Secrets of Magic

Magic is a big part of the Raiders universe, but with so many types available, it can be confusing as to what magic does what and how, exactly, they're used. Multiple kinds of energy exist, after all, from Light and Dark to Chaos and Spirit. And what’s the difference between Rave’s spirit summoning and Hype’s sprite summoning?

This section will attempt to classify the various energy and magic types that exist in the Raiders world for easy reference. With this guide, players will be able to know how to react when attacked by any kind of special attack launched by any kind of character.

Energy

Light

Light energy and its counterpart Dark energy can be difficult to classify. It’s easier to think of these forms of energy as Positive and Negative. Light energy is strong against Dark-element characters, but a Light-element character is also weak against Dark energy. When the two forces meet directly, they often nullify each other.

Light energy cannot be clearly defined. It is somewhat easier to understand if one thinks of Light energy as all the positive, creative forces in the world. When a user taps into this kind of energy, they are effectively tapping in to the good nature of the world, and manipulating it into an attack. As mentioned, this kind of energy is effective against Dark elements, but a character based on the Light element is weak to Dark energy.

Example: Fraise taps into light energy and uses it to attack Goth. Goth, whose element is Dark, is heavily wounded by the attack. Goth then responds with a Dark blast and heavily wounds Fraise. If they were to use their attacks against each other at the same time, both attacks would be dispelled.

There’s no prerequisite for using Light energy – with a little training, anyone can use it. It’s substantially difficult for characters with an affinity for darkness to learn, however, for obvious reasons.

Dark

Dark energy and its counterpart Light energy can be difficult to classify. It’s easier to think of these forms of energy as Positive and Negative energy. Dark energy is strong against Light-element characters, but a Dark-element character is also weak against Light energy. When the two forces meet directly, they often nullify each other.

Dark energy cannot be clearly defined. It is somewhat easier to understand if one thinks of Dark energy as all the negative, destructive forces in the world. When a user taps into this kind of energy, they are effectively tapping in to the evil nature of the world, and manipulating it into an attack. As mentioned, this kind of energy is effective against Light elements, but a character based on the Dark element is weak to Light energy.

Example: Goth uses a Dark energy blast against Fraise. Fraise, whose element is Light, is heavily wounded by the attack. Fraise then responds with a blast of Light energy, which heavily wounds Goth. If they were to use their attacks against each other at the same time, both attacks would be dispelled.

There’s no prerequisite for using Dark energy – with a little training, anyone can use it. It’s substantially difficult for characters with an affinity for light to learn, however, for obvious reasons.

Spirit

Spirit energy is a unique kind of power that draws from the natural energy endowed to a person (or creature) at birth and developed through their life. This type of energy is oftentimes considered to be the spirit (also called the aura, ki, or chi) of a person – hence its name. Spirit energy is also a great unifier, a type of energy that can bond other energies together. Most individuals are susceptible to Spirit attacks, though it behaves much like Light energy when confronted with the various derivatives of Dark energy.
 
Spirit energy affects targets spiritually rather than physically. Instead of taking physical wounds, the target suffers from spiritual wounds, which manifest as a feeling of weakness and weariness. This is especially effective against other magic-users, who often find themselves without enough power to fight back. On a normal individual, a low-level spirit attack is enough to render them unconscious with a single strike. For high-level enemies, though, multiple attacks would be needed to break down their resolve.
 
Example: Hardrive’s Spirit Gun knocks out a wolf trying to mug a hedgehog. His Spirit Shotgun, however, only weakens Kilamo instead of knocking her out.
 
 Also, the target of a spiritual attack might feel as though they have indeed suffered from a physical wound when no such thing has occurred.
 
Example: Hardrive uses a crescent wave made of Spirit Energy to attack Nakamaro’s legs. When hit, Nakamaro feels as though his legs have been sliced through and acts accordingly, when in fact they took no physical damage at all.
 
An individual’s spiritual energy depends inversely on their physical and magical strengths. Because of its unique nature, a person who is physically a powerhouse may have next to no Spirit energy available for attacks. The same can be said of someone who is talented in the physical forms of magic. Conversely, physically and magically weak individuals have been known to have more Spirit energy than others. It is possible to train oneself in the use of spiritual energy, however, and in effect build up the amount available to them. The more Spirit energy is expended, the more tired the user feels. If the user makes the mistake of using up all their Spirit energy, then they run the risk of dying.

