For those brave, confident, or delusional enough to try, there are ways to channel the Voices without being one of their dominated souls. By calling forth a Maddening Whisper, users can push the Voices into the minds of their targets, dealing psychic pain. But if the target is mentally prepared or otherwise strong enough to resist, the spell backfires, and the Voices revel in a new mind to explore. The user takes damage and also is overwhelmed for a time.

#Spelltember #Lore24 10/9/24

Once, an unknown adventurer presented himself to the Repository of Nuvain, claiming to be the Head Custodian. Of course, no one had ever heard of him, even in the Authenticator’s Guild, and those he claimed as family. Despite his lack of identity, he exhibited skill in the arcane arts, demonstrating a spell he called the Mage Collar. A spectral collar would appear on a mage, with a matching ring in his hand, and would cause pain whenever they would use any magic.

#Spelltember #Lore24 11/9/24

There are many odd magical occurrences across #Matea to draw inspiration from when theorycrafting on the creation of magic. One clever soul, using the hand of a clock and a page of a calendar, wove a spell that, when cast, would allow a person to become intangible to the world while in motion, but solid while at rest. Unfortunately, it was deemed unfit for purpose, as it counted ANY motion, such as attempting to take unowned items from their rightful place.

#Spelltember #Lore24 12/9/24

The need for “creative problem solving” as it is called among the criminal elements, or “plans for robbery” by the law-abiding, has pushed innovation in many fields, including the arcane arts. One such technique is called the Hook Shot. The user focuses on a small mirrored surface and pushes their will towards it. A glowing blue dart bounces off the mirror and a number of other surfaces before finding its target, unlocking a door, or harming a person. Either/or.

#Spelltember #Lore24 13/9/24

A surprisingly versatile spell that has found its way into the commercial sector, Adjust has a very specific use case. With simply a handful of water, a focused caster can alter the size and cut of any piece of clothing in sight. Traditionally, this means it isn’t a polite thing to do to the unsuspecting. However, it does have some use in an antagonistic situation, as the shrinking of clothing can cause painful compression. Notably, it does not work on armour.

#Spelltember #Lore24 14/9/24

By sacrificing a bottle of grease, the Fleetfoot spell is not only useful for messengers and couriers, but has also found use in combat. During the 10 minutes the magic affects the person, they can focus their increased celerity into empowering their speed of travel, diverting it to their attacks, or into their senses to make time feel like it is slowing, giving them more opportunity to manoeuvre away from harm. This spell is banned in the Colosseum.

#Spelltember #Lore24 15/9/24

For as long as life has existed on #Matea, people have been enraptured by the twin, dancing suns. From their effects of daily eclipses, to the amount and quality of light they project. In studying the strength of nocturnal darkness, scholars have discovered a way to channel it to their will. The Shroud of Flaun causes a field of darkness to emerge from the caster, while allowing a small number of others to see through it, unhindered.

#Spelltember #Lore24 16/9/24

Just as positive energy can be channeled to restore health and vitality, its opposite number can be used in a number of ways that many consider harmful, though scholars note that to be a moralistic impression, and not how logical operates. Thus, the spell known as Vengeance Smokescreen is deemed appropriate for use. Causing smoke to rise around a target, it drains energy equal to the caster’s amount of positive energy. With enough taken, the spell sustains itself.

#Spelltember #Lore24 17/9/24

Those of the religious persuasion will say that the strongest power one can wield is their faith. Taking this to arguable leaps of logic, wielders of magic created the Wish of the Fateshifter spell. By sacrificing part of their own life in a devoted prayer to the Sister of Fate, one with enough belief can reverse time in a localised area for everyone and everything but themselves, and those outside the area.

#Spelltember #Lore24 18/9/24

Originally designed for minor illusory effects to supplement dramatic performances, the good intentions behind The Last Laugh were twisted by a former first chair bard as a revenge for his removal in favour of a more talented and younger performer. Now, while critically weakened, a caster can channel their pain into the minds of others, forming a temporary link between them. While remaining injured, the pain lingers within the affected people.

