Bayezid: Magus Casting Techniques Lesson - General

Excitedly, the teen rushed to the shelves... Their eyes perusing the spines of books one after another...
Though, as the seconds strolled by, his enthusiasm slowly withered.

There was an unfortunately realization bridling beneath the surface. It took the form of his facial features losing their spark -- their glint for excitement.

"There... These..."
Poetry.
Biographies.
Fiction.

"Are..."
What remained within the 'Non-Fiction' section was...
Books on the Faceless...
Books on Hel and its derivatives...
Books on the Cosmos...
And plenty on matters concerning medical study -- but none based on the matter of...
"Completely lost of the field of Magic's study..."
The dip of sadness in his tone was palpable. The hanging of his shoulders, as he shut the last book in his hopeless escapade to find a snippet he could use -- 'Heaven's Sequence'.

"I..." The boy sighed, picking himself up, and picking the book up in tow.
"I don't think I'll be able to find anything here." He admitted, making his way back to where he plucked this book from, to put it back from whence it came.

Had she not been present, all of the books he dug through would've been scattered across the floor -- although he would've eventually put them all back... He restrained his frustration, ultimately disappointed throughout. His only hope now was to find whomever this prince was.

Unless...
"Or... Maybe... I can ask -you-!" He asked aloud, only to take pause.
"Wait... No, you... You probably have some place to be."
Defeated internally before he could even hold his own ground.
(Bayezid Gazi)

Erelaehiem opted not to yet depart from the library as the boy searched through all of the shelves for something-- anything. In the meanwhile, she remained rather still. She plucked a book herself, the third in its series from an author she knew personally, and began to read its first few pages.

Something written by the current Heir-Luminary, Sunsets over Moonlight.

The occasional glance was spared unto the Gazi whenever it seemed as though she current finding was not for him. She could see the deflation within his body language, she could hear to loss of motivation and intumescing frustrations beneath the surface.

Her surprise was non-existent.

Truthfully, she expected as much from him. He had been forewarned that the likelihood of such books being here was unknown to her.

'Or... Maybe... I can ask -you-!' An upwards twitch of a brow indicates her reflexive hesitance at the thought of such a thing. Quietude stretched out...

. . .

"I am a poet, not a... magic teacher," she murmured.

"-But..."

A deep inspiration of air brimmed her lungs, one could only assume a sigh was to follow - but speech did instead, "What is it you are seeking to learn of magic? The concepts of mana? The various casting styles? Which branches of magic exist? How to perform magic in the first place? What do you want to do with magic?"
(Erelaehiem)

A poet versus being a magic teacher did further deflate the boy's sails -- but even the slightest bit of intent to -consider- it certainly provided hope!

"Well, uh... Yeah!" He answered -- "All of what you mentioned...
The concepts! The casting styles, though I think I know of a few I don't know of them in-depth beyond that. As for the branches of magic? Uuuh… That may be a bit unnecessary. I'm certain that will come when the time comes... Besides, there's probably waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many to count, if I'm bein' honest." The mind was prodding about before he truly mulled over the last two questions...

"Performing magic -would- be useful in the matter... Up until now, I don't think I've ever been able to cast voluntarily... Or rather, consciously. It was always after being pushed to an extreme and blacking out... Since then, I drank a 'Rebirth' potion to lose my magus attunement and actually consciously learn magic."

Then, came the final question...
"I... I originally thought I wanted to get back at the magi that left me to die in the woods to the zombie way back when...

Then, I thought I wanted to learn it to catch up to my brother...

Now? I think I want to learn it, so I can do right by my clan... Protect those I care about. To never be helpless again... Even if the magi world is super crazy and all..."
He offered a smile, hopeful that maybe he had earned an opportunity where he was forced to act autonomously before.

"I'll do my best! I won't hold you up too long or too much, I promise... Then, whenever you need to go? I'll seek out the prince, and be out of your hair!"
(Bayezid Gazi)

Erelaehiem paused for a few long moments before drifting past the Gazi and seating herself in her usual seat whenever she visited the library to either write or read,

"Take a seat. Listen closely, too. You are lucky I like to study then, many Faeborne do."

