Mahābhūta Transformation
Elements converge, Mages shape the cosmos' dance, Magic's art unveiled.
Elemental Creation vs. Elemental Control
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Inversely, a Mage can also use Control to simply control pre-existing elements for their own ends. This is done by imposing their Magical Energy upon it, infusing it into the element itself, and manipulating it that way. However, the major downside here is operating in an environment or situation where the element in question does not occur naturally or easily. Most Mages in this line of thought elect to learn how to control a wide variety of Upper Mahābhūta and all of the Lower Mahābhūta to counteract this weakness. A difference should be made here about Mahābhūta and Magic-Mahābhūta. Mahābhūta are pre-existing elements and behave as such, but Magic-Mahābhūta are created from Magic Energy, and while they may behave like Mahābhūta, Magic-Mahābhūta are essentially photo-copies of the real thing and thus have queer attributes.
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As with most things in life, the best answer lies somewhere in the middle. Mages who master both control and creation can take hold of pre-existing elements and transform them into whatever other element they want. If they know how to use Regression techniques, they can even break down Magic-Mahābhūta back into Magical Energy for their body to claim.Effect
Users can create, shape, and manipulate elements. Elements are the rudimentary, simplest, or essential part of which any material thing consists of. Elements are irreducible in nature and compose other (usually physical) things. Various combinations of elements can be used to create other things. For example, Ice could be thought of as a combination of Water and Air to produce a solid. Regardless of the specific elemental paradigm in use, users of Elemental Manipulation may be able to affect things composed in part of their element.
Side/Secondary Effects
A Mage's Magic naturally manifests with its Mahābhūta embedded within, this is called the Magic Attribute or the Attributes of a Mage's Craft. The simplest way to think about it is as a flavor or feeling attached to your base Magic. If a Mage has an affinity for Tejas (Fire), those who sense their Magic or feel it may say it felt hot or they sense pressure. These Attributes can be manipulated to enhance Magic and if done right, can act as an extra kick of damage or effectiveness to spells and techniques. However the same is true for a Mahābhūta that is linked to a Mage's Adharma, the wrong way of living their life. Failure to accept themselves or live by their own Dharma may embed their Adharma Mahābhūta into their Magic, resulting in weaker spells and uncontrollable outcomes.
Manifestation
The Mahābhūta is the basis of all creation within the cosmos and the elements that all Mages can manifest an affinity for.
- Prithvi (Earth): Prithvi represents the element of earth and is associated with solidity, stability, and physicality. It is the element that makes up the solid objects and substances in the physical world.
- Ap (Water): Ap represents the element of water and is associated with liquidity, flow, and cohesion. It is the element that makes up liquids and fluids.
- Tejas (Fire): Tejas represent the element of fire and are associated with heat, energy, and transformation. It is the element that gives rise to heat, light, and energy.
- Vayu (Air): Vayu represents the element of air and is associated with movement, circulation, and mobility. It is the element that makes up gases and the breath of life.
- Akasha (Ether or Space): Akasha represents the element of space or ether and is associated with the concept of space as the container of all other elements. It is the element that provides the space for the other elements to exist and interact.
- Vidyut (Lightning): Vidyut represents the elemental fusion of Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akasha (Ether). It is the manifestation of intense energy, mobility, and the dynamic interaction of elemental forces within the ethereal space of the cosmos. Lightning is born when the fiery essence of Tejas, symbolizing energy and transformation, collides with the ever-moving currents of Vayu, embodying movement and circulation. This cosmic dance of elements occurs within the vast expanse of Akasha, the space that unifies and harmonizes all elemental existences.
Source
Magic is the combination of Mana + Natural Energy, Yin with Yang, creating something new. Mana (Yin) is actually what the 5th Dimension is made up of and is what we would consider Raw Magical Energy. When beings from the 3rd Dimension and lower channel Mana through their Mana Cells, they are passively mixing it with Natural Energy (Yang) a form of otherwise useless energy that all beings emit. Natural Energy acts to dilute the Mana, allowing lower beings of flesh and blood to wield it, called Refined Magical Energy, or just Magic.
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Dharma, a term as ancient as the stars themselves, encapsulates the concept of living in harmony with one's true self and purpose. It represents the alignment of one's actions, choices, and intentions with the intrinsic essence of their being. To adhere to one's Dharma is to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the unique path etched into the fabric of one's existence. In doing so, individuals unlock the dormant potential within themselves and tap into the wellspring of their inner strength. Just as a star, radiant and undaunted, shines at its brightest when it follows its destined course through the cosmos, so too does a mage's power reach its zenith when in sync with their Dharma.
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Conversely, Adharma, its shadowy counterpart, represents a discordant existence, where actions and motivations deviate from one's true nature. Adharma arises from the discord between a person's external desires and their inner essence. It weaves a web of confusion, obscuring the path to self-realization and power. When a mage succumbs to Adharma, their magical abilities wither, shackled by the weight of inner turmoil and dissonance.
