[University Classroom] On Auristics

Aoren's education in the field of Auristics begins.

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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:29 pm

3rd of Summer, 514 AV
8th Bell

Life at the University was an adjustment. It was a life of long night filled with careful studying and intense research. Aoren felt that the limits of his mind had already been expanded upon exponentially. He was walking through the corridors of the wing where Professor Memry’s classroom resided. All around him testaments to the Old World stood shining as an example of what once was. Immaculate columns, detailed murals and fine stone pathways constructed centuries ago.

What wonders were made in the world that was? How much really was lost when Ivak’s rage burned the heavens, shattered the earth and torched the great cities?

It was a terrible thing to think about. Aoren didn’t know a great deal about the Old World but like everyone who grew up being told the stories of the Valterrian he knew of Alahea and Suva. The Great Empires that waged war for thousands of years ultimately resulting in the near complete destruction of Mizahar.

So many lives were lost. So much knowledge that is now little more than ash in the winds.

He could scarcely imagine what the scholars of old knew. It was difficult to believe that he would encounter anyone quite as knowledgeable as Professor Memry though. Every question that arose in his head she had an answer for or she at least pointed him in the right direction. His questions seemed to be endless at the moment. There was simply so much that he didn’t know.

It’s almost appalling how ignorant I was.

He shook his head with a whimsical smile. The corridor was coming to an end as he approached his teacher’s classroom. Shifting the books under his arm he knocked politely on the door before letting himself inside. As with every time he stepped into the classroom he felt more like he was stepping into a private study. The walls were a finely smoothed stone edged with detailed woodwork. Upon the wood were carved different symbols or creatures related to the Sea. It was not surprising given the fact that Zeltiva was a maritime city. It was only natural that such things would be depicted in their artwork and their architecture.

Good morning, Aoren.” Aoren came to a stop with his hand still on the handle of the door. Bending at the waist he bowed to the professor before stepping completely into the room closing the door behind him.

Good morning, Professor.” She was seated in what appeared to be a cushioned wicker chair with armrests. The windows in the study were open allowing a soft breeze to waft through the room. It was a good thing too. The day was turning out to be a rather warm one. Professor Memry gestured to the writing desk situated but a few feet away from her chair. Aoren took his seat eyeing the things that she had assembled around her. Next to her chair was an end table upon which rested a few mundane items. There was a block of wood, a brick, and what looked like a black sash.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:33 pm

Ever curious.” Professor Memry chuckled. She had resting between her legs her ever present cane. Aoren had learned that the good professor had difficulty standing on some days due an incident with the Astral Discipline of Projection a number of years ago. It had been an overgiving incident in her youth when she was far more reckless with her use of magic. To this day the repercussions still cropped up from time to time.

I cannot help it, ma’am. The world is just such an interesting place.” She smiled nodding.

Your enthusiasm is a blessing, Aoren. I advice cautious however, it can lead you to troubled places if you do not learn to curb it in equal measure.” He nodded. Aoren had found himself in more than a few difficult situations due to either his curiosity or his beliefs. He was still alive so it must have meant he was either very lucky or perhaps clever enough to find his way out of those situations.

He believed it was the former of the two.

I will keep that in mind, ma’am.” She nodded.

Now then, I’m certain that you’re wondering what exactly are these objects doing here today?” He nodded politely. Aoren enjoyed the fact that Professor Memry did not beat around the bush. She stepped right into the lesson almost as soon as he walked in the door nearly every time he’d been in her classroom.

You are presently studying the Discipline of Auristics. We are going to begin delving into that.” The excitement must have been plastered on Aoren’s face. He gathered his writing materials setting himself up to listen to and watch the professor attentively. Seeing that he was ready to begin the lesson, Professor Memry began speaking.

Auristics. The Discipline of Insight. While we briefly touched on it during your initial instruction we are going to go much more in depth in your coming lessons.” Aoren dipped his quill pen into the ink vial setting the tip onto the parchment.

In less educated circles the Discipline of Auristics is believed to have been a gift from the Goddess of Seers, Avalis.” She nodded to the Seer’s Lily that shimmered on the back of Aoren’s right hand. Avalis. For as potent a gift as she had bestowed upon him he knew so little about the enigmatic goddess.