#Spelltember #Lore24 19/9/24

The banditry and general lawlessness of the twinned cities of Inssè and Aguè is well known. Because of this, the ruling gang leaders of Aguè leant more towards eldritch power over the more physical approach of their Inssè counterparts. Thus, they developed a powerful spell to hide themselves from farsight. Each casting requires the destruction of a focus worth 1000 dollars, but will not only hide their location, but feed a false image instead for one whole day.

#Spelltember #Lore24 20/9/24

From the ruins of Silwa’na, scavengers and scholars from Dun discovered an inherent magical essence lingering around reflective surfaces. Through rigorous study, those of the arcane persuasion found a way to utilise the energy within. Projecting an illusion of mirrors from directly in front of them, a caster can momentarily trap a number of people in an illusion that leaves them paralysed as their mind reconciles with reality once more.

#Spelltember #Lore24 21/9/24

One of the many patients within the healing halls of Paana-Dûl, Hambry Ember-eyed, a halfling journalist, seeks treatment to ensure he never dreams. He claims it is because he has travelled to, and escaped from, Ta’terra. Through bouts of terror, he describes how residents expertly use pain for their pleasure; even detailing a spell that can inflict a growing pain on themselves or others to strengthen their physical capabilities, pushing to new limits.

#Spelltember #Lore24 22/9/24

The Tabaxi are renowned storytellers. One tale they are fond of in adventuring circles is of Mee-koko, a halfling warrior clad in red, faster than the wind. By enchanting her blade in a crimson energy, she dashes around her opponents faster than the eye can see, attacking each, and leaving them vulnerable. The energy bolsters her defence in response to how many she faces, as she defies fate.

Sightings of this fictional individual have been heard, but unconfirmed.

#Spelltember #Lore24 23/9/24

As not all uses of positive energy are helpful, not all uses of negative energy are harmful. Such is the case with the spell known as Indignation. By unleashing a field of negative energy, a caster can grant themselves and a number of allies around them an aura of undeath. Should any of them fall while under this aura, there is a chance they will simply continue to live instead. But in payment, the caster suffers harsh muscle cramps as the energy fades.

#Spelltember #Lore24 24/9/24

Lym’s Obelisk - By using the blood of a slain creature, no more than 24 hours before, one can summon a singular obsidian pillar to temporarily rise in any location of their choice. For the duration of its physical existence, those within its radius become sickened, assailed by psychic visions that cause them gradual harm. Once the pillar vanishes, the ground beneath is scarred; unable to sustain any life for a full year, and poisonous to consume.

#Spelltember #Lore24 25/9/24

There are druidic circles that specialise in the growth and cultivation of funguses and mushrooms, outside of the larger Nasè Grove. In their studies, they developed a spell uncreatively named “Conjure Memoryshroom”. By spending an hour focusing, a caster can create a mushroom that can be used to record sound in memories. Casting this spell again creates portable, smaller copies of a single memory. Some refer to this process as “fungal pod-casting”.

#Spelltember #Lore24 26/9/24

Used in the Family War, the Thirsting Blade spell saw terrifyingly effective use by the Sister’s allied forces. By coating a weapon or hand of ammunition in one’s own blood, it will carry an enchantment to draw the vitality from one’s foes, transferring it to the caster, whether they made the strike or not. This kept previously assumed weak targets up and fighting for longer than any had anticipated, based on their physicality.

#Spelltember #Lore24 27/9/24

Though most magic comes from mortal kind, it occasionally occurs among the creatures of #Matea. Rarely, in a nest of Saylen, one might appear with a stronger ability in magic. Empowering their natural talents, they can steal the voice of their target, rendering them mute while their voice is no longer with them. Others have tried to replicate this effect, but found that without the natural saylen physiology, there is an elemental magical backlash to the user.

