Channelling

'Magic' in The Land of Reeds is based around channelling power. It displays similarities to both Dualism and Spire Script, particularly the core tenet being based on intent shaping effect. As such, individuals wishing to wield magical power are trained to master their emotional and mental states, due to their capability of influencing the power the caster may draw upon. Unlike Dualism, channelling offers a far greater range of effects thanks to drawing upon a wider range of emotions. However, this variety comes at a cost of potency – as each emotion is closely tied to a style of channelling, those who are able to control their emotions and maintain a clarity of mind can access a staggering amount of abilities that can interact in difficult to counter ways. However, channelers who devote themselves to a certain emotion/mindset will be able to conjure far greater effects as they lose themselves in instinct. The most common displays of channelling involve the subtle manipulation of emotions being called upon by the channeler, such as inciting anger or stoking ambition. The manipulation of elements associated with said emotions is also widespread – but not the creation of said elements. Someone calling upon their anger could spray fire from a held torch, but not their hands for example. Commonly, study of channelling involves mediation upon oneself and one’s emotions, aligning more of one’s spiritual organs, or chakra, to the chosen element. Greater alignment allows for more potent effects, and achievement is denoted by the display of coloured beads associated with the emotions being mastered. One to three beads are common amongst practitioners. To living knowledge, no one has achieved aligning five of their chakra with a single element – rumour and myth hold that such attunement overtakes the practitioner, turning them into the associated element. Myths also speak of practitioners eschewing meditation and instead making pilgrimages to sacred sites across the world, places of great note where the land itself is suffused with particular emotions and elements. Tales hold that such locations are always the domains of powerful spirits and beasts that can be bargained with, enhancing the elements and emotions associated with their local in the practitioner. Actual belief in such things varies widely. There exists no correlation between the Clans and specific emotions or elements, but there are variations in approaches to channelling: - The technological focus of the Omi results in few practitioners arising within their territories, and whatever do are left to their own devices and discoveries. - The Tojo incorporate channelling into their Seven Forms, and see it as merely another tool in a warriors arsenal. - The reclusive Yomei have little in the way of organised channelling, with practitioners taking on apprentices according to their whims, and teaching them what they can. Most pilgrims are from the Yomei clan, though they keep their journeys contained to the Maw itself, seeking out legendary beasts known to the clan for generations. What transpires when they find such creatures remains the realm of myth and legend. - The Hakuho have the most established curriculum regarding channelling, and are dedicated primarily to the notion of balance and harmony. They generally frown upon those who dedicate themselves to a single emotion as they see it as ultimately leading to ruin as that very emotion consumes its practitioner. - Due to their piratical nature, the Go-Ryu practice a form of coven tradition, with practitioners organised into groups within ship crews, learning from one another whilst simultaneously seeking to outdo one another. This tends to lead to fierce rivalries and more focused channellers. - The vast majority of the Saejima channellers are self-taught, using techniques and rites gleaned from the practices of the other clans they have witnessed. - The Uematsu also champion balance as the superior form of channelling, though they take a more academic view of such things than the spiritual Hakuho. Rather than meditation, their school focuses on experimentation.