Alchemy and Magic

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Starting with the prestigious Studium, Sharlayan has numerous famed academies that accept students from all nations. In times past, Eorzean pupils eagerly flocked to Sharlayan’s settlement in the Dravanian hinterlands from all corners of the realm. There, they studied a multitude of subjects from different fields - though it seems that instructors reserved certain wisdom for those of Sharlayan citizenship alone.”

Purified Polyrhythm: “While many seminarians of the Saint Endalim Scholasticate show great aptitude for defensive and restorative magicks, they must also be capable of employing the destructive kind as the situation demands. We have need of three suitable rods for the upcoming trials to join the vaunted ranks of the Temple Knights.”

Schools of Magic

To start off, I think it’s important to remember that despite the game leading into Conjury -> White Magic and Thaumaturgy -> Black Magic, that each of these magicks are different schools on their own. Though Thaumaturgy is a derivative of Black Magic, they are not the same thing. Neither is Conjury White Magic. So it’s important to remember that Conjury, Thaumaturgy, Arcanum, and Astromancy are “modern” schools of magic, whereas Black Magic, White Magic, Summoning, and Scholar are arcane or ancient magical schools and the education and requirements for learning these older schools are quite different and often times rather extreme, such as requiring soul crystals. 

This is why most people recommend that if you’re going to learn multiple schools of magic, stick with the more modern schools as these are what are readily available to be taught across the world today. Having knowledge and even the capabilities to begin casting these older magicks each has certain requirements. How did they learn about White Magic’s existence? Where did they come by a soul crystal for Black Magic? When and where did a primal get defeated near them to be able to summon? Etc, etc. That’s not to say these things can’t happen to a character, but the likelihood that one person has had the time to kill primals, study forbidden black magic, and entreat with the Padjal while only being a twenty-year old from Sharlayan newly arrived to Eorzea quite impractical. 

I go over this next part a little more in depth here. On top of learning each of these schools, the first thing a practiced mage should know is how each magic channels aether differently from one another:

Aether Sources

ACN - personal aether reserves (anima) and sometimes external sources (aetherflow/energy drain/carbuncle) THM - personal aether reserves (anima) CNJ - drawn from nature AST - unlocked from the Six Celestial Gates WHM - drawn from Hydaelyn BLM - drawn from Hydaelyn

Methodology

ACN - Arcanists shape spells using the arcane geometries, but cast by channeling their own aether through the enchanted ink of their grimoire. The conductivity of the ink allows for more effective/stronger casting of the spell.

THM - Thaumaturges speak ancient incantations to formulate a spell and draw their own aether into a stave made from metal or bone and focused into an aetherially enhanced gemstone to cast.

CNJ - Conjurers draw aether from their immediate environment into their stave, made from unworked wood, and through meditation, shape that aether into a desired spell.

AST - Astrologians draw residual aether from the constellations into their planisphere and attune their aether to the movement of the heavens. Beyond that is unclear.

WHM & BLM - Both follow essentially the mechanical progression of CNJ seen above. Aether is drawn from the immediate environment into the stave via the focus (flower/gemstone) and then shaped either via meditation or incantation.

Physical Focus

Arcanum

Lodestone: “Adepts of the art of arcanum derive their might from symbols of power born of geometric techniques hailing from across the southern seas. Held within occult grimoires, these symbols lend shape to the arcanist’s aether, thereby allowing him to produce myriad powerful spells. Using the selfsame symbols to unlock the latent power contained within gemstones, arcanists are also able to summon forth the familiar known as Carbuncle to carry out their bidding.”

Anonymous Arcanist: “For an arcanist to weave his spells, he must conjure in his mind the image of distinct mystical diagrams known as arcane geometries. These geometries are inscribed upon the pages of a grimoire, such as the one you constructed at my request. The most important aspect of any grimoire is the quality of the ink used to illustrate its pages. Geometries drawn with ink that is especially conductive to the flow of aether allow the arcanist to more effectively channel his magical strength.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Using geometric symbols to lend shape to living aether, certain mages can unlock the latent power within certain gemstones - a power which can be directed to the ‘summoning’ of aetherial beings known as Carbuncles. The inherent traits displayed by these familiars differ depending on the stone used in their creation - emerald and topaz being the most common, with ruby and diamond also proving popular.”

