Object of Focus
Within the mystical arts, the relationship between mage and magic is not a simple one. The caster is undeniably the source of Intent - the initiating component of a spell - but real power emerges from their connection to an elusive force, known in magic theory as the Object of Focus.
Within a formulaic Statement called The Address, the mage structures their Will in a way that reads as intelligible to the Object. Each Tradition has its own unique syntax, reflective of the widely varying conceptualizations of what the Object is and how it behaves.
The situation bears resemblance to the old tale of the Blind Men and the Elephant: irreconcilably different perceptions give way to completely novel approaches in each case. So irreconcilable, in fact, that The Council of Landezon imposed long ago the Writ of Singular Focus, a document delineating the dangers of mixing and matching Traditional magics. Any and all mages operating within the bounds of Council sanction are strictly forbidden from discussing critical elements of their magical practices.
What follows is a closer look at how Traditions frame the Object:
2. "Earth, grant me a barrier!"
3. "Winds, carry my voice!"
4. "Flames, dance and distract!"
5. "Stones, rise and form a path!"
2. "Which memory binds you?"
3. "Where does your heart truly lie?"
4. "Why does this illusion shatter?"
5. "When did this truth turn to deception?"
2. "Your fate was sealed eons ago."
3. "The sun set on this empire long before its dawn."
4. "This secret was known before it was whispered."
5. "The battle ended before the first cry of war."
2. "The vital energies once residing in this corpse linger close, awaiting a beacon to guide them back."
3. "This bone, fractured into two, was once whole, sturdy and unyielding."
4. "Beneath the surface, a network of pulsing energy pathways flows, each with its own rhythm and purpose."
5. "The air within this room is heavy, but a single breath carries the vitality of a thousand winds."
While each Tradition might differ in its perception and approach, they all converge on one truth - the power of the Object of Focus. It is the silent symphony that lends might to their words, the hidden force that turns Intent into Reality. In understanding their Object, mages unlock the true potential of their Art, bringing forth wonders that shape the world of Taharjin's Flame. To learn more about the pivotal role that Worldview plays in the performance of magic, see: On the Curious Place of Magical Faiths.
The situation bears resemblance to the old tale of the Blind Men and the Elephant: irreconcilably different perceptions give way to completely novel approaches in each case. So irreconcilable, in fact, that The Council of Landezon imposed long ago the Writ of Singular Focus, a document delineating the dangers of mixing and matching Traditional magics. Any and all mages operating within the bounds of Council sanction are strictly forbidden from discussing critical elements of their magical practices.
What follows is a closer look at how Traditions frame the Object:
Berythians - Commands with the Immutable
Perception: They envision the world as a grand tapestry of stable, static, and non-conscious Elements awaiting their call (Fire, Earth, Water, and Air). The Object of Focus, to them, is the unmoving force that silently adheres to their Will. Approach: Using commanding tones, they guide these elements, molding matter to respond to their desires. 1. "Waters calm and cease!"2. "Earth, grant me a barrier!"
3. "Winds, carry my voice!"
4. "Flames, dance and distract!"
5. "Stones, rise and form a path!"
Nurhetics - Queries of the Conscious Universe
Perception: For them, the universe is an expansive consciousness, waiting to be questioned, engaged, and communicated with. Their Object of Focus is perceived as a vast, sentient repository of thoughts and dreams. Approach: They gently pose queries, hoping to get answers from this conscious force. Their spells manifest as dreams, illusions, and mental phenomena. 1. "What is your greatest fear?"2. "Which memory binds you?"
3. "Where does your heart truly lie?"
4. "Why does this illusion shatter?"
5. "When did this truth turn to deception?"
Aurimbics - Proclamations to Time and Chaos
Perception: They perceive time and chaos as ever-flowing rivers, indifferent to mortal plights. Their Object of Focus is this river's current, flowing without concern or consciousness. Approach: With declarative statements, they align themselves with these rivers, harnessing their force to peer into the future, understand the past, and manipulate the present. 1. "The storm has already passed."2. "Your fate was sealed eons ago."
3. "The sun set on this empire long before its dawn."
4. "This secret was known before it was whispered."
5. "The battle ended before the first cry of war."
Exiled (The Hex) - Descriptions of the Living Self
Perception: They believe that the power of magic comes from within, from the very life essence of the caster. Their Object of Focus is not external but deeply rooted in their being, making them the heart of their own spells. Approach: Their spells emerge as descriptions, brimming with personal emotions, feelings, and reflections. This makes their art one of the most intimate and profound, as they tap into their own life force, exploring the vast landscape of their soul. 1. "The life force within this wounded bird is dimmed, yet still flickering, ready to flare anew."2. "The vital energies once residing in this corpse linger close, awaiting a beacon to guide them back."
3. "This bone, fractured into two, was once whole, sturdy and unyielding."
4. "Beneath the surface, a network of pulsing energy pathways flows, each with its own rhythm and purpose."
5. "The air within this room is heavy, but a single breath carries the vitality of a thousand winds."
While each Tradition might differ in its perception and approach, they all converge on one truth - the power of the Object of Focus. It is the silent symphony that lends might to their words, the hidden force that turns Intent into Reality. In understanding their Object, mages unlock the true potential of their Art, bringing forth wonders that shape the world of Taharjin's Flame. To learn more about the pivotal role that Worldview plays in the performance of magic, see: On the Curious Place of Magical Faiths.
Comments