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Message no. 1
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 19:34:45 -0500
>>>>>[Faerie, I have yet to hear of an occasion in which an elemental, or
any spirit commonly known to metahumanity, has successfully journeyed into
"space." Spirits can be compelled, even enslaved, but even they have
limits; they will not knowingly submit themselves to oblivion, no matter
the compulsion. I know of many corporate toads that have tried.]<<<<<
-- the Dark Stranger <16:44:05/03-03-59>
Message no. 2
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 23:50:20 EST
***** PRIVATE : the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[And if the stories are true, then the Elves have made contact with
another one that can ... Lo and Behold the Cry of the Phoenix ...]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <05:51:51/03-04-59 GMT>
Message no. 3
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 12:46:08 -0500
***** PRIVATE : Binder-in-the-Dark
>>>>>[Binder, some of us know better than to believe the children's tales
the elves feed us. Remember that some among them have their own agenda,
which may not be in the best interests of metahumanity as a whole.]<<<<<
-- the Dark Stranger <09:51:51/03-04-59>
Message no. 4
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 20:12:51 EST
***** PRIVATE : the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[Oh I realize that tDS, but I also know that behind the tales that
come
from "the Emerald Isles", there are shadows of truth. I also know that there
are forces behind the patronage of "the Paths" as well, and they are even more
experienced than I at such matters.
However, I have discovered a few things that I have reason to believe
they have not, for whatever reason. I could be incorrect of course, but I
have had a run-in with a female elf in Tir and not long after, I encountered
her in Africa as well. I was uncertain as to the exact reasons for a couple
of months, but recently, I discovered that she was associated to both groups
in a "patron" aspect. It has made me concerned on many fronts.
I don't know what "Quinn" or "Lilith" have discovered, but I hope
it is
not some of the same things that I have. I would truly be on the verge of
fear then if it were. However, Quinn's descriptions parallel some things that
I have encountered, as well as a conversation with a magician in the employ of
"Ares". Strange encounter that was, we were in the metaplanes and for some
reason, the metatopography allowed us to chit-chat for a short while (shrug).
Hopefully, the books we found are just a bunch of fiction or exageration,
but who can say. Author's are so often "biased"...]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <02:13:06/03-06-59 GMT>
Message no. 5
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 20:48:02 -0500
*****PRIVATE : Binder-in-the-Dark
>>>>>[All I can say is to be careful what of the elves faery tales you
chose to believe.

Quinn is a blow-hard; I doubt she knows much. Lilith, on the other hand,
is a shifter. She may know much; that remains to be seen.

You say you found books. Pray tell, what sort of books? What were they
entitled?]<<<<<
-- the Dark Stranger <00:13:06/03-05-59>


*****PRIVATE: Draig Un
>>>>>[Most curious. With a few choice comments, I seem to have caught the
attention a number of those that claim to have knowledge of our foes. Now
someone by the name "Binder-in-the-Dark." I begin to see the wisdom in my
return, in this aspect of my task if nothing else.]<<<<<
-- Draig Dau <00:19:28/03-05-59>


