Initiate of the Erudite Arcanum.
CHAPTER ONE
1. Prelude
Entropy - For some a numerical quantity representing the degree of disorder in a given system, for others a term to describe an inability to predict accurate results of a given action.
While both definitions are equally legitimate and accurate, the importance of the latter is prevalent for the subject to be tackled in this treatise: The Faerzress, a phenomenon the majority of Faern shall encounter during their studies of the arcane arts.
1.1 The Faerzress
For some a nuisance best avoided, for others an opportunity waiting to be taken, the Faerzress’ true origin remains a mystery yet to be unveiled. Its effects, meanwhile, are palpable whenever an arcane spell is cast in regions of prevalent radiation. Magic is affected in unpredictable ways, turning spells of teleportation into a potentially lethal risk and inhibiting, if not entirely preventing, various spells of scrying.
Extensive research revealed most Faerzress interference to result in outcomes of superseding and subjoining nature, both of which shall be described in detail in the subsequent subchapters.
1.2 Superseding Interference
Qualitative discrepancies between anticipated outcomes of invoked spells and actuality are referred to as Superseding Interference.
Generally manifesting in diminished or exponentially increased spell durations and effects, the aforementioned discrepancies have added potential of replacing anticipated results in their entirety. Common examples include the teleportation to unintended locations, as well as the summoning of a potentially hostile extraplanar entity instead of the creature originally chosen.
1.3 Subjoining Interference
Per contra, Subjoining Interference manifests quantitatively: In addition to a spell’s expected result, a number of random side-effects, so-called Entropic Supplements, occurs simultaneously. These Supplements can be subtle or predominant, harmless or lethal, beneficial or detrimental. The only trait they have in common is their randomness.
Possible harmful examples observed thus far include the conjuration of a horde of explosive surface herbivores, emotional manipulation resulting in irrational fear or belligerence, as well as temporary distortion of a Faern’s connection to the Weave.
Beneficial results encountered during research involved one-directional separation from the Weave, resulting in perfect resistance against harmful magic, as well as almost supernatural, long-lasting combat premonition whose effects can be approximately emulated with a True Strike spell.
Entropy - For some a numerical quantity representing the degree of disorder in a given system, for others a term to describe an inability to predict accurate results of a given action.
While both definitions are equally legitimate and accurate, the importance of the latter is prevalent for the subject to be tackled in this treatise: The Faerzress, a phenomenon the majority of Faern shall encounter during their studies of the arcane arts.
1.1 The Faerzress
For some a nuisance best avoided, for others an opportunity waiting to be taken, the Faerzress’ true origin remains a mystery yet to be unveiled. Its effects, meanwhile, are palpable whenever an arcane spell is cast in regions of prevalent radiation. Magic is affected in unpredictable ways, turning spells of teleportation into a potentially lethal risk and inhibiting, if not entirely preventing, various spells of scrying.
Extensive research revealed most Faerzress interference to result in outcomes of superseding and subjoining nature, both of which shall be described in detail in the subsequent subchapters.
1.2 Superseding Interference
Qualitative discrepancies between anticipated outcomes of invoked spells and actuality are referred to as Superseding Interference.
Generally manifesting in diminished or exponentially increased spell durations and effects, the aforementioned discrepancies have added potential of replacing anticipated results in their entirety. Common examples include the teleportation to unintended locations, as well as the summoning of a potentially hostile extraplanar entity instead of the creature originally chosen.
1.3 Subjoining Interference
Per contra, Subjoining Interference manifests quantitatively: In addition to a spell’s expected result, a number of random side-effects, so-called Entropic Supplements, occurs simultaneously. These Supplements can be subtle or predominant, harmless or lethal, beneficial or detrimental. The only trait they have in common is their randomness.
Possible harmful examples observed thus far include the conjuration of a horde of explosive surface herbivores, emotional manipulation resulting in irrational fear or belligerence, as well as temporary distortion of a Faern’s connection to the Weave.
Beneficial results encountered during research involved one-directional separation from the Weave, resulting in perfect resistance against harmful magic, as well as almost supernatural, long-lasting combat premonition whose effects can be approximately emulated with a True Strike spell.