Addendum: On the subject of linking elements. Spirit energy can often be used in conjunction with other forms of magic. The strength of the resulting spell is dependant upon the magic linked to the Spirit energy. For obvious reasons, linking Spirit with Dark will yield poor results while linking Spirit with elemental magic can yield powerful results. Naturally, the resulting output would be weaker than if the linked energy had been used by itself, but this method provides an alternative to those who wish to practice a particular form of magic but are not able to do so adequately.

Chaos

Chaos energy is the easiest energy to manipulate on Mobius, though it naturally takes some skill to use effectively. It can be found in its physical form as Chaos Shards, or their more powerful cousins, the Chaos Emeralds. A person can also train to summon the energy naturally. Chaos energy is a raw energy, believed to come about through the creation of matter (although its exact nature is somewhat shrouded in mystery). Despite its nature as a raw elemental force, though, Chaos energy reacts explosively when exposed to its counterpart, Entroph energy.

Chaos energy is a form of energy unique to Mobius and is considered an Elemental energy, but due to its somewhat unique nature, is identified as an energy source in and of itself. Most Chaos energy on Mobius is condensed into a solid form, such as the Chaos Shards. These gemstones are typically drained after one use, so are not normally relied on in battle outside of a quick powerful attack. The Chaos Emeralds, however, contain almost limitless amounts of Chaos energy, and as such, can endow users with much more impressive abilities. The Emeralds are incredibly rare, however, so for all intents and purposes, an individual will likely not encounter them.

Chaos energy is highly versatile but can be very dangerous if misused. It’s available for anyone to use, so long as they’ve trained in how to use it and are willing to except the risks of experiencing energy burn.

Entroph

Entroph energy is a kind of energy created through the decay and destruction of matter. In some circles, it is also believed to be the waste energy created through the usage of other energy forms. The exact nature of this energy is debatable, but most link it to destruction of some sort. Due to its nature as an energy created through destruction, Entroph energy reacts explosively when exposed to its counterpart, Chaos energy.

Entroph energy is considered an Elemental energy, but due to its somewhat unique nature, is identified as an energy source in and of itself. It can be considered to be the polar opposite of Chaos energy, but does not exist in a solid form. It can be manipulated into attacks similar to Chaos, though such attacks drain the user more than any other energy form currently known.

Entroph energy is rarely used outside of Aegean alchemic practices because of how difficult it is to tap into. As such, the only skilled users of Entroph energy tend to come from Aegeas, such as Hype and Goth. Entroph energy can be very dangerous if misused, and is as unpredictable as Chaos energy. Unless as user has taken the proper steps, energy burn is a common occurrence.

Elemental

Elemental energy is not exactly one type of energy, but many. It encompasses all the elements found in nature – earth, fire, air, water, and lightning. They can be used for both offense and defense, though each has its own strength and weaknesses. The strength and weaknesses of each element are as follows: Water > Fire > Earth > Air > Lightning > Water.

The effects of each element vary according to its nature and attempts to classify every variation would be pointless. It is worth noting that Elemental energy is not exactly energy, but a derivative known as mana. Mana is a specific kind of energy produced by nature, and it is this kind of energy used by Elementalists in and out of battle.

Training in the Elemental arts is common place and anyone can learn the art without significant difficulty, although if you’re well-versed in one discipline, you may have difficulty adapting to another one – such as a fire-user training to use water.

Psychic

Psychic energy is limited only to those with psychic abilities. It exists as a manifestation of the mind’s power, and as such, is strong against the feeble-minded but weak against the strong-willed. The manifestations of psychic energy can vary from telepathy to telekinesis, or even the elemental forms of telekinesis (pyrokinesis, hydrokinesis, etc.).

Like Elemental energy, Psychic energy can take on a variety of forms. Most common are telepathic ‘bolts’, which directly affects a person’s mind rather than their body. For physical attacks, telekinesis is most often used to hurl objects at the enemy, or even to throw the enemy themselves.

Used too often, Psychic energy can have dramatic effects on a person. Prolonged use results in headaches that vary in strength according to the amount of Psychic energy used. A psychic can train to increase their endurance, although the very openness to Psychic energy that gives them their ability can also be abused by other psychics, making Psychic energy most dangerous to psychic characters.

Burn

This is not an energy type, but more of a common drawback to misusing energy. There are two types of Burn: Energy Burn and Mana Burn. Both are approximately the same thing, though Mana Burn is unique to Elementalists.