Thaumaturgy

Lodestone: “In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection. To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. Thus armed, the thaumaturge is capable of wreaking considerable havoc via ruinous spells and curses.”

Serendipity: “This gemstone is the focal point of the design, both aesthetically and practically speaking. It is what allows a thaumaturge to channel the aetherial energies within.”

Serendipity: “Perhaps you’re wondering who would prefer a staff with a headpiece of bone over one studded with jewels. Well, the Thaumaturges favor such equipment. Fangs and horns are the weapons of beasts, used to kill and defend. Few materials are better suited than these for channeling the dark arts.”

Conjury

Lodestone: “Conjury calls upon the elements of earth, wind, and water and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. Versed also in magicks that restore and strengthen, conjurers are regarded as accomplished healers.”

Ponette: “To conjurers, our canes are the physical representation of our connection with the living world. They provide a focus for us to channel the forces of nature and weave spells. To possess a cane made of walnut is a dream most conjurers share.”

Beatin: “The gentle curve of the crook appears natural, as if it was destined to take such a shape. Indeed, your skillful application of growth formula has imbued this cane with new life, giving it the appearance of unworked wood.”

Basic Aetherology

This topic has come up a lot for me recently, so I’ll add in this last bit that I’ve been telling others who’ve come to me asking about Sharlayans and Ishgardians wishing to learn one or more schools of magic. Anyone can be taught the modern schools of magic - that’s what the existence of the guilds is for. That does not mean, however, that outsiders must needs assign the same religious meaning to these magics that their native practitioners do. This is especially true for Studium or Scholasticate learners, who are more likely to take a more scientific or theological (respectively) approach to their education.

Sharlayans Learning Conjury

Order of Nald’thal Lore and Thaumaturgy Religious Practices

Stillglade Fane Lore and Hearing the Elementals

What I would recommend for roleplay purposes is to have a thorough grasp upon aetherology lore and a basic understanding of the elemental wheel and the relationships between the six elements and two polarities. This is especially true if you’re playing a Sharlayan character that understands the complexities of wielding multiple magicks. 

Aether, Lifestream, and Aetheryte Lore Compilation

Basic Aetherology, Imbalance, and Sickness Lore

Essences & Permutations: A Treatise of the Six Elements (Elemental Wheel and Element Relationships)

Last but not least, I feel it’s important to add that while the above listed schools are the most commonly known schools of magic, that others do exist, especially in Sharlayan. Magicks which create familiars, golem magicks, scriptomancy and bibliomancy which imbue inanimate tomes and glyphs with limited intelligence, voidbinding magicks, and others yet unknown exist in the world, just that the particulars of how they work is unknown.

Ishgard

Full screenshots with bgm↓

Ice fall. 

3th Dec 2016, Korouoma nature reserve, Finland.

I got tagged by @centalius​. I did one previously here, but hell if I pass up the opportunity to do another.

Rules: pick three gifs to define your aesthetics

Valentinoix Thibault:

Dru Raine

Jeantremont Arbeau ( @alchemy-and-magicks)

1.0 Lodestone: “So wealthy is Ul'dah that coin has become not only the city’s primary means of social stratification, but how disagreements are settled and even, in many instances, the guiding principle of its ethics. No vice is barred to those who can afford them; in fact, they’re no vice at all once paid for. Drinking, gambling, and whoring are all perfectly acceptable to anyone who can afford to indulge — in fact, even encouraged by the Order of Nald'thal. After all, what moves coin drives commerce. Even crimes can be overlooked for a substantial enough fee, provided they don’t inhibit trade: Ul'dah’s only unforgivable sin.”

