Mana Circuit Expert 7

[21:59] How to teach others? It was a question that had plagued the Oscuri for most of their life. What could they ever hope to teach when everything for them had came naturally? From the casting of his magic to the honing of his skills. All born not from a class or some private tutelage but from the brutal realities bestowed upon them by Kraus' failures. Bestowed upon them from their own failures. What could have been different if they'd had one to teach them?

He'd find out with the youths before him, well barring one beautiful elder anyways. Though, to begin when so many of those present had either no knowledge of the bare-minimum. Suppose it was beast to simply start with the basics of the basics. Which would be explaining the intricacies of the mana-lines within one's own body. There was a moment as the Oscuri's jade hues shifted about the faces present. Taking but a moment to fully focus upon one and then the other. Recognizing each present. As they got to the end their jaden hues would brighten. Returning to a brilliant emerald hue as they glowed in the dark, a bit of wind blowing through the area.

"When Kraus forged the bodies of Humanity he did so with the intention of these vessels of blood to be but that. Vessels, impermanent things that would be 'driven' by his greatest creation. The soul, now you may find yourself curious about what the soul is and what it truly does." There was a slight twitch at their lips as they leaned forward, their can creaking ever so slightly. Though, rather than elaborate the man continued. "To do this a body is schematic so to speak, an intricate set up of 'ley-lines' built into the internals of one's body. These internal 'ley-lines' allow the soul's energy, which is mana. To travel throughout the body."

As they spoke they'd focus upon their own body. Most magi would have to close their eyes to visualize their mana-circuity. However, most magi where not masters of the visual-style and symbolic styles of casting. They'd but feel a sense of anger as they willed their own circuitry to reveal itself. Forcing the internal ley-lines to glow, the nodes to glow, and the convergences to shine. Though most couldn't show-case this to others Ascalon was a master energy magi. Ergo, as they focused upon their mana within there was a thin visual representation that coursed upon the surface of their body. Only being broken here or there by those marred, shallow black-lines.

"As you can see, there are many throughout a persons body and even though I can show you mine. Dario mentioned earlier but I will reiterate the average Human-being has about three-thousand and one-hundred mana nodes. There is little reason to remember the details, as each living being has a unique pattern. However, what is always a common theme throughout those living things are the convergence points."

As he spoke he'd will the node-clusters in first his crown, then throat, and finally heart to shine brightly in the dark! "That being the crown, throat, and heart. Each is connected to a style of utilizing one's magic to it's fullest potential. The crown is connected to two-types of casting interestingly enough. Those being cognitive, active rote process which is casting based on specific memorization of the correct ley-lines to pluck and nodes to strike so as to cast a spell. As well as visual casting, which you witness me doing at this moment. I can 'see' the circuits within myself, so to cast a spell that's complex I will 'connect the dots' so to speak. Funneling my mana-along my circuits through sight. You can easily recognize a visual caster based upon their eye's glowing or not."

As he spoke he'd then will his throat-convergence point to glow brighter. For those perceptive they could witness his eyes twisting softly as if in a dream. "One's throat allows for word-casting, it's similar to cognitive casting except it's based around language more than thought. Phrases and lyrics that can produce powerful effects, often a sound magi will be a word-caster for instance." After they'd spoken, they brought their hands together to frame their heart.

"Finally there is symbolic casting, emotions powerful forces that drive us. This type of casting is the simplest and yet the truest to one's soul. It is what I have mastered and how I utilize my spells. All you need to use this type of magic is sheer will-power. Passion, raw and unfiltered." As they spoke a smile crossed upon their features. Though, that was the basics of the mana-network and casting. Adding onto it for a few more moments to explain the use it'd have for healing.

"Most of the body's injuries can be healed or made worse by manipulating these mana-circuits even within non-magi whose circuits are 'in-active'-" He almost seemed to say that with disgust. "For the soul is the true motivating force for creation, the Human soul. So, if I where to cut my arm? I could open the nodes within the are wider allowing more of my soul to pour into the injured area. Increasing it's control over the material, allowing it's will to keep existing in this vessel to force the area to heal faster." As he spoke the man actually did pull out a knife and slice his bicep open, the blade easily digging in an inch. Though, as he spoke the would would slowly stop bleeding, the flesh knitting itself back together. Though, there was a thin sheen of sweat upon his brow. Either it was extremely hard or perhaps he was simply growing tired from the long day.

"If you master the art of manipulating these nodes you can do so for others as well. Helping them, fixing them, hurting them. It all can be applied as such.

