Theorem

Theorems

  Theorems are an approximation of supernatural knowledge, arming the mundane with the ability to understand and act against supernatural forces. Those who practice Arcana with no theory struggle to control their power or that of others. Theorems do not require a Minor Merit to pursue.

History The acknowledgment of Arcana as a disparate series of schools began in the 1298th year of the Second Era, when the Deepholds proposed that the sprawling and bloated study of Arcana be separated into Theorems dictating its various classifications. Arcanology - the formal study of Aetheric Sorceries and Practices - was born from no less than fifty years of bureaucracy. Twenty years later, Theurgics took shape to classify the in-born Arcana of Dominion. Lore soon followed six years later, encompassing Fae Glamour and the so-called 'Minor Glamour' of magical beasts. Lastly, Occultism was formalized in 1391 to explain the various forms of taboo or forbidden Arcana to do with souls, the dead, or Blights. By the present era, scholars from all planes including Antarok, Céleste, and Ælphyne have since adopted the concept of Theorems, and academia - even mundane institutions - have done all they can to formulate courses for these fields of study.

Purpose Theorems govern not just the study of Arcana, but also its principled usage. The more is known about a Theorem, the more apt a mage is at wielding associated Arcana safely. Magi who lack theory know little about their own spells, and they struggle to respond against the spells of others or even their own mistakes. Such 'hedge magic' spells are slow, prone to fizzling or even backlash - yet some argue those who refuted Theorems have on occasion joined the ranks of the Ascended; these detractors fail to mention the Apotheotic commonly referenced - Nunis Daar - was missing chunks of his brain by his own error and could no longer operate the muscles in his face. Esotera To broaden one's understanding of Arcana, they must seek Esotera. This is done through any number of methods, from studying beneath a mentor and collecting books or journals, to dangerous magical duels and wild experiments, or traveling the Planes and engaging in cultural exchange with any mages not hostile to foreigners. In time a student will begin to understand the function and possibilities behind not just their own magic, but that of other's. There is little in the way of anti-magic, and no armor nor ward is fool-proof. A battle between two mages is swift and brutal; two opposing forces cancel each other out, or they destroy the weaker. Esotera will help a mage to select the right action, to understand and undo an opposing force before it begins to harm them irreversibly.

Theorem Subjects

	Arcanology governs the study of Aether, Elementia, Psychism, and most Practices. See Arcanology.
	Occultists deal darkly in all such topics associated with Blights and the undead; ghosts, including souls and the afterlife. Poetics, Nekros, and Malediction are also in their purview. See Occultism.
	Theurges study Pacts, Summoners, and the Planes as well as their gods and inhabitants. See Theurgics.
	Lore is the study of Glamour, Saol, supernatural flora and fauna, or races such as Dragons or Fae and their utilization in Practices. See Lore.

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