Hydromancy
Hydromancy
Hydromancy allows a Caster to turn a rather unassuming element into an extension of their whim. Though not as apparent as the use of Geomancy or Pyromancy, Hydromancy 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 Hydromancy spell safely will vary. The most influential factor is how much water 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 water before they know enough to manipulate the natural water. This Rigen infused water is a darker blue and feels denser when passing a hand through it. Anyone can drink water produced or manipulated by Rigen and survive, however, they are taking in unbonded Rigen into their bodies which can have severe effects from overexposure. Plants that absorb water are less resistant and can wilt or die. In small quantities it would cause an upset stomach. Consistent exposure can cause vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, and permanent liver damage.
Small quantities of Hydromancy break down 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 Hydromancy they must at least be a Journeyman in Rigenology.
Initial Learning
Hydromancy cannot be self-taught, even by someone that has learned Aeromancy, Geomancy, 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 Hydromancy specifically. A Caster has not perfected the technique of converting unbonded Rigen into water. They are not able to manipulate natural water, and have limited control over the water they create. They can generate a small floating sphere or add it to a small body of water to generate a gentle current. Its combat capabilities are limited to striking an enemy with condensed water 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 water than before. They also possess better control of their spell. A Journeyman could form enough water to fill a bathtub and suspend it in the air. Their control extends to about twenty-five feet away.
Expert
A Caster now begins to learn how to manipulate natural water by infusing it with Rigen. This allows for control over significantly greater quantities of water since less Rigen is consumed by the infusion process. The drawback is that the water takes longer to break down, even when in smaller quantities. Weeks, or even months, are required for the water to be naturally purified of the Rigen. This can cause crops to die or for water sources to become temporarily tainted. Alternatively, they can also learn how to purify natural toxins (except for Rigen) out of bodies of water without leaving much rigen infused water behind. Their control extends to about fifty feet away.
Master
With their exceptional knowledge and experience, a Master becomes capable of controlling terrifying amounts of water. Masters are capable of creating and/or manipulating an amount of water that would require months or even years to break down naturally. Through their exploits, they begin to learn how to purify natural water of bonded Rigen. With practice, they could learn how to quickly unravel another Hydromancer’s spell before the end of its use. Their control extends to a couple hundred feet away.
Costs
The Caster must provide the initial Rigen to form the spell. Each use of Hydromancy 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