#Spelltember #Lore24 28/9/24

Searching for a way to cheat death, the archmage Lyndon Panitori researched all the ways that magic could be used to harm people, but specifically, him. Though unsuccessful in the pursuit of immortality, he leaves behind a legacy in the arcane ritual of Flesh Mutability. After performing the steps of the ritual, the user is rendered invulnerable to blunt force for 24 hours. This also confers the ability to stretch their limbs, and be squashed flat.

#Spelltember #Lore24 29/9/24

Glance Of The Rested - A spell imported to the Material Plane by visiting fey; in stronger applications, it can influence people to fall asleep for great lengths of time. But in most cases, it induces a temporary narcolepsy, causing afflicted creatures to suffer intermittent microsleeps. No one has been able to work out exactly what benefit being asleep has to those of the Brightfields, and at this point, are afraid to get a definitive answer.

#Spelltember #Lore24 30/9/24

With the unmaking of manasteel, the weakening of magic, and the overall calamity of The Fall, many people had to learn new methods to continue their lifestyle. Some, even turning to practices considered archaic or no longer necessary in the modern magitechnological societies of #Matea. Individuals who paved the way for new ideas and ways to survive in a new, uncertain world. Those who salvaged from the wreckage of the past to find a forward path.

This is #SubclOctober.

#Lore24 1/10/24

It is a well-known fact that organised crime rules both the city of Danis in Nodoye, and the twin cities of Inssè and Aguè in Gojaam. From the common thuggish rabble, talented individuals rise up and take control. Borrowing the talents of their roguish beginnings, they take the role of Boss. Fostering henchpeople around them to grow their infamy, and commanding them to further the group forming around them, a Boss needs both swiftness and charisma.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 2/10/24

It takes more than raw force of personality to lead a gang of criminals. From any walk of life, people appreciate seeing someone making ground-level efforts; getting in among them. But, power is not without privilege. After proving oneself as a Boss, they gain a dedicated follower, hardened and capable. Some call them second-in-command, some a right hand, others a chief henchman. But the facts remain: a Boss is not an easy target to isolate.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 3/10/24

At some point, a gang without a base of operations becomes a roving horde, and that simply isn’t in a Boss’s style. Well, in most cases at least. Thus, through usually nefarious means, a stronghold is incorporated into day-to-day business operations, with the Boss at the head of the table. The precise layout and structure of the hideout is up to each individual, but typically provides sanctuary for members and associates, security, and additional assets.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 4/10/24

As they gain in influence, a Boss will frequently find that even two people start to struggle to maintain control. This is when a third member will be elevated to a position of authority, utilising their own skills for train alongside their chosen leader. And although more influence can attract closer scrutiny from law enforcement and rivals alike, those who choose to lead in this manner can find a seat of power to infiltrate, and ask for aid.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 5/10/24

Once they reach the height of their influence, a Boss establishes a domain, typically with their stronghold at the center. Though they may not rule in title, those who live within the domain know who truly calls the shots. This extends favours and gifts to the Boss, as the general public try to appeal to their authority in hopes of gaining favour for themselves. Many who reach even a fraction of this position consider it the peak of their adventuring life.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 6/10/24

While most of a religious bent favour an easier to understand aspect of divinity, the Clerics of the Brother of Community serve not only the people under their purview, but the cities, villages, and roads they create. Once they walk this path, the city itself recognises their faith, lending aid from its citizenry. Some believe that objects can, with enough care and live, host benevolent spirits. Those who serve the Community can even call their favour, for a time.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 7/10/24

By continuing to show their devotion and service to their community, these faithful members are noticed by the Brother, and rewarded for their loyalty. While performing their deeds, these clerics of the Community find that the very spirit of their surroundings will (metaphorically) whisper its secrets to them, allowing them increased skills when reading people, searching for something, or even just maintaining their vigilance.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 8/10/24

