View source for The Tenets of Entropy


by Xalyth del Eryndlyn,

Initiate of the Erudite Arcanum.

CHAPTER ONE

1. Prelude

Entropy - For some a numerical quantity representing the degree of disorder in a given system, for others a term to describe an inability to predict accurate results of a given action.

While both definitions are equally legitimate and accurate, the importance of the latter is prevalent for the subject to be tackled in this treatise: The Faerzress, a phenomenon the majority of Faern shall encounter during their studies of the arcane arts.

1.1 The Faerzress

For some a nuisance best avoided, for others an opportunity waiting to be taken, the Faerzress' true origin remains a mystery yet to be unveiled. Its effects, meanwhile, are palpable whenever an arcane spell is cast in regions of prevalent radiation. Magic is affected in unpredictable ways, turning spells of teleportation into a potentially lethal risk and inhibiting, if not entirely preventing, various spells of scrying.

Extensive research revealed most Faerzress interference to result in outcomes of superseding and subjoining nature, both of which shall be described in detail in the subsequent subchapters.

1.2 Superseding Interference

Qualitative discrepancies between anticipated outcomes of invoked spells and actuality are referred to as Superseding Interference.

Generally manifesting in diminished or exponentially increased spell durations and effects, the aforementioned discrepancies have added potential of replacing anticipated results in their entirety. Common examples include the teleportation to unintended locations, as well as the summoning of a potentially hostile extraplanar entity instead of the creature originally chosen.

1.3 Subjoining Interference

Per contra, Subjoining Interference manifests quantitatively: In addition to a spell's expected result, a number of random side-effects, so-called Entropic Supplements, occurs simultaneously. These Supplements can be subtle or predominant, harmless or lethal, beneficial or detrimental. The only trait they have in common is their randomness.

Possible harmful examples observed thus far include the conjuration of a horde of explosive surface herbivores, emotional manipulation resulting in irrational fear or belligerence, as well as temporary distortion of a Faern's connection to the Weave.

Beneficial results encountered during research involved one-directional separation from the Weave, resulting in perfect resistance against harmful magic, as well as almost supernatural, long-lasting combat premonition whose effects can be approximately emulated with a True Strike spell.

CHAPTER TWO

2. Prelude

While the first volume of this series covers a quintessential foundation of information regarding the Faerzress, this second chapter shall provide more advanced knowledge about various techniques of manipulation and application of chaotic energies in order to complement traditional methods of arcane spellcasting.

2.1 Entropic Affinity

One of these methods, the so-called Entropic Affinity, revolves around passively powering spells with a varying share of entropic energy in addition to the usual verbal, somatic and material components: An approach that convinces with the advantage of preserving the caster's own energy, therefore allowing experts to channel their magic with greater efficiency.

Routinely put to use by many Adepts of Entropy, this technique is most efficacious in areas of strong Faerzress radiation, permitting a strikingly elevated, under optimal circumstances virtually infinite number of spells up to the seventh circle to be cast. The exclusion of spells belonging to the eighth and ninth circles hereby correlates to the vast amounts of energy required.

Noteworthy is the increased likelihood of Subjoining Interference at the aforementioned locations, which may potentially outweigh the benefits of Entropic Affinity, turning the method into a double-edged sword in a Faern's arsenal. Caution and extensive amounts of practice are recommended in order to minimize the risk for all involved parties.

2.2 Entropic Intensification

The particular case of entropic energy being manipulated with the intention of superseding a Faern's entire expenditure of energy in the process of casting a spell is generally referred to as Entropic Intensification.

Functional parallels to Entropic Affinity result in the technique often being regarded as a subordinate of the former, despite there being a notable distinction between both variants: While Entropic Affinity is often employed passively, the act of powering a spell with a surplus of chaotic energy is a deliberate decision.

Results are characterized by Subjoining Interference not unlike the ramifications of strong Faerzress influx. While precautions like sensible spell targeting or an appropriate safety distance generally tend to prevent the worst detriments, carrying various restorative items and maintaining mind wards at all times is strongly recommended.

A prominent advantage of Entropic Intensification is the possibility to consciously increase the amount of particular memorized spells per cycle, therefore granting skilled Adepts of Entropy the opportunity to adapt their spellcasting spontaneously to the specific demands of a venture.