*****PRIVATE: Draig Dau
>>>>>[Wisdom can only be learned, not taught.
Excellent.]<<<<<
-- Draig Un <time/date stamp corrupted>
Message no. 6
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 21:17:12 EST
***** PRIVATE : the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[The books were strange and it took a combination of "Text
Translate"
(which a hermetic copy is available on the nets I'm told) and Quests of
Knowledge just to get a usable linguistics key. We, that is some friends of
mine, found them northwest of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. There were
about 20 to 30 in all, most of them concerning personal notes and the like.
If I recall correctly, 2, no, 3 of them were wrapped and sealed in wax with a
sigil similar to that found in the comic relief texts of certain 20th century
fiction writers. We looked it up, performed a minor rite (note, I didn't say
ritual) and open them.
What we found inside them, after we got a 'believed to be' working
linguistics key, was information concerning forces not unlike the "Wraiths" so
common in Chicago and Central Aztlan. There was also information on how to
deal with "bugs" in neat, clean, precise manners. We've since found out that
Ares has 'rediscovered' some of the knowledge on their own (like the Bug
Barrier spell formulae). But there was MUCH more in those texts.
I have contacts in the Yucatanian Rebels (a Priest of Itzamna to be
precise) and in the upper Amazon basin (a Shaman of the River, shrug). Both
of them have claimed to have found similar material in old sites within their
own lands. The Priest in the Yucatan is the only one I have actually been
able to compare notes with however, I have been unable to reach the other one
in quite a while now (at least 4 months).
A spell was devised using the books as a weapon against a Wraith, and the
Priest says it functioned extremely well to reduce the influential energies of
the being he encountered near Hermasillo. I have spoken with him in the last
month, and hope that he continues to do well.
Additional information concerning "the Firmament" was found, and it nearly
floored us all (my group of close -friends- consists of a Sun Totemic PAD, a
Path of Druid Elf (who has developed a connection to 'the Hunt' as a contact),
and a Hermetic Mage that is one hell of a mechanic now). It detailed a way to
prepare a vessel (as in a jar, not a ship) that could contain energies that
would allow a magician to survive for short periods of time in 'the
Firmament'. A cross reference with the Govi of the Voudon showed some
similarities but a definite leap in complexity (and yes, I can construct a
Govi with permission from a particular Loa).
Later translation work also determined that a new step in Sorcery could be
taken, and of all of us, only the Sun PAD and myself have started working on
it, but the elf is now taking interest as well after seeing the improvements
in my enchanting have occurred. We've dubbed it "Metamagic", and it does seem
to work nicely. Granted, neither of us use spells, but our ability to perform
Masking and Centering has improved greatly. It is difficult to learn though,
and requires a lot of effort on our parts. I would say it is equal in
importance to standard teaching in Sorcery, if not more so for the initiated.
But again, I substantiate that it is IMO.
Other books as I said seemed more like personal works and diaries. We are
still trying to translate them all, and we've given some digitex copies of
-some- of the material to the Draco Foundation in Boston for their comparison.
I know that Ehran the Scribe is on their board now and I'm hopeful he'll
garner more out of it. Whether or not he shares, well, that is of course
another question indeed.]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <03:16:02/03-06-59 GMT>
Message no. 7
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 1998 12:54:02 -0500
*****PRIVATE : Binder-in-the-Dark
>>>>>[Most curious.

This spell you mentioned, the one that has an affect on Wraiths, tell me
more. Does it affect the spirit directly, or does it only counter-balance
its' abilities?

By "Firmament" you mean space, yes? Interesting. Do these "astral bell
jars" require a physical component?

I am not sure what you refer to as "Metamagic." You seem to imply that it
is different from what academics currently refer to as Metamagic (i.e.
Masking, Metaplanar travel, Reflective Shielding, etc.). If it is
different, how so?

But most curious. Most curious.]<<<<<
-- the Dark Stranger <09:36:02/03-05-59>


*****PRIVATE: Draig Un
>>>>>[This Binder-in-the-dark is quite the talker; he was quite willing to
give a fair amount of information.

It is also apparent that his knowledge is not quite as detailed or in depth
as I originally feared. He knows much, but not as much as Lilith, who's
knowledge would seem to be second only to our own (excepting of course the
obvious players).

I think I will let the Mighty Quinn lie - she seems to have degenerated
directly into name-calling and vulgar insults. I don't believe I'll be
able to get anything more from her. Still, her predictable reactions
should play to our advantage.

+++++include SL1.archive

]<<<<<
-- Draig Dau <09:44:34/03-05-59>
Message no. 8
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 1998 18:49:15 EST
***** PRIVATE : the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[Okay, let me answer these one at a time...

