Lore Masters – I need your aid!
My friend just upped a subscription to FFXIV and wants to RP. He wants to know if he can have a character who attempts to dabble in every sort of magic he can, I remember hearing that you can’t really be a conjurer and a thaumarturge (or is it that you can’t have both White and Black magic?) – but I have no idea why that is. What’s possible? Could a character theoretically be at beginner levels of all forms of magic? If not – what types of magic wouldn’t conflict?
@tiergan-vashir Yes, it is possible to learn and be adept at multiple forms of magic. However, the catch to this is that each school of magic channels magic differently from one another and requires separate foci. We have examples of magi who are learning multiple schools in both Sharlayan’s Studium and Ishgard’s Scholasticate, and we may likely learn more on this with the upcoming addition of Red Mage, though details on how exactly that class manipulates aether is yet unclear.
Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Starting with the prestigious Studium, Sharlayan has numerous famed academies that accept students from all nations. In times past, Eorzean pupils eagerly flocked to Sharlayan’s settlement in the Dravanian hinterlands from all corners of the realm. There, they studied a multitude of subjects from different fields – though it seems that instructors reserved certain wisdom for those of Sharlayan citizenship alone.”
Purified Polyrhythm: “While many seminarians of the Saint Endalim Scholasticate show great aptitude for defensive and restorative magicks, they must also be capable of employing the destructive kind as the situation demands. We have need of three suitable rods for the upcoming trials to join the vaunted ranks of the Temple Knights.”
Schools of Magic
To start off, I think it’s important to remember that despite the game leading into Conjury -> White Magic and Thaumaturgy -> Black Magic, that each of these magicks are different schools on their own. Though Thaumaturgy is a derivative of Black Magic, they are not the same thing. Neither is Conjury White Magic. So it’s important to remember that Conjury, Thaumaturgy, Arcanum, and Astromancy are “modern” schools of magic, whereas Black Magic, White Magic, Summoning, and Scholar are arcane or ancient magical schools and the education and requirements for learning these older schools are quite different and often times rather extreme, such as requiring soul crystals.
This is why most people recommend that if you’re going to learn multiple schools of magic, stick with the more modern schools as these are what are readily available to be taught across the world today. Having knowledge and even the capabilities to begin casting these older magicks each has certain requirements. How did they learn about White Magic’s existence? Where did they come by a soul crystal for Black Magic? When and where did a primal get defeated near them to be able to summon? Etc, etc. That’s not to say these things can’t happen to a character, but the likelihood that one person has had the time to kill primals, study forbidden black magic, and entreat with the Padjal while only being a twenty-year old from Sharlayan newly arrived to Eorzea quite impractical.
I go over this next part a little more in depth here. On top of learning each of these schools, the first thing a practiced mage should know is how each magic channels aether differently from one another:
Aether Sources
ACN – personal aether reserves (anima) and sometimes external sources (aetherflow/energy drain/carbuncle)
THM – personal aether reserves (anima)
CNJ – drawn from nature
AST – unlocked from the Six Celestial Gates
WHM – drawn from Hydaelyn
BLM – drawn from HydaelynMethodology
ACN – Arcanists shape spells using the arcane geometries, but cast by channeling their own aether through the enchanted ink of their grimoire. The conductivity of the ink allows for more effective/stronger casting of the spell.
THM – Thaumaturges speak ancient incantations to formulate a spell and draw their own aether into a stave made from metal or bone and focused into an aetherially enhanced gemstone to cast.
CNJ – Conjurers draw aether from their immediate environment into their stave, made from unworked wood, and through meditation, shape that aether into a desired spell.
AST – Astrologians draw residual aether from the constellations into their planisphere and attune their aether to the movement of the heavens. Beyond that is unclear.
WHM & BLM – Both follow essentially the mechanical progression of CNJ seen above. Aether is drawn from the immediate environment into the stave via the focus (flower/gemstone) and then shaped either via meditation or incantation.
Physical Focus
Arcanum
Lodestone: “Adepts of the art of arcanum derive their might from symbols of power born of geometric techniques hailing from across the southern seas. Held within occult grimoires, these symbols lend shape to the arcanist’s aether, thereby allowing him to produce myriad powerful spells. Using the selfsame symbols to unlock the latent power contained within gemstones, arcanists are also able to summon forth the familiar known as Carbuncle to carry out their bidding.”
