The Tangled Scrolls

Overview

The Tangled Scrolls represent an invaluable collection of arcane scribbles, diagrams, and theoretical constructs that have revolutionized our understanding of magical principles. Born from the tormented mind of Keldaroth, the Tradition's original Master, they provide the foundation for The Aurimbic Tradition's twin foci on Time and Chaos.
The "scrolls" themselves are, misleadingly, no scrolls at all, but inscriptions upon the walls of the Monastery of Aurim-Bas, created by Keldaroth in fits of madness and restless graphomania. His endeavours are said to have caused objects to fly about of their own volition, while physically and inexplicably shifting the layout of the grounds. Recognizing that they were out of their depth, Keldaroth's monastic keepers sought the counsel of The Seers of Bimmentok, who came to examine the scene. They were instantly inundated with visions upon encountering Kel's writing, and concluded that multiple time frames were at work here. Seeking further insight, the Seers turned to the Berythians, who recognized that the scribbles bore arcane significance but were unable to fully interpret them.
Upon Kel's death, these writings continued to be studied. In a departure from the more poetic language of classic grimoires like the Tith Rehei, the scrolls were found to contain concepts more closely resembling mathematical constructs, presenting an entirely new way of looking at and interacting with the world. As the understanding of his work grew, so did the recognition of his genius. A small group of Seers elected to remain at the monastery to continue the study of the Scrolls, learning to read solely for this purpose, and thus the Aurimbic Tradition was born.

Cycles of Yggvith: The Pattern

The first component of the Scrolls, known as the "Cycles of Yggvith", presents a grand, intricate structure of Time, known simply as The Pattern. Seers are born with an innate but uncontrollable vision of this deep, interconnected reality below the observable universe, but do not seek to comprehend or perceive it as their talents are regarded as gifts from the gods, not to be trifled or experimented with, whereas the Scrolls provides a magical means to do just this. Aurimbics, striving to gain a more profound and penetrating insight through study and meditation, thus hold the Cycles of Yggvith as their guiding star. In the hallowed silence of Aurim-Bas, they contemplate the vast tapestry of Time, seeking to glimpse the grand design beneath the mundane flow of events.
According to the Cycles, individual events in Time are merely surface-level phenomena. Time's true structure is only revealed when the observer "zooms out" to perceive the grand architecture, a task that is challenging for any conscious mind given the vast amount of detail involved. One views the Pattern during a form of trance, but after one emerges any perceptions of it fade, residing in the subconscious and revealing themselves through sudden insights and moments of inspiration. The role of instinct outlined here goes on to underpin much of the Scrolls' arcane philosophy.

Silhouettes of Geirrun: Seers and Aurimbics

With a description of the Pattern laid out, the Scrolls' second section goes on to map the Seers' gift, and further describes why a comprehensive understanding of is important. The deity of Time, named Geirrun, is said to be visible only by those who strive to see his face. Until such a sublime encounter is achieved, one perceives only silhouettes of his being.
The Scrolls do not deride the Seers or any of their practices, but simply "prove", through a series of equation-like arguments, that the gods' intent of granting the SIght to humankind is to help them gird against a coming storm. "Gathering the autumn leaves", a saying referring to the Seers' passive collection of visions, does not suffice as preparation. A more warrior-like mentality is advised, with courage and boldness stressed as virtues of the Aurimbic practitioner in the exploration and extension of latent abilities.

Threads of Skaldor: Magic Energy and its Limitations

The third component, the "Threads of Skaldor", discloses an earth-shattering truth — the finite nature of magical energy. Each word, each calculation, conveys a stern reminder: the wellspring of magic is not inexhaustible. The Scrolls illuminate the potential dangers of unfettered magic use, demonstrating that every spell cast can lead to the emission of chaotic energy, a kind of magical pollution with unforeseen consequences. Skaldor herself is a trickster goddess of Farang legend, and the 'threads' spoken of are tendrils of magical energy that spindle out from the caster to affect the world in unpredictable ways.
This realization, akin to the discovery of entropy or energy conservation in physics, had profound implications for the magical community, if not instant ones, due both to the cloistered nature of Aurimbics, and the vast distances between their perch in the High North and that of the Berythians in Rela. Centuries would pass before such precepts were fully absorbed or accepted by The Council of Landezon, though its regulations to mitigate the worst effects of magic use were far more creative than honest.

Echoes of Myrkul: Chaotic Magic

Following this revelation are the Echoes of Myrkul, which delve into the unruly phenomena of chaotic magic. The Myrkul segments, filled with cautionary tales and cryptic diagrams, warn of the unpredictable effects of magic, the most dramatic of which are the creation of elusive portals — unexpected distortions in spacetime that serve as glaring evidence of magic's environmental impact. In Farang paganism, Myrkul was a traveller with a magic key allowing him to walk between worlds.

Harmonies of Galdr: Mathematical Constructs

Finally, the Harmonies of Galdr, named for the divine Weaver of Fate, detail the mathematical heart of the Scrolls, and outline the methods and techniques through which its art is to be practiced. Aurimbics immerse themselves in these sections, poring over complex equations and diagrams, paralleling chaos theory and temporal mechanics. In the stillness of the monastery, Aurimbics gaze upon the stone-etched Harmonies engraved on the walls, meditating on their intricate patterns to gain insight into the Pattern. In keeping with the North's deep-seated traditions of tattooing, Aurimbics also apply designs from the Scrolls upon their bodies with ink, believing them apotropaic, with some resorting to scarification to the same end.

by midjourney

Above: Aurimbic facial tattoos

Over time, many copies of the Scrolls have been created for wider distribution — painstakingly hand-written on parchment, carved into wooden tablets, or inscribed in metallic sheets. Yet, no replica truly matches the original. The stone walls of Aurim-Bas bear the raw energy of Keldaroth's revelations. Aurimbics revere these ancient walls, maintaining a harmonious relationship with them, touching them reverently, hoping to connect directly with the essence of the Scrolls, just as Keldaroth once did. Through this tactile communion, they believe they can feel the pulse of the Pattern, the heartbeat of Time and Magic, the echo of the cosmos itself.