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Magic is a deeply personal affair for each Mage who practices it and in this way all Magic is unique. This brings us to the idea of the Mahābhūta, the Great Elements.
- Prithvi (Earth): Prithvi represents the element of earth and is associated with solidity, stability, and physicality. It is the element that makes up the solid objects and substances in the physical world.
- Ap (Water): Ap represents the element of water and is associated with liquidity, flow, and cohesion. It is the element that makes up liquids and fluids.
- Tejas (Fire): Tejas represent the element of fire and are associated with heat, energy, and transformation. It is the element that gives rise to heat, light, and energy.
- Vayu (Air): Vayu represents the element of air and is associated with movement, circulation, and mobility. It is the element that makes up gases and the breath of life.
- Akasha (Ether or Space): Akasha represents the element of space or ether and is associated with the concept of space as the container of all other elements. It is the element that provides the space for the other elements to exist and interact.
Upper Mahābhūta Techniques
- Shivam (Ice): Shivam represents the harmonious fusion of Ap (Water) and Vayu (Air) elements, giving rise to a substance that embodies the essence of liquidity and movement frozen in time within the vast expanse of Akasha (Ether). It is the manifestation of the delicate dance between water's fluidity and air's mobility, preserved within the boundless space of the cosmos.
- Vidyut (Lightning): Vidyut represents the elemental fusion of Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akasha (Ether). It is the manifestation of intense energy, mobility, and the dynamic interaction of elemental forces within the ethereal space of the cosmos. Lightning is born when the fiery essence of Tejas, symbolizing energy and transformation, collides with the ever-moving currents of Vayu, embodying movement and circulation. This cosmic dance of elements occurs within the vast expanse of Akasha, the space that unifies and harmonizes all elemental existences.
- Tatva (Lava): Tatva represents the intense fusion of Prithvi (Earth) and Tejas (Fire), a volatile partnership that births the molten, seething substance known as lava. It is the manifestation of extreme heat, raw energy, and the transformative power of fire, bound within the solid embrace of the earth.
- Vanaspati (Wood): Vanaspati represents the harmonious union of Prithvi (Earth) and Vayu (Air), giving rise to the living essence of the natural world. It is the manifestation of growth, flexibility, and the delicate balance between solidity and movement.
- Lohita (Metal): Lohita represents the fusion of Prithvi (Earth) and Tejas (Fire), resulting in the creation of metallic substances. It is the manifestation of strength, durability, and transformation, where the solidity of the earth succumbs to the fiery essence of Tejas, giving rise to versatile and enduring materials.
- Rakta (Blood): Rakta represents the living essence of sentient beings, embodying the unique combination of elements within the body. It is the manifestation of life, vitality, and the intricate interplay of Prithvi (Earth), Ap (Water), Tejas (Fire), and Vayu (Air) elements within the bloodstream.
Mahābhūta Transformation
Magic is a deeply personal affair for each Mage who practices it and in this way all Magic is unique. This brings us to the idea of the Mahābhūta, the Great Elements.
A mage's Dharma is their Way of living true to their self and the universe, and each person possesses a natural affinity to one of the Mahābhūta. This connection allows them to convert their Magical Energy into an element and release it from their body via spells and techniques. Inversely, they have a Mahābhūta that they are naturally predisposed to be terrible at manipulating, this is related to their Adharma.
Users can create, shape, and manipulate elements. Elements are the rudimentary, simplest, or essential part of which any material thing consists of. Elements are irreducible and compose other (usually physical) things. Various combinations of elements can be used to create other things. For example, Ice could be thought of as a combination of Water and Air to produce a solid. Regardless of the specific elemental paradigm in use, users of Elemental Manipulation may be able to affect things composed in part of their element. See Mahābhūta Transformation.
- Prithvi (Earth): Prithvi represents the element of earth and is associated with solidity, stability, and physicality. It is the element that makes up the solid objects and substances in the physical world.
- Ap (Water): Ap represents the element of water and is associated with liquidity, flow, and cohesion. It is the element that makes up liquids and fluids.
- Tejas (Fire): Tejas represent the element of fire and are associated with heat, energy, and transformation. It is the element that gives rise to heat, light, and energy.
- Vayu (Air): Vayu represents the element of air and is associated with movement, circulation, and mobility. It is the element that makes up gases and the breath of life.
- Akasha (Ether or Space): Akasha represents the element of space or ether and is associated with the concept of space as the container of all other elements. The element provides the space for the other elements to exist and interact.
A mage's Dharma is their Way of living true to their self and the universe, and each person possesses a natural affinity to one of the Mahābhūta. This connection allows them to convert their Magical Energy into an element and release it from their body via spells and techniques. Inversely, they have a Mahābhūta that they are naturally predisposed to be terrible at manipulating, this is related to their Adharma.
