Thaumaturgy

Thaumaturgy is the practice of directly altering reality through the exertion of willpower. This practice exists in countless forms across Duurn, the term itself only coming into prominence through the modern Gnostic framework of rigid categorization popularized by institutions like the Kaisan Academy of Metanatural Philosophy. Within that framework, the many practices that are considered thaumaturgy are categorized as one of the transcendental arts, methods of affecting reality.   It is sometimes considered the purest of the transcendental arts because its practice does not necessitate any external components, though many do use focus implements or rituals as part of their practice. This isn't true, of course, but many thaumaturgists have an elitist outlook towards their practice.

In Practice

Thaumaturgy requires immense focus and strength of will to achieve anything more than the most ephemeral parlor tricks. Learning the skill -- for it is learned, as much as some believe in genetic predisposition to the art -- takes years or decades of careful study and practice, often at the expense of all else. This has led to the not-entirely-inaccurate stereotype of thaumaturgists as obsessed eccentrics, a perception not belied by the effect of the gnostic arts on the sanity of their practitioners.

Warping the Veil

The Veil, the metaphysical barrier that maintains the structure of reality within Duurn, is the natural enemy of thaumaturgy. A significant part of its practice is learning to pierce through the Veil and create stoma, to allow access to the creative chaos of the Astatoma. A thaumaturgist can shape and direct Astatora to affect reality, with "larger" stoma being necessary for more extensive changes. Punching ever-larger holes in the walls of reality isn't a proposition without risk, however. The trick lies in warping the Veil in such a way that the breach is just sufficient and very short-lived.

A Perilous Art

Many are seduced by the sheer power offered by the thaumaturgical art. And why not? The ability to bend reality to your whims is not one easily scoffed at. However, those who approach it without care -- and even many who take all possible precautions -- end up mad, dead, or worse.   The very nature of warping reality has a deranging effect on those who practice thaumaturgy. Even the most stable individuals can lose their grasp. It may be as simple as the fact that mortal minds were not meant to be confronted with the malleable nature of reality. Others suggest that something more may be at play. Perhaps proximity to tears in the Veil alters minds just as much as the reverse. Perhaps there is something beyond the Veil corrupting those it contacts. Perhaps several or none of these things. Whatever the case may be, the few thaumaturgists who make it to old age end up irrevocably changed.   There are more tangible dangers to meddling with the Veil. Many things in Duurn are attracted to the outpouring of creative energy that occurs when the Veil is breached, and most are not pleasant to meet. This is not to mention the entities that lurk on the other side of the Veil, whose alien mechanisms are beyond mortal ken. Even beyond that, the Astatoma is by its nature unstable, and a thaumaturgist can easily lose control, allowing reality around them to become highly precarious. This can prove highly catastrophic.

Cultural Differences

While the term thaumaturgy was coined by academics associated with the Kaisan Academy of Metanatural Philosophy, the practices it evolved from have existed in some form as long as anyone can remember, all across Duurn. Culture is highly influential on the practices of thaumaturges, and many use cultural tokens or rituals as focuses for their art.