And, from there, she began from the basics - drawing years of individual study from her mind. She needed the knowledge to even graduate from her training and forming the Elzara's Ranger Unit.

"Firstly, magic can be classified into three primary schools:

Evocation: Magic drawn from instinct - like you've mentioned doing, repetition, and practice. Magi harness and manipulate mana through focus and willpower, improving over time like a trained muscle. Environmental factors often aid this practice, such as water magic performed within the ocean or lightning magic during storms.

Sorcery: A structured approach to magic, relying on prepared spells, runecasting - which I'llget into later, and the creation of Magic Circles. It demands rigorous study and intellectual precision, but its potential for high complexity and powerful effects makes it ideal for scholars. Grimoires are widely accessible, though dangerous spells are usually restricted.

Empowerment: Magic derived from external forces, such as divine blessings, curses, or enchanted objects. It encompasses everything from ritualistic channelled power to enhancements from magical tools like legendary weapons or fortified armour."

There was time afforded now, for processing and-- "-Any questions before I move onto detailing the casting styles - like how I mentioned 'runecasting' earlier?"
(Erelaehiem)

This was already more than most of the books he had read. Why wasn't there a book that detailed this much?
He reached around for a sack that was being carried on his person. After all -- most travelers needed to be able to carry things from place to place. Amongst it, a journal with a pen equipped in tow.

Without much further delay, he immediately started scribbling away at the blank pages, adding to his notes.
As Erelaehiem spoke, he occasionally muttered parrotings of his spiel:

"Evocations... Instinct -- Like a muscle, practiced over time." Soon enough, he found himself following up with her on the explanation. "So, like magi that simply have the magic from the start? I know my brother and a few others are like that. They never had to learn, they just kinda… Had it! Or... No, it's more like practicing it -after- learning it...

Then, from there, they can cast at-will." He clarified aloud, before hearing what followed.

"Then, Sorcery must be a missing link. I haven't seen nor heard of anything like it in my readings up until now. -Prepared- magic, as opposed to magics that are casted... And Magic Circles? That is certainly something I have to look into!" There was the added portion of rigorous study and intellectual precision being required -- but it was nothing he couldn't put his mind to after all!

"Runecasting… This leads me to believe it stands alongside Symbolic and 'Cognitive' casting too?" There was another -- Empowerment. However, it was nothing like he initially presumed it was going to be. It wasn't a field of study he could invest in at all. It came from exterior sources or via means he simply had no access to -- still, it couldn't hurt to learn.

"I -do- have some..." He followed up, concerning the matter of questions:
"When I tried to meditate before, I could feel the points withinmy body. Points across my circuitry as I grow intune with them... There were many more in my hands, and feet... But I presume that is a part of the same system that is located in my chest... In my heart: The Symbolic Casting technique uses this system, I take it." The presumption based off his readings of the Principia Magicae were finally being put to use.

"Then, the points I felt in my eyes... In my own head -- That must've been from the 'Cognitive' casting technique?" He asked aloud, before following up once more.
"I felt plenty within my throat but, I've never heard nor read of a magic casting technique that pertains to anything within the throat at all. Is it part of the other two I just mentioned? Or... Is it... 'theoretically possible' that someone can -actually- cast magic... With only their voice?"
(Bayezid Gazi)

Erelaehiem watched as he took his time writing down at a rather decent pace, which made it easier on her - in the sense that she did not have to wait as long before speaking further...

"So you've tried meditating? Good. That is useful to your self-awareness in the formation and mastery of magic and the mind. You noticed those points because a magic circuit is an intricate network of lines and shapes connecting a magi's body to their soul, acting as the framework for channelling mana. Once you have some slight level of attunement, a magi can visualize their circuitry by closing their eyes and attempting to direct mana or channelling it to cast magic, that's how you're observing it light up, much like muscles reacting to movement.

Magical circuits between humans typically consist of about 3,100 connective lines, though layouts vary individually. Casting magic involves activating numerous circuits in sequence; even a simple spell like creating a sphere of wind to strike a target requires over a hundred circuits to conduct micro-steps. Mastery demands the mind, body, and spirit process these steps rapidly for effective casting.