Questions?"
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[22:07] The girl wasn't sure of how to absorb the information being given to her. So much to gain, so much to understand. She closed her eyes, listening to the man and trying to visualize exactly what it was that he was explaining. It was pretty simple in the end, though. Mana nodes- mana circuits, she understood it that much. While she wasn't understanding of most of the other technical terms, she could comprehend that much.

She pondered, for a moment, which version of casting she was. Calling forth her curious mind, she slowly lifted her hand, a little bubble of water appearing, before splattering again with a quiet pop. She stared, first at it, then at the man named Ascalon.

Maybe she was a symbolic caster. Or maybe a crown-caster? She furrowed her brow, trying to figure out that, but he'd already moved on from the talk about what sorts of casting there was. Opening her mouth, then closing it, she opened her eyes and stared at the man, squeaking quietlyas he suddenly brought out a knife and sliced himself along the bicep.

Thankfully, he healed himself rather quickly considering things, but it was still a little dangerous, right? Biting at her lip, she raised her hand skywards, very slowly- unsure of herself.

"Will-... Will we be going deeper into how to help others heal? Through more than magic, and- I was wondering if there were reagents that allowed help with the mana circuitry too...?"

She smiled rather anxiously, unsure if she was stating the obvious or not. Shifting a little bit, the girl sighed airily, though silently, and shyly lowered her hand.

"Sorry, if you were going to explain that anyway, I was just- curious, I guess."
(Joan Caelum)
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[22:15] Dario had awaited Ascalon's explanation, and so he earned one. He listened attentively, certainly a good audience in that regard, even if he shuffled restlessly where he sat.

Yet while he may be an attentive audience, Dario winces vaguely when the Oscuri simply cuts a wound into himself, momentarily looking elsewhere, and back just in time to see it finish knitting shut.

He breathes out. That was pretty intense.

The methods of casting were topics that Dario had, by now, become intimate with. Unrestricted access to a library let the lesson raise memories of the theories of cognitive and reflexive casting to mind, and his mind wandered to just how much of a head rush it must be, channeling the symbolic elements.

Dario, absent-mindedly, lets out a dreamy sigh. To be a magi- What a thought.
(Dario)
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[22:16] Aidan seemed to stay almost deathly silent as he took in the information offered by the man. Of course he already knew what kind of caster he was- he had known since a younger age. Now he has just been trying to understand his finally awakened circuits.

His eyes seemed to faintly shimmer with a golden glow as he began to envision his circuits, releasing a slow exhale. He just allowed his gaze to wonder about- taking in the view of the multitude of lines that were humming with mana beneath his skin.

To any on-lookers, man. .this guy must be seeing an annoying fly or some shit.
(Aidan Invidia)
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[22:18] He leans forward, suddenly seeming far more animated-

"Yeah! Y'know, I read that while most people've got in the range'a 3100 connections in their circuit, it tends to fluctuate inn'a course'a their life, and even that can change dependin' on their magic!"

Dario looks to Joan, shuffling forward in his squat.

"Actually- I heard that a lotta medical procedures back in places like Valmasia're conventional! Most magic in a medical context is like, uh- Y'know, it's pain relief, n' cleanin' out wounds! But a lotta magic apparently ain't too great at fixin' really bad hits- It's got an upper limit'a what it can do!"

He drops his arms back onto his knees, glancing between those assembled.

"I read a lot about what magics that can heal do- Surface wounds, lacerations, things like that? I think the books said magic can heal those- But it can't do somethin' like restore missin' bits too easy. Most'a the medicine books encourage practicin' conventional medicine alongside any sorta magic that could help the process!"
(Dario)
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[22:18] Dario exclaims, "Pretty nifty stuff, y'know?!"
[22:19] Aidan Invidia says, "Y-you seem quite well-red. That's good to see."
[22:21] Ascalon reached into his pocket and pulled out a traveling sewing kit.
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[22:21] Dario exclaims, "Ahaha...! Well, y'know- I think magic's crazy interestin'!"
[22:21] Ascalon Zanders says, "Yea, most of it's traditional. However, as Arlei said before I'm specialized."
[22:22] Dario exclaims, "Levengard's got this whole library that you can just walk in, n' read things at! I've been spendin' the last few months there- The things ya can read in books, PHEW!"
[22:23] Dario asks, "Plus, y'know- I'm tryin'a... Actually get to the point'a bein' a mage! Everyone always tells me it's like havin' a whole new world opened up to ya- I wanna use that access to do somethin' worthwhile, y'know?"
[22:25] Dario says, "I just, uh... Gotta figure out the gettin' there."
[22:25] Aidan Invidia says, "W-well you seem like a very genuine individuals. I-I'll pray for Jiuweihu's Radiance to grace your path.."
[22:28] Dario's hands briefly clap together, and he beams radiantly at Aidan, smile near bright enough to smother the lantern next to him. Something of the situation- Learning magic by lantern light, late at night in the woods -the mystique fueled him almost as much as the well-wishes!

