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Originium Arts are the methods humans use to transform Originium energy into specific forms for particular applications. The term was coined in Victoria after the Crystal Age, distinguishing Arts from Originium Technology, though laypersons in Leithanien and around the nomadic cities blur the distinction, using words like "magic," "alchemy," and "casters." Arts have permeated civilization throughout Terra's history.
Originium Arts Assimilation—an individual's affinity for Originium energy—determines the breadth, depth, and learning speed of one's Arts. It is determined at birth and cannot be changed, varies across races (Caprinae have notably higher affinity, which scholars link to social inequality), and is commonly classified as weak, moderate, or strong. Most people are moderate; the weak need support equipment; the strong may become powerful casters. The Infected's Assimilation rises with Cell-Originium Assimilation, letting them use internal Originium as a casting medium, at a health cost. One's Specialty, the type of Arts and proficiency limit, is also fixed at birth, with no satisfactory explanation.
Classical Leithanian Arts theory classifies Arts into six schools: Conjuration (physical phenomena), Evocation (energy release), Transmutation (changing matter's nature, e.g. alchemy), Augmentation (biological manipulation), Restoration (healing, mainly external wounds), and Divination (interfering with thoughts and perceptions). Sarkaz witchcraft, though feared, differs from other Arts mainly in obscurity; its core lies in special Arts inherited through bloodlines, though how this works is unclear.
The Grand Unified Theory, recognizing all Arts share Originium as their resource, made Arts accessible to laypersons, enabled easier Originium equipment, and ushered in the Originium Industrial Age, where Arts became mass-produced and research turned to Originium itself. The School of Originium Application Theory seeks to bridge Assimilation gaps through technology.
Originium Arts refers broadly to the methods humans use to transform the energy within Originium into specific forms for particular applications. The term was coined in Victoria after the advent of the Crystal Age, distinguishing Originium Arts from Originium Technology, though laypersons in Leithanien and the settlements around the nomadic cities often disregard that distinction, since the two concepts have never existed independently in their culture and tradition. Common folk call the Arts "magic" and "alchemy" and their users "casters" out of habit, and unusual phenomena tend to be attributed to unique Arts, so the term encompasses far more than its academic definition. Arts have a long history in Terra, from ancient tribes to modern nomadic cities, influencing every aspect of life and culture.
What makes Originium Arts possible has been debated from lecture halls to pubs, from Columbia to Laterano, approached biologically, through the study of Originium itself, and even through mathematics, yet theories are often met with calm retorts or unexpected exceptions. Originium Arts Assimilation—an individual's affinity for the energy within Originium—determines the breadth and depth of the Arts they may employ and how quickly they learn them. It is determined at birth and cannot be changed by effort, with no apparent rhyme or reason to what type one is born with; in certain Sargonian dialects, "talent" and "Originium Arts Assimilation" are the same word. Assimilation differs across races—the Caprinae have noticeably higher affinity—and scholars believe this difference is one cause of social inequality. Most societies classify people by Assimilation, typically in three tiers: weak, moderate, and strong. Most people are moderate, able to use standard Arts with training; those with weak Assimilation need support equipment or cannot use Arts at all; those with strong Assimilation perceive and understand Arts differently and may become powerful casters. The Infected are a special case: Oripathy increases Assimilation along with Cell-Originium Assimilation and allows internal Originium as a casting medium, harming health, though sufferers often use Arts frequently to survive. An individual's Specialty—the type of Arts they specialize in and their proficiency limit—is also determined at birth, with no satisfactory explanation yet produced. Rumor holds that the Witch King understood and could explain every involved phenomenon, but his findings were never published, and with his death Terra may have lost that chance.
Ancient methods of utilizing Originium energy were called "sorcery", "witchcraft", and "alchemy", reflecting ancestors' sense of mystery and fear. Numerous cultures evolved their own traditions: Sami's Snowpriests casting frost Arts in the Myrkwood, Sargon's desert and jungle traditions, and a Yanese school specializing in Lei Fa, converting Originium energy into electricity. Some scholars believe environments shape related Arts, though unproven; a more plausible theory is that people simply used every available tool, including the convenient yet somewhat uncontrollable Arts. Only in modern times were these traditions unified under "Originium Arts" by the Grand Unified Theory, which made basic Arts feasible for laypersons, not only the talented. Originium equipment based on it is easier to produce, use, and more efficient than traditional apparatuses, and it underpins further developments such as Modern Industrial Arts, making Originium products omnipresent.
