Throne World, As Above So Below

The pinnacle of Soul Arts and Magical Mastery, the manifestation of a Pocket Universe where Death is granted, but never outside of it

Created and Written by Khali A. Crawford

Dharma-Yuddha, A Clash of Thrones

If two or more Mages try to cast their Throne World at the same time in the same place against each other, a Dharma-Yuddha commences, a fierce battle of Dharmic ideals and motivations. In this case, their own personal Throne World cancels each other out, and a Dharma-Yuddha Barrier traps them within, and imposes 9 rules on all initial parties involved.

1. Equal Ground: Both Mages must begin the Dharma-Yuddha on equal terms, with neither having an advantage in terms of the initial Throne World's power or size.
2. Shared Space: The newly formed Throne World is a shared domain that is a blend of the original Throne Worlds. Neither Mage has exclusive control over the environment or conditions within it.
3. No Harm to Non-Combatants: The Dharma-Yuddha must not harm non-combatants, including bystanders or innocent beings who may inadvertently find themselves within Throne World's bounds.
4. Respect for the New Domain: Both Mages are expected to respect the integrity of the shared domain and not use tactics that would intentionally damage or destabilize it.
5. Announcement of Actions: Before taking any significant action within the Dharma-Yuddha, such as casting spells or making strategic moves, the Mages are required to announce their intentions to their opponent.
6. Acceptance of Surrender: If one Mage wishes to surrender or proposes a peaceful resolution during the Dharma-Yuddha, the other Mage must honor and accept this offer.
7. Shared Experience: During the Dharma-Yuddha, participants gain insights into each other's Dharma and paths. This shared experience may lead to mutual understanding and personal growth.
8. Shared Environmental Effects: The environmental factors within the combined Throne World should balance and harmonize the unique aspects of each Mage's original Throne World, reflecting a fusion of their Dharma.

The Dharma-Yuddha imposes these rules on all the initial casters of the original Throne Worlds, and not any beings who trespass into it after the Dharma-Yuddha has already been commenced. Failure to obey the rules of the Dharma-Yuddha will result in a lethal punishment for the one who broke the rules (such as having all their Magical Energy instantly depleted or suffering a grave and fatal wound) and the Dharma-Yuddha ceases to exist, returning the Mages to reality. In this sense, Mages try to avoid a Dharma-Yuddha if at all possible, and if not, they strive to obey the rules, as failure to do so will put them in a less than advantageous position and oftentimes, at the mercy of the person they just tried to kill, which is understandably not good.

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While within a Dharma-Yuddha death becomes possible for each Mage but they lose access to their Valkyries and Shikigami. Most notably, all Mages caught within the initial Dharma-Yuddha will have magical powers and capabilities on par with each other. This can change again if another Mage enters the Dharma-Yuddha and also casts their Throne World, creating a new Dharma-Yuddha on top of the first one that will reset all the rules and start all over again. The same rules apply to the environment of the Dharma-Yuddha itself, designed in such a way that it will give no Mage an advantage. A Dharma-Yuddha is exceptionally dangerous as nobody, regardless of power or ability, is above the rules. However, it is an excellent option to consider if one can find a way to take advantage of the chaos to obtain victory.

Effect

Throne Worlds is a type of Barrier Technique that creates a Pocket Dimension from the Mage's very Soul in real space. This Throne World creation allows a Mage to return from any manner of death unharmed so long as they are not killed while within their Throne or so long as their Throne is not destroyed. The Throne World is a very real place that exists within Yggdrasil in some capacity. And since the destruction of a Throne destroys a Mage's soul which is what allows them to perform Magic in the first place, one must take certain steps to ensure they protect themselves correctly.

✦

Thrones primarily exist so that a Mage can be brought there when they die to be remade and healed before leaving, and due to the risks of a Throne being destroyed or being killed while in a Throne, many mages do not bring it to them, but it is possible if the situation becomes dire. This is known as Throne World Manifestation, the name is misleading as nothing is being manifested but rather they are moving an entire pocket dimension from wherever it was to wherever it currently is. While Mages gain incredible magical amplifications while in their Throne World, understandably most do not manifest their Throne unless forced to.

✦

A Mage can be forced to manifest their Throne if an enemy Mage employs Regression Magic to force the Throne to regress to its point of origin, i.e., the Mage who created it. This is also risky, as the Mage can be killed in this dimension, but now their magic has been amplified. Additionally, if a Throne is under siege or threat of siege, a Mage may be compelled to save it by bringing it to them, incurring any risks of their current situation as well. Thrones are incredibly complex techniques to use and failure to fully understand them and yourself will result in death or soullessness.

Side/Secondary Effects

The Valkyries and Shikigami Of Throne

When a Throne World is created, the soul of a Mage is delivered from the cosmos back to their Throne where they can later return to the cosmos at a later point in time. This process is controlled by Valkyries, which are being created from the soul of the Mage, shadows of their master who exist only to deliver their soul from the Shinigami to their Throne. The Valkyries of your Throne are just as powerful as your soul and how many a Mage can conjure depends on the power of the Mage themselves. The Valkyries of a Mage's Throne are unique to them and only exist so long as both their master's soul and Throne do as well. Additionally, should a Valkrie be felled by a Shinigami in the process of delivering the soul of their Lord, they too will rematerialize in Throne, but if they are killed in Throne, that is true death.

