Post by pat on Nov 7, 2018 7:03:09 GMT
Those without knowledge truly lack power.
- [Isaiah Kingston]
☆Personal Information☆
Full Name: Isaiah Archibald Kingston (Gave up his old name)
Codename: N/A
Title: The man in the shadows, The Great Immortal, He without end, Scholar of The Soul Stream
Nickname(s): Izzy, bastard, immortal bastard
Age: 6,360
Gender: Varies based on body (Male in favored vessel)
Race: Homo magi
Ethnicity: Varies based on body (Caucasian in favored vessel)
Orientation/Sexual preference: Pansexual
Blood Type: Varies based on body (0 – in favored vessel)
☆Appearance☆
General Appearance:
Favored vessel
Height: Varies based on body (5’11 in favored vessel)
Weight: Varies based on body (165 lbs in favored vessel)
Eye color(s): Varies based on body (Deep blue in favored vessel)
Body build: Varies based on body (Lean muscle in favored vessel)
Extra extremities: Varies based on body
Hair color(s): Varies based on body (Blonde in favored vessel)
Hair style: Varies based on body
Complexion: Varies based on body
Discerning Features: Varies based on body
☆Personality☆
General Personality: Whimsical, Isaiah is the type who is always looking to learn new things. Those that know something he doesn’t find themselves within his realm of interest, otherwise they would do better to avoid him if at all possible. Sees everyone based on the value they may have to him and interacts as such. Appreciates those that benefit him and typically even rewards someone that can give him what he wants. Has a dislike for pointless prejudice and tends to act on his disdain for it.
Most prominent personality trait: Craftiness
Best traits: Sly, sneaky, immense magical knowledge, cunning
Worst traits: Selfish, dismissive of people who disinterest him
Likes: Magic, diamonds, rare creatures, cats, Italian cuisine
Dislikes: Fools, weakness, rough cut gems, religious icons
Fears: Ghosts (One of the few things that can interact with his incorporeal form)
Goals: To learn the secrets of magic and possess all of the knowledge regarding magic as possible
Habits: Regardless of the body, he finds himself struck with alcoholic tendencies
☆Character Information☆
Current faith or religion: Agnostic
Current superstitions/quirks: Believes in all magic
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Runs a part time antiques shop
Family: None surviving
☆Power/Abilities☆
Powers and Abilities:
Unparalleled magical knowledge: Having lived thousands of years, Isaiah has managed to amass knowledge that would put many singular mages to shame. He has knowledge on almost any kind of magical discipline that one could think of and even those secrets that stump the greatest of mage. This includes knowledge of worlds beyond this one, planes which are too mysterious and even the unknown mass of souls that permeates reality known as The Soul Stream.
Possession: The most common application of this branch of magic is a more traditional method, which is overshadowing a persons mind with his own and making use of their body. This allows him to pilot their body as if it were own, leaving his own prone to the problems that come with a form that has no soul in it. While he can let his soul wander for small periods of time, he has learned that for any period of time over a night means that his current body will begin to shut down. A secondary issue is that while initially the mind within a body will be suppressed, but within the span of a few hours after possession he mind will begin to reawaken again and attempt to regain control over their body.
However one thing he has noticed is that his magic has a greater application than simply hijacking a persons body. This comes in the form of being able to project and force his soul into the body of another. This usually demands that he overcome their will, but once that happens he can make the body his own which effectively allows him to take their lifespan as his own. However Isaiah has noticed that when he takes a body, whatever magical specializations or abilities they have don’t become his to use. Instead he is left with the ability that has allowed him to prolong his lifespan so unnaturally.
Another thing he has learned to do with this magic is implant fragments of his soul into potential vessels. While this has no actual application immediately, whenever his body dies unexpectedly these fragments can serve as an anchor that draws his soul immediately to the body of choice to allow him to attempt a take over with them. This however is much more traumatizing, leading to a lower potential for success. What happens should he fail is unknown, but Isaiah has speculated that it leads to him fading from this world entirely. (Permission based)
Sorcery:
Sorcery AKA magic as defined for the purpose of this power is using ones will to enforce their desires on the world around them. What energy they use changes depending on the region its practiced. Mana, aether, ley and so many other names have been used to describe this vital essence that fuels this world as well as the many magics that sentient beings have been able to weave. How magic typically is formed is through a single common factor, facilitated by other means. While all it truly requires is the will to form spells, not all are capable of doing so with the ease this suggests. Verbal, somatic components mixed with the use of a focus allows a greater level of ease when shaping and wielding these all encompassing energies.