Among studied wizards however this belief has largely fallen away. More precisely, Auristics is believed to be a discipline that mortals discovered on their own. So, as I’m certain you can imagine the origins of the magic are swathed in a great detail of myth and hearsay. Regardless, whatever the magic’s beginnings it has arisen as one of the most studious branches of magic.” He took down the notes of what he felt was necessary. One thing that Aoren was beginning to learn was that most of the known disciplines of magics had unknown origins. When he’d inquired about the reasons why, Professor Memry had explained that the Valterrian had wiped away so much knowledge they were just barely beginning to scratch the surface of what had been lost.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:36 pm

When you say “studious”, Professor, what exactly to do you mean?” He prepped his pen to write down the explanation she would give him.

Because it is a discipline that exists for the sole purpose of discerning information. While that might not seem as extravagant or grand as what other disciplines are capable of, it is an invaluable tool that once mastered enables a wizard to unravel mysteries beyond the mundane.” Aoren still didn’t truly understand the depths of what he would be capable of but he was beginning to get an idea.

Such as?” Professor Memry gestured to the objects on the end table next to her.

You’re about to find out.” He studied the objects carefully for a moment. They didn’t seem to be out of the ordinary in any way shape or form. At least not that he could tell using just his normal powers of perception. He gave the professor a quizzical look.

Using the aura as a proxy for the senses, a wizard can discern the physical properties of an object. You can experience texture, taste, smell, sound and obviously sight. Call upon your powers. I want you to discern the physical properties of these three objects.” Nodding Aoren set down his pen rising from his seat. He walked over to the end table but he did not reach out to touch the objects with his hands. Instead he took up a meditative stance spreading his feet shoulder width apart clasping his hands in front of him at waist level and focusing on what was in front of him. Reaching inside of himself he drew upon the strength of his Djed pulling it to the forefront of his mind.

At first he brought the djed to his eyes blinking a few times as the veil of the normal world fell away. He brought his attention first to the brick. He could see a very dim, very minute aura radiating from the brick. It was hardly what he was accustomed to seeing. Compared to the aura of a grown adult or a fellow mage it was a flickering ember next to a roaring fire. Steadying his grip on the magic he extended his aura outward bringing it into harmony with the brick.

Focus not on the nature of the aura but on the surface of the object itself.” With her guidance to aid him Aoren did as he was instructed. He steadied his gaze brushing the outer most layers of his senses over the brick. With stunning clarity he could feel the sandy stone surface. He blinked somewhat astonished at this revelation. He could feel the grain of the brick. The slide of it against his fingers and the weight of it in his hands.

I can feel it. The brick.” Professor Memry nodded. No doubt it was something that she could experience herself if she so desire. Aoren was not entirely clear on what the woman was capable of.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:40 pm

Now focus on its scent. Can you smell it?” Aoren directed his attention away from the idea of what the brick would feel like. Instead he focused on what it would smell like. Slowly the sensation of the brick’s grainy surface faded from his senses only to be replaced by the scent of dirt and salt. It was an exciting revelation. Aoren understood what the professor had explained in theory but to experience firsthand was altogether different.

It’s the wonder of magic, I suppose. No wizard experiences the same discipline the same way.

I’m beginning to see why this is such an invaluable skill.” He released his hold on the magic blinking his eyes a few times.

What you can experience, what you can uncover and discern grows the more familiar you become with how to work the magic.” Aoren could see that. It was like being an observant hunter only looking through entirely different eyes.

With such mastery it would seem like it is impossible to hide anything from an Aurist.” Professor Memry shook her head.

There are many ways to conceal things from an Aurist. For instance, a man who is very disciplined with his emotions would be rather difficult to read for all but the most experienced of Aurists. If you were standing behind a wall there are Aurists who would be incapable of perceiving your aura. It is not impossible but difficult.” Aoren quirked his head as he pondered on that for a moment.

So an Aurist can see through walls?” She nodded.

Among other things.” Professor Memry glanced at the black resting upon the surface of the end table. In but a moment the cloth was lifted from the table. It drifted over to Aoren. He reached up taking it in hand rubbing the cloth between his fingers.