You'd think it's as simple as '1, produce air. 2, rotate the air. 3, locate the air around the target. 4, direct the air toward it.' But, no. So much more goes into it that most magi do instinctively with growing understanding.

Also, everything you felt is all a part of one circuit."

She cleared her throat.

"Now, since you mentioned those key points of circuit convergence - such as the crown, throat, and heart - I'll go on to explain how they are essential to various casting styles."

As promised, once his pen caught up to her in real-time, "Magic casting styles can be categorized into four primary techniques, each tied to different aspects of the caster.

Symbolic casting, tied to the heart. It's avery basic style that amplifies and controls magic using emotions like adrenaline, hatred, or love. It can be combined with other techniques, so most magi advance by learning additional casting styles to utilise in tandem with this.

Visionary, tied to the eyes. This relies on visualizing the magical circuit in real-time, navigating mana through the intricate pathways to cast spells. Advanced spells require immense cognitive effort to process the numerous commands rapidly. This technique often causes the caster's irises to glow with mana, which is a sign of their eyes' connection to their circuits.

Runecasting, tied to the mind. This uses runes, the divine language of existence itself - not many know it is actually the natural tongue spoken by the Angels. It is able to design and activate magic circles in battle. These spinning discs of energy channel the runic instructions for various effects. Beyond combat, runes are also key in rituals, enchantments, and magical technology.

Another application is referred to as 'Wayfinding'. This uses several specific magical circles with countless runes woven into them to enable one to open portals and teleport to wherever their heart desires.

Finally... Wordcasting, tied to the throat. So, the answer to your questions is 'yes'. It is actively very possible, not just theoretically, to cast magic with your voice. After all, it is magic channelled through vocal expressions like songs or incantations. The caster’s voice links their intent to the spell, with creativity, belief, and charisma being capable of further enhancing the outcome. This style often finds itself used by expressive magi, such as performers or singers."
(Erelaehiem)

So, there -was- more to it...
So much more to it! It couldn't simply be read and replicated -- rather read to better ascertain what one was getting into, once they had already divulged into it.

Perhaps, this was even why there were no books explaining the process of stepping into the realm of magus artistry. Despite such, he scribbed away in his notebook, bobbing his head in reverence as Erelaehiem went on.
Though, with the answering of his questions, came more wonders...
More questions...

At least now, he had names for all of them...
"Symbolic Casting, from the heart...
Visionary Casting, through the eyes...
Runecasting… -this- is through the mind... Alright...
--And Wordcasting, which is... The other missing link to what I've come to learn thus far."

There was some consideration to what she mentioned earlier -- "I've never heard of Wayfinding... To think that something of an entire casting technique could enable a magic type is rather expected but surprising... Perhaps, it's fair to presume many magi may default very few of the techniques, resulting in less diversification of spells?" He canted his head somewhat, taking his eyes off his notes to focus them on the faeborn now.

"Actually, that's a thought...
Are different magics actually restricted to certain casting techniques? Like... If someone were to learn a magic attributed to... I'unno… Sound, I guess? If that sorta magic exists...
Would they only be able to cast it through uuh… Wordcasting?

Or is it simply -easiest- to cast it via wordcasting?" It left him with a desire to go back and poke at the matter of 'Wayfinding'. Perhaps, it was a key in all of this.

"Are there also other magics that -only- exist through casting techniques? Or is it possible for a magi to use 'Wayfinding' without using 'magical circles' and runes like you mentioned to teleport?"

So many possibilities were opened up with this...
"So, in another way -- Wordcasting can be tied to the speaker's belief in their capability! The more confident they are in the power of their spell, the more powerful their spell? That's amazing!"
Then again, there was so much he still wasn't quite sure about...
Alas, something mentioned earlier -- highlighted in his notes -- had caught his attention:

"Oh, and Symbollic casting... It is used with other casting styles. Does that make it weaker? Or imprecise? What do the hands and feet have to do with all of these styles?"
(Bayezid Gazi)

"Mn… I suppose that first query could somewhat be true. Not every magi wields every casting style. Each requires a level of dedication, someone might just be unable to utilise all of them due to lacking the aptitude or motivation and time. Many magi die young, if they are actively fighting battles. So they learn what comes easiest, the greater magi are able to branch out and improve over decades or longer."