Kokobi: “The Fronds? Look no further–you’re in them friend. The richest of the rich live here, counting the gil in their mansions on Emerald Avenue and Ruby Road. It is also home to some of Ul'dah’s greatest architectural feats, and is located directly below the royal palace. There’s water to be had, and even plants to be seen. Quite lovely, actually.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “One of two main markets in Ul’dah, the Ruby Road Exchange is famous for its dancing girls which it employs in great numbers. With the display of twirling bodies, merchants hope to entice their customers, and drive them into a buying frenzy.”

1.0 Lodestone: “Upon passing through the grand Gate of Nald, the main avenue that circumscribes the city diverges to the southwest and southeast, and takes the names Sapphire Avenue and Emerald Avenue, respectively. Though many of the shops along the avenues cater to the fancies of only a few among the wealthy and privileged, the bustling trade and commerce of the city sees them choked with throngs of merchants and commonfolk on a daily basis. The avenues’ prominence has also made them the location for the city’s extravagant parades and festivals.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Near the Aetheryte Plaza, Emerald Avenue is the chosen haunt of Wymond, a seller of secrets. Adventurers and merchants in the know come to the area seeking the information he peddles.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “The Sapphire Avenue Exchange is responsible for Ul’dah’s fame as a city of merchants. The wares sold here are said to come not just from Eorzea, but from the northern and southern seas, and even from the lands to the east.”

Rorojaru: “I do apologize, milady, but I’m afraid my shop and services are reserved for a… particular clientele.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Pearl Lane is lined with the shuttered offices and storerooms of traders who do business in the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Due to the many refugees who work as porters, the area is known as one of the more dangerous parts of the city - though this reputation itself may be suspect.”

Hildie: “For years, I’ve wanted nothing more than to open a shop here. But the taxes! Gods take Ul'dah and its taxes! You can’t so much as piss around here without someone demanding a share of it. The wealthy secure all the choice land, and I’m left to peddle my wares from a common stand. If you ever find yourself in need, please, come to my bazaar in the market rows. You won’t be disappointed!”

Kokobi: “The Dunes, is it? Yes, well, it is the common area of the common folk, and lies just beyond here. There you will find both the Merchants Ward, compromised of the homes and workshops of both crafters and merchants, and the Market Rows, where peddlers and traders gather to sell their wares. The Merchants Ward lies on the far side of the Dunes, and serves primarily as a residential district for both craftsmen and traders. There are educational and religious centers, as well. Aye, its quite a bustling little area, and has a charm to it. The market rows lie on the near side of the Dunes, and are host to the most lively bunch of shops and bazaars you’re like to find in Eorzea. It is the only place you need visit if you have a mind to spend your gil─well, there and the pillowhouses, of course.”

Pleasure and Pain: “The piercing of various ‘sensitive’ locations on the body has become popular amongst the consortiers and courtesans employed at Ul'dah’s many pillowhouses. As a result, Eshtaime’s Aesthetics stock of earrings has dried up, forcing the guild to seek eager goldsmiths willing to create them more. All interested are to visit Baron Roarich of Ashgana’s Exports to receive the necessary materials.”

So here’s a neat little tidbit about one of the main NPCs in this year’s Starlight quests.  If you played 1.0 and did any of the alchemy quests the NPC’s dialogue in the last Starlight quest will vary for your 1.0-originating character compared to someone who didn’t.  I tested this, myself, and sure enough he gave the 1.0 nod to my main character (Ciel), but not to my alt (Glace).

1.0 Lodestone: “So wealthy is Ul'dah that coin has become not only the city’s primary means of social stratification, but how disagreements are settled and even, in many instances, the guiding principle of its ethics. No vice is barred to those who can afford them; in fact, they’re no vice at all once paid for. Drinking, gambling, and whoring are all perfectly acceptable to anyone who can afford to indulge — in fact, even encouraged by the Order of Nald'thal. After all, what moves coin drives commerce. Even crimes can be overlooked for a substantial enough fee, provided they don’t inhibit trade: Ul'dah’s only unforgivable sin.”