Anonymous Arcanist: “For an arcanist to weave his spells, he must conjure in his mind the image of distinct mystical diagrams known as arcane geometries. These geometries are inscribed upon the pages of a grimoire, such as the one you constructed at my request. The most important aspect of any grimoire is the quality of the ink used to illustrate its pages. Geometries drawn with ink that is especially conductive to the flow of aether allow the arcanist to more effectively channel his magical strength.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Using geometric symbols to lend shape to living aether, certain mages can unlock the latent power within certain gemstones – a power which can be directed to the ‘summoning’ of aetherial beings known as Carbuncles. The inherent traits displayed by these familiars differ depending on the stone used in their creation – emerald and topaz being the most common, with ruby and diamond also proving popular.”
Thaumaturgy
Lodestone: “In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection. To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. Thus armed, the thaumaturge is capable of wreaking considerable havoc via ruinous spells and curses.”
Serendipity: “This gemstone is the focal point of the design, both aesthetically and practically speaking. It is what allows a thaumaturge to channel the aetherial energies within.”
Serendipity: “Perhaps you’re wondering who would prefer a staff with a headpiece of bone over one studded with jewels. Well, the Thaumaturges favor such equipment. Fangs and horns are the weapons of beasts, used to kill and defend. Few materials are better suited than these for channeling the dark arts.”
Conjury
Lodestone: “Conjury calls upon the elements of earth, wind, and water and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. Versed also in magicks that restore and strengthen, conjurers are regarded as accomplished healers.”
Ponette: “To conjurers, our canes are the physical representation of our connection with the living world. They provide a focus for us to channel the forces of nature and weave spells. To possess a cane made of walnut is a dream most conjurers share.”
Beatin: “The gentle curve of the crook appears natural, as if it was destined to take such a shape. Indeed, your skillful application of growth formula has imbued this cane with new life, giving it the appearance of unworked wood.”
Basic Aetherology
This topic has come up a lot for me recently, so I’ll add in this last bit that I’ve been telling others who’ve come to me asking about Sharlayans and Ishgardians wishing to learn one or more schools of magic. Anyone can be taught the modern schools of magic – that’s what the existence of the guilds is for. That does not mean, however, that outsiders must needs assign the same religious meaning to these magics that their native practitioners do. This is especially true for Studium or Scholasticate learners, who are more likely to take a more scientific or theological (respectively) approach to their education.
Sharlayans Learning Conjury Order of Nald’thal Lore and Thaumaturgy Religious Practices Stillglade Fane Lore and Hearing the Elementals What I would recommend for roleplay purposes is to have a thorough grasp upon aetherology lore and a basic understanding of the elemental wheel and the relationships between the six elements and two polarities. This is especially true if you’re playing a Sharlayan character that understands the complexities of wielding multiple magicks.
Aether, Lifestream, and Aetheryte Lore Compilation Basic Aetherology, Imbalance, and Sickness Lore Essences & Permutations: A Treatise of the Six Elements (Elemental Wheel and Element Relationships) Last but not least, I feel it’s important to add that while the above listed schools are the most commonly known schools of magic, that others do exist, especially in Sharlayan. Magicks which create familiars, golem magicks, scriptomancy and bibliomancy which imbue inanimate tomes and glyphs with limited intelligence, voidbinding magicks, and others yet unknown exist in the world, just that the particulars of how they work is unknown.
Hope this helps! ^^
ADDENDUM – Channeling Aides
I got a follow up question -> Could an arcanist technically cast spells without a grimore in a pinch just by having the special aether ink on hand?
Or written on something else? Hidden on their person?
Most typically, we see this question come up in relation to tattoos drawn in the same enchanted ink or glyphs sewn into clothes to create a similar effect to individual spells upon the pages of a grimoire. I want to say that tattoos are theoretically possible, but would in all likelihood present a greater danger to the caster. The glyphs sewn into garments is actually canon, though, so we’ll get into that!
Enchanted Ink and Enhancing Aetherial Conductivity
In game, you’ll notice there exist a variety of Enchanted Ink: Copper, Silver, Mythril, Electrum, Gold, Rose Gold, Mythrite, and Aurum Regis. These make up a category known as “soft metals” and are usually employed by goldsmiths. In ancient times, it was discovered that these soft metals enhanced aether conduction and significantly eased the strain of casting on the wearer. That is why you’ll see enchanted ink, jewelry, and even clothing crafted into mage wears. Certain gemstones also have certain properties which can promote various aspects of magic, such as Jade or Malachite, or the number of gemstones employed by arcanists.
Serendipity: “Silver was historically prized for its beauty. Ancient peoples even believed it to possess magical properties. Although they did not completely understand the natural process involved, they were in fact correct. It’s difficult to explain to someone without an extensive background in the relevant fields, but let’s just say that silver is really, really good at channeling aether.”