Recognizing this essence of the first part and learning to sense it is what begins the journey to molding magic. Lesser spells such as animating brooms, forks and other small appliances tend to be what most sorcerers start off learning. For brevity's sake these would be referred to as cantrips, shooting small motes of fire or conjuring small sparks of electricity from their hands akin to a taser. Higher tiers of power for spells exist, but they don't have an official name. Regardless of the potential applications and the infinite possibilities that come with it, it all comes down to controlling the shape and form of the magical energy. Something that all wishing to learn sorcery should be able to perform before they even can cast the simplest of spells.
Most spells fall into two categories. Manipulating energy or altering energy into something else that the caster would desire. The best example would be twisting mana energy into the form of fire, allowing the caster to fling a fireball Something that requires more energy than simply rerouting an existing source of fire would allow them to defend themselves on the fly. While an example of altering the flow of energy would be conjuring a marked object from another location or simply shifting the earth within a casters area of sight. These are just some examples, and the magic that come from these two principles is considered widely varied. Occasionally a few spells seem to break these rules, but in the end those are such a minority that they typically never become an issue.
In the end what holds sorcery back is the available energy to the caster. While they could theoretically do almost anything, attempting to do so could end up with the one attempting to cast the spell being burnt up before they could even begin to gain the desired effect. Which leads to the need for more energy, which tends to be stored within objects such as gems or other suitable conduits for energy. Crystals tend to be the best suited for this. Allowing them to draw upon external sources of energy without burning themselves out.
Due to the difficulty that comes with some spells, typically a sorcerer will specialize in a subset and sometimes even master them. Conjuring powerful weapons, or creatures, spewing flames from their hands or even divining secrets that would be hidden from them. All it takes is bountiful energy and imagination for a sorcerer to be able to do what they would want.
As with all sorcerers, he is limited by his human body. Alongside the concept of lacking the energy to cast a spell, should one channel too much energy through their bodies they would suffer damage as well. Overload is something that many sorcerer has gone through due to their overreaching when it comes to power. That can come in the forms of painful scorch marks on their body or even internal damage that healing magic has a difficult time dealing with, let alone healing. Many sorcerers that overextended themselves have even cut off their connection to the very mana that they tap into to conjure these spells. However this has come as a worst case scenario, and few sorcerers in history have been so avaricious to reach for such wells of power.
Also as with the casters, spells themselves run on limited wells of energy and should they stop being fueled they will fizzle out. This means that constant spells either lose potency as they exist or fizzle out entirely when stressed. This leads to casters protecting their fuel sources intensely and directed efforts towards those puts them on the defensive easier than anything else.
One thing that many sorcerers have noticed is that many sources of magic exist beyond the one they claim and they have very little effects on spells fueled by these energies. Even attempting to cannibalize a spells energy proves nigh impossible and they attribute that to the concept that the will of the caster envelopes their spell and protects it against the wills of another. Even the most practiced of sorcerer finds it easier to simply an attempt to counter a spell rather than outright arresting control from someone else. Many great casters have tried and in the end have found themselves dead before they made even the smallest change within the offending spell.
In regards to Isaiah, his skills in magic are considered highly developed. He has shown to be able to perform simple tasks such as levitating items under 50 lbs with only somatic components. Lightning candles and even small fires is simple, even slightly larger tasks without any strain. Evoking elements for combat purposes is a little difficult for him. At his current level with a moderately charged stone he can produce a massive fireball or explosion with a generous radius before feeling any strain. Even less should he not have such an access to energy.
He finds himself best associated with diamonds seem to divulge and hold his energy far better than other gems.
Components and Spell-casting Aids
Verbal:
As most spells are composed of verbal components, knowing how to use ones words is typically required as once a spell is cast it is slave to the wording that composed it. Once someone has committed to casting the spell, it will attempt to act out the perimeters as best as possible. Definite wording will lead to the spell draining as much energy as needed to perform what is expected. Once someone has committed to a spell with specific wording, they cannot end the spell until it is done or they have expired from using too much energy. Vague wording allows for flexibility within casting, and allows a sorcerer to end the spell should the energy tax be too much for them. While the dangers of magic abound, typically someone willing to master the subtleties find they can ascertain great power. Typically these are called words of power.
