#astromante

[temporary-fixe]

㋛ a pseudo astromante › att. seg, 11 de dez. 2023 — pra uma futura doação de capas (talvez?)

[sevenish-spheres]

Astromancy in the Seven Spheres

Image Source- Wawtman on Tumblr

Overview

The most common form of magic cast by humans and other mortals. Astromancy is broadly split into two groups, although both use the same sources for their arcane might. They draw their raw power and the structure of their spells from the stars, with different constellations providing different spells. However, on its own this is not enough to cast, as the spell requires a spark to start the process. For this, most astromancers use miniscule fragments of their soul (which will naturally repair itself over time due to the celestial energy it is bombarded with). These soul fragments, sometimes known as ‘mana’ or ‘essence’ by casters, are carried through the blood, and for this reason all astromancers sport several unusual traits related to this. Astromantic spells tend to be more complex than the spells of other forms of caster, often even including variables and loops among their rune networks. Astromantic spells tend to focus on light-based magics such as lasers or shields, although it frequently also incorporates elemental disciplines. Alongside this, Astromancy tends to have a larger focus on utility in its spells, and as such also often includes telekinesis and spells used for animating magical circuitry.

Features of Astromancy

All astromancers possess ‘mages marks’, tattoos or more commonly scars that take the form of an elaborate series of rings and constellations engraved directly onto the skin above the heart, and in lines that lead to the fingers, mouth, feet and commonly eyes. The heart runes serve to draw celestial magic into the body, and the ley-line runes help guide it through the blood to the hands or mouth, where the spell is cast. Many spellcasters also sport copper or gold needles which have been hammered into and around these runes to enhance their conductive power, and some especially powerful mages of the past were said to have possessed powerful golden runes branded into their skin, affording them great power. 

Limitations

Because a mage’s heart rune references certain constellations, moving from one planet to another causes such constellation spells to become unreliable or completely unusable. For this reason most mages possess knowledge of so-called ‘calibration runes’, temporary runes generally painted onto a mage's chest rather than scarred in, and which effectively offset the mage’s position so that the magic is drawn in correctly. Furthermore, due to mages requiring their own blood to fuel their magic, most mages are limited by how much blood they can use for casting without dropping dead, and by how much pain they can stomach, as continuous casting produces effects ranging from pins and needles to heart-attack-like symptoms. Finally, mage’s marks provide an immediate way of identifying mages at close range, making them far easier to target both by prejudiced mobs and experienced hunters. For this reason, it is not uncommon for mages in regular social settings to conceal their facial and hand mage marks with cosmetics, although when casting these runes will still glow faintly.

There are two broad kinds of astromancers, which are detailed below.

Tome Mages

Also known as smoothskin mages or artefact mages, Tome mages channel their spells through a book or other artefact such as a staff that has been engraved with such spells. In these cases, the artefacts are anointed with leyline runes made from the casters own blood, which are designed to interface with the ones on their hand. For this reason, a Tome mage’s spellbook is only usable by them, although most mages are capable of fairly easily ‘re-programming’ a book should it be necessary. Other Tome mages may not use a tome, preferring a staff, wand or astrolabe. In these cases, the spell runes are carved into the surface rather than written in blood. Whilst tome mages are powerful, and are able to keep many more spells than their skin mage counterparts, if their spellbook or staff is stolen they’re effectively powerless, and they’re also limited by how many spells they can remember without having to flick through their book, meaning they’re often slower to cast than other mage types. However, Tome mages are far more versatile than most, as they can easily combine and modify spells within their book, allowing them to produce truly deadly multi-stage spells.

Skin Mages

Known as tatterskin mages or blood mages, Skin mages avoid the problem of a potentially stealable spellbook or artefact by directly engraving their spells into their flesh. This means that most Skin mages possess many more Mage’s Marks than their Tome counterparts, as each mark is a direct spell for a skin mage. Because of their method of casting, skin mages are limited in the complexity of their spells, as their skin only has so much room, but they can cast near instantly. This causes skin mages to be far more commonly found as lower-level soldiers, but due to their far higher rate of blood loss, they often cannot keep up with the casting stamina of a tome mage. Skin mages spells, known as cantrips, generally produce simpler effects than tome mages, but as the Skin Mage’s control on the spell is instinctual, they have much greater levels of control over the power and manifestation of their spells.

Most astromancers are some combination of the two above types, with many possessing both artefacts and a few cantrips.

Common Items

Aside from their casting artefacts, many astromancer possess numerous bizarre items to assist in casting. A few are listed below.

Blood Vials- These are small vials of the caster’s own blood which they can either inject back into themselves or use to form more complicated runic circles if necessary.

Crimson Ink- a form of ink used by mages in their spellbooks for writing spells. Made from the caster’s blood mixed with ink. Has a dark red colour, and is generally regarded as a better method of writing than pure blood.

