The Art of Gravitational Collapse

"The art of Gravitational Collapse is, at its dark, stellar core, the art of surrender. Its core tenets demand practitioners give themselves up to the forces of the universe: after all, it's only in a state of total collapse that one learns to integrate themselves into the natural flow of magic throughout the world rather than railing against it. Gravitational collapse is a form that is learned, perhaps even one in which expertise is possible, but anyone whose goal is to master it has already missed the point entirely."

-Iliac A. Serous, "The Art of Gravitational Collapse"

The Art of Gravitational Collapse is an academic text written by noted author and Memoriam Inanimatam scholar Iliac Aalto Serous. The text concerns

Purpose

This text covers the history of the art form of Gravitational Collapse as originally created by Limnoreia Altalune Fuil na Réaltaí and Vektor Collapsearre of House Fuil na Réaltaí and improved upon by living master of the form Galexia Vigore Fay Réalta na Maidine. It subsequently explores the various techniques of the form and the mechanics responsible for its complexity and its efficacy.

Document Structure

Publication Status

The Art of Gravitational Collapse was first published in 42 EG/LL on behalf of the Memoriam Inanimatam and has remained the prevailing text on the martial art in the over 10,000 years since its first printing.

Historical Details

History

The research and subsequent penning of this text was preceded by the onset of the Anima-Mortelle Wars and the rise of the entity then known as Saxon Seath - Iliac's early years as a war historian for the Memoriam Inanimatam saw a particular focus in weaponry and conservation and as a result Iliac took a keen interest in the ancient art of Gravitational Collapse as practiced by the members of House Fuil na Réaltaí, previously displayed in theBattle of Lumières Mortes   - in 39 EG/LL the organization arranged for Iliac to meet with the leading expert in the form, a then-16 year old Galexia Vigore Fay Réalta na Maidine. He spent more than a month at The Mantle undergoing intensive training in the art form before returning to his home island of Nomen Nescio to compile his research notes and write the text in earnest.

Legacy

The Art of Gravitational Collapse remains the leading text on the art form in the modern day. While Serous was purportedly working on a sequel to the text which included new techniques and derivatives of the art form, his untimely Loss prevented its completion or publishing. The notes are believed to be contained within the holy relic known as the Book of the Tides, but the text has not been made available for confirmation of these suspicions.

Type

Manual, Martial Art / Combat

Medium

Paper

Authoring Date

38-41 EG/LL

Ratification Date

42 EG/LL

Location

The Mantle

Authors

• Iliac Aalto Serous