#Nineteen Shadow/Void Magic Spell Canons

[marquis-teren-kiden]

Shadow Weaving: Vol. I

[DISCLAIMER: The Book is Teren’s. The Head canons are mine. There is no expectation for anyone else to adopt these Canon’s with respect to their own RP. I am posting them as a follow up to the “Void Cosmology” Post previously posted by me, for the use of those who are participating in the Nishan Federation’s Campaign setting.

I have attempted to canon with respect to Void Magic in a way that respects the Artificers (Engineers) who specialize in Titan, Na’aru, Draenic, and Legion technologies, as well as the medical professionals of Azeroth. While I canon that Void holds much in common with the Physics of Dark Energy & Dark Matter, as undetectable by material means within the observable Universe (as principal to the Physics of Dark Energy & Dark Matter in the real world) 

I do canon that the effects of Void/Shadow on the minds (brains) and ‘absences’ (Lack of energy signature to explain damages or suffering) may lead a wise and knowledgable party to conclude that the Void/Shadow, or someone capable of manipulating Void/Shadow may have had a hand in a victim’s circumstances. To this end, I have gone to some lengths to describe in detail my own canons, the means which a Shadow Weaver (*coughs* Teren *coughs* Nishanians *coughs* Other Shadow Weavers *coughs*) might eventually be tied to events they may have had a direct hand in - if they had a direct hand in them. (*coughs*)

That said, Void/Shadow Priests are not the only subjects capable of Wielding Shadow. To greater or lesser degrees, some Rogues, Warlocks, certain DK’s and less canon-classes (Arcane/Shadow Mages, for example) are also possible candidates for such effects, and I would encourage others to consider them as potential culprits with respect to Shadow Magics for the sake of open-mindedness. The decision, however, is yours..

You are all welcome to adopt these principles of Shadow/Void magic into your RP’s as you wish. I would prefer that the book, written by Teren not be used as the source material for it unless we have discussed how a Nishanian spellbook would have arrived in your hands and arrived at a mutually satisfactory answer.

Enjoy, everyone!

                                                         Signed,

                                                               Teren-Mun]

                                 SHADOW WEAVING: Volume I

FOREWORD:

“Contained herein are the very most basic of Shadow manipulations. Until one has mastered these twenty-one fundamentals, experimentation of any kind is strongly dissuaded. Both for a nascent Shadow Weaver’s well-being, and the general welfare of those around them.”

                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE: Dark Matter

Shadowfiend

Shadow Mend

Shadow Word: Death

Shadow Word: Pain

Shadowy Apparitions

Silence

SECTION TWO: Dark Energy

Dispersion

Mastery: Madness

Mind Blast

Mind Flay

Mind Sear

Mind Vision

Psychic Scream

Void Bolt

Void Eruption

SECTION THREE: Shadow Weaving

Vampiric Embrace

Vampiric Touch

Shadowform

Voidform

FOREWORD:

“The prayers contained here permit a budding Shadow Practitioner to receive access to the foundational principles of Shadow Weaving. Here, we call upon the power of the Shadow through our belief, through our will, and - for those so divinely inspired and intrinsically gifted - through our prayers; just as our Light-wielding Cousins do.

Let us begin.”

SECTION ONE: Dark Matter

Shadowfiend:                                               Ranged: 40 yds

The first sentient denizen of the Void plane a Shadow Weaver will learn to call on is the Shadowfiend. These deranged carrion feeders of the Abyss are the murlocs of the Void and in sufficient number that few who ever learn to summon one will ever be found wanting.

To call such a weak entity into the material plane, is to create a physical disruption between the material plane of our world, and the demi-plane of Shadow by increasing the density of a pocket of dark matter to such a fine point that it breaches the incorporeal membrane separating the two planes and whispering for the creature to pass through.

Be swift in assigning a target, lest it be you, as these often emaciated entities are starved carrion feeders, and rarely last more than ten or fifteen seconds once separated from their native Plane.

Nonetheless, they make excellent fodder and distractions when circumstances warrant either or both and should therefore be within every Shadow Weaver’s kit of basic skills and abilities.

Shadow Mend:                                           Ranged: 40 yds.

