Alter Aeon The Great Library

Welcome to the Alter Aeon Historical Archive!

Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  13775
Title: a book entitled "Magus Novum IV: Illusions and Force Fields"

While most mage spells involve the use of elemental magic, the basic
principles can be adapted to use with other forms of energy. Mages can
learn to generate, bend and otherwise manipulate visible light to create
illusions. They can also concentrate mana into repulsive force fields.

Illusion spells come in two broad categories: instant and enduring. Instant
illusion spells create intense bursts of light that blind, stun and confuse
enemies. They manifest as dazzling rainbows. Lower-powered variations of
these spells can make spectacular light shows and special effects [see
footnote 1].

Enduring illusion spells are generally defensive in nature. They can bend
light around creatures or objects, creating an invisibility effect. Balls
of dancing light can be conjured over short distances, illuminating nearby
areas and creating distractions. Alternatively, light can be absorbed,
obscuring areas, objects or creatures with a blanket of darkness. The
caster's image can also be displaced, making them more difficult to
pinpoint in combat. Enduring illusions generally cannot be used to create
disguises or anything visually complex.

Realistic enduring illusions can be created with special preparations.
Under carefully controlled conditions, advanced magical machinery can be
used to create seamless projections using a blend of illusion magic and
force fields. These projectors must be constantly attended by trained
operators. Creating illusions in this manner is very expensive and
time-consuming. Most mages consider it simpler to summon elementals or
craft constructs.

Force fields are concentrations of mana that create a repulsive effect.
This repulsion can be utilized in a variety of ways. These fields are used
in most mage evocations to shape and direct conjured elemental energy. With
training, mages can create longer lasting fields. To the naked eye they
appear as faint rippling or a light tint to the area of effect.

The density of these force fields is inversely proportional to the area
that they cover. Thus a small, very dense repulsive field is the basis of
the magic missile spell. Similar tiny, precisely controlled force fields
can be used to pick simple locks. Larger, lower density repulsive fields
are the basis of both the floating disc and the so-called "fly" spells.
When formed in a bubble around the caster with the repulsive effect
outward, it can make a low-powered, reflective barrier that slows incoming
physical attacks.

Force fields are the basis of the ancient "deflection" spells infused into
silver armor by the mages of Old Q'thelas. These fields cause weapons to be
veer away from the wearer.

[1] It should be noted that illusion spells are limited to visible light.
They are much less powerful than the druidic art of collecting and
utilizing sunlight. Sunlight includes a great deal of energy that cannot be
seen with the naked eye, which is why they have such a profound effect on
most undead.