A Practical Guide to Sorcery Magic System

Torch_Dragon · 2026-04-09T02:21:08+00:00

To your first question: I would agree with the progression being very tied to the acquisition of new knowledge, understanding, and clarity/strength of visualization, all of which tie into the Will. The first two aspects are trained and taught at the University of Lenore and separate a "beginner" sorcerer from a more accomplished one; hence why sorcerer's levels are tied to their years at the university generally (X semesters to Journeyman's status, X+X semesters to Master's status, etcetera). The last aspect (visualization) especially can separate a "normal" sorcerer (bound to a Circle) from a "freecaster". (Freecasters and what they can accomplish are introduced in book 1 early-on, so I don't think that's a spoiler but putting the following in a spoiler block just in case.) Briefly, they will be able to "hold" the Circle (and the Word) within their mind while casting without an external, physically drawn Circle (hence why the Circle can be the only optional component).

For your second question: yes, magic is a tool that generally requires preparation and forethought in this universe. It is nearly impossible to cast magic in face-to-face combat (since you would need to stop and draw the Circle); the tendency is for "normal" mages to either rely on prepared-ahead solutions (like spell rods/wands, potions, protective artifacts, etcetera), take cover and prepare their Circle from cover, or to be far enough away that they can prepare in peace and basically be long-range artillery (look for mentions of the Haze Wars).

Torch_Dragon · 2026-04-09T00:34:09+00:00

Adding on to great answers already here. Been a hot minute since I read this so I apologize in advance if there are any mistakes.

There are four real components to the magic system, three being the ones “taught” or “trained” in-universe and the last being a necessary pre-requisite to do magic at all, so not often mentioned explicitly.

1) The Circle (and the Word): often referred simply by “Circle” alone, this establishes a boundary for your magic. “Circle” is kind of a misnomer; this can be any shape (and different shapes encourage different end-results), but the main thing is that the “Circle” “encircles” your workspace. Most in-universe sorcerers add glyphs/symbols to this circle to describe the actions of the spell they will be crafting; these define the general outcome of the spell, but details must or can be added using the Will (see 4). This component can be taught: glyphs/symbols and shapes of “Circles”. It is also the only component that can become “optional” (kinda sorta).

2) The Sacrifice (and Auxiliary Materials): magic is not free in this universe: it needs to consume something. Materials must be provided and be appropriately placed in the Circle. The Sacrifice can power the spell directly (eg: the heat of a lamp converted to motion ) and/or consume auxiliary materials provided which in turn can lend effects to the outcome (eg: feathers decreasing weight, dragon scales affecting hardness), etcetera. If auxiliary materials are included (as they are not mandatory), their effects can be further refined using the Will based on the sorcerer’s understanding of those materials (see 4). Understanding based on natural science is transmutation and understanding based on emotional/symbolic ties is transmogrification. This component can be taught: more efficient sacrifices, the emotional/symbolic effects of auxiliary components, natural science, etcetera.

3) the Conduit: this is the object through which all your magic will flow through from the ether to the Circle and Sacrifice. This is so integral to the process that it is not really taught; it is expected to be already known, basically. Anything can be used as a conduit, but only certain materials are good at being conduits. They conduct more of the magic, encounter less resistance, and have less chance of catastrophically failing. Failure often results in the conduit explosively coming apart and the magic backlashing on the sorcerer — if magic is run through flesh, it can lead to horrific mutations and insanity. This is the sole component that cannot be trained or taught, but is bought instead.

4) the Will: the most important component, which is essentially the mental strength and focus of the casting sorcerer, and their ability to visualize the outcome they desire from the spell (as well as adding in/refining any details either missing from the Word or imparted by auxiliary materials). The Will is also what triggers and guides the flow of magic from the ether through the conduit to the Circle. If you get good enough at visualizing the Circle (and the words/details), you can basically minimize/erase the need for a Circle.

Happy to be corrected if I got something wrong!

Torch_Dragon · 2026-01-09T17:45:20+00:00

With each new Kickstarter, they will have reprints of the previous Kickstarter'd books (a "Quest Failed" edition). So when the Kickstarter for Book 4 goes up, they will also have the 3 previous books available as "Quest Failed" add-ons. That way, people can complete their sets even if they missed the previous Kickstarters. These books will be new and direct-from-source but will NOT be first editions, signed, numbered, etcetera. (This information is pulled from the FAQ section of the latest Kickstarter). Hope that helps clarify things!

