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Chapter 19 Baseline Concepts, Variable Inputs, and Concept Tie Formations

Chapter 19 Baseline Concepts, Variable Inputs, and Concept Tie Formations

When I got home, I pulled out the book of baseline concepts of spell circles that I borrowed from Herrero. I also took out the books I received from Director Justo. If books on baseline concepts are available, why is combination magic unrealized. I wonder to myself. I open the magic theory books and begin to read more about baseline concepts and spell creation. Since those are the two biggest research topics in magic there is a lot to read, so I skim through and read a few things here and there when a certain part talking about spell development catches my eye.

Spell Circles are made of an estimated four primary parts. Baseline concepts of spells have been proven, and many baseline concepts can already be identified which has given rise to new spells and new variations of spells previously created. However, in order to create a new spell, it is not just throwing together the concepts found in a type of magic. Spells have variable input areas as part of the spell circle. Variable input formations are used to denote what the spell is supposed to do. This is the most heavily researched magic topic in order to be able to determine specific formations for specific things. This will lead to greater development in spells. There are also parts of the spell circle that seem to serve as placeholders that the caster or mage fills with the desired variable such as distance or location. There are theories that explore whether these variable areas of spell circles can also determine the amount of energy drawn.

The hardest part of new spell development and spell improvement is figuring out how the baseline concepts and variable sections flow together. Part of the spell circle is made of concept ties which help bridge the baseline concepts, and variables together to help form a magic concept. The last estimated primary part of a spell circle is the energy input used to enact the change and cast the magic.

The reason most new formulations fail are either concept blockages which occur when a spell formulation concept doesn't properly connect the baseline concepts, variable segments, and concept ties; which does not allow the creation of the magic circuit; or the input and circulation of energy and mana are inefficient or insufficient to enact the change. The first problem is easy to identify because the formulation will be unable to be completed, however, it is hardest to fix because one must figure out what primary part(s) are malfunctioning. This could entail testing the connection of the magic circuit through each segment, or using alternate primary parts with similar effects in order to have the circuit properly connect. The second problem is more common and easily identified when the formation is completed upon casting but the effect is not manifested. This problem is harder to solve as the primary parts for how much mana is drawn to fuel the spell are not fully identified. More concept ties may be added but must be added proportionally, this significantly raises the mana requirement of the spell. This is the method used to form most theoretical spells of blue level or higher until a mage or group of mages are able to test such spells. This is taking into account soul skills that aid in the energy conversion efficiency of mana and specific types of energy.

With that, I figure out why combination magic is so hard to figure out. Since baseline concepts and variables and concept ties all work together to make a single magic circuit to form a spell circle, you can't just throw a bunch of baseline concepts of different types of magic together. Then on top of that without people knowing how to pour mana directly into the spell circle, the energy taken is consistent with the amount of concept tie formations that are used. This means a mage would have to have an affinity to draw different types of energy into themselves. Not everyone can do that and can only absorb certain types of energy.

I then pulled out the enchanting book Rei sent me for my birthday. I look up a couple of things just to make sure of something and find what I am looking for. Magic can only be used by those that can absorb that type of energy, but many artifacts can be used by anyone as long as they have the soul energy to use it. The reason for this is because certain materials can act as catalysts to convert different types of energy into different types of mana. These materials all range in how well they can catalyze the conversion of energy. This is part of the reason why although slot artifacts can be enchanted with any spell, their power is significantly reduced.