[DirectorBright]

---

Death
Desolation
Destruction
Mankind's endless folly never changes

The next step of The Work was too late to save my home
Yet the destruction of my home was too late to stop The Work
I endure through over a century of life
No matter the venue
The Work never ends

The knowledge of ages past must be shared
There must remain reservoirs of these arts
That they do not become lost to time
That one may assemble the pieces

That mankind may continue to grow
This is my purpose
Endless and timeless

Mentorship

---

At many requests, messages go out from the Schola Arcanum at last. Lessons to be held by the once-custodian of Martyr's Vigil, near the beginning of the new year - by popular request, and through long history with the founder, Sorceress Muse Eros.

These lessons will begin with an introduction into the Arcane, the entry level of the discipline that has bloomed across Meranthe in recent decades. They will continue up to the current modern height, the arts of Transmutation and Transformation. Prospective students are advised to bring an open mind and some headache medication.

However, something new has appeared upon the curriculum. Something different, nestled within the descriptions of the courses. Something which falls outside the standard purview of the art - and potentially, a demonstration of its working.

The Arcane as a discipline is underexplored and underutilized. I have seen several bright young minds seek to push boundaries within its fields, and this is far welcomed. Yet to the majority of man, its potential seems wasted - individuals who seek to wield, never to innovate. It is perhaps thought by many that these represent the 'peak' of the art, that they cannot possibly breach nor push into distinct and fascinating new horizons.

These are wrong, of course. Mishra Canon's invention of Eminence, Vale Ackerman's creation of Jade Sorcery, and my creation of Umbramancy. Loramelian's Abscission, even Lirael Equisol and the Blacklight Ritual... these are but a few examples. Most of them are lost knowledge, now.

Yet it is not something to blame these newer lives for. How many in this era are even aware of the history of the arcane? Of the time before sorcery, when it was known to only a select few, and yet worked wonders unseen and unheard of? They broke ground, performed feats thought miracles. Meranthe is a land without history, at times, a death of what came before and a burning up of the collective generational wealth of knowledge by crisis after crisis, war after war, death after death.

It is part of why I must endure, that these are not lost forever to time.

It is commonly held that Sorcery is the only road to Arcane power.
I am here to prove to you that there is another, as used in the past.
As rediscovered, and pushed to greater heights beyond.
Another path for mankind, for those who grasp at reality's threads.

Thaumaturgy.

---

Introductory Arcane Magic
This lesson will cover a basic conceptual overview of the Arcane and its disciplines
Topics will include Order, Chaos, Arcane Magic, and a brief explanation of Sorcery and Thaumaturgy
A brief example of how to breach into each school of magic will likewise be offered
Follow up lessons will delve into each discipline in more detail

Location: Arcanum
Date/Time: Sunday, October 5th, 2pm EST

---

Note: Members of Enos & Aetius, as well as Eulias specifically, are not eligible for lessons under guest lecturer Grey Aundeoth with the provided reason of:

"I am not mentoring those who killed my people and burned down my home."

Disclaimer: Arcanum does not take sides in international affairs and remains politically neutral. Other lessons, events, and activities remain open to members of all nations and backgrounds.

[DirectorBright]

With the success of the first lesson, further fliers are posted advertising the next, alongside a determined schedule and curriculum. The next lesson planned upon Arcanum will cover the discipline more commonly seen as the tamer of the two, Order. Specifically, Truth and Stasis will be explained in detail alongside a brief mention of Contract magic. This lesson will occur at the same time as last year. Participants are advised to bring a measure of Amber if they see fit to experiment.

How invigorating it is to teach, if a touch exhausting all the same. A good kind of tired, preparing those who have just stepped into the world... the first lesson was a startling success for many, a breakthrough for them into the field. Enough to sink their teeth into and begin their work.

Perhaps I should simply write that one down... but many questions were answered. Now, it is time to step a little further towards something more direct. The foundations of their learning. I am no contract mage, only familiar with the technique in its working. Still, one could figure it out.

Time for more practical approaches.