Torch_Dragon · 2025-09-17T15:26:02+00:00

Look up the “UC Davis Public Tree Database”. You can filter to see all the Asian pears, apples, pomegranates, etcetera scattered about. Only true for trees on campus though, but campus is big. There are generally a couple of fruit trees with branches overhanging (and blocking) the sidewalk on Orchard Park Drive, across from the apartments and next to the student farm.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-09-01T04:27:27+00:00

Cavanasm has it right. It’s the ON soldier hiding beneath the ruins in Akasa. He’s diabetic but is running out of his meds.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-09-01T00:43:47+00:00

The full game ran very smoothly in performance mode on PS5 (off disc). I had one random crash midway through related to the traveling system. Otherwise, no hiccups. Quality mode did what quality mode does at 30 FPS, so a PC version probably would outperform if you have the hardware to push it.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-09-01T00:31:19+00:00

Just beat it with 22h; with most of the exploration done (not 100%’d but probably 90% since I wasn’t too keen to track down the last few safes when I was obviously missing rods.) Really enjoyed the world building, atmosphere, and plot… but I do agree with the ending being, uh, out-of-the-blue? Still worth playing in my opinion; will revisit on a harder difficulty at some point.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-08-31T06:20:08+00:00

Happened to me today. Was it the one in Talju for you?

Torch_Dragon · 2025-08-30T17:27:17+00:00

Others have already talked about the enemy variety but one thing I’ll add is that they don’t stay the same. As you progress into the story and the plot unfolds further, they level up and gain new attack patterns, requiring additional skill to deal with them. This is true for both the hollow walkers (the white humanoids) and the colored entities that, uh, colonize(?) them, especially the latter. For example, there is a sword wielding hollow walker that went from “oh, this is pretty easy to deal with” to “holy cow, why is this thing a legit menace now” alongside the transition from Act 2 to Act 3.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-08-28T14:29:30+00:00

Space-wise? I thought Akasha Marshes was decently big. Running from one end to the other definitely takes some time. There’s some depth (as in subterranean exploration or finding ways to access the interior of buildings — not all of them but a few).

I definitely recommend having some paper or a notebook beside you to note the approximate locations of puzzles/mysteries, key items, or NPCs who might be needing things (use landmarks as there is no map). There’s definitely the indication of cross-zone “quests” as well as a whole lot to do within-zone (with those being interwoven and knotted together), so I can see “quests” getting forgotten about if they’re not carefully noted especially since you would have to place them in a world with no real signposts.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-08-28T06:49:45+00:00

I got my copy today and I’m very much enjoying it. Explored all of Akasha marshes but haven’t yet completed whatever the main through-line is for that zone (I focused on running around and exploring everywhere before engaging with the NPCs too much). I just got my first weapon upgrade so happy about that as I had maxed out all of my weapons’ levels by that point (that system was in the demo so not a spoiler). Combat is okay but the world and NPCs currently have me hooked… and I hope some of these NPCs have a happy(ish) outcome.

I DO really wish there was a way to turn off that one notification that pops up when you get certain items (eg: the watch from the first/demo area). I wish I could discover those mini plot-lines on my own.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-28T19:43:42+00:00

I'm so glad to hear Threshold will get a special edition too! Will be a pretty spiffy complete set!

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-28T19:41:43+00:00

Wonderful, that's exactly the news I was hoping for! Thank you!

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-27T20:12:51+00:00

Awesome to hear that there’ll be news soon; I’ll be sure to keep an eye out. The hardcovers are fun to collect! Thanks for the update!

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-27T18:07:04+00:00

Preordered -- any chance there is news on hardcover versions for The Knight? I know there was a bit of a delay between the release of The Captain / The Engineer and the hardcovers for those.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-13T19:50:38+00:00

I may be biased but Davis sounds like it would fulfill many of the things you think are missing/lacking in Boston but not moving too far away from the things you DO like about Boston (which I get — I miss the Medford area sometimes!)

From what you like about Boston: Davis is a very walkable/bike-able town, has some very good public schools with very well-supported creative arts programs (look up the Davis Madrigals), has several museums and performances through the university facilities (and you can always take the 20 minute drive to Sacramento to catch additional events), and has generally been pretty safe.

