IDSHII
Idshii, commonly translated as 'magic', is actually a scientific and measurable byproduct of a phenomenon known as the Far Anomaly. Using certain rituals, actions, words, materials and iconography, talented individuals are able to use the thought patterns of sapient beings to siphon magical energy from the dimension known as the Far across Bridges or Leylines and effect physical change in the material realm.
Magic in the Jade Empire is classified under five schools. Creation is the ability to transmute materials, such as casting lightning bolts by turning air into plasma. Coercion is the ability to influence people's minds, both overtly and covertly, whether controlling their actions or summoning hallucinations and implanting ideas. Psychokinesis is the ability to move objects and material without touching it. Farsensing is the ability to detect life and energy at a distance. Finally, Redaction is the ability to provide both mental and physical healing. Few individuals are skilled at all five schools of magic, and the vast majority of the population lacks the ability or knowledge to perform magic.
Magic in the Jade Empire is classified under five schools. Creation is the ability to transmute materials, such as casting lightning bolts by turning air into plasma. Coercion is the ability to influence people's minds, both overtly and covertly, whether controlling their actions or summoning hallucinations and implanting ideas. Psychokinesis is the ability to move objects and material without touching it. Farsensing is the ability to detect life and energy at a distance. Finally, Redaction is the ability to provide both mental and physical healing. Few individuals are skilled at all five schools of magic, and the vast majority of the population lacks the ability or knowledge to perform magic.
HISTORY
Magic and magical beings have long been referenced throughout Ingenious history, with deities, demigods and spirits commonly recorded. Writings such as The Twelve Rings of Life and Death by the philosopher Tamuramaro and the 9th century grimoire The Ninety-Nine Gods of Black and White by Karitamaro Yosai attempted to elucidate and categorise these issues, but it was not until the collision of our plane, known as the Near, with the magical plane of the Far during the Trathiran Revolt that practical and direct application of magic was observed to conclusively have occured in the territories of the Jade Empire.
THE PRACTICE OF MAGIC
Magical energies from the Far can translate into the Near through a series of Bridges, or Leylines. There are multiple Bridges, but the largest by far is located on the planet of Laptev. These energies are drawn across the Bridges by the unknowing mental activity of sapients in proximity to the Bridge. Competent individuals can then siphon and use these energies to cast spells and enchantments. Most commonly, these individuals are members of Jade Shinto religious orders such as the Huoming Temple. Although others such as members of the Imperial family have also exhibited these abilities, the efficacy of Shinto doctrines and traditions suggests that at some point in the distant past the Bridges were also active, and that these doctrines were developed along empirical lines.
The most common form of magic in the Jade Empire are kanji-runes, known as tsuyoikanji. These kanji-runes are typically made of platinum, an element which seems highly efficient at conducting the energies of the Far, and are lacquered onto objects such as buildings, clothing, armour and weapons before being blessed in a dedicated ritual ceremony, the specifics of which vary from tsuyokanji to tsuyokanji. Kanji-runes can have all manner of effects. Luck, prosperity, health, speed, increased resistance to various forms of damage and even the ability to inflict damage can all be bestowed by a well-made kanji-rune, although the cost and weight of the platinum components often means sacrifices must be made in other areas of the object. Kanji-runes are particularly effective in dealing with beings of Corruption, whose own power relies on magical energies siphoned and controlled in a similar fashion.
Rarer are active magic users, who are able to exhibit powers beyond those of a normal individual at will. Not only must active magic users be trained and naturally competent enough to use the energies of the Far, but there must be a general level of conscious belief in their ability to do so, or at least their connection to the divine. Notable wielders include the Jade Empress Takara, her children Mitsuyoshi and Mariko, the head of the Huoming Temple Morioka Sakura, and most notoriously Colonel Juan Carlos la Sana who, whilst disguised as his alter-ego Lord Verachter, siphoned the belief of an entire nation to enact the Curse of Light. |
KANJI-RUNES
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