In some exceptional cases, centuries... The Lumin King and many Faeries were testaments to such things.

"Sound magic... Funnily enough, I don't know a single 'wordcasting' sound magi. They tend to wield weapons or physical instruments to direct their magics. Some use wordcasting for their magics out of combat however. Such as singing melodies to combat the anguish of curses or mending wounds. Hypnosis, even..." 'Hypnosis' coming out as a whisper, as though it was some sort of taboo to perform. It likely was, in most cases.

"And, yes, technically there are magics which only exist through casting styles. I know many, many Wayfinders… none of them are able to do 'Wayfinding' without those runic-engraved magic circles. But, perhaps with enough research, motivation, time, passion, talent, creativity, and maybe blessings... it could be possible to break those limitations?

I have seen those who have taken Runecastng to its utmost pinnacle with dedication and send runes of destruction to decimate their enemies. Pure magical script tearing their enemies apart..."

She refused to mention another method of opening portals, because it was not Wayfinding.

"As for Symbolic casting, it is not necessarily 'weaker', but it is so easy and instinctive to magi that they are able to use it to further amplify the other casting styles. I'm sure with enough... let's say-... rage? You could decimate a house in a burst of flames just as easily as an apathetic runecaster."
(Erelaehiem)

"I suppose that makes sense."
Most of the magi he knew or saw were heavily motivated by conflict. The fact that they tended to stick with whatever came fastest made sense. In moments like this he could reflect on his brother's own antics and castings of magic. Not once did he ever mention -how- he did it... Almost as though he were simply reciting it from muscle memory.

It was clear that he was not casting any form of magic circles...
Nor did he seem to be declaring his magics...
Which meant he must've defaulted to either Symbolic casting or Visionary casting. Though, given the lack of glowing eyes from his brother, it left him to conclude that they must've defaulted to the most simplistic casting method he could get his hands on.

More questions...
More range to wonder upon...
Did this mean that each casting method was capable of enabling most of the same magics? It certainly seemed though -- with some exceptions, given thelack of magical research openly made.

"I wonder... If someone knew two different casting methods... How exactly would this help them with their magic? Would it make casting come easier? Or..." Matter of fact -- it -did- leave some questions.
Thus far, the only matter he could consider learning another magic casting technique for, was for the magics discovered exclusively learned through that very casting style.

Surely, given that each one used different pathways within circuitry to accomplish the same spells, it provided opened the door for -something-.
"Make their spells... Stronger?" He paused for a moment, before-- "No." He answered himself, "Like you said, a rageful symbolic caster could be just as powerful as an apathetic runecaster, so that's not it..."

Perhaps, that gap in knowledge required him to experiment? To practice? After all -- casting was something he hadn't quite come to figure out yet.

"I suppose the best way for me to figure it out would be to try and cast through them... There was -one- type of spell I've been trying to wrap my head around for a while now...

The technique came across my eye in a 'Holy Magic' book, pertaining to offensive and defensive techniques... Or 'Sword' and 'Shield' type spells.
The 'Sword' type spells seemed a bit advanced -- projecting mana out from the mana to act on the environment...

So, I figured I'd focus on the 'Shield' type spells... Which, like the name implies, would be able to conjure something more... Defensive in nature. I'm not a student under the Empyrean magic art, nor the Occult -- but I think I'd be able to figure it out with some aid.

Since it'd be easiest, could you help me perform something like this via Symbolic casting?"

Alas, under the assumption that whatwas spoken thus far covered all he had to know on what matters he's studied up until this point -- he stood up from his seat, ready to take upon meditation for a finer comprehension of what he had been explained thus far.
(Bayezid Gazi)

"I've heard of Runecasters who are also able to use Visionary casting, though none I'd be able to name. This sort of theory is not something I tend to delve to the depths of, namely because I never needed to. I am personally looking into the trinity which makes up divine magic..."

She held up three digits, furling each with the type listed;

"Thought, heart - also known as emotion magic, and command-- though some call the latter 'scripture'. The strongest magics of course come from complete mastery over the three, as they allow you to wield your soul in your spells... However, complete mastery of one is more the line that humans tread."