Kokobi: “The Fronds? Look no further–you’re in them friend. The richest of the rich live here, counting the gil in their mansions on Emerald Avenue and Ruby Road. It is also home to some of Ul'dah’s greatest architectural feats, and is located directly below the royal palace. There’s water to be had, and even plants to be seen. Quite lovely, actually.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “One of two main markets in Ul’dah, the Ruby Road Exchange is famous for its dancing girls which it employs in great numbers. With the display of twirling bodies, merchants hope to entice their customers, and drive them into a buying frenzy.”

1.0 Lodestone: “Upon passing through the grand Gate of Nald, the main avenue that circumscribes the city diverges to the southwest and southeast, and takes the names Sapphire Avenue and Emerald Avenue, respectively. Though many of the shops along the avenues cater to the fancies of only a few among the wealthy and privileged, the bustling trade and commerce of the city sees them choked with throngs of merchants and commonfolk on a daily basis. The avenues’ prominence has also made them the location for the city’s extravagant parades and festivals.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Near the Aetheryte Plaza, Emerald Avenue is the chosen haunt of Wymond, a seller of secrets. Adventurers and merchants in the know come to the area seeking the information he peddles.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “The Sapphire Avenue Exchange is responsible for Ul’dah’s fame as a city of merchants. The wares sold here are said to come not just from Eorzea, but from the northern and southern seas, and even from the lands to the east.”

Rorojaru: “I do apologize, milady, but I’m afraid my shop and services are reserved for a… particular clientele.”

Encyclopedia Eorzea: “Pearl Lane is lined with the shuttered offices and storerooms of traders who do business in the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Due to the many refugees who work as porters, the area is known as one of the more dangerous parts of the city - though this reputation itself may be suspect.”

Hildie: “For years, I’ve wanted nothing more than to open a shop here. But the taxes! Gods take Ul'dah and its taxes! You can’t so much as piss around here without someone demanding a share of it. The wealthy secure all the choice land, and I’m left to peddle my wares from a common stand. If you ever find yourself in need, please, come to my bazaar in the market rows. You won’t be disappointed!”

Pulled from this post here

(Figured I’d post the Ishgardian-centric events here, though much, much love to the original poster <3 )

Year 350-360:   A band of Elezen displaced from their ancestral home in central Aldenard come to settle in Coerthas.

Year 360:  Elezen settlers come to the Sea of Clouds, where they commence construction of the mountainside sanctuary to Halone that will later become Saint Thordan’s Basilica. Small villages spring up in the vicinity, laying the foundation for the nation of Ishgard.

Year 370:   The great wyrm Hraesvalgr consumes his Elezen lover, Shiva, entwining their souls for eternity and ushering in an era of peace between dragon and man

Year 545:   According to Ishgardian holy scripture, 545 marks the year when King Thordan is visited by the goddess Halone, who beseeches him to guide his people to the Promised Land of Coerthas. As the legend is told, the great wyrm Nidhogg attacks the caravans on their journey, and King Thordan and half of his men are slain before the dragon is valiantly driven away. The remaining knights, including the king’s son, Haldrath, guide the Elezen survivors to their destination.

In truth, King Thordan and his knights twelve ambush and slay Ratatoskr of the First Brood, devouring the she-dragon’s eyes to acquire preternatural wisdom. Enraged by this betrayal, the great wyrm Nidhogg pursues and kills the king and half of his company, heralding the end of the era of peace and the beginning of the Dragonsong War

Year 550:   The Holy See employs the power of twenty and four dragon eyes to erect a great arcane ward—later to be known as Daniffen’s Collar—that envelops the entirety of Ishgard, as the city steels its defenses against the coming raids by Nidhogg’s brood.

The progenitors of the four High Houses join together with the clergy of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church to pen a historic narrative that omits details of the betrayal and slaying of Ratatoskr. This new myth of the nation’s founding is indoctrinated through the education of Ishgardian children.

