I'll be backing up a lot of what Chacha said, but figured I'd drop some lore quotes for extra reference.
Sort of!
Aether Sources:
ACN - personal aether reserves (anima) and sometimes external sources (aetherflow/energy drain/carbuncle)
THM - personal aether reserves (anima)
CNJ - drawn from nature
AST - unlocked from the Six Celestial Gates
WHM - drawn from Hydaelyn
BLM - drawn from Hydaelyn
Methodology:
ACN - Arcanists shape spells using the arcane geometries, but cast by channeling their own aether through the enchanted ink of their grimoire. The conductivity of the ink allows for more effective/stronger casting of the spell.
THM - Thaumaturges speak ancient incantations to formulate a spell and draw their own aether into a stave made from metal or bone and focused into an aetherially enhanced gemstone to cast.
CNJ - Conjurers draw aether from their immediate environment into their stave, made from unworked wood, and through meditation, shape that aether into a desired spell.
AST - Astrologians draw residual aether from the constellations into their planisphere. I've yet to do a lot of the AST questline, so the specifics on how they cast, channel, and focus their magic yet eludes me. Someone will have to help me here.
WHM and BLM - Both follow essentially the mechanical progression of CNJ seen above. Aether is drawn from the immediate environment into the stave via the focus (flower/gemstone) and then shaped either via meditation or incantation.
So I guess you could describe Conjury as more freeform? But Thaumaturgy requires rigid adherence to pre-written incantations, similar to how an Arcanist requires specific geometries for spells. Altering or botching one of these incantations can have disastrous effects:
Conjurers (per lore) still can command all six elements, despite the battle team's mechanics retcon back in 1.18. The lore team has insisted on sneaking Essences and Permutations into 2.0 and 3.0, which was a tome found in 1.0 Stillglade Fane detailing the conjurers' control of the elements.
However, the Stillglade Fane now focuses on just three of those elements, wind, water, earth. Though, if any character has been a conjurer for more than five years, they would also be familiar with the other three elements as well.
Certain materials do channel aether more effectively, yes.
For Thaumaturgy, staves made from bone are preferable, but artificial aether conductive metals such as electrum, silver, gold, etc will also work. Thaumaturges are also not specifically limited to staves, as there's evidence of ritual/ceremonial daggers also being used. Then an aetherially enhanced gemstone acts as the focus. The type of precious stone influences the potency of certain types of spells.
For Conjury, staves made from un-worked wood are preferable, though branches made to seem lifelike are also acceptable. Staves or wands home to sprouting flora seem to channel aether more effectively.
As was covered slightly earlier, while it's the geometries and formulaes that evoke the arcane magicks, it's the quality of the ink they were drawn in that give the caster greater power.
More lore on the schools of magic and discussion of their foci/mechanics can be found here:
-Aether and Magic Lore Compilation Index
Hope this helps! ^^
(09-23-2015, 11:04 PM)Glacirus Wrote: Arcanism is all about the formulas and patterns written in the books, and Astrology is tracking the stars and constellations to draw upon the powers from the six gates which is all angles, spheres, geometry, etc. Where as I see Thaumaturgy and Conjury being more free-form, just imagine the spell and it will be done.
Sort of!
Aether Sources:
ACN - personal aether reserves (anima) and sometimes external sources (aetherflow/energy drain/carbuncle)
THM - personal aether reserves (anima)
CNJ - drawn from nature
AST - unlocked from the Six Celestial Gates
WHM - drawn from Hydaelyn
BLM - drawn from Hydaelyn
Methodology:
ACN - Arcanists shape spells using the arcane geometries, but cast by channeling their own aether through the enchanted ink of their grimoire. The conductivity of the ink allows for more effective/stronger casting of the spell.
THM - Thaumaturges speak ancient incantations to formulate a spell and draw their own aether into a stave made from metal or bone and focused into an aetherially enhanced gemstone to cast.
CNJ - Conjurers draw aether from their immediate environment into their stave, made from unworked wood, and through meditation, shape that aether into a desired spell.
AST - Astrologians draw residual aether from the constellations into their planisphere. I've yet to do a lot of the AST questline, so the specifics on how they cast, channel, and focus their magic yet eludes me. Someone will have to help me here.
WHM and BLM - Both follow essentially the mechanical progression of CNJ seen above. Aether is drawn from the immediate environment into the stave via the focus (flower/gemstone) and then shaped either via meditation or incantation.
