Geomancy
Geomancy
Geomancy allows a Caster to turn a rather unassuming element into an extension of their whim. Though not as apparent as the use of Hydromancy or Pyromancy, Geomancy often lacks the subtlety of Aeromancy. With knowledge of this spell a Caster can increase their usefulness to a society in several ways.
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 a Geomancy spell safely will vary. What is the most influential factor is how much earth 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 earth before they know enough to manipulate the natural earth. This Rigen infused earth is rusty brown and feels heavier when attempting to lift it. Rigen infused soil is incapable of growing plants due to lacking the necessary nutrients. Small quantities of Geomancy breakdown at the end of a spell nearly instantly, regardless of the stone’s hardness during the spell. Large quantities can require up to a full day to be dispersed enough to breakdown appropriately, regardless of the stone’s hardness during the spell.
At no point is the Caster able to use Geomancy to create or infuse rigen into gems or metals. Geomancy is limited to soft earths like sand and hard stones like granite and marble.
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 Geomancy they must be at least a Journeyman in Rigenology.
Initial Learning
Geomancy cannot be self-taught, even by someone that has learned Aeromancy, 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 Geomancy specifically. A Caster has not perfected their technique on converting unbonded Rigen into earth. They are not able to manipulate natural earth, and have limited control over the earth they create. They can generate a small floating sphere or foot-and-a-half long rock dense enough to serve as a single strike bludgeoning weapon. Its other combat capability is striking an enemy with condensed earth which would be similar to getting hit by large one-handed rock. Their control is limited to about ten feet away.
Journeyman
Now the Caster has a better understanding of the conversion process and can create greater quantities of earth than before. They also possess better control of their spell. A Journeyman could form enough earth to seal off an average doorway and suspend it in the air. The earth itself is firm enough to withstand several attacks from steel weapons. Their control extends to about twenty-five feet away.
Expert
A Caster now begins to learn how to manipulate natural earth by infusing it with Rigen. This allows for control over significantly greater quantities of earth since less Rigen is consumed by the infusion process. A Geomancer is now able to generate an extremely hard rock-like material that requires years to break down and is as resistant to damage as a typical boulder. Alternatively, they can change the shape of the natural landscape, though they risk structural integrity when the situation dictates. Their control extends to about fifty feet away.
Master
With their exceptional knowledge and experience, a Master becomes capable of controlling terrifying amounts of earth. The durability of their craft is so great they are able to create soft or hard earths of a specific type, such as granite, shale, limestone, or marble, when casting the spell. A Master learns how to purify Rigen infused soil. With practice, they can unravel another Geomancer’s spell before it breaks down on its own. Their control extends to a couple hundred feet away.
Level 100
Master as this level are able to produce soft or hard earths from rigen that remain permanently after the spell’s end. Though the stone was made from rigen, it has no trace of rigen and is not able to bond with it. Characters that are highly skilled in Geology would be able to determine that a Geomancer’s permanent stone was not made naturally.
Costs
The Caster must provide the initial Rigen to form the spell. Each use of Geomancy 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