She lifts a hand, halting any questions regarding that, "They sound quite similar to the casting styles, but entail very different things. It would be too tiring to get into that now. So, don't mind it."

"Defensive holy magics? There are a few magi I know of who wield the divine pinnacle of such; referred to as 'Barrier' magic. One who is the least likely to be overly busy is called 'Garret Richter'."

"--Do not say I sent you, I've not formally met them. I've merely been in the same space as him many times, so I have seen what he is capable of."

She finally let out a sigh with that last question of his...

"From what you've said, you do not even possess a school of magic to 'symbolically' cast. It is an instinctive casting style that can't quite be 'taught', in my opinion. But it comes to you if you wish a purpose for it to achieve. You seek protective holy magic? Think of those you want to protect with all of your heart.

If you want to incinerate your enemies? Those who have harmed you? Let that anger swell and envision what you want to do with thatmana. Another method is meditating within or near something you'd like to take on as an affinity, aligning your thoughts and senses with all that it is. For me, I often meditate near Xuefeng to deepen the bite of my ice with my growing understanding of winter and all it encompasses, down to an emotional level or state of existence."
(Erelaehiem)


That made sense...
If anyone did learn a magic casting style -- it'd fulfill the need they required of their magus abilities! No wonder magi tended to only know one type of casting -- maybe even two, if it suited their intentions.
Still standing he, he couldn't help but frown in his lack in comprehension towards the matter of Divine magics. Though, given where he was? If a magi was struggling to attain it? It was wildly out of his depth.


They were right, anyhow.

He was putting the cart -before- the horse. He had to practice the fundamentals before learning or theorizing anything would actually bear anything fruitful.

"I'll remember the name 'Garret Richter', and look around for them. I'm not exactly looking for 'Defensive Holy Magic', but I've read about 'Barrier Magic' being the pinnacle of such.

It simply left me to wonder if something similar could be achieved with raw Ether. However, everything I've read... And even a bit of this lesson, is implying otherwise." There was a pause, a prod at the lip and even a subtle craning of the head. He was doing some deep thought on the matter.

"--Or... Maybe..." He lowered himself back into his seat.
"It's not that 'Barrier Magic' is the pinnacle of defensive magics, but rather... The most -powerful- casting of it." He claimed, scribbling further in his notebook...

"Maybe, even without an attunement to Holy nor the Occult, someone could manifest shields that can compare to someone else's Barrier Magic... Similar to how someone with one casting technique can outperform another person's casting technique, simply because theirs is more refined." Though, this raised more questions...
One that he was willing to deduce a wild theory on.

It was a long shot, but enough gaps in knowledge, curiosity in casting strength and refinement, and determination to excel in an art he had hardly managed to break into -- brought him this far.

"I am willing to hypothesize that different casting methods all achieve similar results in the grand scheme of things... But knowing -more- casting methods allow someone to cast their same magics with more efficiency... Perhaps, even be capable of refining the ultimate 'performance' of the spell as opposed to its raw power." A finger dotted at Erelaehiem -- it was only a theory, but one he was intending to prove with enough practice.

"With more efficiency, demonstrated by 'stacking' casting techniques -- I think it'll prove to be the key in casting a spell from Ether that could trump anything performed via Empyrean nor Abyssal arts!
A sorta multiple-casting ability!"

This meant he had to grow more in tune with his magics however...
Something that plenty more meditation woulddemand.
That, and better understanding the technique behind abilities he had to draw inspiration from.

He eagerly awaited the Elzaran's response on the matter.
(Bayezid Gazi)
"Raw Ether?"

There was a rather notable pause as those golden rings avert their gaze in silent contemplation and mental articulation of the words to come.

"That does exist," she reveals. "I have seen Ether magi who are able to envelop themselves in it and - somehow - become an etheric 'mirror' of sorts, reflecting all forms of energy back onto those attacking them. I have only ever seen such a feat similarly done with the use of 'Aether' instead of Ether. But-... You aren't a Nephilim, so-- there's no need to concern yourself with Aether."

"I'm pretty sure I've seen runes of some sort when those Ether magic use that incredible reflection spell... Aether wielders don't."

