Battle of Wills
The "Battle of Wills" refers to a particular point, or various points, during a confrontation between two mages, or spellcasters. While fights can rage for any length of time between seconds and hours, at various peaks of intensity, it is not uncommon for incantations of similar power* to be launched at each other, causing a "lock" where neither incantation succeeds often with the visual effects of those same spells left in suspended animation. This triggers the Battle of Wills.
See Possible Outcomes for a more detailed analysis.
It is likely for these reasons that an accomplished Mage will rarely cast one spell at a time in battle, but two in quick succession. The aim of this would be to reduce the probability of Battles of Will occuring in the first place or to ensure, if a Battle of Wills was drawn from one incantation, then the second one had a chance of either striking the opponent or causing a sufficient distraction from the mind struggle.
What is "Similar Power"?
Simple Definition
A stronger spell - such as commanding an ocean, versus a flickering flame. However, see below about this not being an automatic win for the Battle of Wills.More Common Definition
One launched with more passion, emotion, concentration or certainty.Who Wins a Battle of Wills?
The one who proves themselves more mentally resilient than the other, or the one who can focus for the longest time without being distracted.See Possible Outcomes for a more detailed analysis.
Where Strength Is Not Power and Power is Not Strength.
It is important to note here that a Battle of Wills is not automatically won by the more experienced mage, or one thought to be more powerful, or even by an incantation that is deemed stronger. Thus, in the example above, if a Water Mage were to command a large body of water against a flickering flame, the casting time and energy drain on the Water Mage would mean it could not be cast twice in the same encounter. Were the flickering flame commanded by a Fire Mage cast with as much passion and mental energy, it is entirely in the realm of the possible, that it could survive the deluge. Assuming said Fire Mage were not swept off their feet or otherwise distracted, which - being objective - would be problematic.Possible Outcomes of the Battle of Wills
Indefinite Deadlock
"Indefinite", means "the end is not known", rather than "infinite" meaning "there is no end". After a duration of time where the Wills prove equal, the physical manifestations of their incantations tend to dissipate. If physical objects were caught up, then these would fall to the ground, unless one of the Mages "caught" them (literally, or with spells). In this regard, Indefinite Deadlock can prove as deadly as being struck directly by some spells.Partial or Complete Success
With a complete success, the "losing" spell dissipates and the "winning" spell achieves whatever its aims were in the mind of the caster. With a partial success (which could be for one or both casters), the incantations have something akin to their intended effects, but weaker and less accurate.Bi-Success
Though unusual, it is not an insignificant probability that both spells could carry out their effects as intended, though sometimes with reduced accuracy (see below). In which case, the balance of the battle could shift depending on the result of those spells.Bi-Success Explained
The easiest way to clarify how this is possible is to use the analogy of the common ball, either of the kind played with by children, or of the metal kind utilised by the Elelupii in some of their inventions. If one places two balls side-by-side until they touch, then applies equal strength to each side, pushing inwards, eventually both balls will move, albeit not directly forward. Neither has been destroyed, but neither arrives at the precise, intended destination either.What if Bi-Success Occurs with an Attacking Spell versus a Defensive Spell?
Such a combination is common, of course. All the Elemental Crystals have powerful Kyl (shield) incantations and trainee mages are usually taught first to defend themselves, then to attack. In the case of equal wills where both spells succeed:- The attacking spell will hit the shield at its intended strength.
- Assuming the correct type of shield is employed it will perfectly defend the mage against the attack. While some shields may absorb Elemental Energy, a more common result of this equality is that the attacking spell "rebounds", with it being redirected, often in an unintended direction.
- Knock-back: Due to the force of the attack, the defender is often physically pushed back, whilst remaining protected. Unless the attacker moves swiftly to ensure they are in casting range, an advantage may be given to the defender in the sense that they have time to cast their own attack, while the original attacker moves back towards them.
Multi-Mage Battles of Will
Wars taking place between mages alone have not been recorded in Qal'ath's history. This is not because of suppression, but because there are no sizable principalities where the majority of the population or its armed forces are mages in its vicinity. This also appears true of its history. However, there are cases in former times within Byantē Alliance Territory, before the Alliance was formed. In the case of multi-mage battles, mass deadlocks are rare. However, "cluster locks" (a term coined by an Elelup in the region) did. They recorded it in the traditionally...verbose way of their people.We Elelupii are not known for our ability in spellcasting, and nor should we be! It is something granted to very few and usually at the cost of their exclusion. But we are often witnesses of it, especially in these times. While passing beneath notice in a mystical war, while wishing it were, in fact, mythical, I have experienced "cluster locks". This is where two or three mages against a similar number end up in deadlock. In one case, making sure I was relatively safe, I saw they were usually only "resolved" by outside influences; others joining in the battle, a shift in the weather, ground quakes, afeared animals and the like. What was interesting to a researcher as myself, is that two mages could be in a "cluster lock" with three and occasionally four mages. I'm the wrong person to ask about the 'power' of such people, so I cannot compare one wand-waver with another. But it is evident to the eyes that numbers alone may not suffice. Though I doubt even the most powerful could "out will" hundreds at a time. I hope history doesn't prove me wrong. That would be embarrassing!
Ararat'à Eleth
Date unknown
Published in: Compiled Journals, c 95BFD equiv
Date unknown
Published in: Compiled Journals, c 95BFD equiv
Spellcasting While in a Battle of Wills
Assuming there is no intervention by those outside the struggle, or by nature, it is very difficult to cast another spell at the same time as being held in a Battle of Wills. Those maintaining its viability point to a mage often carrying more than one focus or weapon and that it is possible to, say, maintain a lightning strike while casting a mind-attack like Sy Senz-Ai. I put this to two different Elementally-aligned spellcasters, both of whom asked that I just identify them with their initials."Even the most learned - and arguably because they are the most learned - have, down the years, recorded the dangers of dual-casting. Those dangers tend to form against the one attempting to dual-cast. A mind divided cannot expect to achieve both tasks to the highest level. "Good enough" is rarely an option. As your question relates to spellcasting during battle, then "good enough" probably won't be. In a Battle of Wills, the greater focus plays out as the winner in most cases. While no one can truly claim to think about just one thing at once, choosing to divide one's attention is at least risky, and at worse, fatal." C. a. O
(after a pause) That would be...unwise. Even if you were trying to create a minor distraction with your 'second spell', by doing so you have distracted yourself, no? I do remember a technique in an old tome that I must now find, whereby with two foci - say, a brand and an Elementally-charged bracelet, you can "lock in" a different spell. So that one would be dormant in one focus until something specific happens. For example, if the other focus falls (indicating the mage is either floored or the weapon has been dropped) then an invisibility or teleportation "spell" is unleashed. (another pause) It's easier to create exciting theories than it is to enact them under stress on the battlefield, isn't it? F. a. F.
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Chronicler's Note:
"Spell-deadlocks" have often been recorded as the turning points of wars centuries prior to the First Destruction. Arguably, the archaic form of Kyl-Y-Ormà used by the Aevyormii during the original founding of Qal'ath withstood many such deadlocks before the Queen succumbed. Battles of Will have an unintended effect on the battlefield too: that of drawing the gaze of all sides of the war. No one wishes to be crushed by rocks or struck by lightning, which for the non-Elementally Aligned can cause more fear than a poisoned arrow or triple-edged blade. Therefore these "deadlocks" have a way of pausing the whole battle until they're resolved.
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