Often associated with
Earthen necromancers, as well as hunters and shamen of many cultures, Bone
Crafting, as its name suggests, provides a mage with the ability to alter the
structure of a bone. An all encompassing spell for most acts requiring the
manipulation of the substance, a mage skilled in this particular spell finds
himself able to to create effects ranging from the innocuous carvings of
trinkets or totems to the ability to severely warp the underlying structure of
another living thing.
Spell Effect. In
result Bone Crafting is nearly identical to the Sphere I spell,
Sculpt Earth, differing only in the form of the
element targeted. Since bone serves as the underlying structure of any living
creature, providing the organism with the basic strength needed to maintain its
form and move about, the presence of Earth
within the substance is understandably high and, as a result, is easily
manipulated by magi of the School.
However, in principle, Bone Crafting differs greatly. Rather than functioning
through the manipulation of of the cár’áll to
create a temporary, compounding effect, Bone Crafting works specificially with
the ounía within the targeted bone, re-arranging their structure and links with
one another to create the desired final form.
Casting Procedure.
Though in theory it would be possible for a mage to target the skeletal system
as a whole, most magi find it much more efficient to concentrate on smaller
segments of bone as it allows for better micromanagement and a more direct
focus. Therefore, when attempting to cast the spell, the mage’s first step must
be to make contact with the desired section with his mind and preferably with
one of his senses. Once this connection has been achieved, the mage must
carefully re-arrange the Earth ounía
inside of his target to his desired form. It should be noted that when creating
effects for decorative value, much as if the mage were whittling the bone by
hand, it is often easier and more precise to create each design individually,
requiring a succession of castings to achieve an overall effect.
On the other hand, when attempting to use the spell to harm or alter the
structure of a living being in a painful and unprecise manner, magi find it much
easier to target the creature’s system of bones as a whole. Since no specific
outcome is desired simply “scrambling“ the ounía in a random manner produces an
equally as severe effect with much less concentration and time required.
Magical Formula.
Not yet defined.
Target. As previously
mentioned, the target of this spell is any bone or system of bones. However, it
should be noted that the size of said bone or system is limited by the caster’s
familiarity with the spell, their skill as a mage and the intricacy of their
desired results.
Reagents. None are
necessary, but many learning magi find it easier to cast the spell while using
dirt, stone, bone or an Earth-based
mineral, such as quartz.
Spell Class.
Physical Representation of Sphere II (Motionlessness or Physical Representation
of Inertia).
Range. As with any other
spell, to be intially cast, Bone Crafting requires that the targeted bone is
able to be sensed in some fashion by the caster. Younger magi often need to both
see and touch the actual bone in order to successfully cast the spell while more
experienced mages are able to cast the spell based simply off an understanding
of where the bone is located within the target’s body.
Casting Time.
Depending upon the complexity of the carving, casting can take anywhere from a
few moments until the mage becomes physically exhausted.
Duration. Once the
spell has been completed, its effects are essentially permanent unless otherwise
altered.
Counter Measures/Enhancing Measures.
Aside from the typical means of forcing a spell
fizzle, such as breaking a mage's concentration through distractions or
phyiscal pain, it should be noted that this spell's effect can be both reserved
and embellished upon through subsequent castings. While once completed the
results of Bone Crafting are permanent, as previously mentioned, it does not
mean that they are unable to be targeted by the spell again.