---

Order Magic
This lesson will cover a detailed overview of Order magic
Topics will include Truth, Stasis, and a brief look at Contract magic
Detailed instruction of how to utilize Order in both evocation and artifice will be provided
A demonstration of these magics will be offered

Location: Arcanum
Time/Date: Sunday, October 12, 2pm EST

---

Planned class schedule:
Introductory Arcane Magic (Complete)
Order Magic - Stasis, Truth
Chaos Magic - Decomposition, Alteration, Madness
Intermediate Arcane Magic - Transmutation, Transformation
Advanced Arcane Magic - Theory & Application of Thaumaturgy, Transfiguration

[DirectorBright]

Two lessons complete- and reports of a month long night draping itself over Arcanum in the aftermath for the first time in decades.

A new lesson is scheduled over a far more controversial form of magic than before: Chaos. Chaotic energies of Alteration, Decomposition, and Madness will be elaborated and explained during this new lesson, including a demonstration of their use cases. Participants are warned in advance that this topic is more dangerous than the last two and should be treated with great caution. Material will be provided for this exercise. This will be the last introductory course before advanced topics are covered.

Chaos is by nature a destructive force. Hazardous to mind and body alike, banned in some nations, and used for acts of immense damage over history. Yet one does not call the flame evil for the wildfire's course, nor blame the rain for hurricanes, nor curse the earth for the quake. This magic holds great use for mankind, so long as one remembers to treat it with the respect it deserves.

For the moment you do not, it will kill you - or worse.

---

Chaos Magic
This lesson will cover a detailed overview of Chaos magic
Topics will include Decomposition, Alteration, and Madness
Detailed instructions on how to use Chaos in both evocation and artifice will be provided
A demonstration of these topics will be offered

WARNING: By participating in this lesson you accept the risk of physical or mental injury

Location: Arcanum
Time/Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025

---

Planned Class Schedule:
Introductory Arcane Magic (Complete)
Order Magic - Stasis, Truth (Complete)
Chaos Magic - Decomposition, Alteration, Madness
Intermediate Arcane Magic - Transmutation, Transformation
Advanced Arcane Magic - Theory & Application of Thaumaturgy, Transfiguration

[DirectorBright]

Though it goes out oddly late, a reminder is still sent regarding the lesson which would complete the basic knowledge of any would-be practitioner.

At the same time and same place as the prior lessons, set well before the festival of Umbravale, the 'capstone' lesson in Arcane Magic proper will be held. Transmutation and Transformation are to be explained and demonstrated, this lesson promising far less danger and disruption compared to the last. Participants are informed that while the information may be useful without knowledge of Order and Chaos, practice requires control of both.

And now to bring it all together. The Arcane in full, the sublime intersection of Order and Chaos. To not simply unmake or preserve, but to rebuild a tiny portion of the world in your own image and ideal. It is a hungry thing that is not without great effort and strain- but that does not mean it is incapable of working wonders, however small.

This would be the last traditional lesson, Thaumaturgy and Transfiguration being my own creations that extend far beyond traditional arcane theory... a conclusion to what you have learned so far.

I will try to ensure a book containing relevant information is published soon. Perhaps a simple thing like "Practical guide to Arcane Magic." That would be nice.

---

Arcane Magic
This topic will cover a detailed overview of proper Arcane Magic
Topics will include Transmutation and Transformation
Detailed instructions on how to use both in evocation and artifice will be provided
A demonstration of these topics will be offered

Location: Arcanum
Time/Date: Sunday, October 26, 2pm EST

---

Planned Class Schedule:
Introductory Arcane Magic (Complete)
Order Magic - Stasis, Truth (Complete)
Chaos Magic - Decomposition, Alteration, Madness (Complete)
Intermediate Arcane Magic - Transmutation, Transformation
Advanced Arcane Magic - Theory & Application of Thaumaturgy, Transfiguration

[DirectorBright]

The last lesson, a letter sent out for the finale of what had become a regular course.
A glimpse into a specialized, advanced discipline. Something beyond the reach of most, something that had been developed and employed only recently by the teacher himself. A showing that the arcane is not a 'solved' discipline, a view of what can be achieved if one truly tries along paths oft not traveled.

Transfiguration and Thaumaturgy. Some of you have been present when these were used, but to others- perhaps not.

Faith-empowered Arcane. Theurgy was spat on and derided by so many in this modern era of book burning and church-razing. Those who extol supreme egotism as the prime virtue of man, not realizing they have only exchanged one set of bindings for another... or perhaps believing that to stand wholly alone is their destiny without understanding just how miserably empty of an existence it is.

