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

Gaining favour with the elemental spirits, a follower of Elementalism asks for and receives the gift of a secondary element to interlace into their spellcrafting. Such prowess draws the attention of the Council of the Planes, an alliance of the ruling lords and ladies of the Elemental Planes. Once able to prove their strength, the Council offers a boon allied with their element. But be warned: Favouring one can inadvertently spurn another.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 20/10/24

Bolstered by representation by the Council, one who follows the path of Elementalism learns the secrets to transferring spiritual magic into other forms, beyond those of mere spellcraft. One might choose to incorporate attributes of their magic into the animalistic shapeshifting that druids are known for, whereas another might aid their allies by weaving the elements into armour and armaments.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 21/10/24

Whether you like them or not, those who claim the title of Bard are typically of ostentatious presentation and personality. But perhaps none more so than those who belong to the College of Fashion. Always on the cutting edge, these paragons of taste and style inspire their allies through handicraft. They weave magic as easily as cloth. Clothing and accessories they craft can be imbued with their bardic talents, able to remain accessible until needed.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 22/10/24

Should a Fashionista establish a trend in their party, a further boost to empowering energy each enjoys. Altering clothing and other items on the fly becomes a trivial matter to those dedicated to their craft. Going above and beyond in the pursuit of style, even transferring enchantments and storing spells becomes a key element of their skill set, making a Bard of Fashion a sought after companion for the folk looking to seek adventure.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 23/10/24

Once these icons of a burgeoning industry reach the height of their fame, or in some cases, infamy, their magically enhanced work not only boost the spirits and skills of their companions, but confers a constant feed of positive energy. Additionally, while these enchantments linger, those lucky enough to own a piece of designer work can channel additional raw magical essence into their own skills and abilities.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 24/10/24

The magic flowing through the body of Midasian Mimics is a unique one; the ability to transmute objects into gold. Cursebearer fighters hold this magic at bay within them, even as it threatens to take hold completely. By coming into contact with this curse, either by accident or intent, any and all arms and armaments they intend to wield become worthless in their hands unless they will it to transmute, sacrificing normality for a perpetual golden shine.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 25/10/24

Though they can seemingly generate gold from mundane objects, it is of little use. Even before the Fall, #Matea converted to a paper note-based currency. And any merchant worth their job knows that Midasian coins still bear the curse. But that doesn’t mean that they are useless altogether. Cursebearers have the control to transmute the form of their tainted property. Wielding a golden axe and heavy plate one moment; a dagger and light shielding the next.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 26/10/24

Gaining more control over their condition, those who bear the Midasian curse without succumbing to its inevitability can learn to force the magic to coexist with others. While the physical form joins the ever-growing golden hoard, previous enchantments laid within can be transferred to their existing equipment. Be it an elemental focus to be utilised for either attack or defense, or something more general purpose, a Cursebearer can incorporate it.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 27/10/24

With enough practice and concentration, a Cursebearer can draw their inherited hoard within themselves, able to call it forth at a moment’s notice. The control over the mutability also improves, allowing the curse to spread to their will, potentially catching foes off-guard. If they should be unlucky enough to be surprised, or if their force of personality is not as strong as that of the curse, an unlucky foe might find themselves joining the hoard as fuel.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 28/10/24

Of frontline combatants, there are those who fuel their power by harnessing emotions. This is less so with those who follow the Path of Unbound Hour. These warriors channel the essence of time itself to aid them in their struggles; calling forth unexplored roads of possibility to guide their strikes through the flow of causality. When they first harness this power, they can freeze a single moment, allowing it to reverberate in duplicate.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 29/10/24

Refining this power, those of the Unbound Hour can grant themselves the magic of celerity, or impair it in their foes. While this can make for a frantic, confusing scene of battle, they relish in it; turning themselves into a singularly powerful and dangerous force. But this ability is not purely for combat. Diffusing it among their allies, one who walks this Path can ease the travel time of their group by shifting them in and out of the Ethereal Plane.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 30/10/24

Though this Path has many unexpected benefits, there are downsides to wielding this power. If a traveler of the Path of the Unbound Hour should happen to die, their spirit will be lost to a time to the Ethereal Plane, accelerating the time limit to reviving them. But in a way, this also works in their favour, as it slows the decay of their spiritual energy, meaning they linger between life and death longer than most. This can be temporarily tapped into in life.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 31/10/24

“Ah, a tale is it? For a warm bed, a warm meal, and (with consent) warm companionship, I will gladly regale you with stories of my homeland, told by my liege. Or if you prefer something a more familiar flavour, I know several of this world of #Matea. And should some spare currency find solace in my storytelling, I shan’t turn it away.

