Fable Cloak

"The Fable Cloak: Fusion with the Arcane, Unlocking the True Power of Familiars"

Created & Written by Khali A. Crawford

Familiars are extraordinary beings that originate from the 5th Dimension, a realm governed by Mana (Yin energy), and obey a unique set of physical and metaphysical laws that differ drastically from those in lower dimensions. Familiars are not physical entities in the traditional sense but are instead made entirely of Mana, making them embodiments of magical energy and thus inherently formless. Over countless millennia, Mages have summoned and employed Familiars to serve as vessels through which they can manifest their Magic into physical or visual forms.
Magic, by its very nature, is an abstract and highly individualized practice. No two Mages experience or wield Magic in the same way; therefore, the process of shaping or defining Magic is both subjective and complex. Familiars provide a solution to this complexity. These formless entities adapt to the unique magical style of the Mage who summons them, giving a tangible form to otherwise intangible spells. Through eons of service to Mages, Familiars have evolved, becoming associated with the specific Forms they have been summoned to embody.

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To summon a Familiar, a Mage must enter into a formal Summoning Contract, typically sealed in blood, which binds the Familiar and Mage to an agreement. The terms of this contract vary, established privately between the two parties, but they often involve a mutual exchange of services. Should either party fail to honor the contract, magical sanctions or penalties may be imposed, which can be detrimental to both. Once the contract is in place, the Familiar becomes the Mage’s key to shaping Magic, allowing the Mage to more easily "build" and refine their spells based on the understanding and synergy that grows between them.
The bond between Familiar and Mage is pivotal, for Magic is a deeply visual art form—one can only create what one can visualize. The Familiar becomes both a companion and a fundamental tool in the Mage’s spellcraft, and the power of their Magic becomes exponentially greater when the Familiar is actively summoned and working alongside the Mage.

Effect

The pinnacle of the Familiar-Mage relationship manifests in the form of a Fable Cloak, a powerful magical transformation that occurs when a Mage temporarily fuses with their summoned Familiar. In this state, the Mage gains direct access to raw Mana without the need to process it through their Mana Cells, significantly amplifying their magical abilities. This transformation not only grants the Mage greater control over their Magic but also accelerates Mana recovery and enhances their ability to manipulate magical energy.
When in the Fable Cloak form, Mages can bypass the usual limitations of spellcasting, channeling vast amounts of raw Mana directly. This results in far more potent and large-scale spells than would normally be possible. Additionally, the Mage inherits the traits and abilities of their Familiar. For instance, a Mage with a bird Familiar might gain the ability to fly at supernatural speeds, while a Mage with a fire-based Familiar could harness pyromancy and even become immune to fire-based attacks.
One of the most unique aspects of the Fable Cloak is that it allows Mages to safely enter and navigate Fable, the 5th Dimension, which is otherwise a dangerous and chaotic place for those not attuned to it. In this state, the Mage becomes a true Fabled Mage, capable of interacting with the dimension where Familiars originate and drawing upon its boundless reserves of Mana.

Side/Secondary Effects

Despite the tremendous benefits of the Fable Cloak, there are significant limitations and risks:

• Sustaining the Familiar: The Fable Cloak can only be maintained as long as the Mage can support the summoned Familiar. If the Familiar is banished or forced back to the 5th Dimension, the transformation immediately ends.
• Mental Alignment: When in this form, the minds of the Mage and Familiar become one. If there is discord between their thoughts or intentions, the transformation will be disrupted and canceled out. Harmony between both entities is crucial for maintaining the form.
• Mana Limitations: While the Mage can channel raw Mana, there is still a maximum threshold to how much they can safely handle at one time. Exceeding this limit can result in catastrophic consequences, including Mana Overload.
• Magical Recovery: Though Mana recovery is faster in this form, Mages are still vulnerable to running out of magical energy, especially during prolonged use.
• Environmental Restrictions: The Fable Cloak cannot be activated in locations where Familiars cannot manifest, such as anti-magic zones or dimensions hostile to Familiars.

Source

The realm of Fable, the 5th Dimension, was created by Hecate, the Goddess of Magic, who is a being of this dimension herself. As the source of all Mana, Hecate’s essence permeates the entirety of Fable. Her first creations, the 10 Great Magical Beasts, served as the progenitors for all other Familiars. These beings draw their Mana directly from Fable, an infinite reservoir of magical energy. However, each Familiar is only composed of a finite portion of this infinite energy, which limits their individual power.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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Material Components

Another unique ability granted by the Fable Cloak is the creation of Fabled Arms—metaphysical weapons that are attuned to the 5th Dimension and can harm or interact with Familiars. These weapons are especially effective for channeling and amplifying magical energy, and unlike ordinary enchanted weapons, they can be absorbed by other Mages to boost their magical power.
A subcategory of Fabled Arms is known as Familiar Arms, which are direct manifestations of a Mage’s Familiar in weapon form. Whereas Fabled Arms are general manifestations of a Mage’s power, Familiar Arms are the physical embodiment of the Familiar itself in the 3rd Dimension. These powerful weapons are often crucial to the Mage’s battle strategies and magical applications.

Applied Restriction

One of the dangers of extended use of the Fable Cloak, particularly with multiple Familiars, is Mana Cell Exhaustion (MCE), a condition also known as Arcane Degeneration Syndrome. This chronic affliction results from overuse of magical energy, leading to the degradation of Mana Cells within the Mage’s body. As Mana Cells break down, Mages experience increased sensitivity to magical energy, resulting in painful energy surges, loss of control over spells, and eventual depletion of their magical capabilities.
To mitigate MCE, Mages can undergo a process known as Re-Convergence, which involves separating Yin (Mana) and Yang (Natural Energy) energies and then reuniting them. This process restores balance to the Mage’s magical system and repairs the Mana Cells, allowing them to continue practicing Magic without the debilitating effects of MCE.
Mastery of the Yin-Yang Paths and Re-Convergence is essential for high-level Mages, particularly those seeking to become Eight Arts Mages, as it ensures their continued ability to harness and wield magical energy without succumbing to Mana-related ailments.