Somatic:
A component of spell casting that requires certain motions of the hand or body to facilitate the creation and action of spellcasting. This typically allows someone to control the flow and shape of energy once the words of power have been spoken. Not all spells require an over waving of hands, however most of the times a caster is expected to perform some manner of gesture to facilitate a spell. From an outstretched hand to release a fireball or directing a manipulated object with ones hand. Not all spells need to be continually sustained with motions of the hand, but they typically all are started with one.
Focus:
While the former methods of directing magic exist, they all are far more draining and even volatile without something to focus these energies. The best way that a sorcerer can direct magic is through a focus of some kind. Perhaps a wand, or staff composed through woods and materials with magical significance. All novice sorcerers require a focus and even masters of the arts still use one as trying to rely on mental commands or the other components alone to perform will typically lead to unwanted or unexpected results. Despite what is expected, magic cannot do everything and comes with a great price for misuse. The focus of a magi is typically protected with their lives, and stealing one tends to be viewed as a grave offense to them.
Mana Storing:
A common practice that many sorcerers have come to do over the year. They either gather their own energy or natural energy over time within precious gems. Rough uncut gems do fine, but it is found that those expertly cut tend to hold the largest charge with different kinds of gem being able to hold differing levels of magic. While diamonds tend to be able to hold the most mana, they are also found to be the ones likely to shatter once all of the manage stored within them while other lesser gems harbor a greater level of endurance against such an effect. Most typically wear rings, belts, necklaces or other kinds of accessories that hold mana and allow them to draw the excess energy to perform greater spells without worrying about their life being put at risk. All are capable of producing mana, save for those without the talent and any expended in spells is naturally gathered from the world around them when they are resting.
The eight subsets of magic and their capabilities
Evocation: Evoking powerful magics and energies, one of the main subsets of magic that are associated with a sorcerers ability to perform combat. This typically takes the form of powerful bolts of fire, lightning crackling from the fingertips to even slinging globs of acid at ones foes. However that is not all that this magic takes the form of, as it can also include exuding healing energies from ones fingers to seal up wounds and even encourage regeneration with enough focus.
Conjuration: Many of summoners have become skilled master of conjuring spells. Drawing items from places on the same plane of existence to even others with skill and knowledge of the item. This also allows the caster to call upon people, creatures and even horrible beasts to their service; typically bound to their service by a contract of some kind. Archetypal scholars and cultists calling upon demons, angels or even gods tend to use rituals from this kind of magic. Using this kind of magic requires a large amount of focus and willpower to avoid being taken over by darker powers.
Divination: Seers through the ages have used this magic even when they did not realize that was the case. Glimpsing into the future it usually a talent reserved for the most talented, but there are other uses. Scrying on reflective surfaces, pointing things out on a map or even enhancing ones own senses with magic is a typical application of this magic. Vision in low light settings is a common application, but some are capable of even imbuing their eyes with true sight with enough practice. Allowing one to see beyond their mortal limitations is what in the end this sub-section of magic is all about.
Illusions: Twisting and manipulating what one sees of reality is what illusionists play with. Perception is the domain of a powerful illusionist, though even most novices can create fake images. Whether that be a small puff of smoke, sparks from their hand that have no effect otherwise, altering how one appears to others or even making one believe that they’ve been locked within a room. Until they touch the illusion anyhow. Adding sounds, and even scents is something that an illusionist can perform, however they can never encroach on the domain of making things real. Even the most skilled illusionist has not made that happen yet.
Necromancy: Considered the darkest of arts by many, this is something that tampers with life and souls typically. One studied within the arts of necromancy tend to find that they can interact with ghosts, spirits and even the dead. This can come down to them creating unthinking corpse puppets, or even vengeful revenants within their service. Curses also fall squarely into this domain as they channel the foul intent that is considered the heart of necromancy. Blood magic is also a part of this, though any necromantic spell finds itself activated or even potentiated by the use of blood. The more offered, the more potent the spell becomes when used. This section of magic also tends to lash out at the vital essence of those that practice it carelessly, meaning it would be better if they didn’t do so needlessly.
Enchantment: Many a great swordsmiths have come to enchanters to have their blades made into something greater. Imbuing objects with magical effects, such as making a sword keener, an arrow that punches through things better or even a ring that allows someone to breathe underwater. All of these things are something that one who master enchantment can do with few to rival them. A secondary portion of this is that they can charm people or even animals by imbuing them with a portion of their own vital essence. An art looked down upon slightly less than necromancy, but something many enchantment master has used at some point.