✦

Shikigami are the native beings of the Spiritual Planes and naturally occur wherever souls and spirits do, including Throne Worlds. Shikigami of this type are not obedient to the master of the Throne but neither are they inherently hostile. Binding Contracts can be made between a Mage and the Shikigami of their Throne to act as secondary Familiars however it is easier to Conquer them with the power of the Soul. If a Mage's Soul is powerful enough, they can Conquer lesser Shikigami and force them to submit to their whim. Powerful Mages can use parts of their Soul to create Shikigami of their design.

Mantle, The Dimensional Storage

A Throne World has pseudo existence, in the sense that, unlike base Barrier Techniques that are cast and cease to exist when uncast, a Nirvana always exists in some capacity and as such can be used as an external storage for a Mage. These Dimensional Storage spaces are commonly used to house weapons or items or devices that a Mage either won't or cannot carry on their person or leave elsewhere. When called forth, great magical limbs, like arms, manifest from the user holding the desired object. These are called Mantles and the number of Mantles a Mage can manifest dictates how many objects they can house within their Nirvana. The number of Mantles a Mage possesses is determined by the nature of their Throne World and the Throne World itself is just a manifestation of their Dharma.

Imbued Technies and Effects

A Throne World is the manifestation of a Mage's Dharma, their Way of life, the core of their sense of self. These manifestations can have the desired effect that best serves the User and their Dharma itself. The power of a Throne World is a reflection of one's deepest alignment with their true purpose, and it can be harnessed in various ways to achieve specific effects, each serving the User and their Dharma in distinct ways.

1. Environmental Factors
2. Imposed Conditions
3. Amplification

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS refer to the exact nature and contents of the Throne World manifested that can be best used to support the User. If a Mage has a predisposition to Pyromancy, their Throne World may manifest as an environment that favors Pyromancy. IMPOSED CONDITIONS refer to Throne Worlds that force a certain rule or set of rules upon any within its range, including the User. AMPLIFICATION is the easiest Throne World to manifest and the least complex as it only exists to amplify the Magic and if a Mage possesses one, the Inherited Magical Jutsu they possess.

Source

Dharma, a term as ancient as the stars themselves, encapsulates the concept of living in harmony with one's true self and purpose. It represents the alignment of one's actions, choices, and intentions with the intrinsic essence of their being. To adhere to one's Dharma is to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the unique path etched into the fabric of one's existence. In doing so, individuals unlock the dormant potential within themselves and tap into the wellspring of their inner strength. Just as a star, radiant and undaunted, shines at its brightest when it follows its destined course through the cosmos, so too does a mage's power reach its zenith when in sync with their Dharma.

✦

The Body, Mind, and Soul are what make up any being, the body is the crude flesh commanded by the Mind but without a Soul, beings would be nothing more than fleshy golems. The Soul is the source of life and is the ultimate Black Box, little is understood about it except that it is life eternal and the part of a being that allows for the performance of Magic. Throne Worlds are the physical manifestation of a Mage's Dharma, their Soul, it is their world of enlightenment and the truest expression of their Way and sense of self.

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Throne World, As Above So Below

Throne Worlds is a type of Barrier Technique that creates a Pocket Dimension from the Mage's very Soul in real space. This Throne World creation allows a Mage to return from any manner of death unharmed so long as they are not killed while within their Throne or so long as their Throne is not destroyed. The Throne World is a very real place that exists within Yggdrasil in some capacity. And since the destruction of a Throne destroys a Mage's soul which is what allows them to perform Magic in the first place, one must take certain steps to ensure they protect themselves correctly.

✦

Thrones primarily exist so that a Mage can be brought there when they die to be remade and healed before leaving, and due to the risks of a Throne being destroyed or being killed while in a Throne, many mages do not bring it to them, but it is possible if the situation becomes dire. This is known as Throne World Manifestation, the name is misleading as nothing is being manifested but rather they are moving an entire pocket dimension from wherever it was to wherever it currently is. While Mages gain incredible magical amplifications while in their Throne World, understandably most do not manifest their Throne unless forced to.

✦

A Mage can be forced to manifest their Throne if an enemy Mage employs Regression Magic to force the Throne to regress to its point of origin, i.e., the Mage who created it. This is also risky, as the Mage can be killed in this dimension, but now their magic has been amplified. Additionally, if a Throne is under siege or threat of siege, a Mage may be compelled to save it by bringing it to them, incurring any risks of their current situation as well. Thrones are incredibly complex techniques to use and failure to fully understand them and yourself will result in death or soullessness. Refer to Throne World, As Above So Below for more information.