Something closer to the heart, you say? Then we have an accord! Listen now, as I tell a legend of love, loss, and murder most foul…”

#Bardvember #Lore24 1/11/24

“It was a humid night in Muchen. Dominic DiPietro had just finished a short run role in one of the many plays that grace the city. After an argument with his sister, Maria, he tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. But on landing, he shattered into a thousand pieces. As it happens, Dominic had been replaced with an animated statue of porcelain. So how long had the victim been missing? Were they even dead? It was up to Viola Lembi to find the truth…”

#Bardvember #Lore24 2/11/24

“The obvious suspect was Maria. Turns out, she had recently come home after residing in Dun for the last couple of years, with little contact with the victim. As much as Viola pressed the issue, she refused to elaborate on her reasons for returning. Letting her guard down, Maria let slip that she had had a former lover, emphasis on the former, who she had argued with and who had suffered a different accident under questionable circumstances, though less fatal.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 3/11/24

“Maria giving Viola the cold shoulder meant that our intrepid investigator had to explore other options. While lamenting this fact at the local tavern, she learned that Song Muchen, local artisan, had taken up aiding playhouses in the city with casting issues by enchanting lifelike dolls with personalities and memories of consenting stars for a cut of the production’s earnings. Downing the bourbon in one fiery gulp, Viola paid her tab and was back on the beat.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 4/11/24

“Now, I’m sure that you all know that soulsplicing, like all Gnomish arts, is a closely guarded family secret, passed through generations. Song, being a merchant of the highest scruples, kept his lips tighter than… well, I shan’t say. Regardless, after some ‘gentle persuasion’ and an unfortunate ‘loss’ of some money, Viola learned that the victim had paid off a request for a replica, where usually a playhouse representative would handle that. The plot thickens…

#Bardvember #Lore24 5/11/24

“With that mysterious lead that sounded more like a dead end, Viola decided to return to Maria, and see what could be found by digging into the family financial ledgers. Suddenly, she had a brief shiver of warning, and she rolled to one side. Missing by a hair’s breadth, the fireball spell aimed at her head exploded against a rooftop instead, igniting it in arcane fury. By the light of the flame, Viola saw a cloaked figure turn and run. So, she gave chase.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 6/11/24

“They ran through streets of ancient cobblestone, worn smooth by ages of travellers past. The cloaked assailant jumped towards a balcony, using it to scramble up the side of a building to escape by rooftop. But they hadn’t figured on Viola’s physical condition, evident only as she leapt after them, barely touching the supporting trellis they had used. Our intrepid investigator closed the gap, and before both tumbled to certain injury, tackled the foe to the ground.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 7/11/24

“Pinning the figure to the ground, Viola threw back the hood to see their face, and was shocked. The assailant was none other than… the victim, Dominic DiPietro himself! I know; shocking, isn’t it? Well, Viola was just as shocked. Dominic confessed that he had privately comissioned a pair of the animated statues in order to replace him so he could retire in peace. He would fake his death and fade into obscurity. But, you might ask, what of the second statue?”

#Bardvember #Lore24 8/11/24

“Dominic, facing discovery confessed his full plan, leaving Viola’s blood running cold. As soon as she could yell for a guard to handle Dominic, she was off. No sooner had she arrived though, it was too late; the animated copy of Dominic was pulling the knife from the heart of Maria as she slumped to the ground.
Viola pulled the statue away, who offered no resistance. She handed it off to a backup guard and went to Maria’s side, hoping to stem the wound.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 9/11/24

“But when Viola checked for a pulse, there was none. Strangely though, no blood. She examined the wound carefully, only to find that this was ALSO an animated duplicate! Had Maria anticipated this scenario and taken steps to avoid her own death? Or was this case getting more complicated? One thing’s for sure, Dominic TECHNICALLY wasn’t guilty, as no murder had taken place, so he was released to close watch. Viola returned to her office, paid but unsatisfied.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 10/11/24

“Now, I agree that while this might be an unsatisfactory story, it remains the most famous of Viola Lembi’s career. I prefer to tell it as a reminder that one needn’t accomplish epic deeds to be remembered. But, perhaps a tale more attention grabbing then? Of backstabbing adventurers, driven by greed to their own doom. This, friends, is a tale of the Fingers In Ice; a known, yet unknown collective of cutthroat treasure hunters. And one unlucky innocent.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 11/11/24