The Beginning
Composed by Nagisa Kaoru, Sal Wizard
Table of
Contents
I.
Introduction
II.
Development from Mundanity to
Aislinghood
III.
Specifics of the Fragile Chrysalis
IV.
Address of Moral Issues
V.
Development of Power in Opposing
Aspects
VI.
Conclusions
VII.
Bibliography and Further
Reading
I.
Introduction
All life, aisling or otherwise, must begin somewhere, at some point, under specific circumstances. Gp A flower cannot bloom without sunlight and water. Gp A polyp could not thrive in a dry or sunny area. Gp It is illogical then, or course, to assume that any person could begin an aisling life without specific factors influencing its growth, development and living conditions. Gp Until recently, this was not fully understood or even speculated over. Gp Only in recent Deochs, through the toil of many a great philosophers of Loures court, was a possible cause for aisling growth and development studied and recorded. Gp This has come to be called the chrysalis of the aisling, and has already become accepted by Temauir’s general public.
II.
Development from Mundanity to
Aislinghood
The main focus of this study
conducted by the famous philosopher Jean of Loures was the actually difference,
both theoretic and physical, between mundanes and aislings. Gp What they found was an aether concentration
within the aisling mind and body not present in mundanes, which actually held a
physically crystalline form within the individual’s flesh. Gp Because of the form it took on, it was
coined as the chrysalis.
Mundanes are severely limited in
their strengths of insight and creation by the lack of any actual arcane powers
to their thoughts and bodies. Gp It goes
without saying that a few select mundanes, such as the modern fae priestesses
and mundane wizards, can control the powers of the arcane, but it is not
present within them as it is an aisling. Gp
When a mundane becomes an aisling, aethers, receptive nodes of arcane
power to the physical realm, saturate them and take on a physical form to allow
for existence in the tangible self. Gp This
is necessary as naturally they can only sustain themselves in the intangible
thought processes that have come to control the arcane arts, and disperse
entirely soon after the magic has done it’s work. Gp The form they take, interestingly enough, is incredibly
complicated in itself. Gp The aethers
gather on a scale smaller than I could accurately describe into extreme
concentrations forming insignificant portions of the body into almost mineral-like
deposits in the flesh and blood of the individual. Gp In this way, the “chrysalis” is not the actual arcane content of
an aisling power in itself, but rather a sign of sorts that it is present.
The result? Gp As the individual now has a very direct link
to the realm of the arcane, they are granted the ability to practice magic
freely, to either constructive or deadly results. GpIn the process, they can think at a level mundanes are largely
incapable of, to create amazing works and theories. Gp The very things that define us and grant us the gifts of the gods
are channeled through these tiny structures.
III.
Specifics of the Fragile
Chrysalis
Of course, it is not so simple as to just receive your strengths. Gp A trial, if you will call it that is present, during which the power of the chrysalis is very unstable. Gp It is an existence in itself, and as such, must be introduced to our world appropriately. Gp At first, the aethers are very loosely connected to the physical ways of Temuair, and certainly more than the sheer will of the aisling is needed to maintain the bond holding them. Gp I would venture that perhaps the gods overseeing our very days are responsible for this allotment of time, and should the aisling gain their favor, the gods might hold them together long enough (or strongly enough) that they can adapt to our realm themselves and remain indefinitely. Gp If not, then they will disperse just as they do for mundane magic’s, and the god’s gifts will be lost.
Also, there are more physical factors that seem to have significant influence on the success of the chrysalis. Gp First of all, know that only mundanes of specific ages can become aislings at all, which could indicate that there is a physical strain on the person themselves requiring that the body be in it’s prime. Gp Also, certain hereditary factors may be present, as several mundanes of a single family have been known to gain chrysalis. Gp It could also be speculated that the Temuairian gods might look at families as a whole, granting several members of which aislinghood following the example of one, or perhaps the general example of the group.
IV. Address of Moral Issues
This is no lightly endeavored topic. Gp Along with the theory that aislinghood is manifested physically, several former beliefs, especially regarding the unearthly relationship of Temuair’s peoples to our gods, are challenged and likely proven wrong. Gp This in no way shatters faith, as many still have their memories of the gods walking our land, but it puts our logic and our beliefs regarding creation and philosophical history to the ultimate test. Gp In regards to this, I suggest that in every logical way, the chrysalis IS the long relied on connections between aisling and god. Gp It grants us a fragment of all their strengths and weaknesses, and gives us the power to shape our world and change our lives. Gp How, then, could one doubt that the gods truly have a place in it’s functionality?
Also, some find dispute in the way that, should the fragile chrysalis fail, the aisling is returned to mundanity. Gp This can cause several dilemmas for both the individual and all in relation, as truly a great gift is lost and may never be replaced. Gp It obviously impacts those individuals experiencing it, as they can sometime be noted as receiving another chrysalis and acting as an entirely different person. Gp Some I have spoken to argue that the gods are toying with our people, but that is not necessarily true. Gp I have already argued the aspects of a trial in this regard, and it is the responsibility of the aislings to prove themselves appropriately. Gp It is a trying life and one of great importance; those of little faith, courage or potential should not walk it.
V. Development of Power in Opposing Aspects
As I just mentioned, the power granted by chrysalis and aisling paths is largely the responsibility and the duty of the person such is granted upon. Gp They can bend it to their will and accomplish many of what once were but wild dreams, and so, certain issues are brought into focus in how this is employed.
A chrysalis can, and is often employed for general good. Gp Take as examples the priests of Glioca, who use their strengths and abilities to aid their fellows in all the lands and improve living conditions for others. Gp On the opposite extreme, a Sgrios worshiper could use the chrysalis to tap the calling stone and bring their dark god’s minions to Temuair, claiming countless lives and leaving but sorrow and destruction in their wake.
How is it, then, that the gods would allow both extremes, and all between them, an equal opportunity? Gp Do they not serve our realm and defend it as a general duty? Gp Well, one must consider that an aisling, no matter their specific actions, contribute to our world. Gp Every thought held to a Temuairian mind is an inspiration and an advance for all aisling kind. Gp Also, a balance must be maintained, always, else overspecialization would breed in weakness. Gp So, it is important to fully embrace diversity in Temuair’s leaders and citizens.
VI. Conclusions
The chrysalis is a grand gift, no doubt. Gp With all the theories regarding the topic that I have provided here, the surface of the study has not been scratched. Gp What you have read is not an explanation, or a lecture, it is a speculation, one I intend only to further theoretic understanding and prompt further research into the subject. Gp If any have any thoughts regarding this, I ask you to please contact me, as I desire to explore all topics of my research to their fullest. Gp I thank you for your time in reading my work.
-Nagisa Kaoru, Dean of Sal
Student of Natsumi Kurasawa
VII. Bibliography and Further Reading
(Information on the topic is very limited, although there are related works available)
"Energy Theory and Magic" by Chupaca, an excellent theology on the nature of arcane energies in general
"The Force of Magick" by Deskar, an alternate theology on the functionality of aisling magic