The Valkyries And Shikigami Of Throne

When a Throne World is created, the soul of a Mage is delivered from the cosmos back to their Throne where they can later return to the cosmos at a later point in time. This process is controlled by Valkyries, which are being created from the soul of the Mage, shadows of their master who exist only to deliver their soul from the Shinigami to their Throne. The Valkyries of your Throne are just as powerful as your soul and how many a Mage can conjure depends on the power of the Mage themselves. The Valkyries of a Mage's Throne are unique to them and only exist so long as both their master's soul and Throne do as well. Additionally, should a Valkrie be felled by a Shinigami in the process of delivering the soul of their Lord, they too will rematerialize in Throne, but if they are killed in Throne, that is true death.

✦

Shikigami are the native beings of the Spiritual Planes and naturally occur wherever souls and spirits do, including Throne Worlds. Shikigami of this type are not obedient to the master of the Throne but neither are they inherently hostile. Binding Contracts can be made between a Mage and the Shikigami of their Throne to act as secondary Familiars however it is easier to Conquer them with the power of the Soul. If a Mage's Soul is powerful enough, they can Conquer lesser Shikigami and force them to submit to their whim. Powerful Mages can use parts of their Soul to create Shikigami of their design.

Mantle, The Dimensional Storage

A Throne World has pseudo existence, in the sense that, unlike base Barrier Techniques that are cast and cease to exist when uncast, a Nirvana always exists in some capacity and as such can be used as an external storage for a Mage. These Dimensional Storage spaces are commonly used to house weapons or items or devices that a Mage either won't or cannot carry on their person or leave elsewhere. When called forth, great magical limbs, like arms, manifest from the user holding the desired object. These are called Mantles and the number of Mantles a Mage can manifest dictates how many objects they can house within their Nirvana. The number of Mantles a Mage possesses is determined by the nature of their Throne World and the Throne World itself is just a manifestation of their Dharma.

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Related Discipline

Barrier Techniques

Related Element

All

Effect Duration

Varies

Effect Casting Time

Varies

Range

Varies

Level

Master

Applied Restriction

1. Dharma-Yuddha Temporal Limitation: The Dharma-Yuddha Barrier lasts for a fixed duration, after which both Throne Worlds are automatically dismissed, and the Mages are returned to reality. This limitation ensures that the conflict does not persist indefinitely and prevents potential misuse.
2. Single Dharma-Yuddha: A Mage cannot engage in multiple Dharma-Yuddhas simultaneously. Once a Mage is involved in a Dharma-Yuddha, they cannot initiate another one until the ongoing conflict is resolved. This restriction prevents excessive chaos and ensures a focused confrontation.
3. Proximity Requirement: The Mages intending to engage in a Dharma-Yuddha must be in close physical proximity during the initiation of the conflict. This limitation prevents long-distance conflicts and ensures that the Dharma-Yuddha is a confrontation between the involved Mages.
4. Forbidden Spells: Certain spells or magical techniques are forbidden within the confines of a Dharma-Yuddha. These forbidden spells may include those that directly harm the shared domain, manipulate time in a way that extends the conflict artificially or exploit loopholes in the established rules. Violating this restriction triggers severe consequences.
5. Temporary Magical Equalization: Upon entering a Dharma-Yuddha, the magical powers of the participating Mages are temporarily equalized. This equalization ensures a fair and balanced confrontation, emphasizing skill and strategy over raw magical power. Outside magical assistance or amplification is also temporarily nullified.
6. Dharma Revelation: The shared experience during a Dharma-Yuddha may lead to the revelation of hidden aspects of a Mage's Dharma. This newfound knowledge becomes accessible to the opponent and can be used strategically. However, this revelation is limited to aspects relevant to the ongoing conflict.
7. Environmental Unpredictability: While the Dharma-Yuddha environment reflects a fusion of the participating Mages' Throne Worlds, certain environmental factors remain unpredictable. This unpredictability adds an element of challenge and adaptability to the conflict, preventing Mages from relying solely on their established strengths.
8. Non-Repeated Dharma-Yuddha: Once two Mages have engaged in a Dharma-Yuddha, they cannot initiate another one with each other for a predetermined period. This restriction encourages Mages to explore conflicts with different opponents and strategies, preventing repetitive confrontations.
9. Limitation: Mages must invest time and effort in reinforcing and concealing their Thrones, making them less likely to manifest them unless necessary.
10. Limitation: Mages must be cautious about using their Throne in the presence of skilled enemies who may exploit the vulnerability of Regression Magic.
11. Dharma-Yuddha Record: The details of each Dharma-Yuddha are recorded in a metaphysical text called a Dharma-Yuddha Record, a carbon copy is automatically sent to the Watchers of Infinity while carbon copies are automatically stored in the participating Mage's Throne Worlds. A final copy is left in the physical location of the duel. This record influences the perception of other magical beings toward the involved Mages, potentially leading to consequences or benefits based on their conduct during the Dharma-Yuddha. Additionally, the Record can be used to gain intimate knowledge of a Mage's capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.