel Marcry effectively.
Importance of Ancestry Equipment
Ancestry weapons and specialized equipment play a pivotal role in the life of Ancestors on Aesor. They are essential for effective Marcry casting, as they facilitate the process and provide a means to harness the elements without relying on laborious, everyday rituals.
The Necessity of Ancestry Accessories
Consider the example of Fire Ancestors. If they had to create a campfire from scratch every time they wished to cast a fire-based spell, spellcasting would be impractical, time-consuming, and often impossible in certain circumstances. This is where Ancestry accessories come into play.
Professionals among the Ancestors, who understand the intricacies of Marcry casting, always ensure that they carry Ancestry accessories and auxiliary marcry weapons as part of their standard gear. These items serve as a convenient and readily accessible source of Inspiration, enabling them to channel their Marcry powers effectively.
Challenges for Less Fortunate Ancestors
However, not all Ancestors have the privilege of owning these specialized items. For those less fortunate or lacking the means to acquire such equipment, the challenges of Marcry casting can be substantial.
For instance:

• Torch-Horading Ancestors: Some resort to carrying multiple torches, a practical solution for Fire Ancestors who require a fire source for spellcasting. These Ancestors often find themselves encumbered by the need to constantly maintain their torches and ensure a steady source of fire.
• Water Ancestors and Water Bottles: Ancestors attuned to water elements face their own set of challenges. They may need to carry numerous water bottles to access their Inspiration source. This can be burdensome, particularly in arid or water-scarce environments.
• Lightning Ancestors: Ancestors aligned with lightning elements, in particular, face a unique dilemma. Lightning is notoriously difficult to generate without access to storms or specialized Marcry items. Being both a Lightning Ancestor and financially disadvantaged can be an especially challenging combination.

Balancing Pros and Cons
In Marcry, there is a delicate balance of advantages and disadvantages. The role between being an Ancestor of the Shattered Light or one attuned to Aeos comes with its own set of trade-offs.
Ancestors of the Shattered Light benefit from accessibility and convenience. They can tap into the Shattered Light, a constant and potent source of Inspiration, without the need to carry bags of elemental materials. This accessibility makes their spellcasting more straightforward and efficient.
Ancestors of Aeos, on the other hand, wield immense power when on their own elemental territory. They can draw Inspiration directly from the dominant element, making them exceptionally potent in their own domain. However, when venturing beyond their territory, they must rely on their Ancestry accessories to maintain their power, which can be cumbersome and limit their mobility.

General Information

Aliases - The Muscle of the Blood & Soul, The Power of the Clear Mind, The Mystic Gift, The Shattered Energy
Source - Eion, the Idolonic Power and the Anchor of Anchors
Purpose - Life, death, destruction, creation - Surpassing the boundaries of reality bending it to the Ancestor's will.
Alignment - Neutral