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These 5 are the Lower Mahābhūta, and any combination of 2 or more of them are known as the Upper Mahābhūta, which are considerably harder to make and perform as they demand an intimate awareness and knowledge of the newly created Mahābhūta to be cast. However, they are more than worth the time and skill needed to master. Lower Mahābhūta are effective and powerful, to be sure, but they do not offer much in the way of creativity or unique applications. However, Upper Mahābhūta is wholly unique, just like the Mage's magic. For an example, take Vidyut (Lightning).- Vidyut (Lightning): Vidyut represents the elemental fusion of Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akasha (Ether). It manifests intense energy, mobility, and the dynamic interaction of elemental forces within the ethereal space of the cosmos. Lightning is born when the fiery essence of Tejas, symbolizing energy and transformation, collides with the ever-moving currents of Vayu, embodying movement and circulation. This cosmic dance of elements occurs within the vast expanse of Akasha, the space that unifies and harmonizes all elemental existences.
- Shivam (Ice): Shivam represents the harmonious fusion of Ap (Water) and Vayu (Air) elements, giving rise to a substance that embodies the essence of liquidity and movement frozen in time within the vast expanse of Akasha (Ether). It is the manifestation of the delicate dance between water's fluidity and air's mobility, preserved within the boundless space of the cosmos.
- Vidyut (Lightning): Vidyut represents the elemental fusion of Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akasha (Ether). It manifests intense energy, mobility, and the dynamic interaction of elemental forces within the ethereal space of the cosmos. Lightning is born when the fiery essence of Tejas, symbolizing energy and transformation, collides with the ever-moving currents of Vayu, embodying movement and circulation. This cosmic dance of elements occurs within the vast expanse of Akasha, the space that unifies and harmonizes all elemental existences.
- Tatva (Lava): Tatva represents the intense fusion of Prithvi (Earth) and Tejas (Fire), a volatile partnership that births the molten, seething substance known as lava. It is the manifestation of extreme heat, raw energy, and the transformative power of fire, bound within the solid embrace of the earth.
- Vanaspati (Wood): Vanaspati represents the harmonious union of Prithvi (Earth) and Vayu (Air), giving rise to the living essence of the natural world. It is the manifestation of growth, flexibility, and the delicate balance between solidity and movement.
- Lohita (Metal): Lohita represents the fusion of Prithvi (Earth) and Tejas (Fire), resulting in the creation of metallic substances. It is the manifestation of strength, durability, and transformation, where the solidity of the earth succumbs to the fiery essence of Tejas, giving rise to versatile and enduring materials.
- Rakta (Blood): Rakta represents the living essence of sentient beings, embodying the unique combination of elements within the body. It is the manifestation of life, vitality, and the intricate interplay of Prithvi (Earth), Ap (Water), Tejas (Fire), and Vayu (Air) elements within the bloodstream.
Users can create, shape, and manipulate elements. Elements are the rudimentary, simplest, or essential part of which any material thing consists of. Elements are irreducible and compose other (usually physical) things. Various combinations of elements can be used to create other things. For example, Ice could be thought of as a combination of Water and Air to produce a solid. Regardless of the specific elemental paradigm in use, users of Elemental Manipulation may be able to affect things composed in part of their element. See Mahābhūta Transformation.
Applied Restriction
- Limited Energy Reserves: Using Mahābhūta Transformation consumes a significant amount of Magical Energy. Mages must have a sufficient reserve of Mana and Natural Energy to perform this technique, and prolonged use can lead to magical exhaustion.
- Knowledge Requirement: To create Upper Mahābhūta, Mages need an in-depth understanding of the elements they are combining. This includes knowledge of their properties, interactions, and potential consequences. This limits the use of Upper Mahābhūta to experienced Mages.
- Physical and Mental Strain: The process of manipulating Mahābhūta can be physically and mentally taxing. Mages may experience fatigue, stress, or even physical injuries if they push their limits.
- Adharma Consequences: If a Mage succumbs to their Adharma, it can negatively affect their magical abilities, making it challenging to control their Mahābhūta Transformation.
- Environmental Dependence: The effectiveness of Mahābhūta Transformation can be influenced by the environment. For example, it may be harder to summon Fire magic in a cold, damp environment or Water magic in a desert.
- Magical Interference: In areas with strong magical interference or anti-magic fields, Mahābhūta Transformation may be difficult or impossible to perform.
- Training and Skill Level: Mastery of Mahābhūta Transformation requires extensive training and practice. Novice Mages may have limited control and effectiveness compared to experienced practitioners.
Creative Sources
Compiled list of (free) sites, tools, and links I use for various assets or art in SEVEN SEALS
- Article, World, & Icons made with Bannersnack (FREE)
- Character Portraits & Landscapes made with ArtBreeder (FREE)
- External Family Tree Tool is FamilyEcho (FREE)
- Unique Symbols & Signs from Cool Symbols (FREE)
- Various Fantasy Names generated from Fantasy Name Generator (FREE)
- Sci-Fi inspired names & Generators via Donjon (FREE)
- Flags & Shields made with Armoria
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