"Nonetheless, I suppose that right there is an example of potentially two different casting styles achieving the same end between Aether and Ether, hm?"
(Erelaehiem)
There were no texts concerning an 'Aether', though the sound of the term seemed nigh identical to 'Ether', initially leading to some confusion as seen across the puzzled expression on Bayezid's face.
"I have no idea what a Nephilim is... Beyond a name for a special type of magi and what not..." He admitted, "--but that is clearly another can of worms."

"But that is pretty awesome!" He piped up, truly enamored with the concept proven by Erelaehiem's claim.

"A reflection spell casted with runes through Ether magic, and... A whole different type of energy source: Aether, enabling the same sort of spell without runecasting. Though, is it the same because different casting methods enable different results with different sources of energy? Or would it be the same regardless of the energy source, with the casting method only being a preference of each magi?" He swiped up his pen to start writing down on the matter...

Taking pause before penning down 'Nephilim' and 'Aether' with underlines beneath it. Surely, it was a detail to revisit later, for curiosity purposes.

Though, there was -one- thing that was truly bothering him.
He could figure out symbolic casting with time and effort, and same went to visionary casting... Wordcasting would have to come naturally, perhaps through a demonstration in public to bolster his own confidence in casting...

But the one that eluded him outright? Was...
"That draws me to ask... Would you happen to know anything concerning the creation of these magic circles you referenced earlier?" He tapped the end of his pen at his journal, fidgeting about as it sought out his words.

"I feel like my study would probably be best accomplished in properly understanding all -four- of the casting techniques, and I'm afraid that Runecasting is something I haven'tthe faintest clue on. No books cover it, sadly..."
(Bayezid Gazi)
"No, I know nothing on Runecasting. However, runes are a language. Understanding them enables you to do whatever you want, by chaining them to form complex commands and various other instructions.

So, you like likely ask an Artificer to explain runes. Or, if you want to better understand from combative users of it? I wouldn't recommend Delphina. Maybe check Gloomlight or Goldlight, where I first met you. They have many elders and diverse magics. Surely a dedicated Runecaster, or someone who knows one, is there.

The best Delphina holds are Wayfinders, who do utilise runes- but, yeah."

She then stood from her seat, wings panning out in preparation for flight.

"As for your first question, I don't know. Aether is a form of mana unique to only Nephilim-- which are descendants of the Pantheon. Various Gods and Goddesses make up the Pantheon. Ether is mana in its rawest form. They are not the same spell, but they work similarly fromwhat I have observed and fought."

"Now then, that's all I have the energy for. I am not a teacher after all," she realised she should have been charging something for this sort of time consuming lesson, "So, I'll be on my way."
(Erelaehiem)

The teen leaped up from his seat with a beaming smile -- for all intents and purposes? This lesson was invaluable! So much was gained, and for many other nonmagi? It would've proven likely impossible. Though, it was without a doubt that magi had access to such knowledge -- to such practice! After all, several Wayfinders existed within Delphina alone! Such implied that magus theory was likely rampant across Meranthe.

"Thank you!" A hand was extended over the table, intent on shaking the Elzaran's, if she'd have it.
"I owe you, big-time! If you need -anything- in the future? Just let me know, Bayezid of the Gazi Clan! I'll make sure I make it through ice, snow, fire and brimstone if I have to."

Whatever could he offer of material that could possibly compensate her for what she just enabled within him:
- Names of potential magic teachers
- General knowledge of magic wielders within particular settings
- Knowledge of previously unknown casting techniques and...
- Theory proven as eyewitnessed facts

So many gaps had been connected...
So many possibilities unlocked...
Surely, he could seek out an artificer... Or, he could use such as a clue to divulge into the depths of artificery himself to figure it out with minimal digression from his ultimate pursuit.

"It was a pleasure, truly... Hopefully we meet again, someday!"
(Bayezid Gazi)

Erelaehiem says, "Adell aul eruna. That essentially means 'farewell' in a language natives to Delphina speak; Wylden."

LOOC - Erelaehiem: ((Nice.))

Bayezid Gazi exclaims, "Huh. Adell aul eruna, then!"