Classical Leithanian Arts theory, built on generations of Spire casters' experience, is the most widely known and accepted theory, classifying Arts into six schools: Conjuration (creating physical phenomena, typically through an object as medium); Evocation (transforming Originium energy into another form and releasing it, such as electricity, flames, or energy beams); Transmutation (reconstructing reality, changing the inherent nature of matter, most famously alchemy separating gold from other elements); Augmentation (directly manipulating an organism's biological functions, strengthening or weakening physical traits or boosting brain function); Restoration (restoring health, limited by the caster's understanding of anatomy and generally to external wounds); and Divination, the most esoteric, interfering with thoughts and perceptions, commonly used to tame and control beasts.
Sarkaz witchcraft fascinates humanity through tales of mysterious evil energies echoing primal fears, yet studied Sarkaz witchcraft is not significantly different from other Arts—simply more obscure. Prejudice against the Sarkaz affects even research, with some institutions denying admittance to Sarkaz. Academically, witchcraft encompasses a wide range of ancient, sometimes exceedingly complex Arts; at its core are special Arts passed down through specific Sarkaz bloodlines, whose inheritance mechanism is unclear, so the discriminatory term persists.
The Grand Unified Theory emerged when it became clear the magic and spells of various civilizations shared one common denominator—Originium. It asks: if all Arts rely on the same resource, why not study the resource directly? It opposes over-complicated categorization, focuses on feasibility of usage, and popularized Arts throughout Terra, directing research toward Originium itself and ushering in the Originium Industrial Age, where Originium Arts became mass-produced—the product rather than the means of production—and Originium was shown to be understandable and usable apart from any caster. The School of Originium Application Theory continues this work, using modern technology to systematically analyze Arts, aiming to bridge gaps in individual Assimilation through technology.
One margin note by the reader labeled "mechanist" states that Rhodes Island internally classifies Operators' Assimilation into five levels—Outstanding, Excellent, Standard, Normal, and Flawed—as indicators of Operator capability, unlike the general public classification.
CHAPTER 1.2
EPIGRAPH
...(Originium Arts) are the order and chaos concealed in society unbound, the infinite potential lurking beneath mundane reality, the beautiful chord hidden in cacophony, the sole truth in this land of lies. —General Wallenstein, from the Leithanian play Wallenstein
This section seeks to present as comprehensive an understanding of Originium Arts as possible. However, for obvious reasons, Leithanian research will comprise the better part of it.
The term Originium Arts refers broadly to the methods humans use to transform the energy contained within Originium into specific forms for particular applications. It was coined in Victoria following the advent of the Crystal Age, distinguishing Originium Arts from Originium Technology, which will be described later in this volume. However, such a distinction is often disregarded by laypersons in Leithanien, the land of spires and music, as well as in the settlements surrounding the nomadic cities. Afterall, the two concepts have never existed independently in their culture and tradition. The common folk use terms like “magic” and “alchemy” to refer to Originium Arts, and call users of Originium Arts “casters” out of habit. There is also a tendency to attribute unusual phenomena to unique Arts. Therefore, the term “Originium Arts” in fact encompasses far more than its academic definition.
Arts Unit with a long handle, commonly known as a “staff”. While Arts Units come in many shapes and forms, the staff is one of the oldest and most common. Some say that the first Arts Unit was born when our primitive ancestors placed an Originium crystal at the tip of a stick.
Arts have a long history in Terra, permeating every step of the development of civilization. From the small tribes of ancient times to the nomadic cities of modernity, Originium Arts have been a constant companion, influencing every aspect of our lives and culture.
What is the nature of Originium Arts?
What makes Originium Arts possible? This is a topic that Originium Arts enthusiasts have discussed for as long as Originium Arts have existed, from lecture halls to pubs, from Columbia to Laterano. Some have approached it from a biological perspective, analyzing Originium Arts through the lens of Terran anatomy; others attempt to solve the mystery by studying Originium itself; and some even hope to decipher it as a code through mathematics. While those who put forward their theories do so with fervor, they are often met with calm retorts or unexpected exceptions.
Originium Arts Assimilation is not to be confused with Originium Adaptivity or Cell-Originium Assimilation. It, in fact, refers to the affinity that an individual has for the energy contained within Originium. While Originium Arts are in widespread use, it is the user's Originium Arts Assimilation that determines the breadth and depth of the Arts they may employ, and how quickly they learn them.