There is strength in adherence to rules and customs, in alignment with others and with greater powers. Something inherent to the world itself. The greatest works of man count no small sum of their number as being wrought from faith- and thus, this discipline, "Miracle Work," should inspire all.

And what miracles! Transfiguration, marvelous Transfiguration, to wipe clean the wounds of old and shape the flesh into something new. Something stronger. Something better. A redefining of the very image of man into forms more optimized and perfected, for just as we shaped tools, we shaped the world- now we may shape ourselves. The sublime intersection of Transmutation, Transformation, Medicine, Faith, and Golemcraft, all aligned to shine the light on a new tomorrow. The dream of a near-century of healing come to light.

A world without frailty.
A world without deformity.
A world without scars.

---

Thaumaturgy and Transfiguration

This topic will cover the theory and application of Thaumaturgy and Transfiguration
This is an advanced course, participants are not expected to be capable of these arts as each requires multiple other skills
Examples and a breakdown of their mechanism will be provided

Disclaimer: Use of Thaumaturgy requires Theurgy. It may be considered Faith-Arcane in the same way Sorcery is Astral/Essence-Arcane.
True Transfiguration in its current state requires expertise in Medicine, Golemcraft, and Theurgy.

Location: Arcanum
Time/Date: Sunday, November 2, 2pm EST

---

Planned Class Schedule
Introductory Arcane Magic (Complete)
Order Magic - Stasis, Truth (Complete)
Chaos Magic - Decomposition, Alteration, Madness (Complete)
Intermediate Arcane Magic - Transmutation, Transformation (Complete)
Advanced Arcane Magic - Theory & Application of Thaumaturgy, Transfiguration

[DirectorBright]

Fliers go out as they have not in a long, long time. Aged things that still bear the sigil of the Goldlight Order, not updated from all that time ago- no. No, a deliberate retention, if one ran their fingers over the embossed emblem of that bird of prey. A slightly altered style, a touch more militarist than some had remembered, but clearly recognizable.

Lessons in the Arcane, to be held within Arcadia in the coming year. A lightning-study, a rapid fire crash course that promises to be finished within a single years time. An education in Stasis and Truth magic, to be held monthly, starting in just a few months. A total of five short lessons will be taught, with any absence leaving you to quote, "Figure it out, I'm busy."

The Arcane is ever a discipline that can spark enlightenment. The understanding of the world's flow, the path by which it moves. The true shape of things. For all its flaws, for all the malefactors within, there is beauty in it. For all the obsession that Chaos brings to many, so too is there a wonder in Order's procession, oft forgotten. A glory all its own.

In an era so littered with malignance, plagued by the forces of the Void- so many may benefit from the learning of this art of Order. So many wished to learn... and as before, so now, I will teach.

The arts must not be forgotten, nor monopolized by those of ill intent and malign will. The arcane is for those whom would build, not destroy endlessly. It is for those whom truly, in their heart of hearts, seek to make the world better- not merely cry a pretext to burn it all down.

A mandatory one-time course fee of a single piece of eternite and 5 amber will be charged to all participants. These will be your class materials in addition to your tuition, providing hands-on experience to all. They will be left with Grey after each lesson for both payment and safekeeping, and retained after the conclusion of lesson 4. You will not be able to fully learn without them.

You will need to attend all four lessons to get the most out of this experience. You are advised to study on your own time during the year between.

Lessons will be extensive, including questions from the audience, practical demonstration, group practice, runework, and a discussion of the applications of each magic.

When the wonder of creation is lain bare before you, when you touch upon the fabric and reach behind the curtain- it may change you. Perhaps there will come one whom is inspired, who pushes further, who sees a future for this art, as I do, beyond its use as a butcher's blade... or perhaps, to the many whom learn, it will serve as a tool to preserve all they cherish against the rising tide of regression.

---

Lessons in Order
Location: Arcadia, Gerbera District
Time: 2PM EST

May 30: Introduction to The Arcane & Order Magic
May 31: Stasis Magic
June 6: Truth Magic
June 7: Application & Group Project

For obvious reasons, enemies of Arcadia are not permitted to attend.