"Ahaha, hey, thanks! I hope ya get ahead, too!"
(Dario)
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[22:28] Arlei sat there, happily between Aidan and Joan. Aidan was a big fluffy sweetheart and Joan seemed to need reassurance, so the Drakanites face was pulled into a huge, 'everything will be okay' smile. Even if the Caelum wasn't looking at her now, it'd be there regardless.

Now, the spiel about the mana leylines was something she'd learnt from Freya Vishkar, many years ago, near the old Belial temple upon Baukdengrads mounts. Her, Mertaisyl, Laddie, Ascalon and another had sat there for hours, listening to her. Well, bar Laddie and Mertaisyl; they'd spend the entire lesson throwing snowballs at eachother like a pair of children. She missed those times occasionally. Everything was simpler back then. 'Good' and 'Evil' seemed clear-cut to the then-Therus. Dawn bad, Levengard good. And yet, she stayed within Dawn for the protection of Inari, and to make sure Ascalon didn't fall.

As he spoke, however, her owncircuits lit up with potent energies, visible through her clothing. A bright burn as pulses of mana ran through her body, mapping them out for both herself to feel, and others to see if they needed visual guidance. She was learning, just like the others, but she could also offer aid when necessary. She didn't get to forty one years old and not know a thing about her own magicks.

The showing of Ascalons own energy aura didn't surprise her anymore. She'd fought him on numerous occasions, all friendlies, and had clashed with it as a result. It did give him incredible power, but visually? It was the norm.

His talk of the three thousand one hundred mana nodes was also known for her. They were things that Ascalon had spoken to her about over the years. He was an expert in mana circuit manipulation, having weaved it into his medical treatments back in Aurum and focused upon it. Even during combat, he'd regularly shut down the circuits of an opponentwith little issue when utilizing his rieka.

She knew of the casting types, though had never really experimented with them. Symbolic, visionary, runescasting, and wordcasting. She used mostly visual casting, given she was a melee combatant, she was incredibly aware of everything going on at a certain point of time, including the activities of her circuits. She'd found that she could use that to 'dive' into her circuits and direct the mana she used directly.

She also, luckily, knew a chunk of mana circuit manipulation. She'd replaced the heart of Jessika Ann with an eldritch object a while ago, having had to bind it to her circuits through manipulation. She'd done the same with the shard and Elyon Hirai, though Tototl had handled most of the attachment.

Everything he'd spoken about were things she'd already known. It didn't hurt to have them repeated though. Refresher courses were always interesting.
(Arlei Zanders)
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[22:30] Dario exclaims, "Hey, y'know- I actually do got a question!"
[22:30] Dario exclaims, "Hey, Master Zandahs!"
[22:33] Dario hitches onto his side, folding a leg underneath him, chin propped up on his fist. He seems near to buzzing, the exuberant Greenhill lively as ever.

"Y'know, I always wondered- Is there some kinda limit on how much mana ya can draw on? Like, uh- Y'know, can ya actually tap out the energy ya soul can put out? Cause what ya got goin' on there is real impressive- But how long can ya sustain it?"

His fist opens up enough to grip his chin, Dario's free leg bouncing impatiently.
(Dario)
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[22:40] Dario says, "Oh, uh- Sorry if I stepped ovah ya question, by the way! I'm kinda curious if Mastah Ascalon or Arlei know anythin' about magic healin' that I don't, too..."
[22:40] Arlei Zanders says, "Holy magic works on exterior wounds. Holywater works on interior."
[22:59] Dario leans back. He seems to puzzle over something, knuckling quietly at his chin. At some point he takes off his hat, fixing the headband he wears underneath it.

"Y'know- I dunno too much about the holy and occult stuff, the arcane is kinda- Beyond my experience, yeah? I'm wonderin' what the difference there is..."

He hums lightly, leaning forward, chin in hand.

