« on: January 08, 2020, 09:27:47 AM »
A book standing open in the Red Academy of Hazlan; ink still wet and waiting as if this were but the start.
Libris Imperium Maleficus: The Book of Controlling Evil
It is part hubris, part greatness that I now put ink to parchment like those scholars and historians before me, and try to subscribe common links, fetishes and wards to use against the mist and all that dwell within. But unlike Dr. Rudolph Van Richten and his lesser contemporaries, where they would warn you and arm you against the night, I however would give it to you, as a lord might reward his subjects. Take heed the warnings, and do arm yourself against the danger but do not shackle yourself to its destruction, for there is great reward to be found in mastery over these forces.
Its Author
I will spare you a braggards tale and keep this concise, my name is Instructor Hadiya of the Red Academy of Hazlan, Transmutation department. I’ve seen a lot in my time in this place, I have built abominations of great power, battled constructs of incredible and complex design, followed the footsteps of a dead race; and even summoned devil generals to do my bidding. And to say not least of all, I have many students and agents across the Core who now carry my teachings and method of grim arithmetic over the boarder. Regardless if you read no more of this book; you will still hear my words. Maybe as the final words you ever hear.
Terminology & Purpose
Evil -: While many of my own order would dismiss the term as idle fantasy of the ill informed, evil does exist. It is palpable and real and elemental, it however is not the theft of bread or the laws of the gentry broken. It is a force of nature harnessed by certain creatures & men, like wind in sails.
Mastery & Loyalty -: True mastery is renewed, like a field to be sowed and reaped the next season. It is a continual task that if one should lapse in, they will starve in the barren fields of betrayal. For one to maintain loyalty one must offer reward and punishment in the same breath, lack either one of these and you are sure to fail.
Reward -: To control another one must cultivate an idea of obedience, that it is better to serve than not. Hold an object of their desire dangle it in front of them but forever out of reach, sprinkle minor hints and lesser rewards at their feet. They must feel as if they are only a single step from obtaining it.
Punishment -: One’s word must always be enforced, if one should break them without consequence, why not a second or a third time. Demonstrate your strength on another, an indirect threat best serves a servant, you do not sour your relationship with them but the message is clear “there are costs to failure”.
Destruction -: There are people and things we cannot control in life; that is to live a life. But in a tool it is unacceptable, those we cannot reward, punish, or master must than be destroyed. It is the recognition of this and the hour at which we act that saves many an arcanists life. Do not let these be your final word’s “too late”.
Mastering The Walking Dead: One
The Conquering of Fiends: Two
Ancient Evils: Three
« Last Edit: January 08, 2020, 02:52:45 PM by Hallvor Hadiya »
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Once upon a time the plural of 'wizard' was 'war'." -- The Last Continent, by Terry Pratchett