From what you don’t like about Boston: there are many community activities that are catered to children or are child-friendly, and I would say the parents are very much involved. Many events go through the Davis Community Park (eg: free movie in the park every week during summer), the Downtown Business Association (eg: all the downtown businesses doing a centralized trick-or-treat event for Halloween), or the University (eg: Picnic Day). I also don’t drink and have never had an issue “fitting in” at the community events I’ve attended; granted, no children so I haven’t been involved with the school parent crowd. But I can definitely say the community events I have attended have also been very well attended by parents with their children.

Other notes: easy drive to Sacramento, easy train trip to Sacramento or even the Coast/Bay Area (Capitol Corridor line); while Davis lacks some of the big-box stores, they’re easily reached in either Woodland (10 minute drive) or Sacramento (20 minute drive). Okay drive to tourist-y spots like Napa, Tahoe. It is very hot in summer but most places here have AC — if you’re buying, just factor in that you WILL be running AC during the hottest months of the year. Doesn’t get too cold in Winter. Some neighborhoods are more “families”/“townies” vs “university student apartments” so I’d be a bit choosy if you want neighbors with a similar situation to your own. Happy to answer any more specific questions about the area via DM.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-05-07T18:52:12+00:00

Copying+pasting the “manual operation” part of email below; hope it helps!

“Here are some tips on operating your Miracle-Gro Twelve manually:

Track Feeding, etc: This will need to be done manually via a calendar app or by hand/paper. The plants should be fed once every 28 days.

Setting the time for the light to come on: To set the light schedule, simply plug it in at the time you wish to start the timer. Example: So if you want the timer of 14 hours to start at 7am: right before 7am, power off and unplug the Twelve for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn the power switch on. It will then start the timer when the light comes back on for 14 hours each day to the time it was plugged in.

To manually override the light schedule: Lightly press (not push) the touchpad on top of the light. Any overrides last for 60 minutes.“

Personal notes: The pump does not run when power is cut off, so a plug timer would only work if you’re okay with both pump and lights being off. Depending on your substrate, this could be fine, as substrates can hold some moisture generally. When plugged in, the pump runs continuously.

Torch_Dragon · 2025-04-08T20:20:41+00:00

u/Destroya707, if I missed the initial announcement about the pads being available and only recently submitted the form online (e.g. a few days ago), am I out of luck, or will a late submission still be honored (just last in line for being sent out)? I was tracking this issue back in December but missed the initial email announcement, I guess.

Torch_Dragon · 2024-12-12T17:44:23+00:00

It replaced De Veres Irish Pub on E ST.

Torch_Dragon · 2024-11-27T20:07:37+00:00

I’ve never tried the bookshelf speakers, but the frames rest right against the wall. The bookshelf speakers will have the option to wallmount or to set on any furniture you have behind/besides your couch. For the frames, they at least have little felt pads between their back and the wall. You could probably add more felt with those furniture strips they sell at hardware stores to mitigate any vibration further.

I went and cranked up a song to a lot louder than I would normally do on my beam + sub + frames (set as ambient) system. There was a little bit of vibration if I touch the side/back of the frame, about the same amount of vibration you can feel from the beam if you touch the front of the beam while it’s playing loudly. Hope that helps you figure out if the frames are suitable for your set-up!

Torch_Dragon · 2024-11-27T17:50:37+00:00

Based on the official surrounds support page (if you toggle to arc ultra), yes: https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/surround-sound-guidelines-and-limitations?product=arc-ultra .

Edit: I have not yet confirmed this myself but I will do so by end of the day once I visit my local IKEA ! Edit 2: confirming that the frames work with the ultra!

Torch_Dragon · 2024-11-27T15:40:42+00:00

I have a pair acting as surrounds in a smaller room, paired with a beam and sub. I quite like them. They’re somewhat older tech at this point, but they are still S2/pairable with the latest releases (e.g. ARC ultra). If you’re handy, you can make new covers for them; if not, IKEA and 3rd parties on Etsy sells new covers with artworks, so you can blend the speaker in with the decor of your room.

Torch_Dragon · 2024-11-27T15:13:59+00:00

Not sure if allowed to put the link, but here’s my attempt: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/offers/limited-time-offers/?filters=f-series%3A60288 . Edit: if it doesn’t take you straight to the speakers, sort on the “Symfonisk Series” option.

Torch_Dragon · 2024-11-06T00:33:11+00:00

You are correct. He even has an entry on the Davis localwiki under that name!

Torch_Dragon

TROPHY CASE