So that’s Projection…” It was more of a remark to himself. Magic never ceased to amaze him. Illeera had done well when she realized that Aoren would excel in it. The concept fascinated him to no end. In Syliras however, his ability to study it, to expand upon it, had been severely limited. It was only now that he was beginning to realize just how limited. The professor inclined her head confirming Aoren’s verbal acknowledgment of Projection.

Wrap the cloth around your eyes. We are going to test your ability to see through cloth. It will be the easiest of things to see through. It will not be easy now as you are just testing the waters of what Auristics is capable of but with time familiarity shall come.” Aoren did as he was told wrapping the cloth around his head to cover his eyes. He tied it off in the back snugly enough to keep it from falling off.

I am ready.

Summon your Auristics. Focus. Concentrate your efforts on perceiving the aura that rests beyond that of the cloth in your field of vision.” Aoren took a deep breath to clear his mind. He would need every ounce of clarity in order to achieve the task at hand. As his world plunged into darkness he reached again for his djed bringing it to his eyes. A moment later the aura of the cloth became visible. He knew it was the cloth because of its muted strength. Despite this, it still flooded his vision.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:44 pm

I-I can’t see past the cloth’s aura.” Aoren heard Professor Memry rise from her chair. He heard her footsteps then suddenly he felt soft hands close around his own. Professor Memry squeezed Aoren’s hands gently as she spoke.

Concentrate. Extend your aura beyond the cloth. See what lies beyond it. Not with these…” Aoren felt her gently lay a hand over his eyes. “But with this.

The soft press of her fingertips on his brow was explanation enough. He concentrated. Grasping the firm foundation of his djed he focused on extending his aura outward to brush against that which lay beyond the cloth in front of his eyes. The process was akin to wading his way through molasses. It was difficult with the cloth right in front of his eyes but slowly, very slowly, the aura of the cloth became less prevalent only to be replaced or perhaps overwhelmed by the presence of the aura just beyond it, the professor’s. It was considerably brighter than the aura of the cloth but he knew it was her the moment it came into his view.

I can see your aura.” It wasn’t entirely clear, the focus required to filter out the aura of the cloth and concentrate on the professor’s aura was requiring a great deal of his attention. He could discern only that what he was staring at was the aura of a living person. That was it. Professor Memry gently pat him on the shoulder before he felt her reach behind his head to unwrap the cloth. As it fell away he released his hold on his djed feeling a pressure building up behind his eyes. He had yet to use his Auristics this extensively in the whole time that he’d practiced it.

How are you feeling?” He blinked a few times before looking up into the professor’s eyes.

A little tired and there’s an ache building up behind my eyes.” Aoren pinched the bridge of his nose squeezing his eyes shut trying work will the ache to go away. It didn’t work but he knew that it would fade if he rested for a short while.

Then we shall rest for a time.” He nodded in agreement. “Tell me Aoren, are you familiar with the discipline of Magecraft?

I know that is the World Magic that enables a wizard to permanently enchant mundane items.” The elder woman nodded as she took her seat again with a heavy sigh.

How do you think a Magecrafter gauges his or her progress?” The answer was self-evident.

Auristics.” He thought on that for a moment. “So, Auristics can perceive magical things as well?”

Yes. Just as an Aurist can discern the emotions, disposition and experiences of a living person they are able to weave their way through the folds of an artifact’s aura to determine its properties. In essence, an Aurist is able to see magical activity both active and residual.” Aoren blinked.

What does “residual” mean?” The elder woman chuckled resting a hand atop her cane.

It means “what’s been left behind”.” Aoren thought about the word. He mouthed it a few times taking it down in his notes getting a feel for it. He also jotted down he explanation of picking up on magical activity.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:47 pm

How does that work? Looking for magical properties?” Professor Memry leaned back in her chair thinking on her explanation for a few moments. Aoren dipped his quill pen in the ink vial readying himself to take down notes.

