The Forms of High Elven Magic
The Forms of High Elven Magic or The Forms of the Art
High Magic manifests in three distinct forms, all tapping into the Weave but varying in power, indicated by the number of casters involved:
Rituals of Solitude
These rudimentary High Magic forms consist of spell rituals performed by a single caster. They involve low-level effects in terms of directly accessing the source of magic and life. Typically cast within 1-2 minutes, these rituals are swift yet potent. Despite their solitary nature, these ceremonies subtly link the caster with the target, allowing the Weave to connect them on a fundamental level. This concept shares similarities with certain wizard spells like magic missile, although wizards primarily emphasize line of sight, unlike High Magic, which relies on deeper connections.Rituals of Complement
Intermediate-level High Magic rituals necessitate the collaboration of three High Mages, each undertaking specific parts of the ceremony. These rituals create a conscious merging of minds among the trio, as they jointly perform distinct or sometimes identical rituals within the overarching ceremony. Mental defenses are abandoned, enabling shared knowledge and perceptions of the ritual’s intricacies. These rituals are intricate and time-consuming, often lasting an hour or more. During this period, the casters maintain mental links and synchronize their casting efforts. Breaching the sanctity of this bond is strictly forbidden, leading to severe consequences, including exile or death.Rituals of Myriad
At the pinnacle of High Magic, Myriad-level rituals demand a team of at least five High Mages at the core, following the same procedures as Rituals of Complement. These rituals require extensive preparation, involving purification rites that can last nearly as long as a Ritual of Complement. Delicate opening liturgies connect all casters and supporters, establishing a profound bond. Myriad High Magic can be as brief as three hours or extend from dawn to dusk, depending on the complexity of the ritual. These rituals represent the mightiest magics wielded by mortals, embodying legendary power. The effects of Myriad-level High Magic are awe-inspiring, and any adversary forcing the elves to unleash such forces faces dire consequences.Ritual Supporters
Crucial aspects of High Magic rituals involve the participation of other elves within the realm who aid the High Mages. Being included in a ritual is a matter of immense honor and pride for many elves. While elves generally refrain from boasting, some may subtly express their roles in ancient rituals. High Mages frequently rely on diviners to anticipate major omens and forthcoming events. Although High Magic isn't primarily intended for combat, it serves elves best when power is carefully wielded in times of need. High Mages must avoid the pitfalls of poor planning and misplaced strengths, learning from the mistakes of their predecessors. Myriad ceremonies demand immense power, taxing the secondary and tertiary casters significantly and posing potential life-threatening risks to the primary caster. To alleviate this strain, elf wizards who aren't directly involved in the ritual volunteer to support it passively. They contribute their energy and spell knowledge to sustain and fortify the High Mages. This support allows High Mages to focus solely on the ritual, without concerns about basic bodily functions like breathing and heartbeat. These volunteers provide crucial energy, enabling secondary casters to fine-tune the ritual's complexities.
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