Candles- Many mages often surround themselves with candles, which they use both to measure time, to slowly dispense certain plant fragrances known to repel fiends and the like, and most infamously, crimson candles. These large candles are often found throughout wherever mages cast spells regularly, with many even wearing smaller candles on hats or shoulder pads. Crimson candles are candles mixed with the casters blood which, as they burn, provide slow release of mana back into the caster, allowing them to slowly regenerate their mana reserves.

Magus Robes- Often coloured red, Magus robes are cloaks or robes that have gold or copper thread sewn into them to form runes. These runes are, as is typical, anointed with the owner’s blood, and often produce certain contingency spells if a given condition is met, such as teleporting the caster to a safe location if they fall unconscious, or shielding the cast from certain kinds of magic. Stereotypes of casters wearing robes with constellation designs likely originated from this.

Sanguine Homunculi- Used only by powerful mages, sanguine homunculi are small, artificial beings created through various arcane rituals, with the main consistent step being the injection of the user’s blood into the growing homunculus. This causes the homunculus to produce the same blood, allowing the caster an infinite supply of their own blood. However, sanguine homunculi are tiny, sickly creatures, barely able to speak or move, and are permanently confined to floating bottles attached to their caster by a thin hollow tube which pumps blood into the caster as it is expended. However, homunculi can be risky, as the direct link between the homunculus and caster can cause deadly magical backlash if the homunculus is slain, and for this reason Astromancers keep their homunculi heavily warded when going into battle.

[botanikos]

Within a small cardboard box, upon a ragged pillow, sits a gift. One gorgeous brass telescope, engraved with minor astromantic runes yet bereft of magical energies. And a single letter. It reads:

Found this at a anteek stor, thot of u.

The handwriting was unmistakable.

A box! Oh, a box! Where did it come from? Who left it for him? Curious chirrup is given as the prince opens it to find the gift. He plucks the letter up in one hand, and takes the brass telescope in the other, turning it to admire its craftsmanship. Vibrant gaze finds familiar handwriting. Feathers ruffle, delighted and touched to see that it wasn't from just anyone, but from Blitz himself. Stolas' features fall for a moment, not in sorrow but something a bit more complex. He sets the letter down, taloned finger grazing the words before he tucks the telescope close to his chest. It held weight, not by the metal but the sentimentality of it - the way it was something the prince would so obviously have picked for himself.

He felt. . . Seen. Understood, in just that one gesture, that one item.

[julie-su]

what songs are YOU into right now

Currently, I'm quite into M-Flo album 'Astromantic'; a J-Urban album from 2004 by M-Flo; just right up my alley. M-Flo is known for Japanese hip-hop, which really just tickles my fancy.

I'm also quite fond of the first album by The Protomen; this one is a rock opera based on the Mega Man series, which I suggest finding the 'lyrics' to go alongside, as they contain story notes and annotations which are meant to be included in the jewel-case insert, as a package deal.

And finally... I've a hankering for the MUSE album 'Absolution', after singing one of the songs full-pelt at karaoke last night . . .

[nightraid-hq]

NIGHTRAID KAIHO ISSUE #1 | A CLASH OF SPELLCASTERS!

The greatly anticipated magicks tournament unfolded in front of NightRaid HQ, captivating audiences and igniting the spirits of aspiring mages and sorcerers. This grand event brought together some formidable magic users, showcasing their talents and unleashing spells of breathtaking magnitude. As the night sky shimmered with the promise of arcane prowess, the competition witnessed some exhilarating battles.

The tournament commenced with a spellbinding duel between Joshua and Krysanthe, mentor and student. Both combatants wove intricate patterns in the air, summoning the power of the stars through their astromancy arts. Explosions of cosmic energy filled the arena as the two masters clashed, creating a spectacle that left the audience in awe. Ultimately, Krysanthe's celestial mastery prevailed, defeating her mentor in a hard-fought victory and setting the stage for an enthralling tournament ahead.

In the next encounter, Kallias and Penelo took center stage, each showcasing their unique magical styles. Kallias employed the mesmerizing art of paper puppet magics, his dragon familiar throwing fiery displays that dazzled the crowd. Penelo, on the other hand, harnessed the raw power of conjury, commanding the elements with grace and precision without a staff to speak of, impressing onlookers. The clash of these two formidable magicians was an intense battle that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. In the end, Kallias emerged victorious, his blazing pyrotechnics overwhelming Penelo's conjured forces by the narrowest of margins.

Up next against Krysanthe was Ryuu. Well known for her explosive blue magicks, she quickly started the match with a torrent of aether. Spells inspired by wildlife and the elemental forces of her hunts erupted from her fingertips, testing Krysanthe's mettle. Despite that, Krysanthe's unwavering resolve proved insurmountable, and she emerged triumphant, reaffirming her place as a force to be reckoned with.

