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Black Mages and White Mages ~heather |
By definition, a practitioner of Black Magic is someone who specialises in the casting of offensive, aggressive and destructive spells. Black magic centres around the theory that "the best defence is a good offence" and thus concentrates on the use of magics that are meant solely for the purpose of destroying. To this end, the Black Magician must learn the arts of many different caster types, picking and choosing which spells to keep and which spells to discard. Also, as with all distinct caster types, Black Mages (the term used for a practitioner of Black Magic, (i.e. a Magician> have a few spells specifically of their own.
The Black Mage's spells come from a variety of what might be loosely termed, "The Casting Arts". Though there are a lot of religions which use magic in one form or another, the Black Mage's arsenal comes from the casting arts which are listed here, in The Library of Knowledge. Having an affinity for destructive spells, the Black Mage hones only those spells which bring about the decay or destruction of their target, believing that this is the only useful way to progress in life and magic. Unlike a Sorcerer, the Black Magician may worship certain deities (perhaps even themself, as the Satanist does), and may hold to certain rules of casting which they find improve their performance.
To the end of a well-rounded repertoire of offensive spells, the Black Mage takes from the following arts:
• Conjuring/Demonomancy • Elemental Magic • Enchanting • Necromancy
As for Conjuring and Demonmancy: these arts tend to found the knowledge base and insidious powers of a Black Mage. Though not used very often for the purpose of totally destroying an enemy, it is quite common in this art to use them for intelligence gathering or for acts of treachery and subtle destruction. Demons, as opposed to standard spells, have intelligence and power that can work in a multitude of ways and can change methods without direct instruction from the caster. Having this benefit, sometimes a demon is the only force necessary to rectify a situation.
Demons, however (and thankfully), are not the only source of power for a Black Mage. One of the landmark abilities of a Black Mage is to be able to take different spells from different casting types altogether, and bind them into one cohering magic form.
Another one of the arts that is sapped of it's unique abilities is Elemental magic. Black Mages tend to be fiercely fond of using the Elemental class of magic since it represents the quickest and most effective form of physical destruction available. Fire, among the four elements, is a classic among these casters. Though never able to reach a level of control over the elements that compares with a dedicated Elemental magician, some Black Mages study hard enough that they are eventually able to use the rudimentary level spells of Elemental Magic. With the exception of Earth, the elements are usually mastered at the most basic level by a Black Mage simply for the purpose of being able to use them for unleashing chaos.
Very little from Elemental magic is accessible to a Black Mage, but often, instead of Elemental magic, Enchanting is used. Also with Enchanting, very little is available without dedicated study, but it tends to be far more forgiving and accessible to other caster types. Black Mages use this to enhance their normal operations. If a Black Mage were simply trying to curse someone, this would be the art of choice. Using a Fire Elemental, the conjuration instructions of which can be found at Spirit Online, a Black Mage can create a "spirit" to go and harrass/destroy/harm a selected target (although the Spirit Online link is White magic based, so it will never recommend that you use an Elemental Servant for such purposes). This type of magic is based in Enchanting and will probably not be the strongest ability of a Black Mage, but still is a casting ability worth mentioning.
The final borrowed source of a Black Mage's ability is based in the use of Necromancy. Necromancy is infamous for two things: raising undead minions and vampiric spells. Though the raising of bodies or entities is an ability far above a Black Mage, they are capable of tapping the vampiric and draining powers of Necromancy. By learning the basics of the use of Death Essence, the Black Mage can employ draining spells and spells of harm that will take the magical and/or life energies of a target and add it to one's own reserves (this does not mean that a Black Mage can steal your soul or shorten your life, but rather that a feeling of weariness and lethargy can be induced).
Also, as with every distinct caster type, there are a few spells available to a Black magician that are truly and uniquely for that caster class alone. Much like the Death Essence of Necromancy, Black magic holds power through the use of the black channels. Many Black Mages hold the claim that, much like death essence, there is a black energy source out there that can be commanded and controlled with will power. This enables a variety of spells for the Black Mage. The different uses of the black energy cannot be discussed here in any meaningful way, but knowledge of it's existence forms a base for the Black Mage's studies.
This is the art of the Black Mage: triumph through force.
White Mages --
As opposed to the harsh magics of the Black Mage (not a true Mage, but rather only etymologically), the White Mage (likewise, not a true Mage) is focussed on only those things which are necessary to protect, heal, and those things which work for the greater good of humanity and the individuals therein. The nature of a White Mage must be pure, or the magic will not work. It stems from the inner being, and the powerful force of love and justice.
There are many deities which are used by White magicians that support this cause and the principles of it. It is called "The Great Work", and is based on a complex system of justice and morality which is aided by the use of advanced protective magics. The principles of using this advanced protection, and the rare circumstances under which a White Mage can use "offensive" magics will be described at length. Note that this page will cover only the casting aspects of White magic and will virtually ignore the many religious shells that are placed on this type of casting.
