Chambers of Astinus

Mystics

During the Age of Mortals, a new magical order came about. With the disappearance of the gods, clerics found they were no longer able to channel divine energy by worshipping. However a method was developed by which people learned how to channel divine energy without worship. This new practice become known as mysticism. The ability to tap into this font of spiritual energy has always been available, and was used by early priests during the Age of Dreams. However it was forgotten with all the various gifts that the deities granted to their followers and only used by a few outlying tribal shamans among the plainspeople.

Rediscovery of Mysticism

In 5 SC, Goldmoon went on a journey to die, burdened with grief over the death of her husband and one of her daughters. On this journey she came across an enigmatic figure known as the Sage. This figure spoke with her and taught her the basic precepts of mysticism, without Goldmoon actually realising it. Later down the path she came across the Inn of the Last Home and saw it destroyed by a dragon. She rushed to a fallen dwarven cleric, whom Caramon Majere advised her was Jasper, nephew to their old friend Flint Fireforge. Goldmoon found the healing power within herself to rejuvenate the dwarf and remove all his wounds. She and Jasper returned to the plains where she discovered that whilst she felt the power, she could not consistently harness it. Not long after, the Sage appeared in the plains and agreed to educate Goldmoon. Once she mastered the new magic, she then began to teach it to others. Thus mysticism was rediscovered.

In 8 SC, Goldmoon then journeyed to Schallsea with her followers and founded their new headquarters. By 10 SC, the Citadel of Light was built and the school for mysticism was finally complete. Over the following years, the mystics taught any who choose to learn, as long as they respect the power and do not abuse it. Solamnic Knights, Knights of Takhisis and Legionnaires were all taught and they then returned to their respective armies to spread the teachings and develop the new magic.

There are nine spheres of mysticism that one can practice. They are:

Alteration: The ability to change one's shape and appearance. This can be used on the wielder or on others.

Animism: Magic of this sphere allows one to be in tune with nature and control plants & animals.

Channeling: A Channeler can focus his power to raise the strength or endurance of an ally or for their own gain.

Healing: The most prevalent of all the mystic spheres. Healers can aid fallen or wounded foes. Master healers can even resurrect the dead.

Meditation: Practitioners of this sphere can focus their thoughts and attain intellectual heights that other cannot. They can hone their magical skills, reach new heights of perception and persuasion.

Mentalism: Mentalists have the ability to telepathically talk with others and even to control minds of those around them. A fearsome sphere mainly used by those of darker alignments.

Necromancy: The forbidden sphere of Necromancy allows one to raise the dead, destroy undead and also to strike down those who oppose them.

Sensitivity: This sphere allows mystics to read others aura's, develop a sixth sense to divine future events, and advanced tracking skills.

Spiritualism: The mystics of this sphere can commune with the dead. It allows them to divulge information and learn from their ancestors. It is commonly used by only Knights of Takhisis or barbarian shamans.

Becoming a mystic

There are two tests that every aspiring mystic must make, before they are accepted and trained. They are interviewed by three senior practitioners of the sensitivity sphere. This trio divines the intentions of the aspirant, and will only turn them away if they see darkness or malign intentions within their heart.

The second test lies upon the Silver Stair. Aspirants are guided to the beginning of the Hedge Maze, which they must traverse and find the Stair itself. Once they reach the stair, they must then climb to the top and face whatever ghostly encounter they find at the top. If they endure the encounter and return, they are admitted into the order. Failure means they are either turned away, or if their hearts are true, then can be accepted as a Citadel Guardian.

Organisation & Hierarchy

All mystics in the Age of Mortals have learnt their magic from the Citadel of Light, or those whom have studied there, irrespective of their alignment. Mystics have a basic ranking structure which determines how advanced they are in their studies. It is essentially broken down as follows:

1. Aspirant ~ mystic in training
2. Citadel Guardians ~ warriors who choose to take up their swords in defense of the Citadel and the mystics
3. Citadel Mystics ~ mystics who are versed in one or more divine sphere
4. Citadel Masters ~ mystics who have mastered one or more divine sphere
   1. Advisors ~ Master mystics who serve as ambassadors from the Citadel of Light
   2. Missionaries ~ Master mystics who travel the land, preaching about mysticism and spreading peace and healing
5. Senior Masters ~ The council and leaders of the mystical order. The senior masters act as the judges over any wrongdoers and offer advice and counsel to the First Master.
6. First Master ~ The leader of the mystics. The First Master guides all movements and activities of the mystics within the Citadel of Light, ensuring that harmony is kept and peace is spread to all.

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