True black magic, also known as dark magic, is a concept that has captured the imagination of people throughout history. It is often portrayed as an occult practice that involves harnessing supernatural forces to bring harm or manipulate others for personal gain. Unlike white magic, which is seen as a positive and benevolent force, black magic is associated with malevolence and evil intentions. The origins of black magic can be traced back to ancient times, where it was commonly practiced in various cultures and societies. It was believed that through the invocation of spirits and the use of rituals, one could gain power and control over others. Black magic was often associated with sorcery, witchcraft, and the manipulation of natural elements.
Black magic was often associated with sorcery, witchcraft, and the manipulation of natural elements. Throughout history, black magic has been both feared and condemned by religious authorities. Many religions, such as Christianity and Islam, firmly denounce the use of black magic as it goes against their core principles and teachings.
Blood Magic
Blood Magic is an arcane domain that crosses lines with necromancy, but is far more insidious in its effect on the world. It is sometimes referred to as "defiling magic" as it pulls from life itself, consuming it with the casting of spells. This life may be pulled from living beings, and works best when pulled from sentient creatures. However, in lieu of this, it may pull from the land itself, destroying large swaths of flora (and fauna) in a region, depending upon how powerful a spell is cast. Blood magic was popularized by The Sanguine Order of blood mages who were instrumental in the cataclysmic war known as The Sundering. As a result of The Sundering, blood magic is illegal in Hariel Majour. There, the order known as Hex Chain is primarily tasked with policing magic and routing out blood mages in hiding. In Hariel Minuta, where the colleges of magic thrive, blood magic is still frowned upon (and not formally taught in any school), but its practitioners are not fully outlawed. It is assumed that the city of Sage harbors a number of blood mages, not the least of which being The Boorka (who, to be fair, have never been proven to use blood magic). The only land where blood magic is common in on the western coast of Golthien, in the lands of Lentokk. So great is the Lentokki commitment to defiling magic that the lands, even those far beyond their territories, have withered and suffered (often making the earth unsuitable for vegetation). The ultimate defilers are, of course, The Lentokki God Kings. It is even speculated that the rampant volcanic activity of the eastern continent is largely due to the practice of blood magic. It certainly is a major tool used in the creation of the Deepening Pits that pock the lands of Lentokk.
Effect
Defiling magic is always used to create situations, agency or manifestations against the natural order. In game terms, this involves the enhancement of certain spells (mostly necromancy, but often summoning) past their written effects. The power levels are variable, depending upon the "fullness" of life sacrificed for a spell's usage.
Side/Secondary Effects
The decimation of life, on scales either large or small, depending on the spell.
In these belief systems, black magic is seen as an attempt to usurp divine authority and impose human will on the natural order. Despite its negative connotations, black magic continues to exert a fascination on people today. In popular culture, it is often depicted in movies, books, and television shows, portraying dark wizards and witches who use their powers for nefarious purposes. However, it is important to recognize that these portrayals are fictional and do not accurately reflect the real-world practice of black magic. In reality, true black magic is a rare and secretive practice. It requires extensive knowledge and understanding of ancient rituals, symbols, and occult traditions. Practitioners of black magic are said to possess a deep understanding of human psychology and the ability to manipulate it to their advantage. However, it is crucial to note that black magic is often associated with negative consequences. Those who engage in such practices are believed to incur a karmic debt, which may result in personal suffering or even spiritual ruin. The pursuit of power and control through black magic is seen as an inherently destructive and self-destructive endeavor. In conclusion, true black magic is a complex and controversial subject. It evokes a mix of fear, fascination, and moral outrage. While it continues to captivate the human imagination, it remains a practice that is largely shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Whether it is a force for evil or simply a manifestation of the human desire for power and control, true black magic remains a topic that both repels and intrigues..
Reviews for "The dark arts: the science behind true black magic"
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "True Black Magic". The characters felt flat and underdeveloped, and the plot was predictable and lacked any sort of originality. The writing style was also quite amateurish, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time reading this book and would not recommend it to others.
- John - 2 stars - I wanted to like "True Black Magic" because I'm a fan of the genre, but it just didn't deliver. The pacing was off, with long stretches of tedious exposition followed by rushed action scenes. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistent, which made it hard to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the main character was frustratingly naive and made illogical decisions that further diminished my enjoyment of the book.
- Emily - 2 stars - As someone who loves dark fantasy, I was excited to read "True Black Magic". However, I found it to be a disappointing and disjointed read. The world-building was lacking, leaving me confused about the rules and history of the magic system. The plot meandered and didn't have a satisfying resolution, leaving many loose ends. Overall, I think this book had potential, but it fell short on multiple fronts and left me unsatisfied.
- Mike - 1 star - "True Black Magic" was a complete letdown. The writing was full of cliches and overused tropes, making it feel like a cheap imitation of other fantasy novels. The main character was irritatingly whiny and lacked any sort of depth or growth. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. I struggled to finish this book and have no desire to read anything else by this author.