Transmutation: Often considered the art that is equated with alchemy and many would not entirely be wrong. Masters of transmutation tend to fall into alchemy, eschewing the other sections to full master their craft to a ludicrous degree. Turning base metals into precious ones, as well as even crafting gems that far surpass anything that can be made naturally they are almost always alchemists. Alongside altering the state of things, transmutation master also have the ability to imbue their bodies and alter them. Increasing muscle mass, changing their shape and even allowing them to gain immortal bodies through unknown means.
Abjuration: Abjuration is the school most associated with protection. Shields, wards and barriers are all classified under this category. A student is expected to be able to make a simple shield, but master take that a step beyond. Permanent armors of mana and even wards that prevent one fro entering or scrying an area without their permission are just a few things that an abjurerer are capable of when properly trained. Any spell that protects someone likely falls under this section, making it the best classification for those that wish to protect.
Weaknesses:
Processed Materials:
Materials like steels and plastic can even in subtle ways mess with a casters ability to weave and cast spells. A small amount does nothing, however thick steel manacles for example can cause anything more complex than the simple manipulation of an object nigh impossible and even then it's difficult to perform.
Just Can't Focus:
Without his focus, Isaiah is unable to properly cast his spells. Most take a massive hit to their efficiency or become volatile outright. Either way trying to cast without his staff or without any other required components leads to him either doing nothing or just having everything blow up in his face.
Binding Circles:
Circles associated with binding extra dimensional or magical beings seem to disrupt his magic and even cause what spells he has going on to backfire onto himself. Fairy circles also seem to have this effect, plus whackier side effects.
Electrical Shocks:
While this may seem like something obvious, since people rarely ever take well to being electrocuted. However having an electrical current run disrupts the energy that one requires to channel magic and can cause the control of it to fizzle out, even become unstable.
Silver:
While it has no effect on his person, the metal silver and any compound of it holds varying levels of resistance to effects produced through magical manipulation. While the metal itself is immune to attempts at messing with it.
The Price of Magic:
All magic requires energy to enact and typically the human body only carries so much. This means that typically continual performances of magic on his own power lead to burn out or even death. Symptoms tend to include shakiness, weakness in limbs, migraines, nosebleeds, bleeding from the ears, blurry slight or even temporary blindness. Without extra sources of magic such as gems infused with mana, Isaiah would burn himself up easily trying to cast a spell of worth.
Black Gems:
Precious minerals or gemstones with a black or dark color hold detrimental effects to mages. They represent the hungering void and, tend to voraciously consume the mana of sorcerers that come in contact with these gems. Even the most unrefined if black gems can drain a sorcerer of their mana within minutes, and a pure black diamond can drain one within the span of ten seconds. Death does not come from this but they are rendered useless until they can gather more mana from around them.
Rowan Berries:
While the wood from a rowan tree makes a powerful focus when carved into a staff, the fruit that grows from the tree has an opposing effect. If ingested by a sorcerer or even if the juice is rubbed on their skin, it can cause a blockage of their magic. Making them unable to cast spells for hours on end, to a maximum of 24 hours depending on the potency of the extract.
Electrum:
A natural occuring compound of gold and silver that seems to have an exceptional magical nullifying property. When used as restraints, it completely cuts a sorcerer's ability to tap into mana and makes those wearing an armor composed of it immune to spells thrown at them.
Skills and Talents: Immense magical knowledge (Millenia of life have allowed him to amass a massive store of information)
Equipment:
Wyrms heart: A large blue crystal the size of both of his fists pressed together, the heart is a massive magical battery that Isaiah can draw from at will so long as it’s on his person. Anyone can technically draw mana from it so long as they know how to.
Staff of the Angel: A staff that he brings around with him, glamoured to look a normal oaken cane when not in use. By speaking the command word, Isiah can reveal its true form composed of an unknown crystal that radiates a holy light. It irritates unprotected eyes and can project energy that protects the user from seemingly any attack. Unholy attacks or those of a dark nature tend to shatter this barrier with greater ease.
Bottomless satchel: By undoing the clasp, one us able to access a small pocket dimension. Within that pocket dimension they can place any object that can realistically fit within the entrance, and even recall it by thinking of it while reaching it. It has no conceivable limit, but even the bag itself has flaws. While the bag has a great carrying capacity, should the exterior be damage it cannot access the pocket dimension. Additionally the bad can only carry things that could conceivably fit through the flap. While that does leave a lot of room for things, it also means he cannot put anything too big inside. Along with that the bag has no atmosphere, meaning that living things cannot be safely stored within.