The spell that works against Wraiths I am not entirely familiar with, as I do
not personally use spells. I have devised enchantments however on a similar
theory. The energies of the spell act as a "siphoning" of the influential
energies, directly severing the link the Wraith makes to it's "aquired" pawns.
I wish I had a way of comparing it to make a more clear understanding... try
this, the Wraith gains power from the entropic forces it indirectly channels
through it's "puppets". The spell ties knots of a sort in the linkage,
restricting the energy flow. IF the caster/user has Dispelling abilities,
then s/he can channel their abilities through the spell/enchantment's matrix
and directly reduce the gained energy from the being in a safe manner.

The text indicated "Firmament" as the Stars and "Voices in the Void",
yes ...
the "astral bell jars" as you refer to them as do have a physical component.
Initially, as we were drawing comparisons to the Govi, we used small
containers that were enchanted with the process. Later on, we learned that
Tattoo Magic could work such in a more direct and protected manner.

Metamagic, well, that is difficult. We ran into that kind of mental hurdle
too. Hows this?

Metamagical Talents are what most of the initiated magicians in the world are
familiar with today. Masking, Dispelling, Centering, Quickening, Anchoring,
Shielding. Relatively recently ground-breaking has lent itself the
development of "Reflective Shielding" which was a direct usage of a given
talent. Have you heard of "Raw Magical Talents"? You know the people that
can read minds but nothing else? Well, think of the initiate in the same
manner. "Reflective Shielding" is using the "Raw Talent" in a more
direct
fashion.

Metamagic Skill is a magically oriented skill dealing -only- with the working
of Metamagical Forces of various kinds. We've learned how to obfuscate auras
more directly with Metamagic Skill and applying it towards the known Talent of
"Masking". We've learned how to temporarily turn down/off a magician's
connectivity to the Metaplanes with Dispelling. We've learned how to Channel
metamagical energy to directly augment a spell's matrix in such a way as to
not even rely upon the normal etheric medium (which helped us out in Chicago).
Centering, I am not even going to begin to go there ... I love to sing, Ome'
taught me more songs than I can readily remember any more. But the -SONG- has
moved deeper into me since I've started to learn this skill. Sure, it sounds
odd, but it's true.

I also have learned that Metamagical "Sorcery Combat" is a bit more effective
against the normal magician. Standard Spell Defense is nearly useless, and
Initiate Shielding stands as expected. I guess you could view it from the
viewpoint of "standard sorcery is simply not capable of coping". If I were to
give a comparison, think of the difference a sharp slap in the face causes
versus a solid gut punch.

I know a comparison, though it is out of date.

For a long time, people though they were the only "intelligent" life on the
earth because of the apparent need for "language" spoken in a verbal form.
Hence, humanity in general remained ignorant of it's decisions and actions
upon the world because "everything was inferior to ourselves". Then along
comes the Awakening, and other beings teach mankind, they aren't the only
thinking beings. Sasquoi, Dracoforms, Spirits, the Meistersingers, etcera...
They all have their own languages, and they can all interact with beings that
are "outside their genetic family".

Metamagic is the same way, sort of. Sorcery, as is taught to so many of us,
is the adapting and directing of astral/etheric energies into a variety of
uses. It does NOT directly adapt to Metamagical Interaction, but can do so.
For instance, Shielding applies itself well to Spell Defense as a comparison,
but is stronger in that it creates a semi-permiable barrier as well as
defending the user. Reflective Shielding doesn't even draw upon standard
Sorcery skills, drawing entirely upon the "Talent" of Shielding itself.
Metamagic Skill allows for a direct usage of the "Talent", and therefore
increases it's effectiveness.

Also, Metamagical "Combat" seems to frighten the couple of "normal
paranormals" we've encountered. It's the manipulation of a "higher order"
of
magic. I simply don't know any other way to explain it to you.

Does that help? And yes, I like to exchange or share information. Call it
part of my personality.

