Circling, School of
Circling is one of Andiron's Infinite Expressions of Magic that deals with manifesting magical power through geometric constructs, most often in the form of barriers or shields.
Note that while a 'circle' must be a closed form, it need not be circular. 'Circling' can also use any other geometric figure that expresses the triune ideals of symmetry, proportion, and alignment.
Realm: Geometric Constructs, commonly in the shape of hemispheres, arcs, or planes.
Foci: Typical foci used to channel magic in circling include copper, gold, and silver--both in solid and in powdered forms--salt, ash, bone powder, or blood; any of these is usually applied in the creation of precise geometric figures, around which are written words or symbols.
Ritual: The most complex process in circling magic is the construction of the figures used to constrain the magic. These figures must be perfectly symmetrical in order to contain the magical power, perfectly proportioned in order to scale that power to fit the mage's needs, and perfectly aligned in order to channel the magical power properly to achieve the desired effect. Failing to express any of these parameters exactly will result in a botched circle. Once the figure is made, all the mage need do to activate it is touch the figure while charging a verbal incantation with a focused application of will. The amount of willpower required is commensurate with the size and complexity of the figure to be quickened, but the activation itself only takes a few seconds.
Effect: Circling expresses magical power through the bounds of ideal geometry. Although the form of the magic is as varied as the imagination, all circle magic shares one common feature: it stays in one place, and it only affects people that touch or try to pass it. This can manifest in a number of different forms, but here are a few of the most common:
Energy - A glowing wall of force is the iconic magic circle, but magic in Andiron can also express in various other modes: a shimmering line of heat and flame, an aura of icy chill, an arcing figure of pulsing lightning. More esoteric mages also delight in other forms of magical barriers: a crushing wave of gravitic impulsion, a thin crescent of superheated plasma.
Matter - Strong circle-casters can create magical constructs formed of matter, as well as energy. Ice is one of the easiest forms, but not the only one. Circles can also create barriers of vines and thorns, rock or metal walls, lines of interlocking or spinning blades, fixed constructs of glue or oil or napalm or acid. Hedges of flowers or sweet pastries. The possibilities are endless.
Compulsion - Some magic circles manifest not in physical power nor features, but in mental constructions of compelling might. These circles can command telepathic messages, strong feelings, thoughts, or impulses to action in their victims.
Backlash: Although its nature tends to protect casters from the worst effects of magical backlash, Circling is not immune to this phenomenon. When a magus invokes a circle and botches, the magical energy whipcords back on the caster and causes psychic trauma.
Corruption: Since it affects targets only indirectly, circle casting does not cause corruption.
Restrictions: Circle casting requires, at the least, a precisely constructed geometric form to contain the magical power. Beyond that, a circle mage must be able to cement these geometric constructs in hir mind with sufficient force to spark the magical power. If the mage cannot draw or use existing features, or is unable to muster the strength of will to quicken those features with magic, the casting will fail.
Realm: Geometric Constructs, commonly in the shape of hemispheres, arcs, or planes.
Foci: Typical foci used to channel magic in circling include copper, gold, and silver--both in solid and in powdered forms--salt, ash, bone powder, or blood; any of these is usually applied in the creation of precise geometric figures, around which are written words or symbols.
Ritual: The most complex process in circling magic is the construction of the figures used to constrain the magic. These figures must be perfectly symmetrical in order to contain the magical power, perfectly proportioned in order to scale that power to fit the mage's needs, and perfectly aligned in order to channel the magical power properly to achieve the desired effect. Failing to express any of these parameters exactly will result in a botched circle. Once the figure is made, all the mage need do to activate it is touch the figure while charging a verbal incantation with a focused application of will. The amount of willpower required is commensurate with the size and complexity of the figure to be quickened, but the activation itself only takes a few seconds.
Effect: Circling expresses magical power through the bounds of ideal geometry. Although the form of the magic is as varied as the imagination, all circle magic shares one common feature: it stays in one place, and it only affects people that touch or try to pass it. This can manifest in a number of different forms, but here are a few of the most common:
Energy - A glowing wall of force is the iconic magic circle, but magic in Andiron can also express in various other modes: a shimmering line of heat and flame, an aura of icy chill, an arcing figure of pulsing lightning. More esoteric mages also delight in other forms of magical barriers: a crushing wave of gravitic impulsion, a thin crescent of superheated plasma.
Matter - Strong circle-casters can create magical constructs formed of matter, as well as energy. Ice is one of the easiest forms, but not the only one. Circles can also create barriers of vines and thorns, rock or metal walls, lines of interlocking or spinning blades, fixed constructs of glue or oil or napalm or acid. Hedges of flowers or sweet pastries. The possibilities are endless.
Compulsion - Some magic circles manifest not in physical power nor features, but in mental constructions of compelling might. These circles can command telepathic messages, strong feelings, thoughts, or impulses to action in their victims.
Backlash: Although its nature tends to protect casters from the worst effects of magical backlash, Circling is not immune to this phenomenon. When a magus invokes a circle and botches, the magical energy whipcords back on the caster and causes psychic trauma.
Corruption: Since it affects targets only indirectly, circle casting does not cause corruption.
Restrictions: Circle casting requires, at the least, a precisely constructed geometric form to contain the magical power. Beyond that, a circle mage must be able to cement these geometric constructs in hir mind with sufficient force to spark the magical power. If the mage cannot draw or use existing features, or is unable to muster the strength of will to quicken those features with magic, the casting will fail.
Type
Metaphysical, Arcane
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