Burn occurs when a user summons more energy than they can effectively used, or is prevented from releasing that energy. The energy then backfires on its user, oftentimes becoming visible as a kind of explosion on a user’s body, resulting in burns of varying severity. The energy backfire can also occur on an internal level, sapping a user of their strength and sending waves of intense pain through their body. Both visible burns and non-visible burns are common, and the visibility of the backfire varies with the user and type of energy.

Methods of Magic

Sprite Summoning

This is a form of magic used by the Aegiens, one of the two factions that split away from the Cannaeus civilization in ancient times. As such, it's quite similar Lunari spirit summoning. Based upon Cannaen archaisms, the power doesn't come without drawbacks. The most notable current user of Sprite Summoning is Hype Kokinyu who currently studies Aegien theology and magic.

Sprite Summoning involves "baiting", drawing a circle entwined with elemental symbols to 'call' sprites. It's a two part process, and most circles contain several rings - One to call, one to trap, and one to protect the summoner. Summoning the same sprite twice is a rarity, unless some kind of bond is formed with a more sentient sprite (as they range from non sentient elementals to speaking self-aware sprites) The "array" (circles and symbols) is used to summon, bind, and keep the summon from going awry, as during the process both sprite and summoner are vulnerable. Once the circle is complete, the user then channels their energy into it. From there, in a best case scenario, one sprite is summoned to the field, and the process continues from there.

Sprites exist for every element. Like Lunari spirits, Chaos and Dark sprites are to be avoided. Dark sprites are manipulative, and chaos sprites - although quite powerful - are exceedingly rash and unruly. Users must be very careful and skilled in summoning. Some of the more powerful sprites tend to be stubborn. It's also recommended that summoners have a fair level of mental resistance, but an open mind. Sprites cannot be seen by those who are unwilling (the skeptical cannot see them... usually).

Spirit Summoning

This is a form of magic used by the Lunari, one of the two factions that split away from the Cannaeus civilization in ancient times. As such, it bears striking similarities to its Aegise counterpart, Sprite Summoning. Both are based on extinct Cannaeus form of summoning, so such similarities are natural. The most notable current user of Spirit Summoning is Rave Aegis, one-time Raider and friend to the organization.

Spirit Summoning involves tracing out a protective circle on the ground and marking the circle with symbols appropriate to the elemental spirit you want to call forth. This circle is used both to control the spirit as well as protect the user from being turned upon (some spirits are less willing to help than others). Once the circle is complete, the user then channels their energy into it. The circle then acts as a conduit, calling forth an elemental spirit in a form decided upon by the user.

Spirits, like sprites, exist for every element. The most unwieldy of spirits, however, are Chaos and Dark spirits. Dark spirits have a tendency to corrupt users while Chaos spirits are too powerful and unwieldy to properly control. Users must be very careful and skilled in summoning, otherwise the very spirits they summon for help could turn upon them and destroy them.

Fusion

Considered one of the most powerful magical techniques, the most dangerous, and possibly the most intriguing. This technique when used in any method binds two creatures together, as well as their powers. This can multiply a creature's power to incalculable heights, and prove devastating as a last-ditch effort. However, in any cause, and in any method used, the power is unsafe without certain precautions.

In Aegese, this type of magic is involved with alchemy and summoning. When a summoner calls forth a sprite, they can merge temporarily with it to unlock the potential of both the summoner's own power, and the sprite's own skill-set.

During a fusion, a percentile of the merge can be gauged by the summoner - anywhere from 0%(dormant) to 100%(Full blown integration). However- the majority of fusion's range between 20% to 30%, as the danger of not separating is too great. To further protect a summoner, "Entroph Cuffs" Clasp around the wrists as a fail-safe, to stop the sprite from inadvertently taking over and fusing them for life. Depending on the level of fusion

Depending on the fusion levels, different powers (as well as weaknesses) are applied to the summoner- as well as certain skill sets not yet learned. It's said that some sprites actually hold the minds of ancient warriors and scholars - but that could just be legend.

Alchemy

Alchemy is often scorned by magic-users for its unstable nature. A physiological and spiritual discipline, few understand Alchemy as a whole. Base applications of Alchemy are used in the Raiders as a form of production. Unlike normal mechanics, Alchemy can be used to fuse machinery and Magic together to create unique and powerful items. Currently the Raiders have only applied terrestrial ‘stone’ alchemy and alchemic metallurgy into their projects and designs. Thus far alchemy has been demonstrated in two ways – channeling energy into a medium for storage (such as storing chaos shards for later use) Or for the direct breakdown and combination of matter into an item or form (such as the creation of alchemic pearl reactors, or special forms of mechanical wirings and conduits).

