Super Critical

Effect

Magic functions as an ordered system of cause and effect. Every magical action follows specific laws and principles, making it a predictable and controllable force. In contrast, Khaos embodies entropy and randomness, dissolving order and predictability. Despite its structured nature, Magic can incorporate elements of randomness, enhancing its potential outcomes. This randomness is quantified as a percentage chance for any magical action to achieve extraordinary results unpredictably. These occurrences, known as Super Criticals (SUCR), defy the usual constraints of magical performance and significantly amplify the effects of spells or magical actions.

✦

When a Super Critical event occurs, the expected effect of a spell or magical action is greatly enhanced. For example, suppose a Mage performs an action (x) and anticipates a specific outcome (y) according to the Laws of Magic. An SUCR can elevate this outcome to a significantly more powerful result (y+ or even yxy). The degree of enhancement varies, with some Super Criticals doubling the effect and others tripling it, introducing an additional layer of unpredictability.

Side/Secondary Effects

• The inherent limits of a Mage's Magic are unique to each individual, shaped by their Soul, Mind, and Body. Through magical training and self-understanding, these limits can evolve and expand naturally. However, Super Criticals (SUCRs) act as a shortcut to greater power, pushing a Mage beyond their natural capabilities. This acceleration comes with significant risks, particularly due to the immense stress it places on the individual. If a Super Critical conjures more energy than intended, the Mage might unintentionally harm themselves or others.
• Super Criticals are foreign to Magic, instead being an aspect of Kháos Magic. This means it carries the risk of passing on the Madness of the Formless Mother. Madness is defined as the state of being mentally ill, especially severely. Contrary to common thought, Madness, as it relates to the fever, both invites Khaos and is a side effect of Khaos, one leads to the other but only exists because the other created it. This is madness in itself and attempting to understand it is not advised. The Formless Mother is the embodiment of the Crucible (everything that was, is, or will be) which is Khaos, that which lacks order. Khaos is held at bay by the Order that governs reality but some can hear the whispers of the Formless Mother and her Scholars in the back of their mind. When they give into the whispers and indulge themselves in Khaos, Order is violated and sin is allowed to run rampant. The madness that takes hold is not of mortal capacity, it is a cosmic awareness of everything that was, is, or will be, they exist everywhere and nowhere all at once, they know everything and nothing. Those kissed by the Madness of the Formless Mother become unable to reason, logic holds no weight with them, and their existence begins to weaken the barriers of reality itself. This madness is a sickness of the soul, one that cannot be cured. The effects of the Madness are unique to each person, including how fast it takes hold, how deep it penetrates, and how much of themselves is lost. Khaos Magic is not some forbidden school of magic it is death. Khaos grants great power, yes, but it tears mages apart. They are unknowingly being digested by the Formless Mother until the End. There is no death and there is no life, they cease to exist across the infinite cosmos and multiverses and timelines. Khaos is entropy, and like a bad drug, it will leave you on high, but when you crash, you crash hard, fast, and alone. Outside of the risks to oneself, the Madness spreads from the Khaos Mage and infects everything and everyone around them, people, planets, ideas, and feelings all are corrupted by Khaos and the same fate awaits them all.

Critical Failures

In addition to the possibility of Critical Successes, Mages can also experience Critical Failures. These occur when a magical action fails in an exceptionally disastrous manner, rather than succeeding exceptionally. Super Criticals do not directly cause failures or successes but instead enhance the outcomes. Critical Failures are particularly hazardous because they happen more frequently, though still randomly, compared to Critical Successes. The consequences of these failures can be severe, exacerbating the negative effects of the attempted spell and potentially causing significant harm to the Mage and their surroundings.

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