Year 563:   The sanctuary to Halone undergoes extensive reconstruction and is renamed Saint Thordan’s Basilica.

Year 761:   The Azure Dragoon Valeroyant repels an attack by the wyrm Nidhogg, who had been dormant for several decades.

Year 787:   The Azure Dragoon Valeroyant leaves Ishgard to defend a small village from the Dravanian Horde, but is slain in battle protecting a group of shepherds

Year 817:   Thirty years after his death, the Azure Dragoon Valeroyant is canonized as a Halonic saint by the Holy See.

Year 968:   The Temple Knight Ser Toriphaniel brutally slaughters a clergyman of the Holy See known to have abused orphans in his charge. The knight is tried for murder, but earns his release in a trial by combat. Ser Toriphaniel’s actions garner him recognition as the first “dark knight”

Year 1058:   The Azure Dragoon subdues a massive dragon in the western highlands of Coerthas, aided by a contingent of mages from the Holy See who spellbind the foe into slumber. The body and limbs of the great wyrm are enveloped in ash and stone, forming the floating isle known as the Dreaming Dragon.

Year 1146:   The lady dragoon Reinette carries out her revenge on the dragons who killed her lover. She then lays down her spear Gae Bolg, and takes a vow of poverty, living out the rest of her days as a nun in the service of the poor and downtrodden.

Year 1189:   Lady Reinette, the former Azure Dragoon, expires in a nunnery at sixty and six.

Year 1289:   Lady Reinette is canonized by the Holy See a century after her death. Unpopular with the clergy for having abandoned her duties as a dragoon at a young age, she is beloved by the commonfolk for having devoted her life in service of the poor and downtrodden. The See elevates her to sainthood, in what is widely seen as an attempt to distract the public from corruption within the church.

Year 1354:   The mighty Dravanian general Darkscale awakens and leads an army of wyverns in a raid on the villages of the eastern Coerthas highlands. The Temple Knights and dragoons join forces to retaliate and succeed in repelling the dragon threat. A mortally wounded Darkscale tumbles from the heavens and plummets into the depths of Clearwater Lake, and the battlefield is henceforth known as the Field of Glory.

Year 1377:   Stonemason Percelle begins work on a statue of Haldrath to be erected in the western highlands of Coerthas.

Year 1406:   Stonemason Percelle completes the statue of Haldrath in the Coerthas western highlands.

Year 1483:   Skysteel Manufactory is established and begins developing new weaponry to be used in the war against the Dravanian Horde.

Year 1558:   Count Tarresson de Dzemael disburses his own coin to finance the excavation and construction of Dzemael Darkhold, a subterranean fortress and safe haven from dragon raids.

Year 1560:   Upon the death of his predecessor, Thordan VII is ordained Archbishop of the Holy See.

Year 1562:   The mountain village of Ferndale is laid to waste by a recently awakened Nidhogg.

Ishgard withdraws from the Eorzean Alliance, declaring the Garlean threat all but over with the retreat of the imperial forces to Ala Mhigo. Historians agree, however, that the true motivation for the withdrawal was the Holy See’s desire to divert their full military strength to the Dravanian threat in the wake of Nidhogg’s reappearance .

Year 1564:   The construction of Dzemael Darkhold experiences significant delays due to a scarcity of building materials.

Year 1565:   Ishgard places severe restrictions on chocobo exports after grazing pastures are devastated by the Dravanian Horde.

Year 1567:   Voidsent gargoyles attack a team of stonecutters at work in the tunnels beneath Dzemael Darkhold, leaving few survivors. Construction is postponed indefinitely, and the incident besmirches the name of House Dzemael.

Year 1569:   Tarresson de Dzemael relinquishes his claim to the head of House Dzemael and passes on the countship to his eldest son.

Somewhat recovering from conplague or something like it, so I’ll get a few multi-posts out of the way here since I’ve been quiet save for some reblogs.