So I guess you could describe Conjury as more freeform? But Thaumaturgy requires rigid adherence to pre-written incantations, similar to how an Arcanist requires specific geometries for spells. Altering or botching one of these incantations can have disastrous effects:
Ququruka Wrote:I do not know what came over me. I... Blinded by my own lust for power, I altered one of the incantations. It was... arrogant. And foolish. I watched as chaotic aether washed over my three friends, ripping their bodies asunder.
(09-23-2015, 11:04 PM)Glacirus Wrote: School of Magic - I'm sure a Conjurer could make ice and fire if they had elementals aiding them, but they focus on the less destructive elements, so it's harder/impossible for them to do it.
Conjurers (per lore) still can command all six elements, despite the battle team's mechanics retcon back in 1.18. The lore team has insisted on sneaking Essences and Permutations into 2.0 and 3.0, which was a tome found in 1.0 Stillglade Fane detailing the conjurers' control of the elements.
However, the Stillglade Fane now focuses on just three of those elements, wind, water, earth. Though, if any character has been a conjurer for more than five years, they would also be familiar with the other three elements as well.
(09-23-2015, 11:04 PM)Glacirus Wrote: Focus/Weapon - This is the one I'm most interested in for now. I know different materials channel different spells better (Bone/metal makes good thaumaturgy tool, wood for conjury, etc.). What I'm wondering is: how does a lower-grade focus influence spells. Does it limit the aether that can be used, or is it just if you try to use more than it can handle, the tool will break and your spell most likely explode in your face?
Certain materials do channel aether more effectively, yes.
Serendipity Wrote:Silver was historically prized for its beauty. Ancient peoples even believed it to possess magical properties. Although they did not completely understand the natural process involved, they were in fact correct. It's difficult to explain to someone without an extensive background in the relevant fields, but let's just say that silver is really, really good at channeling aether.
For Thaumaturgy, staves made from bone are preferable, but artificial aether conductive metals such as electrum, silver, gold, etc will also work. Thaumaturges are also not specifically limited to staves, as there's evidence of ritual/ceremonial daggers also being used. Then an aetherially enhanced gemstone acts as the focus. The type of precious stone influences the potency of certain types of spells.
Serendipity Wrote:Despite being relatively commonplace, malachite is quite sought after, owing to its supposed power to ward off evil. Superstitions notwithstanding, it does indeed have some mild thaumaturgical properties.
Serendipity Wrote:This gemstone is the focal point of the design, both aesthetically and practically speaking. It is what allows a thaumaturge to channel the aetherial energies within.
Serendipity Wrote:Perhaps you're wondering who would prefer a staff with a headpiece of bone over one studded with jewels. Well, the Thaumaturges favor such equipment. Fangs and horns are the weapons of beasts, used to kill and defend. Few materials are better suited than these for channeling the dark arts.
Lodestone Wrote:In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection.
To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. Thus armed, the thaumaturge is capable of wreaking considerable havoc via ruinous spells and curses.
For Conjury, staves made from un-worked wood are preferable, though branches made to seem lifelike are also acceptable. Staves or wands home to sprouting flora seem to channel aether more effectively.
Beatin Wrote:The gentle curve of the crook appears natural, as if it was destined to take such a shape. Indeed, your skillful application of growth formula has imbued this cane with new life, giving it the appearance of unworked wood.
Ponette Wrote:To conjurers, our canes are the physical representation of our connection with the living world. They provide a focus for us to channel the forces of nature and weave spells. To possess a cane made of walnut is a dream most conjurers share.
Lodestone Wrote:Conjury calls upon the elements of earth, wind, and water and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. Versed also in magicks that restore and strengthen, conjurers are regarded as accomplished healers.
As was covered slightly earlier, while it's the geometries and formulaes that evoke the arcane magicks, it's the quality of the ink they were drawn in that give the caster greater power.
Anonymous Arcanist Wrote:For an arcanist to weave his spells, he must conjure in his mind the image of distinct mystical diagrams known as arcane geometries. These geometries are inscribed upon the pages of a grimoire, such as the one you constructed at my request. The most important aspect of any grimoire is the quality of the ink used to illustrate its pages. Geometries drawn with ink that is especially conductive to the flow of aether allow the arcanist to more effectively channel his magical strength.
Lodestone Wrote:Adepts of the art of arcanum derive their might from symbols of power born of geometric techniques hailing from across the southern seas. Held within occult grimoires, these symbols lend shape to the arcanist's aether, thereby allowing him to produce myriad powerful spells. Using the selfsame symbols to unlock the latent power contained within gemstones, arcanists are also able to summon forth the familiar known as Carbuncle to carry out their bidding.
More lore on the schools of magic and discussion of their foci/mechanics can be found here:
-Aether and Magic Lore Compilation Index
Hope this helps! ^^