It is said that the Void giveth, and the Void taketh away. Never is this more true than with respect to the intricate processes associated with Shadow Mending.

Here, the Void Practitioner wields the dark matter which flows in its unaltered state with less than one percent of the density of a single atom. In this manner, flow of Void matter between the atoms of the body permit nearly any wound to be closed, any broken bone to be perfectly restored without so much as a hint of blemish in the wake of this meticulous healing.

At a heavy cost, however. The process agitates the protons within the recipient’s atoms, a direct result of the dark matter interacting with the positive charge. The effect is a persistent ‘echo’ of the mended wound’s neuron’s misfiring in an unfortunate condition highly reminiscent of the pain associated with ‘phantom limb syndrome. These pains persist until the injury would either naturally have healed on its own, or until a healer able to correct the damage to the protons is able to address the latent suffering.

Shadow Word: Death:                                     Ranged: 40 yds.

A lethal finishing assault, the Shadow Weaver calls on the Void to disrupt the neurons within an already weakened enemy’s medulla – located in the lower half of the brain stem. The result is a powerful static discharge of dark matter which negates the base autonomic functioning of critical physiological systems like the cardio-pulmonary system, vasomotor centers. Highly effective and frequently lethal if an opponent is sufficiently weakened before it is implemented.

A secondary effect occurs with this spell wherein the Void Priest is able to seize the departing soul of their enemy and transform it into dark energy for follow-on assaults or later use.

Shadow Word: Pain:                                     Ranged: 40 yds.

A persistent assault on the central nervous system of an opponent, a Shadow Weaver requires only a moment to introduce a scattered density of dark matter along their adversary’s brain stem and spinal column, disrupting motor neurons, sensory neurons and the interneurons passing messages between them resulting in sudden wracking pains which continue to assail the Practitioner’s victim for fifteen to twenty seconds after the Void wielder has continued on to the next step in their assault.

Shadowy Apparitions:

For particularly adroit Practitioners, the spell known as “Shadow Word: Pain” is frequently paired with a secondary effect. This one set on the Shadow Weaver as they call forth Void Matter to greater density around their own forms to form hauntingly accurate shadowy apparitions which not only distract and disorient their enemies, but scatter along the nerves across the length and breadth of the victim’s body, agitating every pain center all at once each time such a phantasm merges into an Adversary.

Silence:                                                  Ranged: 30 yds.

This is a principle prayer that should be studied diligently because it's power is effective across the length and breadth of every spell sphere, and on occasion, even strips those ungifted with access to the Planes mental hesitation sufficient to aid in the Practitioner's survival.

The Practitioner must capture for just a moment in their mind's eye, their opponent's brain. Along the left side of the frontal lobe is a narrow patch known as Broca's Area. One most take but a moment in mind to draw forth only the weakest strand of dark matter to disrupt the functioning of this section of an opponent's mind and impart a condition medically referred to as Broca's Aphasia.

While the effect lasts only a few seconds, during that interlude the Shadow Practitioner has successfully impeded an enemy's ability to move their tongues or facial muscles; effectively impeding both speech and casting and giving themselves opportunity to escape or attack, uncontested.

In combat, every moment counts. Remember this seemingly minor magic as it will likely save your life several times between the time it is learnt, and the time a Practitioner has become proficient enough to lash out in kind against a worthwhile Adversary.

SECTION TWO: Dark Energy

Dispersion:                                               Self

The Shadow Weaver converts their physical mass into an fluctuating scalar field orb. In this state, they are imbued with the frictionless state all dark energy which eliminates inhibiting effects such as snares, stuns, or Charms; even if one is under them at the time this is implemented; a benefit retained while in this state. Due to dissipation rates for energy in an unrestrained environment, it is highly recommended not to remain in this manner for more than a few seconds at a time.

Due to the fluctuating energies comprising this state, it is of benefit that attacks received are significantly less effective overall.

Finally, a word of caution: While in such a state, a Shadow Weaver is incapable of retaliating against their adversaries. They are, therefore, encouraged to give ready thought to the prayers one wishes to execute the moment one’s native corporeal state is restored.

Mastery: Madness:                                        Self

The more adroit a Shadow Weaver becomes, the more efficacious their spells. A properly disciplined and experienced Practitioner eventually – should they survive the haunting echoes of the whispering Void so long – is naturally able to enhance their manipulation of the Void’s energies nearly ten percent over more nascent and less studied Void wielders.

