Use of Magic in the Dark Legion

[Snaga]

It is time to turn our attention to the use of magic by Dark Legion members. I am proposing some rules to cover this: I want comments and thoughts please! I am also posting a poll so we can make a decision.:)

We should start by congratulation ourselves... for by and large we have not been accused of excessive use of our powers. This reflects well on us all. We have some of the best rp-ers on the forum, and it shows!:D But nevertheless some members have gone too far... and it just leads to acrimony, derision and rancour.

So these rules are designed to stimulate imaginative exploration of the dark side, but within boundaries that stop us distorting the world to something no longer recognisable as Tolkien's Middle Earth.

OK... onto the Proposed Rules....

[Snaga]

Branches of the Dark Arts

There are the following branches of the Dark Arts:

Fire (Pyromancy)
Energy (Electromancy)
Disease, Corruption, and Decay
Misdirection and Illusion
Fear and darkness
Death and Undeath (Necromancy)
Evil forms of life
Earth, rock and metal

How it works...

The ability to use the arts comes through a combination of Power and Knowledge.

Knowledge may be learnt from long study and practice, preferably with a learned Master. Self-study through the use of Lore-books is possible but slow. Learning through trial and error with no guidance would take many hundreds of years of patient application.

Power is partly innate, and varies according to race of the being. A Maia would have much power, an elf would have a little power, and the mortal races hardly any at all. But a Maia may invest their power to others, until they become much stronger.

Levels of Ability

For simplicity we will assume there are five levels of ability:

Level 1 is an Apprentice.

- Minor tricks and enchantments

Level 2 is a Sorceror

- Useful powers of limited strength

Level 3 is Master of the Dark Art

- Formidable powers and abilities

THE NEXT TWO LEVELS ARE ILLUSTRATRATIVE - THERE ARE NOT GOING TO BE LOTS OF MAIA AND VALAR RUNNING AROUND - THIS IS HERE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN'T DO!!

Level 4 is Maia

- Causing volcanoes to erupt, regional weather control, creation of rings of power etc etc

Level 5 is Valar

This would include creating mountain ranges, creating volcanoes, creating new classes of life, conferring immortality, wide-scale weather control etc…

Advancement

Advancement is at the discretion of the lore-master teaching the person seeking advancement, but only if the advancement leaves the student at a more junior level to the lore-master. To be come of equal ability, this must be approved by someone more senior - this may need to be the Dark Lord himself.

The number of students that may be taken is as follows: A Sorceror may have one, a Master may have two.

Major and Minor Abilities

Upon advancing in one area, the practioner may choose to study in a secondary field, assuming they are able to find a suitable method of study, or tutor. But it is not possible to be equally powerful in two areas. Changing the area of primary knowledge is possible but requires loss of a level in the previous area of specialism. (For example, a level 2 pyromancer could learn level 1 necromancer skills. But to become a level 2 necromancer would require a drop to level 1 pyromancer abilities).

Titles

Titles for achievement within the branch of magic can be changed to something more suitable.

OK that's it.... let me know what you think!:)

[Tar-Ancalime]

Not that I'm asking for special favors but...If I'm a professor in the circle of Magic....am I automatticaly a postion

[Ecthelion]

I thnik thats great Snaga;) I would assume I am a level to Necromancer. Dain and Ade have been "teaching" me. Also, I am half Maiar, how would that help me?

[Khamul]

Originally posted by Nain Ironfoot
Also, I am half Maiar, how would that help me?
You got to be kidding me....

[Ecthelion]

Thats what I said. Did anyone in the Dl ever read Dain's life story thread? I'll try and find it, but that's were it says it.

[Khamul]

Dain also took that thread back after listening to reason.

[Ecthelion]

Are you sure? I'm pretty sure that after he got caught up in The Battle Arena thing and rp's he just forgot about it.

[Lorien]

OOC: If you don't want this post around just tell me and I'll delete it.

