Use of Magic
Jun 29, 2019 13:13:42 GMT -5
Post by DENNY on Jun 29, 2019 13:13:42 GMT -5
Magic and it’s Subtle Nuances in our MotW Arda-verse
Magic in Middle Earth is subtle, primarily not used by man, and dwells in the power of the mind. Almost all magic stems from forms of mind control and rarely used by mortals, beyond those descended from the Maiar or elves with one foot in the metaphysical realm.
Acceptable forms of magic in the society of Annúminas:
The Sael. “Wise ones”. Those who are elderly and exceptionally learned in lore and craft. The Teachers, storytellers, leaders, and scholars. Not magical themselves, but by some they may be considered so well learned that they are taken that way.
Astrology and astronomy. Among humans, seers are generally astrologers. Those who watch the stars in hopes for a sign of the future and make predictions based on these signs. There may be legitimate astrologers who can grasp onto visions of the future. There are many who falsely claim to be seers and oracles to earn a living or to sway political matters.
Healing. Again, not truly magic in it’s known form, though those who have studied the lore of elvish healing, especially those of elvish descent, would have a greater likelihood for skill in the lore of herbs, other plants, and venoms. The greatest healers would be careful not to draw too much attention to their skill or else their talent could actually become feared, as people might consider them witches.
Alchemy. The creation of elixirs, potions, and new substances from metal and mineral.
There is, however, the forbidden side of things. More of what humans would consider magic; though for the most part all of it is misunderstood and considered dark. There would be few to admit in public their practicing of these arts. Some are inherently evil, and others simply are stigmatized. Users of these magics would be wary to hide their practice. They would be deemed wood witches or sorcerers and shunned from society or even worse, destroyed.
Unacceptable and punishable uses of magic in the society of Annúminas:
Shape-shifting. Only granted to those born to it from clans which lived in the mountains, the shape shifters are thought to be long ago descendants of a maiar, though they live normal human life spans. At will they can change into the form of a creature. The Beornings are known in lore, but there may be shapeshifters in other forms, mostly living in the mountains but perhaps tucked within the city and careful in their comings and goings. It is not inherently a dark magic but it has been used in dark ways in lore, particularly in Sauron’s ability to transform into a wolf or a bat, and sometimes wargs are known to to also be shapeshifting humans, akin to werewolves.
Osanwë. Telepathy. this is the power to break through the barriers of the mind and commune mentally. This skill cannot be mastered by mortal beings. Only among the maiar or elves, and primarily elves of very old age, 6,000+ years who descend from the Noldor. While Osanwë alone is not a black art, it can be used for Evil and thus it is feared by mortals and those who practice it may be considered witches to humans.
Nature-magic. These users may call themselves ‘white-witches’. None are ‘born’ a witch, it is a learned practice, though often the art is passed through family dynamics and kept secret. The spells can be used for, among other things, healing, depending on the skill of the practitioner they may have some power to draw strength or energy from the elements themselves; earth, water, fire, and air. Their magical abilities fall to a much lesser extent than those of the True wizards, but nonetheless their skill is still greater than the healing skills of average men. They have the power to conceive magic in their mind, and then invoke the thought by speaking spells. Most of those who consider themselves users of white magic would not dare delve into the darker aspects which they know exist.
Morgûl-magic. Also known as ‘black magic.’ In Ardaverse ‘the shadow’ is an element itself, in the same category as fire and air, but it was not placed on the earth by Eru Illuvatar at creation. It was placed there as Melkor, the dark Valar, took up his domain. The users of dark magic draw upon the remnants of the shadow and darkness to cast spells and curses and summon secret knowledge.
Shadow Alchemy. The use of alchemy to create potions and poisons and new elements exacerbated by the summoning of the shadow.
Necromancy. Another form of black magic. Particularly powerful seers may summon the spirits of the dead in order to gain information from them. Incredibly powerful necromancers such as the former Witch King could re-animate the dead.
Magical items. Magical items in the hands of the wrong people can become disastrous. While many magical items such as the known palantiri seeing stones, the mirror of Galadriel, and the three elvish rings of power have traveled back across the sea and are out of the reach of men, there are still some items of sorcery from ancient days, hidden in a land that has much historical bearing. Many would be unwilling to touch these items, and wary of them. Lesser magical items being staffs or swords that may glow, gems bearing specific properties, and magic rings which can cast invisibility over a user. All use of these types of items would be forbidden.
Other forms of magic.
Maiar Magic – There are three of the five Istari remaining in Middle Earth. Rhadaghast the Brown who has strayed into the wilderness, and the two Blue Wizards who traveled to the eastern lands. The wizards are considered masters of shapes and changes of hue and hold much power in mental and elemental magic, assisted by the use of their staffs. Lesser Maiar in Arda may also hold forms of magic over particular elements. The great eagles are said to be able to control some of the winds, the river daughters have a power over water, and who knows if Tom Bombadil is a Maiar and what he may control?
Elvish Magic- What is considered magic to men, may be by elves simply considered skill or cunning gained by their long lives and their study of the stars, of sciences, of healing, and philosophy. Some forms of elvish magic delve into the metaphysical use of elemental powers and songs, in forms of telepathy and mind control, but this can only be done by strong, disciplined users, usually those of the High Elves.
Dwarvish Magic- Like elven magic, what may seem to humans as magic displayed by the dwarves is merely intense the intense skill of their trades, particularly mechanisms, machinery, and smithing, that lesser lived humans cannot match for the years and innate talent required. Men may be able to to learn craft an insight from the dwarves, but never match them in true skill.
*** Note: If you wish for your character to posses some form of magic or a magical artifact, pleased first discuss with the staff. While magic exists in the lore, it is not prevalent, and thus it would be rare for characters to posses certain magical skills and artifacts unless it works with their lineage.
The greatest powers to move nations exist in the forms of WISDOM and FEAR, and neither of these require any form of magical influence to work. ***