Mastering one’s self is fundamental to mastering not only one’s own potential to fall into a state of madness, but to fend off the inducements to madness born of the Void and the world around us.

Mind Blast:                                               Ranged: 40 yds

A disruptive distortion of the brain's neurons through the variance of the dark energies contained within the scalar field occupying the same space. The rather dramatic impact is a cascade disruption throughout ten of the twelve cranial nerves, resulting in searing pain throughout an opponent’s eyes, inner ear, tongue, and across the totality of the nerves in their skull. The magnitude of suffering caused by this assault frequently disrupts heart rate, balance, causes excess salivation, numbing of the facial muscles, difficulty breathing and arrhythmias. One might elect a variety of words to encapsulate the totality of the suffering caused by this particularly powerful strategic assault. Most choose 'excruciating.'

Mind Flay:                                               Ranged: 40 yds  

A targeted incitement of the void energies located within an opponent’s thalamus, basal ganglia, dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. Taken as a whole, these disruptions create scathing persistent pain throughout the protective layers of the meninges tissue surrounding the brain and within the cerebral cortex. The more prolonged the process, the more debilitating the experience becomes for the target subject. It is important to note that this is a potentially lethal action, and one would be wise to consider the implications thereof before implementing this practice…publicly.

Mind Sear:                                            Ranged: 40 yds

This is a more complex iteration of the Mind Flay prayer whereby the Shadow Weaver targets an opponent, turning them into the nexus of suffering for their own unfortunate allies with an incitement of the scalar fields located within their comrade’s thalamus, basal ganglia, dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Taken as a whole, these disruptions create scathing persistent pain throughout the protective layers of the meninges tissues and cerebral cortexes of the victims. The more prolonged the process, the more debilitating the experience becomes for them. Yes, this attack is potentially lethal.

Mind Vision:                                         Ranged: 8 yds

Perhaps the single most subtle application a Shadow Weaver will employ during the course of their careers. One need not even be close enough for the victim to have taken note of the Practitioner in the crowd, or area in question. So long as there is an opportunity to target the designated subject’s eyes – near or far – it is possible to make use of this oft-neglected magic.

Once passing eye-contact has been made – absolutely do not stare. – the almost imperceptible floe of Dark Energies may begin the tether. It must manifest within the other party’s retina, where it intersects with their optical nerve. There, the electrical impulses delivering the victim’s visual perceptions to the visual cortex.

Due to the physiological structure of the eye, the electrical impulses deliver the image from the retina through the optical nerve inverted. It is not ‘translated’ to a functional perspective until it reaches the visual cortex. Thus, in order for this spell to function correctly, it must be initiated at the juncture of the retina and optical nerve.

The Shadow Weaver’s end of this connection must intersect at the same point within their own eyes. This allows the continuation of the shared electrical impulses to be translated to the correct perspective once they have completed the journey into the Void Wielder’s own visual cortex.

The Void’s energies, even at their weakest, create a change to the environment. The very nature of the Void is absence. It is the dissonance of nothingness.

NOTE: While this effect lasts only a single minute before most victims are able to focus their thoughts and wills sufficiently to break it, they may be used to select new targets of opportunity in the environment, and thus to facilitate investigation of fortified locations without the usual impediments of having to engage in combat to achieve the objective. As such, it makes an almost perfect means of spying on others, unaccosted by their military resources.

                                               [ADVISORY]

Mind Vision leaves no evidence of its impact on its victims or environment. It does, however, leave an absence which – while indiscernible in a static physical environment - does create a sense of dissonance in those sensitive to the use of magic.

They will, in all likelihood, sense that they are either being manipulated or otherwise used. It is their misfortune that magics intended to detect this intrusion will fail, as the Void is an absence, and not a presence.

Psychic Scream:                                      Near: 8 yards                              

This prayer allows the Shadow Weaver to expel ripples of void energy through the adrenal glands, situated just above the kidneys of their opponents; as well as to target the visual cortex of their adversaries.