First of all, kudos to Snaga for thinking of such a great idea. You've outdone yourself once again.:) These rules are great and IMO should be implemented as soon as possible.
One thing I would like to ask Snaga is that if the older members of a guild are no longer active for a long time, wouldn't the progress of the level of the latest member be hindered?

[Ecthelion]

OOC: Can someone tell me what IMO means?

[Telchar]

IMO=In My Opinion

[Ecthelion]

Oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh. Thanks Telchar.

[chrysophalax]

As Magnus, of course I'm an evil for of life! As Artos am I also now that I'm a were-wolf??

[Snaga]

No doubt!

But that branch of magic is to do with the manipulation and use of evil forms of life, not in being one yourself. Undoubtedly, Radagasts transformation of Artos into a werewolf was a powerful manifestation of that branch of magic - Genomancy as it is named in RP35. Radagast is a maia, so I wouldn't think that particular magic is readily available to all who choose that path.

As far as assigning existing DL members levels of ability this will occur soon: when everyone has had a chance to comment. (Especially Dengen!).

No need for lots of notes and PMs yet: any decisions will be based on how long the aforementioned member has been practising the art, seniority within the guild etc... ie as fair as possible.:)

[Ecthelion]

I've seen Dengen on a few times, but I guess he still probably has two days worth of stuff to read so it might be awhile. Chryss since now your that werewolf thing can you change back to a human whenever or is ti one of those full moon things?

[Khamul]

Dengen has had a virus, but he is now on his new computer, and should be posting as normal again. Snaga, could you clarify the ranks of the current members of the DL?

[Snaga]

Ok these rules are now approved.

The next steps are:

1. Assigning each member to a level of power
2. Creating the list of powers available to members
3. Assigning the level of power required to wield each power
4. Creation of some rules to govern the physical cost of using such powers.

I want each guild leader to provide their list of powers by next Friday please (26 July). Early responses will be taken as evidence of mastery of your art!

Here are provisional levels of power for members. That means they are not yet final... so let me know if you dont agree. However. Any disagreements must be dealt with by PM only. Posting disputes publicly will be deemed completely unacceptable, and strong sanctions WILL be taken!

Sting: Pyromancer Level 3
Tar-Ancalime: Electromancer Level 3
Dain Ironfoot: Necromancer Level 2
Nain Ironfoot: Necromancer Level 1
Azog: Electromancer Level 1
Snaga: Olosingolë Level 2 & Genomancer Level 1

Further announcements will follow, as this list is by no means complete.:)

[Tar-Ancalime]

That sounds right snag

[Ecthelion]

Man I am good, I must be able to read minds or something because I posted our powers before your post happened snaga;) Oh, and is there no leader to the Necromancers then or is Dain the leader just not as powerful as he can get?

[Ecthelion]

oops that one on the last page of The Necros thread isnt the whole thing, here it is-Originally posted by Cygnus
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has come to my attention (after quite a long talk with Mithers today at lunch) that the power of the Necromancer is a bit too powerful currently. To avoid problems in the future, I have decided that I would like to limit the power of necromancy. So... let me list the current powers and my ideas. (Note: As Lord of the Necromancers, I have all these abilities. Lesser necromancers may pick 3 out of the 4 mentioned here that are usable. My suggestion to them is to pick 1, 2, 5)

Powers are as follows:
1a. Necromancer's can summon the dead, this means an army of a Necromancer would be utterly undefeatable.

1b. Repossession and Raising of Killed Characters: In the event that a character (i.e. Wizard) is killed, they may not be possessed by any necromancer (unless per planned and approved) and will remain dead. No changing sides by death and the creation of the undead. But lesser creatures *orcs* may be raised at limited ammount

2. Soul-binding or Possession: A necromancer has the power to possess and control soul of a person.

Solution: Mithers once again suggests that I do this a little different. Possession is possible but the bounds are that those who are as powerful or more powerful then the possesser cannot be possessed. (comments?)

3. Aging: The ability to age objects is another ability of a necromancer. This ability allows for aging of inanimate objects (I.e. Swords and other weapons), it also for aging of animate objects such as man. This ability has no effect on elves. But to use this on a individual person on the forum you must confer with them for the allowance. You can also make time go backwards. Use this power limitedly.

