Kal
Whispers
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Introductory Occultism is divided into Chapters, which in turn are divided into subchapters and smaller sections thereof. Listed below are both these Chapters and some of the content found within, which can include but are not limited to subchapters and quotations.
Ever since being elevated to sapience by strange sorceries, the spirit known as Kal has been insatiably curious about the mystical; by pilfering lore from ancient tombs and modern laboratories alike, knowledge both practical and theoretical was amassed. Having compared differing viewpoints (notably his own kind's, those of the Je'daii, and the clashing views of the Sith and Jedi), the Shadow felt comfortable sharing the accumulated lore.
Unlike many works concerning the subject matter, Introductory Occultism is a relatively shallow work - it is meant as a starting point for those who wish to study the Force's more arcane aspects. Much can be learnt from its pages, but far more must be sought elsewhere.
That is not to say that this work cannot empower the reader, with sufficient practice - it may not hold dread spells that raise the dead or peel flesh from bone, but one who has mastered all the lessons within should be able to create a Shield Talisman, imbue materials with unearthly resilience, incapacitate foes with swirling Force energies, and remould lifeforms in 'simple' ways (e.g., restoration, appearance, modest augmentations).
- Intent: A comprehensible, easily-accessible introduction to the Force's weirder techniques.
- Image Credit: User Interface - Symbols & Icons by Anca Albu
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: N/A
- Media Name: Introductory Occultism
- Format: Variable format; most often digital content.
- Distribution: Common; Introductory Occultism is available for purchase on the HoloNet. Despite containing lore traditionally kept in the guarded libraries of Force Orders, it is cheap enough that NFUs sometimes buy it for fun - a fourth of the book can even be read for free!
- Length: Long; Introductory Occultism is nearly a thousand pages long, but nearly half of this is made up of diagrams and schematics.
- Description: Introductory Occultism is written in a concise, academic format with snide commentary sprinkled in to keep readers' attention. It covers Sith Sorcery, Sith Alchemy, and related practices from a deconstructive perspective; methodology is scrutinised, petty superstitions discarded, and fundamental truths extracted. Readers are encouraged to use what they learn in a safe and ethical manner.
- Author: Kal of Masque
- Publisher: Greystone Mercantile
- Reception: Mixed; novice Sorcerers and Alchemists generally find Introductory Occultism to be far more comprehensible than the ancient tomes of Sorcerers past. The content is generally considered to be factually solid, though the author's snide, almost arrogant viewpoints on the conflict between Light and Dark may not appeal to everyone. The work has also been criticised for being too clinical in its approach to the mystical - by stripping away 'ritualistic redundancies' and with them deeper meaning, some argue, the author does readers a disservice.
- Editions: Introductory Occultism is available in a digital edition and in print. The digital edition is available in full or as a free 'basic edition'. Both the digital edition and physical editions provide a code that can be used to access further content on the HoloNet, which importantly includes demonstration videos. Digital editions include links within the text itself, while physical editions only note the option in the intro.
- A handful of First Edition books have been produced with pages alchemised for resilience. These books were imbued with a telepathic 'presence' of sorts, allowing readers to absorb information unusually quickly; this does not extend to skill or true comprehension. The experience of reading one of these books has been described as 'having words leap off the page and into the mind'. They sometimes tingle a bit to the touch, especially if the person doing the touching is Force Sensitive.
Introductory Occultism is divided into Chapters, which in turn are divided into subchapters and smaller sections thereof. Listed below are both these Chapters and some of the content found within, which can include but are not limited to subchapters and quotations.
- Chapter One - Introduction and Fundamental Concepts // Briefly explains the eclectic origins of the arts described in the book (Dark Jedi, the Sith (both the species and the Order), various alien species, etc.) and sets expectations. Readers are expected to already know a fair bit about the Force and how to wield it - Introductory Occultism is not marketed at or written for untrained Force Sensitives.
- "... the origins of the modern practice lay with the Je'daii, but the so called 'Dark Jedi' pushed more boundaries, for better or worse ... the first to dabble in such arts were the ancients, of course. The Rakata, notably - and possibly the Celestials."
- "... few of the lessons found in this book will hold direct relevance for those not attuned to the Force, but there may be ways to ..."