In short, this assault causes cortisol levels to drop to dizzying levels, which creating a surge in adrenaline. Combined, they force a severe panic attack on the opponent which puts them into a freeze/flight/fight state, while disorienting and blinding them at the same time; a state which sends the vast majority of sentient beings into a blind dash to escape, or freezes them in place, allowing the Shadow Weaver free attack opportunities, or escape.

Void Bolt:                                                Ranged: 40 yds            

The Void Practitioner intensifies the void energies in their grasp until it forms an orb of raw Dark Energy, then casts it at the target’s sternum. The energies interact their cardio-pulmonary system, causing arrhythmias and excruciating agony with every breath taken in or released.

If the target struck is afflicted either by the Shadow Word: Pain and/or Vampiric Touch effects when they are hit, these effects are renewed, as if freshly applied. In the hands of a particularly adroit Shadow Weaver, this may in effect become three prayers in one; mores the pity for the unfortunate victim of such prowess.

Void Eruption:                                        Self

The Shadow Weaver intensifies the Void energies within their own bodies, intensifying it into a state similar to plasma and casting it outward in an eruption which transforms them into a Voidform while assailing nearby opponents with cast-off Void energies which significantly intensify the effects of anyone already suffering the effects of a ‘Shadow Word: Pain’ or ‘Vampiric Touch’ spell.

WARNING: Due to the intensely draining, dangerous, nature of this magic, it is only possible to perform this prayer with several minutes respite and recovery time. No sane person – not even a Shadow Weaver – would do this to themselves if any alternative were possible.

SECTION THREE: Shadow Weaving

Shadowform:                                             Self

This is one of the staples of all Shadow Weaving, whereby a Void wielder adjusts their own corporeal form to a quasi-corporeal state, homogenous with both practical and Dark matter. While in this state, the Practitioner is suffers slightly less damage from physical assaults, while receiving a modest increase to the efficacy of their Void manipulations and spells.

Vampiric Embrace:                                   Special/40 yds  

This is one of the two true Shadow Weaving methods for healing wounds in a manner which causes no residual suffering to the Practitioner or their chosen beneficiary. Their victim…well… unfortunate bit of business, that.

Here, the Void wielder may employ any direct assault by virtue of dark matter and/or dark energies against a chosen victim to tear free the raw materials necessary for mending the wounded. While so doing, the Void Practitioner must be certain to mimic the damages suffered by the one they wish to heal; creating a mirror of those wounds on their opponent and tearing free the practical matter of the material body with which to stitch wounds and mend tissue. The process remains subatomic, and the biological material stolen may still be altered to meet the needs of the injured ally without blemish or negative consequence.

Due to the exchange of damages in addition to the violent removal of often critical tissues, the Victim suffers damages at a much higher rate than healing is imparted, and as a consequence, is likely to die long before substantive healing takes place.

More than one victim may be required to impart the full benefit of good health to a chosen ally.

Voidform:                                              Self

The Voidwielder uses their own body as a foci to draw raw void energy into their cells, suffusing them until a critical capacity is reached and they experience a metamorphosis, transforming into a being comprised entirely of Void Energy and Dark Matter.

While in this Voidform, their access to the Void is nascent and they are able to manipulate its forces to their ends with greater speed and potency; though at a significant cost. During this state, the Shadow Weaver’s mind is assailed by Whispers from the Void Plane, and their mental faculties are compromised by visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations and delusions until they return to a less subtantive Void-state. As a direct consequence, few if any such Practitioners are able to maintain this state for more than a few short intervals.

Vampiric Touch:                                Touch

This is one of two true Shadow Weaving methods for healing wounds in a manner which causes no residual suffering to the Practitioner.

Here, the Void wielder’s touch at any point intersecting their chosen victim’s body permits the Shadow Weaver to use tear free the practical material body of their Subject’s physiological form in order to replace the Shadow Weaver’s own damaged tissue. As victims of this magic are likely to resist, it is highly likely that additional damages pertaining to subjugation and restraints – both Dark energy and Dark matter – will lead to an opponent suffering more than twice the damages being mended by the Shadow Weaver and potentially resulting in a premature death.

As such, more than one victim may be required to impart the full benefit of good health to the Void Practitioner. This exchange damages the victim both in terms of the recreated wounds, but also due to the violent rate of removal of that tissue.