4.Telepathy and Transformation: Yes of course we possess telepathy and mind reading... how do you expect us to communicate with the dead... they just happen to be brainless. Telepathy is a given. What i mean by transformation is our transformed state. We only have one. And it flies. It's wraith forum. We take the forum of a shadow and can move from place to place much quicker. But we can't change anything else into wraith forum and we can't change into anything but wraith form.



5. Other powers: I believe that there should be a bit more to a Necromancer then just your everyday necromancer powers. Thus i state that each necromancer may use 1 other power rather then Necromancy (Necromancy remain all necromancers' specialities) for the case of the need of these powers to make it more fair for the Necromancer against a Wizard. BUT: the power must be a dark power or Nuetral (Fire, gravity, destructive). I believe that shadow magic for a dark necromancer must be including with the rest of the necromancy abilities as many many other magics are included with being a wizard, this will make a better balance and make it more fair for the Necromancers.

If I have forgotten anything about the power of the necromancer, please remind me. If you have any ideas for me, please tell me. I will deal with powers as they come along. Your comments will be apperciated. Have a nice day.

A Winged Nazgul

[Khamul]

I think Snaga's rules sound good.

[Ecthelion]

I have an idea. I know when you think you should upgrade a level you ask Dengen, but as of late he has been on not as much, if he's on more from now on we can forget this, but my idea is that we make our own DL time schedule. Then to go up levels you find out how your learning skills and see how long you have to study until you get to a higher level. Ex. You are a level 1 Pyromancer, you learn from Sting, you look at the schedule and see that studying from a tutor takes 3 years (The DL time) and in 3 years DL time you gain a level. How does it sound?

[Snaga]

Someone learning from Sting (level 3) could get to level 2 without Dengen's approval. Only Sting, as the tutor would need to approve the apprentices graduation. (Sting would need to ask Dengen for a level 2 pyromancer to reach level 3.

Your timings sound good as a rough guide, but some pupils will learn faster than others. That is why it is at the approval of the tutor.

Dengen was not online for a time due to a computer problem. But be assured he is back.

(BTW - It is as well to get the Dark Lord's name right!:mad: ;))

[Ecthelion]

I did get his name right;)

[Snaga]

Well editted Nain.:rolleyes:

I can now add that Telchar is a Terramancer, Level 3.

[Snaga]

An Olosingolë is a master of vision, perception and illusion.

Powers:

- Change of appearance (self is easier than others. changing appearance of say an elf to a human would be easier than a hobbit to an oliphaunt: there is less of a change. Also acting plays a part as well as magic. If you behave correctly, it will aid the illusion. Thus making an unwilling dwarf appear to an orc so his friends set upon him might be appealing, but it is quite difficult to achieve)
- Avoiding being noticed (this is not being invisible, the onlooker merely doesnt register that you are there. Again this relies on the subject not drawing attention to themselves. Not being noticed while running through a well lit room whirling a sword above your head is not an option)
- Creation of static illusions (size and believability depending on level)
- Creation of moving illusions (size and believability depending on level - this is harder than if its static)
- Darkness (ie make everything appear dark - the reverse is not possible. If the light is not there its just not there. But if it is, it is possible to fool a mind to believe it is actually not there and thus that it cannot see properly.)
- Change perception of danger (ie make something appear more or less dangerous/ threatening than it is)
- Farsightedness

It should be said that as a general rule the more people that you try to fool the harder it is to achieve. Similarly making the illusion endure for long periods of time, or of great size will take greater effort. Equally, a greater mind will be harder to fool.

The greatest achievements with this magic are subtlety and cleverness, rather than drastic effects.

I'll try to put some levels on this stuff soon.

Please PM me with any comments.

[Azog]

(Azog transferred to pyromancer)

[Ecthelion]

I didn't edit a thing Snaga;) Btw, will Telchar be posting the power of the Terramancers? And Snaga, whats a Genomancer?

