Theory on the Equilibrium of Magic [ADDED] [Added OB]

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Theory on the Equilibrium of Magic [ADDED] [Added OB]

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Theory on the Equilibrium of Magic
by Tyertil Itertilar

Prologue

This realization may seem obvious to some, but we live in a world of equal existence. For every act of altruism there is an act of aggression, for every shining light is a thick darkness and for every death that occurs, a new life begins. Without consistent equilibrium, the world would be unstable and in constant turmoil, until equilibrium is restored. This universal principle applies to the forms of magicka, and this can be seen at how spell effects are organized into their prospective schools and unconventional practices.

The Conventional Arcane Schools

The relationship between the schools of Restoration and Destruction is that of white to black. Restoration heals and cures any damaging effects unto the sufferer, and what is more, can fortify our bodies and help resist against such magical hatred. Destruction, the school of magic on which the intent of usage lies on harm, whether the damaging effects are for the protection of the caster or not, they are primarily aimed at ending life. Poison, fire, ice and lightning, and weakness to thus, are just some of the effects, others include draining or damaging a person to make them and their equipment useless. While this is the most obvious form of equilibrium in magic, the others aren’t so clear.

This scholar sees a bipolar connection between the schools of Alteration and Illusion, the opposites of manipulating that which is physical and that which is mental is clear. Illusion is to change the mind’s functioning at its will, manipulating the disposition and perception of any creature or humanoid, even separating them from their connection to magic, or indeed, control over their own body. While some effects, such as “chameleonâ€Â￾ or “lightâ€Â￾ seem to alter a person’s visibility based on manipulating physical energies of light and sound, the more supported theories state that Illusion is rather the ambient manipulation of either specific or surrounding sensual perception of such energies. Alteration one the other hand produces effects on the body interacting physical environment (not the actual environment itself), such as being able to walk on or breathe in water, altering gravity’s effect on the body, and shielding against physical and elemental damage. While it seems to counter some of Destructions harmful effects, it only protects against them, rather than Restoration’s ability to reinforce the body against them and undo their damage. The clear opposition between these two well known classes displays a strong second support for the theory of magical equilibrium.

The next equilibrium is that between Mysticism and Conjuration, although the reader may not understand this relationship. Indeed it is the weakest of those presented so far because there is much the arcane community does not understand about Mysticism, which thus makes it difficult to even comprehend, lest compare. The main known opposite between the schools is that Mysticism involves capturing souls (for later use in enchantment), versus Conjuration’s summoning of souls in order to wield as items or creatures to command. However, because Mysticism is probably the most varied and unpredictable official school of magic, the perceptual opposites are few beyond that. The knowledge we do have of it primarily comes from those that still call it “the Old Wayâ€Â￾, there are hints of Mysticisms supreme power over magicka are mentioned, but unfortunately comparing their somewhat revered practice with Conjuration did not place the scholar in good stead, and discussion of such a topic ended there. Conjuration also utilizes misunderstood practices far beyond bringing forth daedra from Oblivion, linking ones mind to not only creatures and daedra, but to other people is also thought to exist within the discipline. Perhaps the telepathy of Conjuration and supposed telekinetic abilities of Mysticism are again an example of control of mind versus control of matter.

The reader may be wondering about the exclusion of Alchemy thus far. The equilibrium is simple, for Alchemy is in equilibrium with the world itself, ergo the theory of equivalent exchange, which is taking worldly substances, such as fruits, meats, minerals and produce, in order to extract their magical properties, and forming a refined magical substance, i.e. potions and poisons. Some scholars of the arcane arts have also suggested that Alchemy and Enchantment are bipolar disciplines, one using worldly substances, and the other using souls, in order to form magic within a physical form, which the scholar is partial to agree with. However, the scholar holds the belief that Enchantment - now more of an exclusive service for Mages Guild members - is like Alchemy in that it is in equilibrium with the souls it uses to produce imbued magical effects on items.

Unconventional Practices

A fellow scholar asked about the banned school of Necromancy, and where that would fit into the theory. It could well form a triadic relationship with Restoration (saving life) and Destruction (causing death) as it raises the dead back to a state of unlife. Another stance is that it’s a mix of opposing effects of various unconnected schools, like Conjuration (servants of magic versus servants of flesh) or Restoration (selflessly saving lives versus selfishly using life). However, its inclusion would complicate the cohesion of the theory, and since Necromancy has been lowered to the state of witchcraft in the eyes of the guild, nor been specifically taught to guild members, it has not been considered a part of the theory.

There is also the matter of the secretive school of Shadow Magic; one has to wonder what would be the magical opposition to the manipulation of shadows? The main theoretical stance is that it is perhaps the one neutral magic, the “shade of greyâ€Â￾ between the seemingly black and white structures of the schools of magic. As the name implies, it is created by the conflict of light and dark, and indeed Shadow Magic by its very principle nature is that of manipulating the effects of such conflicts of existence. Following the stance that Shadow Magic is between two other forms of magic, the scholar holds the belief that these would probably be the opposing magicks of Oblivion and Aetherius. Considering this, crystals descended from Aetherius have been known to be effective against creations of Shadow Magic (for instance, the weakening effect of the seven "Star Teeth" on the great shadow demon, Umbra-Keth, during the war of Bend'r-mahk), however until more research is done, it is yet to be known what effect sigil stones of Oblivion would have on creations of Shadow Magic.

Epilogue

While many will argue against the seemingly reductionist approach of forming bipolar relationships between whole schools and practices of magic, the scholar believes this is the most focused and rational approach to understanding the differences between arcane arts, which, like everything in the world, have an opposing existence.
Last edited by Orix on Thu May 25, 2006 1:46 pm, edited 17 times in total.
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3.B.General.
Found in magic shops, homes of practitioners, Mages Guildhalls etc.

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