2.3 Entropic Barrier

Chaotic energies have a field of use that extends far beyond increased efficiency or flexibility. Wielded in the rawest form, such energies can be employed as a so-called Entropic Barrier: A shield of chaos that will distract, impair or even injure foes subjected to its intense radiation.

Actively employing this defensive method requires a high amount of focus and routine to optimally regulate the power density. A suitable conduit providing a consistent stream of entropic energy may support the Faern's endeavors in this regard. The purest of gemstones, in particular Tourmalines, have proven to be the most effective for such purposes.

CHAPTER THREE

3. Prelude

A multitude of active and passive methods involving direct connection to the volatile energies of chaos have been tackled in the preceding chapters, all of which convincing with various perquisites reaching from enhanced flexibility to noteworthy improvements in efficiency. Notwithstanding, the looming prospect of inevitable ramifications emerging from sporadically unpropitious Subjoining Interference causes many a responsible Faern to regard active usage of entropic energy unflatteringly, if not with overt disdain.

Per contra, denouncing the unknown is as undemanding as the consequential information is inaccurate, for the attainment of true comprehension invariably requires more than a mere cursory glance. Only in-depth understanding permits corroborated judgement, and it shall be the following subchapters' objective to provide adequately detailed insights in order to pierce this veil of preconceived postulations.

3.1 Mathematical Definition

An initial definition through mathematical correlations shall provide fundamental knowledge required for advantageous employment of entropic energy in less theoretical fields of application.

Characterized by a purely analytical relationship, the complex phenomenon commonly titled "Chaos" is subjected to the law of direct proportionality: The more knowledge regarding relevant initial conditions can be collated, the greater the probability of precise prognostication. "Chaos" describes deterministic behavior; thus, every possible combination of initial conditions is allocated to one respective outcome. The latter may therefore be replicated, provided absolutely identical starting criteria are emulated.

Nonetheless, temporal aspects are not to be neglected presuming a given system's detailed progression towards the aforementioned specific outcome is of any relevance. Observation and in-depth analysis confirm even slightest deviations to ofttimes be multiplied in an expeditious manner, consequently resulting in entirely different oscillating behavior capable of diminishing the exactitude of anticipations severely.

Assuming the borderline case of unsurpassable knowledge, the forenamed law of direct proportionality implies a perfectly accurate prognostication of "Chaos." While the actual acquisition of such vast amounts of flawless information is realistically impossible, in practice the exponential nature of any increments in variance permits temporarily limited accurate prediction with negligible disparities to actuality.

3.2 Abstraction and Implementation

Experimentation in regions of prevalent Faerzress radiation has confirmed the aforementioned illation's practicality for diverse mundane sciences, as well as fields of application directly interconnected with entropic energy. Consequently, presuming sufficiently detailed information, the quantitative and qualitative effects of Subjoining Interference can be approximated probabilistically, whence preempted before a spell is being cast.

Alongside mandatory computational abilities and a certain degree of routine, timely acquisition of the aforesaid information is a key condition for any attempts to predict "chaotic" phenomena. Limited premonitions commonly granted by a True Strike spell have proven propitious in this regard, as revelation of even a few seconds of immediate future ofttimes permits an experienced Faern to draw accurate conclusions about probable outcomes of any subsequent spells to be cast.

In order to bypass a True Strike spell's common restriction to martial procedures and instead facilitate indispensable introspection, the common material spell component ought to be replaced by an altered version made of wrought iron. An additional layer of polished silver coating tends to enhance clarity and accuracy of visions and therefore the odds of successful prediction, but these benefits come at the price of increased expenses and a higher initial resource consumption.

3.3 Conductive Thoughts

The antecedent subchapters have proven theoretical and practical predictability of "Chaos." Nonetheless, one final question remains yet to be answered: Would it be possible to not merely foretell the results of Subjoining Interference, but rather decipher the entire enigma that is "Chaos?" Could optimized modi operandi permit proactive guidance of entropic surges and therefore the deliberate creation of any possible outcome?

In contrast to the stationary chain of occurrences generally referred to as "the past," the future is a dynamic construct consisting of forking eventualities, thence complete knowledge of the branch structure enables premeditated manipulation.

While the detailed specification of methods permitting attainment of such vast amounts of information would by far exceed the scope of this comparatively introductory volume, the key to success is the rapid repetition of the aforementioned implementation, the optimization of computational efficiency in order to process the cumulated knowledge on time - and last, but not least: Years, if not decades of routine.

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