The degree of Assimilation varies significantly among individuals. Determined at birth, no amount of effort can change it. To our present understanding, there appears to be little rhyme or reason to what type of Assimilation an individual is born with. As a matter of fact, the word for "talent" and "Originium Arts Assimilation" is the same in certain Sargonian dialects. There are, however, clear differences in Assimilation across races. The Caprinae, for example, have a noticeably higher affinity for Originium Arts than other groups. Scholars believe that this difference is one of the causes of social inequality.
It is a common for societies to classify people based on Originium Arts Assimilation. The Crystal Age has seen an increase in cultural exchange across regions. While different languages have different names for the levels of Assimilation, most separate Assimilation into three tiers: weak, moderate, and strong.
Most people fall under the "moderate" level of Assimilation, which means that they are able to use standard Originium Arts with appropriate training. The few individuals with weak Assimilation must rely on support equipment to use even simple Originium Arts, and in some cases are unable to use Arts at all, while those blessed with the rare gift of strong Assimilation perceive and understand Originium Arts on a different level from the ordinary individual, and have the potential to become powerful casters.
The Infected present a special case. Individuals afflicted with Oripathy see their Originium Arts Assimilation increase with their Cell-Originium Assimilation, and gain the ability to use internal Originium as the casting medium. This has a detrimental effect on their health, but Oripathy sufferers are often driven to frequent use of Originium Arts in order to survive in adverse circumstances.
Oripathy sufferers are often able to utilize Arts directly through the Originium crystals inside their bodies, without the need for an Arts Unit, one of the many reasons why they are widely feared. Most Infected are not properly trained in Originium Arts. As such, their casting often carries a risk of injury, even outright disintegration.
In addition to Assimilation, the Specialty of Originium Arts is another one of its key traits. In short, the type of Originium Arts that an individual specializes in, as well as their limit of proficiency, are all determined at birth. Researchers of various schools have attempted to find ways to explain this phenomenon, but no one has yet been able to produce a satisfactory explanation. Rumors say that the Witch King's understanding of Arts theory was as unparalleled as his mastery of Originium Arts, and that he was able to explain every involved phenomenon. However, his findings were never published. With his death, Terra may have lost its chance to gain insights from the mind of this controversial yet brilliant caster.
The history of Originium Arts is almost as long as human history itself. The connection between the human body and Originium energy has been known since ancient times, as have methods to utilize Originium energy via this connection. These methods were given names such as "sorcery", "witchcraft", and "alchemy". These monikers reflected our ancestors' sense of mystery and fear, attributing Originium Arts to the supernatural.
Numerous cultures evolved their own Arts traditions, inheriting the geo-cultural characteristics of their genesis. The word "Sami" evokes imagery of Snowpriests casting frost Arts in the snow-blanketed Myrkwood; Sargon's deserts and jungles have given birth to very different traditions of Originium Arts; then there is a Yanese Caster school that specializes in Lei Fa, the conversion of Originium energy into electricity... some scholars believe that those born into specific natural environments are more likely to develop Originium Arts connected to those environments, though this theory has yet to be proven. A more plausible theory is that this simply results from people utilizing every available tool to improve their lives, including Originium Arts—a convenient, yet somewhat uncontrollable tool.
■ Books on Lei Fa, traditional Yanese Originium Arts, with instructions ranging from meditation to equipment testing.
It wasn't until modern times that all these traditions and theories were unified under the banner of "Originium Arts". This unification is known as the Grand Unified Theory of Originium Arts, and its acceptance changed how people approached the topic. In the past, only those with outstanding talent and traditional training could become casters. This new theory, however, made it feasible for even laypersons to utilize basic Arts. Furthermore, Originium equipment based on the Unified Theory is easier to produce and use than traditional Arts apparatuses, while also being more efficient. A new era has dawned.
■ Quick-cast Arts Units imbued with attacking Arts, widely used by Ursus military and police.
In modern times, Originium Arts can be conveniently stored in various user-friendly Originium devices for practical use. The Grand Unified Theory of Originium Arts continues to form the basis of Originium technology, leading to further developments such as Modern Industrial Arts, making Originium products an omnipresent part of everyday life. Once mysterious, Arts now support society in ways never before seen.
Terra is home to many different schools of Arts tradition and theory. The unique nature of Originium Arts, with its complexity and variety, makes it difficult to interpret using a single set of theories, not to mention future Originium Arts yet unknown to us. Classical Leithanian Arts theory, built upon the experience and studies of generation after generation of Spire casters, is the most widely known and accepted of these theories. It establishes a system of classification to categorize existing Originium Arts along broad lines, providing the basis for further research.