BTW tDS, your questioning peaks my interests in other ways. Could I perhaps
interest you in an "astral meeting" and exchange more? I could explain / show
you more of what I mean that way too. I also wouldn't mind hearing some of
what you've encountered as well...]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <12:48:11/03-06-59 GMT>
Message no. 9
From: Erik Jameson <erikj@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 13:41:59 -0500
*****PRIVATE: Binder-in-the-Dark
>>>>>[I see. So the spell works to deny the Wraith what many parazoologist
believe is it's nutrients. Interesting and far more subtle than a direct
attack. Combined with a direct attack and that could be a very potent
combination.

Tattoo magic? I have heard of such a thing. I must say I distrust placing
an enchantment that, well, close to my skin. Not to mention most of the
practicers of tattoo that I have run across have been only borderline sane.
But that may only be my own experience.

I cannot say that your description on "metamagic" helps me very much. I am
merely a combat mage and theory is my weak point, despite being well schooled.

If I understand it properly, you claim, essentially, to have refined and
enhanced the standard metamagical abilities, to have a greater mastery, or
at least understanding of them.

Most curious. I have met many who have made similar claims, but enough
careful examination they merely had become higher grade initiates, which
explained their greater knowledge and mastery.

An astral meeting? I'm afraid that is out of the question. If you would
like to meet with me, considering it is Friday, then you should be at The
Neon Blue Iguana by 8pm. Any later, and a line begins to form. It's a
very upscale gathering place, so dress appropriately, or the bouncer will
not let you in. Ask the bartender where to find the stranger; he'll know
which booth I'm at. And make sure to order something while you are at the
bar; Dave has been known to be forgetful. They have a wonderful selection
of microbrewed beer, fine French and CalFree wines, excellent brandies and
ports, and an excellent selection of liquor. First one is on me; few
people are prepared to spend 50nY or more on a single glass of wine.]<<<<<
-- the Dark Stranger <13:38:11/03-06-59>
Message no. 10
From: Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Elemental Lesson (was Re: Space)
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 22:50:24 EST
***** PRIVATE : the Dark Stranger
>>>>>[That is a pretty good take on the 'Wraith Spell'.

Concerning the 'Tattoo Magic', I have to admit I agree with you, however
considering other considerations I have had to make, the 'Tattoo' was actually
a step up for me. I have an allergy, call it "an allergy against poisoning
the earth", it's something that I aquired after a major run-in with a screwed
cabal in northeastern GB. Did something to my immune system, so I've had to
compensate. I am also sorry to hear that the artists of 'Tattoo' you've met
are mildy nuts btw, it really can be an enlightening experience.

Theory is where most of us begin, and implementing theory "in the field" is a
huge step, as I am certain you are aware. What I was 'claiming' is that our
understanding of 'standard metamagical abilities' has been improved yes, and
to date, our "in the field" use of the new skills have not proven
unsubstantial. And I do believe I understand what you are saying by "had
become higher grade initiates" ... but a recent ordeal has forced me to
sacrifice a lot in order for a new outlook on improvement. Imagine if you
will all advancement in the orders of Initiation being sacrificed ... I think
you get the idea ...

That is doable concerning a meeting at the Blue Iguana. I do hope you mean
the 'Seattle' location and not the LA one. I'll be there ... and actually,
please, allow me to purchase my own glass, and if the meeting goes well, we
can exchange bills at the end of the evening ... is that
satisfactory?]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <time corrupted/date corrupted>

***** PRIVATE : Prophet
>>>>>[Well Donny, it's official. Dementa is dead. Skylight is helping me
out, and we're trying to track in on the kid. I've got a meet with someone or
else Ome' won't forgive me for breaking my vows. Keep in touch, and yes, I am
running 'Opfrag' at the moment, so locating me is annoying. All my messages
are going to forwarded to the address Fallen Graceless has given me in
Chicago, just so you know. I'll reorbit from there.]<<<<<
-- Binder-in-the-Dark <time corrupted/date corrupted>

Further Reading

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Thwap!