First off, one must understand the ritual as is propagated by the study of magic. Magic can be used in any way the caster deems fit. Many casters have different mindsets, and thereby branch into many arts. The mind of the White magician is one of peace. A White Mage will never seek revenge, per se, but will simply seek to be left alone by uncouth casters. Being the most non-intrusive of magical types, White magic is based on the use of defensive, healing, and augmentatory spells.
The defensive aspect is one that makes White magic so distinct from every other type. The tenet of White magic theory that most exemplifies this is: "It is easier to create one solid defence than to destroy a multiplicity of enemies" -- Common Saying. Using this logic, the White Mage practices the use of shielding methods, creating barriers around themself and friends for protection, the creation of protective servitors, and many other methods that prevent the "bad energies" of other magicians or a hostile environment from altering their course or magical alignment/attunement. In persuit of this goal, White Mages (chiefly, among all casters) creates nodes of power where no other magical energy can interfere.
Another skill of the White Mage is the ability to perform minor healings. Now, of course, these healings are not nearly of the same caliber as a Healer, but they are nonetheless effective. Much like a Black Mage borrows from Necromancy, so does a White Mage from Healing. The purity of the nodal environments made by a White Mage allows them to sufficiently amplify their power enough to perform spells which are slightly out of their category. One method used by White magicians is a Wicca technique called "The Cone of Power". Details of this procedure can be found at many different web sites and should not be too hard to hunt down .
The last landmark ability of a White Mage is the ability to help those around them. A White Mage is dedicated to helping humanity and ensuring that people around them are benefitted by their presence. More often than not, they use their unique powers of prayer and blessing to increase the success, happiness, or general well-being of those around them. The White Mage can create nodes of blessing in another person's home to bring them good luck, can bless their objects and make them somewhat enchanted in that way, and a host of other blessings that can improve the life of themself or someone else.
The final aspect of White magic that should be mentioned is the fact that White magicians, though primarily defensive casters, do have very rare moments when they are allowed to use "offensive" spells. These are not offensive spells of the same class as Black Mages, obviously, but rather forms of magic that halt an attack from its source. This sort of spell would be one of the rare occassions when a White magician is strong enough to cast a Mute spell on the powers of an aggressive and persistent magical attacker. While being offensive and taking proactive measures to halt another's spell, no damage is done to the target. This is the acceptable use of "offensive" magic by a White Mage. It keeps the purity of White magic while halting a problem at the source. |
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| Alias | Date | Reply |
| Squall Leonheart |
9/8/2004 12:00:00 PM |
I love that word Mage...I first learned about Mages from the Final Fanytasy Series...they actually are factual about them...plus they have awesome robes... |
| wishin for more gray |
9/8/2004 12:10:00 PM |
i like final fantasy - and yes it teaches much mythology. have you played vagrant story? i LOVE that game, my fav of all time possibly - it too teaches much. 8-) thanks for reading |
| 32Degree |
9/8/2004 1:12:00 PM |
Just a comment,"magic has no color.It has neen described as "black","gray", or "white' but the distinction between "black" and "white" is fairly modern, acording to occultist A.E. Waite.Magic is neutral and amoral and depends on the sharp contrasts between good and evil spirits.The disctions were far more obscure in ancient times".The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft,p.213. |
| wishin for more gray |
9/8/2004 1:18:00 PM |
true - but most people only recognize/relate to a color. I've heard so many say there can be no 'gray'. I think there is much more gray than black or white..if a color can be assigned it. |
| Wise |
9/8/2004 2:41:00 PM |
So basically the struggle between good and evil continues in this....according to purpose. |
| wishin for more gray |
9/8/2004 3:45:00 PM |
no, neither is good or evil. there is no good and evil..only a means to an end. there is always something there to answer a request, some just answer quicker than others. like 32degree said, black and white are recent terms. because people need to label something good or evil. there is only a means to an end and the price one is willing to pay for it, methinks. |
| Wise |
9/8/2004 4:11:00 PM |
I still say it is good or evil and depends on the purpose.... |
| wishin for more gray |
9/9/2004 5:38:00 AM |
yes, and you are a christian so that makes sense that you would feel that way. do you not know that the love shield i put on you that saved your life in the car wreck was done to any and all, meaning, good, bad, whatever wants to take care of you, i'm willing to pay the price. so, that is a good means to a good end, i think. |
| ImaginaryLight |
10/4/2004 6:25:00 AM |
I think black magic is a nessesary evil which balances out the world. then again this is coming from a sea witch....and i agree with what 32 degree said.
-Goddess Of Imaginary Light |
| wishin for more gray |
10/6/2004 6:02:00 AM |
I'm not wiccan..more druidic in nature - so yes, there are no colors, the environment is there to manipulate in any way we see fit, methinks. |
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