☆History☆
Current residence: The Shadow Room
Birthplace: Long forgotten
Memorable Figures: Raziel, parents
General History:
Life was a short and brutal thing. From a young age I had been born with these principles in mind, knowing that one day I would learn that lesson first hand. My parents were a people of simple means, farmers who tended to their fields and lived by the sweat of their brow. I was one such person, holding back the secrets that mother had bore from father. Something a simple mind like his own couldn’t comprehend beyond the fact that what I was could be seen as evil. Unknown by the fools that bowed to an even more unknowable god. Even when I discovered the magic within my veins, mother was more than sure to keep that fact away from my devout father. In those days, despite the secrecy I could say it was simple.
When I wasn’t working to keep our family afloat as expected, mother would teach me from thick bound books that she drew from a hidden chest. The symbols scrawled on the pages were foreign, but over the years my young mind managed to consume that information as it would anything else. Complex spells formulated on page, furthering increasing my knowledge and understanding of what I had been born into. Rich histories of magic that she had been born to, despite the love she found in such a mundane and uninteresting man. Maybe this was just a dalliance that was allowed? I never really knew that as my mother was soon found out, and I learned my father was a man far more terrible than I could have guessed.
He beat my mother to death with the very tool he used to till the land. I hadn’t seen it personally, but not much of that scene really comes to mind. I lost it, and next thing I knew the man was dead at my feet. What was a young man like myself to do with the blood of both parents now spilled? Of course I ran, leaving the small village I once knew and took to making my way in life. Clutching that forbidden text close everywhere I went as I became more aware of my abilities. Things that was beyond what a normal man would have been able to understand.
It began to imposing my own senses over someone elses. Using them as one would use modern day cameras without them becoming aware and soon enough I understood I could imposes my whole identity onto someone. Possess them as the religious texts said a demon would. Then that came with an idea that crept up within me, one that brewed over the many years that I spent crossing the countryside. Offering alchemical help to those that required it until someone took it in their mind to accuse me of witchcraft.
Not that they were wrong at all.
I was a witch who little I knew could actually compare, so when they came I tried to defend myself but that failed. Just like anyone else I was struck down, but being beaten to death didn’t seem to hold as well as you’d think. However death didn’t stick as much as I would have thought. Surprising, right? Instead, I woke up once again. Death didn’t stick as much as you would think considering all the tales of people dying and not coming back. It was only until then that I discovered the truth about my power and what it meant for myself in general. A secret to immortality that no one else had managed to uncover; even if it meant stealing bodies. So I took to understanding my new body, the intricacies and how it overall worked out. Honestly I didn’t know how to feel about it. This meant ditching the family of the one I took over, and the next few millenia involved me taking over thousands of bodies to test out ever single little bit of what it meant to have many faces.
After learning more about that strange magic of mine, I also learned I was immortal now, and nothing would take that away from me this new vitality. These little nuances became more like an unfolding pattern before me until I had managed to form my own niche within the world. Medical technologies were an interesting, rising development that my fellow men were doing.
Why couldn’t I take an interest in it?These advancements were something that just added to my curiosity. However, I had to get my own slice of the pie medicinal, so that was how Jupiter Pharmaceuticals came about. Run by its series of personally groomed CEOs so it wasn’t out the reach of my hands. The novels had one thing right after all, and it was that you always needed funding to keep immortality comfortable. So I made sure to keep my coffers stocked to the brim.
As my life continued, I shored up secondary defenses against death and discovery. Selecting what I called the cream of the crop of man, supporting them as a shadowy benefactor and choosing those that proved useful to be my children. You could say I took on a deific status to some of them, though nothing ever really came of it. These mortal cattle that were more interested in their transient existences than anything beyond it. My former kin however was no better, creating strange things of themselves and others without thought of what that would mean. The fact that I was once part of a much greater example of magical stock almost sickened me, but still these witches had their uses. So when possible I tried to take one or two under my wing to harness their gifts for my own. So I did what I had to, keeping to the shadows and only moving when necessary to keep my intentions hidden.
What these reasons were I can’t give away freely, but what can be told is that I seek the primordial source of magic and all the secrets that go with it.