The Functions of Shikus
Unlike most all other sects of Kazrin magic, Shikus does not directly deal with Thungrian Rift-Script. What I mean in saying this is that Shikus does not alter the characters of the language, as the other sects do. Rather, Shikus deals entirely with the conduction and expulsion of rift-script code. As I have detailed in the previous articles on Kazrin magics, Thungrian Rift-Script exists within all material things as the code denoting physical form. It is the power of Shikus mages to absorb the material energy of materials unto themselves, being capable of safely containing excess material energy within their unique rift-shadow structure, to expell at will as Shikik energy, or to conduct into materials. This conduction of Rift-Script energy often results in the overcharging and decharging of materials, which I will detail the effects of now.
When a material is overcharged with Rift-Script energy, it will be forced to realease excess material energy as a Shykik blast. In this process, the imbued material energy is also replaces some of the original rift-script characters, causing general instability of the material affected. Whereas the overcharging of materials serves more as a weakness to Shikik magic, being a threat any mage must be aware of in the reckless expulsion of Shikik energy, the decharging of materials is amongst the greatest powers of Shikik mages, and is feared to level which Daar magic is feared amongst Aelfen societies, as it is a virtual equivelent. I say this because decharging a material atomizes it. Without material energy to denote its form and give it structure, a material simply ceases to be upon being fully drained.
Shikik Mages in Kazrin Society
Shikus is arguably the least divided sect of magic amongst the Kazrin, being only really seperated by whom these mages weild their power in service of. Most Shikik mages can perform all aspects of its usage, as Shikik magic requires no specificity in manipulation, unlike all other Kazrin magics. Within Kazrin society, Shikik mages are seen, more so than other Kazrin mages, as the mages best suited for combat. They can expell powerful blasts of Shikik energy and can absorb the energy of enemy equipment, degrading it till it ceases entirely. So it is that the training of Shikik mages differs vastly from that of the other mages. Within the School of Magic and Engineering, Shikik mages train as soldiers rather than scholars, and commonly graduate into service as battle mages to the Rising Sun. Beyond this, Shikik mages are sought for their capability to store material energy and to manifest it from materials. As I described in the section on runic constructs within the Zruntus article, Shikik mages are needed to recharge the altrine batteries which power runic constructs. Yet, it is not just runic constructs that require Shikik energy to function. In the modern day, Shikik mages are needed far more than they are available, and are usually taken advantage of due to this fact. It is known that the Ironfist family recieves a regular tithe of Shkik mages from Alzklag who mysteriously dissapear into Alkin-Hurkin to never return.
It is probably easy to see now why Shikik mages are so well known for going against the standards of Kazrin society, and for having a general distaste of their own kind. Most are seen as tools, instruments of use to fulfill a purpose and be discarded. No longer are Shikik mages the proud warrior-mages who serve alongside the most-loved Rising Sun. Now, they were living generators. Propaganda (and truth in part) has also lead to a distaste for Shikik mages amongst the common Kazrin people, as their capacity to destroy material is wielded against them as reason for their danger, and for their need to be monitored by the School of Magic and Engineering. Some of the only safe havens for Shikik mages amongst the Kazrin are the border-holds, least touched by the influence of the king. Most notably, Glakrud, being seperate from the king for quite some time, has no issues with Shikik mages fleeing from Kolkakla, and is known to have no desire to use them to industrial ends. Another example is that of Shik-Uln-Klak, old home to the Shikik battle-mages, were new recruits would be taken to the depths of Aldersglade to chose make a Shikik focus for themselves out of an altrine crystal.
Restrictions of Shikik Magic
Unlike the rest of Kazrin magics, Shikus is most restricted by it's instability and danger to its wielder. Shikik magic is easy to wield, as opposed to Erekian or Mirtasan or Zruntusan magics, and the real threat is not getting carried away. The absorbtion of Thungrian Rift-Script into a Shikik mage is not something to be taken lightly. When a normal living being absorbs this material energy, it replaces that of Ryan Rift-Script - being the code forming all living beings - and thus complicates the binding of one's Shvaran energy to their rift shadow. Put simply, the being will die. Shikik mages possess the unique capability to contain this energy, yes, but that does not mean it is safe. Should a Shikik mage take in far more Shikik energy than they can handle, the energy would expell itself chaotically out of the mage, or could even begin the process of replacing Ryan Rift-Script, leading, of course, to death. This expulsion of energy is not just dangerous to the wielder; it is well known by many a Kazrin that you should never stand near a Shikik mage. Furthermore, the conduction of Shikik energy requires the direct touch of the Shikik mage, unlike Erekus, for example, which can be done at a distance. This closeness to the subject of conduction, of course, puts the Shikik mage in danger - as they almost always are when weilding their power.
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