"I kinda got a vague idea, though."
(Dario)
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[23:02] First! Those glowing emerald hue's looked to Joan, looking towards the young Caelum with a laser-like intensity. Slowly his eye's narrowed as he brought a hand to cup his chin. His index finger coming up to tap upon his lip as if in deep thought, finally in a rush of information he'd reply. Each word rolling quickly into the next as he began to inform those about with the knowledge needed to follow their own dreams. Even if for most of them this basic energy probably lesson wasn't needed.

"I'll probably leave the boring aspect of healing others for a latter time. Yes, I could teach you how to stitch a scar or set a bone but frankly? I usually tell those with such wounds to find someone else." There was a slight chuckle that escaped the man's lips at that one. "Now, there are many reagents which can be utilized to sooth the mana-network thought he most effective for soothing is Lax Essence. Which numbs the body, and ergo numbs the circuits that control that body."

There was a silence as he listened to Dario explain what he'd read. It was interesting to see what was truly the opposite of himself. At-least where knowledge came from, where Ascalon had learned through the school of hard knocks. Dario seemed to have just learned through reading. It was something the Oscuri needed to do themselves if they'd ever wish to fully realize their own potential. For to long they've lived a life set to the drums of war. Following along that beat with a fanatical devotion fueled by an innate connection to his god. A look of raw-undiluted hatred slide upon the man's expression, though it'd be only a moment before it fluttered away. Like a startled bird spotted in the early morning.

"As I said you can align the mana-nodes to better function but if you're vessel is dying? Well, clearly the soul isn't going to provide enough to fix it. However, if you've the knowledge you can, as I said before. Use mundane methods." The Zanders really didn't find those methods all that interesting at all. There was a shift as his gaze fell from Dario to Aidan, Jiuwheihu? One of those beasts... The Oscuri forced old habits to settle. If he could accept Ryujin he could do to learn of the others. Yet, that wasn't here nor now.

"If you wish to truly become a mage Dario, all it takes is will. Anyone, can become one of the magi so long as they are smart and careful. If you push it you've a risk of dying from mana-exhaustion, which can be used to explain your question regarding how much of one's soul they can harness. Those nodes I mentioned before are sort of like flood-gates, they keep the raw power of the soul contained. Allowing a steady and safe flow to rush along the 'channels' or 'ley-lines' or 'circuits' to irrigate the body. In essence, think of a farm with a dike upon the river. If it's maintained the river will provide ample water one needs to keep their farm prosperous. If it bursts? The field will be ruined and you'll lose the crop."

A rough and tumble answer from a man who'd sworn they'd never lay down the sword and pick up a plow. Perhaps that's why he was so focused upon harnessing his own soul for it's full power. As well as learning all he could about maximizing that power, perhaps he could even find a way to kick-start other's own connection. Which...

"Dario, you've yet to awaken your own mana-circuits. However, I'm an expert at their manipulation. Would you like me to tweak them as I did before, allow a safe influx of mana into your body? It could help you get used to the increased 'flow' into your body. It is worth a shot, I believe."
(Ascalon Zanders)
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[23:17] You learned the spell Gravity Push.
[23:20] Dario listened as attentively as before- Yet, at Ascalon's offer, he blinked. There's a moment where his expression falters, and the non-magi scratches at the back of his head. He shuffles in place, rising off his rock.

"Uh- You wanna- Mess with my mana circuit...?"

He shuffles indecisively for several seconds, thoughts wandering to the last time something similar had occurred- To when Vedran had flooded his circuit with foreign mana, and strained him. He flexes his hands into one another, taking a hesitant breath.

"Uh... Ya sure? You think that'll- Y'know, work...?"

Dario links his hands behind him. Since their last encounter, the non-magi's mana circuit had not altered by many degrees- However, the fractious application of mana had seemed to diversify the number of links in it by a factor in the tens of digits, no small adjustment for a non-magi. He studied Ascalon, pensively.
(Dario)
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[23:23] Arlei Zanders says, "I mean, it could work, Dario."
[23:23] Arlei Zanders says, "He's a master of it."
[23:28] Ascalon Zanders says, "Yes, Dario."
[23:28] Dario asks, "Uh... Ya mind if I think about it?"
[23:28] Ascalon Zanders says, "I think it'd work but... It is late and my circuits are strained."
[23:28] Dario exclaims, "C-Cool! Yeah, let's, uh- Go ovah it later!"
[23:28] Ascalon Zanders says, "Think if you must but... Don't think to much."
[23:28] Arlei Zanders exclaims, "Seeya, Dario!"
[23:28] Dario exclaims, "Sure... Uh, have a nice night!"