By focusing on and synchronizing with the aura of the artifact the Aurist peers through the layers of the aura itself. As each layer is uncovered more of the artifact’s properties are revealed. It is a process that usually takes careful study and time even for learned Masters. Enchanted items often have layers of spells woven into the fabric of their structure which makes sifting through each one a tedious process.” A thought suddenly found its way surfacing into Aoren’s consciousness. He quirked his head as he considered it.

What about a Shield?” Professor Memry smiled at Aoren. There was a slightly knowing look in her eyes.

Explain.

Well, if an Aurist is able to study the magical properties of an artifact wouldn’t that also apply to the weave of a Shield constructed through Shielding magic?” She nodded.

A very astute observation, Aoren. Yes. With time and study an Aurist could uncover how a Shield was woven together. They could also discern what the specific function of the Shield is. There are some very clever and powerful Shields to be found in remnants of cities buried during the destruction of the Old World. Shielders and Aurists alike have spent years studying their weave uncovering the genius of the great wizards from ages past.” The way Professor Memry spoke of the world before the Valterrian made Aoren almost long to see it.

It was an incredible thing to think of. What must have been there? Certainly there was the never ending war between Alahea and Suva. What was there beyond that though? What must it have been like to live in a world where the greatest threat were the armies of your enemy as opposed to the vicious beasts that roamed the warped wilds of this New World? Aoren was certain they still had to deal with other problems…but what were they?

Do you feel ready to try your gifts in one more venture?” Aoren nodded.

Yes ma’am.” She got herself situated comfortably in her chair.

Not just artifacts or Shields, an Aurist can perceive magic that being actively used. Focus on my aura. I want you to tell me what you see.” Sitting up straighter in his seat Aoren rest his gaze upon his teacher. He folded his hands in front of him closing his eyes for a few moments as he concentrated. When he opened his eyes he could see Professor Memry’s aura. It radiated around her a large tapestry of colors that told a story the likes of which amazed Aoren.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Aoren on July 5th, 2014, 5:49 pm

He knew that if he studied her aura for even the barest amount of time he might catch glimpses of truly amazing things. Part of him was tempted to use his gift of Divination to search her Chavi but he respected her too much for such an intrusion.

As he gazed upon her aura however something strange happened. A piece of it detached from her body and lazily floated a few inches away. It was only after a moment of study he realized that the piece of her aura took on the shape of one of her hands and forearms.

You’re using Projection. With your left arm.” His teacher smiled. Aoren watched as the astral arm slid back into the main bulk of Professor Memry’s aura. When that had been done he released his hold on the magic. That time he felt exceptionally drained.

I think that’s my limit for the time being, ma’am.” She nodded giving him a look to say she had expected as much.

You have done well today, Aoren. I will close today’s lesson with an assignment.” Aoren perked up. He retrieved a fresh sheet of parchment to take down notes.

I want you to compile a paper explaining Auristic theory as you understand it. It is to be no less than two thousand words long and it is due to me in three days when next we convene. Within the paper you are to include three different uses of Auristics using the three methods we covered today.” Aoren swallowed. It was a lot. At least it was a lot to him. He had never written a paper so extensive before.

Yes ma’am.” Gathering his things he got himself situated to leave her classroom.

I shall see you again at the eighth bell on the sixth day of this summer season. Until then.” She gave Aoren a polite nod as she rose from her chair making her way over to her desk. He gave the professor a bow then exited her classroom.

I had better start now if I’m going to get anywhere on that paper.
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[University Classroom] On Auristics

Postby Caelum on July 27th, 2014, 2:30 pm

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Thread Award




Aoren



Skills
Auristics +5
Detection +1
Investigation +1
Meditation +2
Observation +2
Writing +2


Lores
Auristics: Potential Origins in Avalis
Magical Origins Lost in Valterrian
Auristics: Intelligence Gathering Tool
Auristics: Proxy for the Senses
Auristics: Inanimate Objects Have Lesser Auras
Auristics: More Difficult to Detect Stoic People's Emotions
Auristics: Can See Through Walls
Projection: Basic Manifestation
Auristics: Detecting Active & Residual Magical
Auristics: Layered Auras
Auristics: Detect Shielding Magic




Notes


I enjoyed the interaction with Prof. Memry. Lovely as always. Please edit your request in the grading thread to reflect completion and don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
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