- Chapter Two - Fundamentals of Sorcery // Explains Kal's observations on the nature of Sorcery - namely, that the significance of incantations, rituals, and the like lay in their ability to tap into the 'spiritual gestalt' of Sorcerers past. Aspiring Sorcerers are encouraged to scrutinise spells learned from outside sources for redundancies that can be stripped away, e.g., unnecessary virgin sacrifices. This chapter focused mainly on simple wards and talismans but also includes a brief explanation of some advanced techniques like Aura of Uneasiness and Force Blast.
- Chapter Three - Fundamentals of Alchemy // Explains the key methods used in Alchemy and presents a variety of simple procedures such as altering materials to be somewhat more resilient and using Alchemy to analyse samples. Users are encouraged to pursue scientific studies in other subjects (e.g., engineering, bioengineering, chemistry) to supplement and enhance their alchemical projects.
- Chapter Four - Material Applications // Goes in depth on the use of Sorcery and Alchemy (individually or in conjunction) to alter nonorganic substances. With sufficient practice, readers should be able to create a functional Shield Talisman. This chapter also covers some 'quick and dirty' techniques, such as 'applying one's understanding of alchemic principles' to cause the joints in a foe's armour to lock.
- "Never waste your time painstakingly altering the essential nature of a material when synthetic alloys will do ... Always consider the strengths and disadvantages of one's material of choice, for greater changes require greater effort ..."
- "... by combining these techniques, the creation of a Shield Talisman is within reach ..."
- Chapter Five - Biological Applications // Goes in depth on the use of Sorcery and Alchemy (individually or in conjunction) to alter the nature or capabilities of organic matter. An emphasis is placed on restoration, especially for Darksiders "as they may struggle to use conventional healing techniques". Users are strongly advised not to engage in irresponsible experimentation on the self or others - basic techniques for splicing animals to create hybrid life forms are included. Users are encouraged to study bioengineering before getting too ambitious.
- "Traditionally, Bioalchemists have placed limited significance on the use of technological aids. This is a mistake. The Force is a pathway to many wondrous and terrible powers, but it can lack the reliability and replicability of more mundane solutions. As a result..."
- "The complexity of living organisms cannot be overstated - changing the essential nature of a being without a profound understanding of both its functions and the methods used is a recipe for disaster. Novice Bioalchemists should be particularily mindful when ..."
- Chapter Six - Further Studies into the Arcane // This chapter is a largely theoretical depiction of various paths the reader may wish to walk; a quick explanation is offered for each, but it is rarely accompanied by concrete 'spells' or techniques. Instead, the reader is guided towards the lore and/or experimental methods that may lead them towards their goal. Members of a Force Order are encouraged to seek tuition there.
- 6.5 - Mastery Over Life: Sithspawn and Advanced Biotransmutation
- 6.6 - Mastery Over Death: Necromancy and Related Practices
- 6.7 - Mind Over Machine: Mechu-Deru and Related Practices
- 6.8 - Nanoscale Applications and the Art of the Small
- Addendums, Citations, and Miscellaneous Diagrams // The book ends with nearly three hundred pages of brief addendums, citations, and a long list of diagrams, schematics, and runic languages. Some are referenced in earlier chapters while others are provided for independent study. Notably, twenty pages are dedicated to potential hazards a reader might find in Sith Tombs and similar locations.
- Kal of Masque cites a variety of authors, including Sith, Jedi, Je'daii, and non-Sensitive scholars. The most cited modern author by far is Velok of Toola, with references to all eleven of his works (especially Sorcery Deconstructed) being found in Introductory Occultism.
Ever since being elevated to sapience by strange sorceries, the spirit known as Kal has been insatiably curious about the mystical; by pilfering lore from ancient tombs and modern laboratories alike, knowledge both practical and theoretical was amassed. Having compared differing viewpoints (notably his own kind's, those of the Je'daii, and the clashing views of the Sith and Jedi), the Shadow felt comfortable sharing the accumulated lore.
Unlike many works concerning the subject matter, Introductory Occultism is a relatively shallow work - it is meant as a starting point for those who wish to study the Force's more arcane aspects. Much can be learnt from its pages, but far more must be sought elsewhere.
That is not to say that this work cannot empower the reader, with sufficient practice - it may not hold dread spells that raise the dead or peel flesh from bone, but one who has mastered all the lessons within should be able to create a Shield Talisman, imbue materials with unearthly resilience, incapacitate foes with swirling Force energies, and remould lifeforms in 'simple' ways (e.g., restoration, appearance, modest augmentations).
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