In fostering a Community, and caring for not only the people within, but every part of it, clerics who walk this path deserve direct attention from the Brother. As a gift for his followers, he not only shields them from any infirmity while they dwell within their protected domains, but should it come from malicious action or intent, offers the opportunity to retaliate in kind; rebuking the attempt in backlash.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 9/10/24

While those who claim “Beastmaster” as their title focus solely on one companion, a Tamer has enough room in their heart for more. Utilising refined crystals worked from the ruins of Bul-Ji-Ma, a Tamer captures the essence of creatures to release at their command for a variety of tasks. And though this is a relationship that could be unfortunately one-sided, Tamers take care to respect and form honest partnerships with their companions.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 10/10/24

A Tamer’s companions grow and learn alongside their masters (though many choose another title, given the inaccurate connotations of enslavement). With training, a dedicated Tamer can manage the balanced care of three creatures at once, and hone their senses beyond those of their kin. Additionally, they can invoke a form of magic within, granting them the ability to literally carve a path through the landscape, cutting obstacles in front of them.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 11/10/24

Further attuning to each other, Tamers can manage four companions at once while simultaneously granting them strength past their natural limits, allowing them to tunnel and break through obstacles. Furthermore, with focus, a Tamer can redirect spells targeted at them to their companions, both for positive effect and negative. Though a Tamer of good nature will (hopefully) avoid too many negative transfers out of worry of abusing trust.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 12/10/24

Through dedicated training, a Tamer works the weave of magic of the natural world, binding them and their companions closer together. Not only does this increase a Tamer’s focus, allowing them to manage an additional creature, but grants their companions the ability to swim and dive. While many would say that conventional sailing is not only faster, but safer, a wise Tamer knows their companions’ limits, and how to ensure the journey is safe and enjoyable.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 13/10/24

Achieving the height of their focus, Tamers can duplicate the effects of spells between themselves and their six companions. While this has obvious benefits by itself, the creatures develop magical ability to gain the ability of flight. For those capable of flight already, this bolsters their stamina and strength. But for those normally unable to experience the joys of winged freedom, the magical effects grant them this boon in kind.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 14/10/24

To some, magic is something to be practiced and studied. To others, it is something to be given or taken from outside sources. But for some, it is inherent within. Such is the case for Sorcerers of the Mutable Soul. Channeling their powers, they can extract spirits of creatures they encounter and defeat, condensing it into a crystalline form. When wielding one of these crystals, they transform into a replica of the creature, but remaining magically empowered.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 15/10/24

By embodying their foes, those of the Mutable Soul experience a first-hand lesson in how their prey acts. In doing so, this grants them insight via comparison. Once they take the time to study their opponent, they learn a number of traits about them, and become better able to leverage their mental fortitude against the unsuspecting. Additionally, this bolsters a bond between them and their allies, granting boons simply by being in their company.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 16/10/24

With practice and focus, a Mutable Soul can handle the physiological stressors that come with becoming larger and stronger creatures. This increased ability also manifests with the potential to harness their innate magical essence in their altered forms, allowing them to channel positive and negative energies in interesting ways while transformed. Be it harnessing that energy to cause harm, to heal, or even simply to increase their presence.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 17/10/24

Once mastered, not only can a Mutable Soul handle even the gnarliest of beasts, but in spending time to focus their powers and sacrificing a number of their existing crystals, they can forge an entire separate humanoid identity, cobbled together from elements of those they have encountered instead of a direct copy of one individual. This form has no time or magical limitation, and can be of any ancestry as long as it is one they have spent some time with.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 18/10/24

Those of a Druidic bent recognise the magic in the divine elements of the world, but focus inward, to the spirits of the land themselves, rather than a particular deity. Harnessing the elements of nature, some walk the path of the Elementalism Circle. While attuned to these forces, a practitioner can draw a particular element to weave into their spellcraft, making it more powerful, or supplementing an extant element with another.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 19/10/24