Serendipity: “Despite being relatively commonplace, malachite is quite sought after, owing to its supposed power to ward off evil. Superstitions notwithstanding, it does indeed have some mild thaumaturgical properties.”
Greenstones for Greenhorns: “As you know—or ought to at your age, if those raven’s feet are any indication—conjurers newly hatched from Stillglade Fane are sent forth into the world bearing a staff set with a piece of jade as green as the woods of the Shroud. Better your staff than another’s, wouldn’t you agree?”
Clothes Make the Magi
So if an arcanist wears a robe with arcane geometries on it, can they utilize that to cast in the absence of a grimoire? Theoretically, yes. Obviously, the number of spells under their employ would be limited to those sewn into their robes and the quality of the spell would be dependent upon the quality of their garb, but it should be possible. Ancient magi have been utilizing the above aetherial enhancement properties in soft metals and gemstones sewn into their clothing for nearly two millennia – and not just Arcanists.
Savant’s Attire: “Recovered from the Floating City of Nym by an intrepid adventurer, this garb was identified as being of Nymian design, believed to have been invented in the latter part of the Fifth Astral Era. An experimental uniform issued exclusively to the scholar elite, the crystal tubes attached to the forearms could be infused with the wearer’s own aether. This allowed the scholar to later call upon ready resevoirs of mana to amplify the potency of her spells, although manipulation of energies stored in such fashion is thought to have required a degree of control possessed only by the most accomplished savants.”
Wizard’s Attire: “A raiment of the black mage. Resplendent after two thousand years, this garb from the Fifth Astral Era is shot through with hex-spun mythril. Such innovations give away this seemingly innocent piece of clothing as the invest for summoning creatures from the void – that otherworldly plane which makes sport of the sanity of man.”
Goetia Attire: “Goetia attire was originally worn by high-ranking Mhachi magi who were particularly skilled in enslaving the denizens of the void. Though appearing featureless from a distance, closer inspection reveals subtle arcane patterns in the cloth – runes and symbols woven with thread soaked in the blood of pact-bound voidsent. These patterns are said to amplify the power of the wearer, elevating the destructive potential of the caster’s spells to truly catastrophic levels. Infused with such potent properties, the authenticity of the robes becomes glaringly apparent when compared to the many imitations merchant seek to hawk as genuine relics of ancient Mhach.”
Tantra Attire: “Only elders of the Fist of Rhalgr are permitted to don this attire. Though the thread used in its creation is the same as that woven into the standard temple habit, the veteran monks looming the tantra cloth imbue each stitch with concentrated energy, resulting in a significantly higher rate of aetherial conductivity. A monk’s chakras are thus greatly expanded when swathed in such material, but without the training required to moderate the excessive outpouring of aether, an unseasoned wearer would bleed out his entire life essence in a matter of moments.”
Tattoos and the Risk of Aetherial Imbalance?
(The following is Theorycraft) While it’s theoretically possible that ink laced with the above soft metals could aid in the casting of spells without grimoire, there’s a certain amount of risk that might be inherent when doing so, beyond the obvious limitation of only having so much skin to work with when drawing arcane glyphs or incantations.
The first is the risk of searing the flesh when casting more potent spells. We know that certain advanced black magic spells can ignite the aether in one’s body if not properly controlled with the use of a soul crystal. This suggests that channeling magic through the body like a conduit can be likened to surging electricity or other energy through the skin when done improperly. Less potent arcanum might not present a problem, but advanced spells or prolonged usage might have similar effects on the skin.
Second, the risk of aetherial imbalance. While some spells are unaspected aether, most aether has an elemental property which can be polarized either astrally (active) or umbrally (passive). Each person’s aether is attuned in such a way that it achieves comfortable homeostasis. Subjecting the skin and body to such powerful aethers might disrupt this balance, much in the way a concentrated elemental aspect, such as a crystal, cannot be directly introduced into the body. The specific example given in the lore book is ingesting a crystal can prove fatal.
Encyclopedia Eorzea: “That said, due to the extreme concentration of aspected aether within a crystal, direct consumption of a crystal by a living being can severely alter the aetherial balance within its body, ultimately resulting in severe injury or even death.”
This ultimately goes back to understanding basic aetherology and how you would like your character to toe the lines of experimentation and casting. Could your caster be covered in aetherial tattoos and be fine? Of course! Are there risks? Most likely.
Reblogging again, because the addendum is great reference for Lurial.
Published
Roses And Grimoires 