Alchemy is not a perfect science. Until now it’s been assumed that to use the craft you must use an equation. For the Aegiens, it’s a four-base command system – Form, Power, Chaos, and Law. Power is applied to form, producing chaos. Chaos re-forms, which produces Law. Using this balance, the user creates a circle with these symbols (also known as an Array) and channels their energy through it. In the process their power, be it spirit, elemental or otherwise, is broken down and turned into a universal power – Entroph. That power breaks down the objects at hand (Form) which disrupts their molecular bonds (Chaos). The commands then direct how the object should be reformed, and if the user has control over it well, then it is successful.

This form of alchemy, called Aegien Terrestrial Alchemy, produces small amounts of Chaos energy and should be used with caution with those receptive to it. The Entroph used in this form of alchemy is grounded within the array circuit and should have no adverse effects – save for the odd case here and there and defective arrays. Other forms of alchemy exist but raiders only know of these practices so far.

Focus Object

This form of magic is perhaps the most commonly form in current practice. While not the simplest, it forms the basis of nearly every other magical art. It is most commonly used by Hardrive, the Raiders commander.

This method involves focusing the user’s energy into an object or body part. Some might gather energy in their hands, other in their weapons. When enough energy is gathered, the user releases the stored charge in a form of their choice to achieve whatever effect they wish to achieve. In the case of using a body part to focus energy, a gesture of some sort is needed to release the energy, such as Hardrive’s Spirit Gun technique.

Because the user must control the energy they put into an object, this form of magic also allows for the easiest occurrence of Energy/Mana Burn. Users should be mindful of the energy stored in an object and be sure to release the energy if they do not wish to use it.

Card Manipulation

This form of magic is a unique type of magic technique that does not rely on the energy that a user possesses. Instead, an object is used – typically cards – that has a spell already written upon it. While there are various methods of utilizing this technique, the underlying principle remains the same. This kind of magic is used most often by Katt, a Raiders ally.

Card manipulation, and all its incarnations, revolves around a simple principle. In the traditional variation, a spell is written on a slip of paper. The spell is usually written in a language of power, or with powerful characters. The energy necessary for the spell is already inside the card, and so all it takes is a small spark from the user to ignite it.

This is one of the safest ways to practice magic, but it is also among the trickiest. Not just any kind of writing will do for a spell – the words must carry power, and such languages are few on Mobius. The user must also know what is written on the card. This is a failsafe to keep others from using it accidentally. There is virtually no way to get Energy Burn from card manipulation.

Chant

This form of magic is an ancient one, practice all over Mobius throughout time. It is perhaps the original form of magic from which all others are derived from. Hardrive occasionally uses this method of magic in order to utilize Tolarian magic.

Chanting, or word-based magic, is similar to Focus Object, except that the focus is a word or series of words rather than an object. In most cases, the words define the form and function of a spell. The user gathers their energy and utters a word or phrase, which release the energy in the manner defined by the words.

This type of magic relies on focusing the user’s energy, and as such, Burn can often occur in those whose spell is interrupted or their concentration shaken.

Signing

The method of Signing is another kind of ancient magical process. It evolved in tandem with chanting and while it was originally developed as a method of showing off, it reached a point in which such movements became necessary for the success of a spell. Signing-related techniques are often used by Loki.

Signing magic is similar to Card Manipulation in that both require a specialized language. Each gesture is part of the overall spell, but the method in which they are used varies from person to person. Hardrive, for example, traces out Tolarian symbols in the air to use elemental magic while Loki uses a series of specialized symbols in order to use a technique. In both cases, energy is gathered and released via the symbols created.

Signing carries the same drawbacks as chanting. Burn often occurs when a user is interrupted, though if one trains enough, they may be able to carry the charge for a period of time and get another chance at their spell before being Burned.

Chaos Shards

Chaos shards are not a magical practice, but more of a magical object. They exist all over Mobius in various sizes. They act as miniature Chaos Emeralds, holding a small charge of Chaos energy within them. You do not need to have any experience in magic to be able to wield a Chaos Shard – they respond easily to anyone, and are often used as a catalyst for changing forms.