The stage was set for an epic clash of champions as Kallias faced off against the indomitable Krysanthe in the tournament's final showdown. Kallias employed a combination of his signature paper puppet magics and newfound confidence. Krysanthe, undeterred by the formidable opponent before her, summoned her stellar astromancy powers once more. The impressive dragon familiar mastery against the stellar counterattacks, pushing each combatant to the limits of their magical strength. Ink spilled from the belly of the paper familiar on more than one occasion as Kallias fought back with all of him. In the end, Krysanthe's unwavering determination and mastery of the celestial arts proved too formidable for Kallias to overcome. With a resounding display of astromantic power, Krysanthe emerged victorious as the champion of Nightraid's Magical Tournament.

[yoshifruit]

IT'S TRIPOD BABY TUESDAY, BABY!! VOTE YES IF YOU LOVE EXPO EXPO, PLANET SHINING, BEAT SPACE NINE, ASTROMANTIC, OR IF YOU KNOW IF YOUR HEART THAT M-FLO LOVES SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG BABY!!

[refreshdaemon]

Best seen as a preview of the sounds you might get in Astromantic or a sampler of Avex's R&B and hip hop artists, this is a modestly enjoyable compilation.

[jorgeclardiary]

“Stars” (Spotify playlist)

For the Vernal Equinox of 2019—a playlist of songs related to stars. Nocturnal colors...starbrarian archives. Click here to listen. 

I am happy to say this one features dear Annie Sama´s “Legal” sandwiched between Kraftwerk and Mr. Fingers.

Also, a poem here….

Staring at the shelves

It’s all alive in the image 

I love the big Neiman-Marcus logo

It’s so severe

—”It’s like Tomorrowland....”

—”I love Tomorrowland....”

Aw

You can have it all

Travel through space and time

If we were sitting here in a dream

It would be just as real

And so then let us let 

Our physical bodies

All materializes

At will

Like jin

Why do we do things?

Shamanistic techniques

In the morning

This is

Like playing dolls

Hand-painted t-shirt by Joel Handorff. Lemurian sword and starbrarian necklace by Blue Bayer. Leather cap courtesy of Hapi Place. Photo: Goor Studio

[yoshifruit]

I see tags and comments like these asking these questions on this post often, so I’m just gonna go ahead answer both of these questions in one addition just to provide context, even if these are probably both rhetorical questions.

“Why is this such a bop?” After the commercial success of their albums Expo Expo and Astromantic, the Japanese hip hop group M-Flo released their most successful album to date, titled Beat Space Nine, which topped the charts in Japan. A theme of this album was M-Flo collaborating with with different Japanese pop artists saying that “M-Flo Loves” that artist. One of the songs on the album was “Tripod Baby [M-Flo Loves Lisa]” (Lisa being the singer in this song and a then former member of M-Flo).

Sega saw the success and popularity M-Flo and their new album in Japan as an opportunity to collaborate and promote their game they were releasing that same year, Shadow the Hedgehog. So in 2005, Sega made a deal with M-Flo to promote Shadow the Hedgehog by making a Shadow themed version of their song Tripod Baby (thus “M-Flo Loves Shadow the Hedgehog”), as well as being in commercials like this, photo shoots like this, and taking the music video for Tripod Baby and making a version to include Shadow.

I say all this because I feel as though some Sonic fans seeing this post are confused by the sound of the song because of the lack of context, leading to an assumption that the song was created specifically for Shadow the Hedgehog, when in reality it’s a remix of a popular song that was topping the charts in Japan. That’s not to say all pop songs are automatically bops, but there’s a reason Sega chose to collaborate with M-Flo and their song to promote their game.

“And why the fuck is it so long?” While there is a shorter version of this song, it’s been commonplace for songs that focus on danceability to be 5, 6, 7, or even 12 minutes or longer since the era of disco. These songs do usually have shorter versions, usually called the “radio mix,” but full longer versions are usually made for the intention of being played in a club. Originally, this was because longer songs gave DJs more time to prepare the next song. That’s not to say that this version of Tripod Baby was intended to play in a club, but other remixes on the remix album Dope Space Nine, in which this song is included in on iTunes, are of similar length. Here’s a video going over the history of why some pop songs became longer.

[mizii]

Wallpapers Soraka

[seafoamscales]

hey what’s up tumblr hope y’all feelin gay. 🌈

these bubbles are now available in my shop, and this months giveaway includes these new ones + the old ones.

⭐ patreon ⭐ twitter ⭐ ko-fi ⭐

[kimonobeat]

I miss you even when we’re together, I miss you even when you’re nearby Just a little bit Baby. Could it be that, Maybe... ?

[alexdrehamilotn]

throwback to when I was 13 and this band was all I used to listen to along with Koda Kumi and Gackt... M-Flo was my damn life. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQjdRPxgUM0

[sneek-m]

“miss you” by m-flo loves melody. & Ryohei [Astromantic, 2004]

[soysebastianca]

🦇 This astromantic witch tells me that the fabulous season is near 🦇