1st Body Art: Cloud Step
Cloud Step is of the First Body Arts, a collection of spells and techniques that are deemed Novice Level, associated with manipulating attributes of ones body for some advantage. They are simple and relatively easy to learn spells and are fundamental for Mages seeking to learn the Second or Third Body Arts. Cloud Step is simply the ability to become intangible for however long the Mage can hold the spell. Maintaining the spell is more akin to holding your breath than a magical energy endurance test. But it also gives the Mage control over powerful Anila, which, when used together with the intangiablity, are key to controlling the battlefield.
Effect
When Cloud Step is cast, the Mage disapears with a poof of white clouds, becoming invisible to the naked eye and intangible to all magical and non-magical physical attacks. While in this form, Mages have influence over the Anila (Wind), capable of summoning great Anilas and powerful breezes. Skilled Mages will release massive powerful Anilas on the second they return to being tangible to further disorientate their foes.
Cloud Step also allows for the passive ability to fly, an ability which does not need magical energy to cast, but flight via Clud Step is only possible via "walking" or "floating" on the primal magical energy present in an atmosphere. Even in locations where magical energy is constricted or weak, Mages can still Cloud Step several Rods (Ro) into the air without expending magical energy to do so.
Side/Secondary Effects
- The Mage will not be able to interact with the physical world for so long as they maintain the spell.
- The Mage lights up like a star in the astral plane when using this ability.
Material Components
Cloud Step requires the willing blessing of an Aurae (Cloud Nymph) before the Mage can learn how to use it. Aurae have all sorts of prerequisites and conditions for bestowing this kiss, and it varies depending on the Aurae in question, what sort of mood they are in, and what planet or realm the mage happens to find themselves in. Aurae that bestow this blessing via a Binding Vow are typically avoided for practical reasons because vows remain the same but situations and people change. For example, if the Aurae demands the Mage never use it to wound or maim, this may suit a scholarly Mage, but in a life or death situation, they would suffer the consequences of breaking a Binding Vow to save their life.
Regardless of the details, the blessing of an Aurae is needed to give Mages the ability to use Cloud Step. The Auraes mood should also be taken into consideration, as unhappy or angry Aurae who bestow the kiss do not also grant the Anila-control attribute, but instead grant Vidyut (Lightning). While Vidyut may be more appealing, it is not likely to be freely given from a willing Aurae who is unhappy or angry, especially if they are mad at the mage in question.
Related Discipline
Related School
Illusion
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