Aeromancy
Aeromancy
While it may not be as theatrical or extravagant as some of its counterparts, Aeromancy is a fairly versatile spell with many subtle uses. A Caster that dedicates themselves to understanding this spell gains access to controlling one of the most abundant and critical resources in Siliren. While more combat-oriented Casters have a tendency to favor Pyromancy, Aeromancy is not left wanting.
A Caster projects a small portion of their own bonded Rigen into the atmosphere in a way that will attract and harness the ambient unbonded Rigen. The Personal Rigen acts as the catalyst that generates the change to initiate the intended spell. And while experienced practitioners are able to perform spells more often, it does take a toll on the unbonded Rigen that they are harnessing. While the ambient supply is technically limitless the more that is used in a short period of time, the more hazardous a spell becomes to everyone, including the Caster.
The amount of time it takes to produce an Aeromancy spell safely will vary. The most influential factor is how much air is being manipulated or created. When there is more it takes longer for the spell to form. However, that is to produce a spell where the unbonded Rigen remains stable. Large, powerful spells can be made at nearly instantaneous speeds, but even being in their proximity can severely harm the Caster and the environment. Masters are no more exempt from this than an Apprentice. The main difference is that Masters can cast beginner spells very quickly and in a stable fashion, while an Apprentice could require several minutes to generate the same effect with the same level of stability. Regardless of the Caster’s capability, the longer they spend to cast a spell the more stable, controllable, and safer it will be.
At first, the Caster learns how to generate air before they know enough to manipulate the natural air. This Rigen infused air is semi-translucent to the naked eye and easy to notice if in large quantities. Otherwise, it appears as an easily overlooked distortion. Anyone can breathe air produced or manipulated by Rigen and survive, however, they are taking in unbonded rigen into their bodies which can have severe effects from overexposure. In small quantities, it would cause light-headedness and blurred vision. Consistent exposure can cause nausea, coughing up blood, hallucinations, and permanent lung damage.
Small quantities of Aeromancy breakdown at the end of a spell fairly quickly. Large quantities can require days or even weeks to be dispersed enough to break down appropriately.
Prerequisites
Due to the spell being fueled by Harnessed Rigen more than Personal Rigen, it usually takes someone with a little more understanding of bonded vs. unbonded Rigen. Before a caster can gain any skill in Aeromancy they must be at least a Journeyman in Rigenology.
Initial Learning
Aeromancy cannot be self-taught, even by someone that has learned Geomancy, Hydromancy, Pyromancy, Lumenmancy, and/or Umbramancy. The conversion process of Rigen is different between each element and requires an instructor that is at least an Expert with the spell.
Skill Levels
Apprentice
With the help of an instructor, the Caster learns the Conversion process for Aeromancy specifically. The Caster has not perfected their technique on converting unbonded Rigen into air. They are not able to manipulate natural air, and have limited control over the air they create. They can quickly compress it until it is semi-solid or direct it to generate a gentle breeze. Its combat capabilities are limited to striking an enemy with condensed air which would be similar to getting hit by large one-handed slap. Their control is limited to about ten feet away. Apprentice Casters must maintain control at all times, or their generated air will immediately disperse.
Journeyman
Now the Caster has a better understanding of the conversion process and can create greater quantities of air than before. They also possess better control of their spell. A Journeyman could concentrate the air enough to make physical movement more difficult, but not impossible. When shaping the air, they can produce a sharp edge to allow for sudden slashing attacks against an opponent, though the wounds would be relatively minor and can only cut through soft materials. Their control extends to about twenty-five feet away.
Expert
A Caster now begins to learn how to manipulate the natural air by infusing it with Rigen. This allows for control over significantly greater quantities of air since less Rigen is consumed by the infusion process. The drawback is that the air takes longer to breakdown, even when in smaller quantities. Weeks, or even months, are required for the air to be naturally purified of the Rigen. Alternatively, they can also learn how to purify natural toxins (except for Rigen) out of the atmosphere without leaving much Rigen infused air behind. Their control extends to about fifty feet away. Attacks with air are now more diverse in form and more dangerous. They are able to cause significant damage to objects that would otherwise be stable.
Master
With their exceptional knowledge and experience, a Master becomes capable of controlling terrifying amounts of air. Masters are capable of creating and/or manipulating an amount of air that would require months or even years to break down naturally. Through their exploits, they begin to learn how to purify the natural air of bonded Rigen. With practice, they could learn how to quickly unravel another Aeromancer’s spell before the end of its use. Their control extends to a couple hundred feet away. Air attacks are extremely dangerous and hard to block, being able to cut through thick and dense materials, and having the strength to knock back very large objects or beings.
Costs
The Caster must provide the initial Rigen to form the spell. Each use of Aeromancy requires 10 points of the Caster’s spellpool. Each use also takes 50 points from the Atmopool. When the Caster is utilizing the spell to a degree lower than what their fully capable (Example: A Journeyman using the spell to the same extent that an Apprentice could perform), the personal cost is halved to 5 points and the Atmopool cost is halved to 25 points. The personal cost is halved only once, but the Atmopool cost continues to be halved each time a new tier of capability is achieved, Review the following table for quick reference to Rigen costs.
| Caster Ability | Apprentice | Journeyman | Expert | Master | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spell Level | Personal/Atmo | ||||
| Apprentice | 10/50 | 5/25 | 5/13 | 5/7 | |
| Journeyman | 10/50 | 5/25 | 5/13 | ||
| Expert | 10/50 | 5/25 | |||
| Master | 10/50 |
Risks
Unbonded Rigen is quite hazardous when it is not completely stable. Even when there is a plentiful supply of stable Rigen, a Caster that does not generate the spell properly will suffer first degree burns to any exposed flesh or possibly singe the surface of nearby objects. When the Atmopool gets low, the unbonded Rigen from neighboring areas flows in to refresh the supply. However, it requires a few days for that Rigen to stabilize. If it is used before stabilizing it poses great risk to the Caster and the environment. Any exposed flesh in close proximity to a spell fueled with unstable Rigen suffers from second degree burns. The spell itself becomes volatile and unravels in a burst of energy once it makes physical contact with any surface.
Article Credit to Abraxas