[Azog]

Here is an idea. You can start with 5 Points for potential levels of power. For example, If Sting (Lv. 3 Pyromancer) wanted to, he could become a Level 2 (at most) of any other class. Then Dengen could give points to someone for a success in battle or the like.

[Lord Smaug]

I think Azog's idea is very good, and I support it.

[7doubles]

i'm still bending minds in the writers guild
doing melko's work in the reality theator.
i gave up on politics guild since the reformat of the new guild system

[Snaga]

OK I bring this thread back to the top for the benefit of our newer members:

Here are the current ranks in relation to Dark Magic...

Dengen-Goroth: Dark Lord (level 4)
-------------------------------------
Sting: Pyromancer Level 3
Tar-Ancalime: Electromancer Level 3
Dain Ironfoot: Necromancer Level 2
Telchar: Terramancer Level 3
Azog: Pyromancer Level 2
Snaga: Olosingolë Level 2 & Genomancer Level 1

Newer members who wish to take up powers should consult with the appropriate master of that particular branch of the dark arts.

[Morwen]

Who do I see for the Fear/Darkness feild?

[Snaga]

You will need to talk to Dengen about that one, as he has much knowledge in that field (as one would expect), but until now noone has studied this field.

[Tar-Ancalime]

hmm...mebbe I should think about this thread again, with dengen no longer wishing to be idle

[Snaga]

An excellent idea. There are various alleged members of the Dark Legion. Some of these should be encouraged to play a more active role in the DL, and spread our influence. But it is incumbent on those of us who are active to find apprentices etc and pass on our powers.

[Tar-Ancalime]

not me! after the war a year ish ago i've vowed to remove myself from conflict

[Ciryaher]

It's not like you're removing yourself from anything; the Dark Legion is about as active as a sloth on lithium ;)

[Tar-Ancalime]

thank you ciry, but go back to your section please

[Morwen]

Dengen has not gotten back to me on the Fear/Darkness power. Is it safe to assume I am already 'advanced' in this area, or should I seek another tutor?

[Tar-Ancalime]

I'm thinking of becoming active in the war again...oh nevermind...semester exams...can't

[Snaga]

Bringing this thread back to the top...

Morwen... are you now formally a Deimomancer?

[Morwen]

I am.

[Wonko The Sane]

I suck at magic...
But maybe Tar can help me learn a little Electromancy?
That would be awesome. ;)

What does this mean, btw?

Snaga: Olosingolë Level 2 & Genomancer Level 1

[greypilgrim]

What about military leaders? Agar is one. What's a rule for my army? I got alot, some for hire too!

-->****! I got a troll chtr. named Bill too.:D Where does he fit in? (nowhere hehe) I gotta "level them up!" in the DL somehow.
What games are all of your other players in? I'm starting something crazy again. (haven't had time to look for ya). I want some help this time!:eek: Morgul is with me.:cool:

[CelebrianTiwele]

Ummmmm... I really have no clue what powers I am allowed to have. ::shrugs:: so for now I will leave that field blank. what would shapeshifting be called?

[Wonko The Sane]

You'll have to ask the boss to know for sure...
But I'm not quite sure shapeshifting is allowed...
Unless you're like a Beorning or something.
Are you?

[CelebrianTiwele]

no, I'm not. It was just an idea. ::shrugs:: mabye i'll be powerless for awhile

[Wonko The Sane]

I don't know for sure what the rules are but I suspect that shape-shifting isn't allowed.
But then again I'm not the boss.
Ask Snaga. He's the thread starter. You probably won't get him to look at this thread since he's been so busy lately but send him a PM. :)

[Snaga]

Now I've read the thread I understand the PM!!

Hi Celebrian. If you wish I can teach you in the ways of the Olosingole. This will allow you to deceive a lesser mind, to change your appearence. This is not shape-shifting but the creation of illusion.

I don't know any with that power at the moment.

[Wonko The Sane]

:D
Go Snaga! *bows to the Urukgush* Almighty orc master!