In addition to the purely pragmatic Grand Unified Theory of Originium Arts, the most well-known casting tradition also originates from Leithanien. While
popular conception is that all Leithanian Arts are cast through music, the reality is that the Leithanians are well-versed in several schools of Originium Arts. Classical Leithanian Arts theory, which has evolved considerably over time, forms the basis of many casters' early education.
Here, I will attempt to explain the categorization of Arts under classical Leithanian Arts theory as concisely as possible.
Classical Leithanian Arts theory classifies Arts into six schools: School of Conjuration, School of Evocation, School of Transmutation, School of Augmentation, School of Restoration, and School of Divination.
The School of Conjuration refers to utilizing Originium energy to create physical phenomena, typically through some kind of object as medium. Examples include creating shock-waves and applying force to an object or changing its state.
The School of Evocation refers to transforming Originium energy into another form and releasing it. Experts in this school can manipulate electricity and flames, or fire devastating energy beams.
Transmutation is the art of reconstructing reality. Practitioners of this school can change the inherent nature of matter. Most famous is the legendary art of alchemy, whereby the structure of minerals is changed, separating gold from other elements.
The School of Augmentation refers to the direct manipulation of an organism's biological functions. Experts in this school can strengthen or weaken an organism's physical traits, such as strength and reaction time. It can also boost brain function, giving the subject increased cognitive and processing skills.
As its name suggests, the School of Restoration focuses on the art of restoring an organism's health. The effectiveness of this school of Arts is not only determined by the caster's Arts skill, but also their understanding of the subject's anatomy. Therefore, healing Arts are generally limited to the treatment of external wounds.
The School of Divination is the most esoteric of the major schools, interfering with the thoughts and perceptions of an organism. The most common usage is in Arts used to tame and control beasts, but much remains unknown about this school.
Setting aside the Leithanian Arts, no other form fascinates humanity as much as Sarkaz witchcraft. I'm sure many non-Sarkaz grew up hearing tales of witchcraft, its mysteries, and horrors. The stories tell of Sarkaz threatening the land with mysterious evil energies, which seem to echo our subconscious, primal fears.
In reality, however, the Sarkaz witchcraft that we have been able to study is not significantly different from other Originium Arts, simply more obscure and less well-known. Prejudice and discrimination against the Sarkaz extend to the Arts that they use, even affecting research into Sarkaz Originium Arts, with some institutions going so far as to deny admittance to Sarkaz.
From a purely academic point of view, Sarkaz witchcraft encompasses a wide range of ancient Arts, with numerous branches, sometimes exceedingly complex. At the core of the concept lie certain special Arts passed down through specific Sarkaz bloodlines. This lineage of Arts differs vastly from the very personalized and random Arts familiar to us. It is not yet clear how this inheritance works, so the term "witchcraft" continues to be widely used to distinguish Sarkaz Originium Arts from other Arts, despite the discriminatory nature of the term.
The Grand Unified Theory of Originium Arts emerged at around the same time as the concept of Arts itself. When it became clear that the magic and spells of various civilizations across the lands shared one common denominator—Originium—perceptions of these phenomena and abilities, once considered occult, changed drastically. This revelation paved the way for systematic study and research into what is now known as Originium Arts. Under the influence of pragmatic origins, the Grand Unified Theory of Originium Arts eventually became the most influential theory on the topic. It asks a fundamental question: If all Arts rely on the same resource, why not study the resource directly? Emphasizing the unified nature of Originium Arts, the theory opposes over-complication of Originium Arts categorization, preferring to focus on the feasibility of Originium energy usage in various scenarios. The rise of this theory helped popularize Originium Arts throughout Terra. Once considered the exclusive realm of the select few, they are now accessible to virtually everyone with proper training. Its greater contribution to the history of Terra was directing research towards Originium itself, thereby ushering in the Originium Industrial Age.
The advent of the Originium Industrial Age once again transformed the perception of Originium Arts, and even of humanity itself. New machines and equipment that harnessed Originium energy redefined the relationship between Originium and Originium Arts users. Originium Arts became mass-produced. Once the means of production, it was now the product, and it became apparent that Originium Arts, and indeed Originium itself, did not need to be tied to a particular caster; it could be understood and utilized on its own. Having stripped away the mystery of Originium, humankind is one step closer to its core essence. So what is Originium exactly? Has Originium shaped the history of humanity, or has humanity shaped Originium with our own hands, and in the process shaped the Terra we see today? Discourse on such questions began to take place on an unprecedented scale, continuing to this very day.
The School of Originium Application Theory believes in systematic analysis and interpretation of Originium Arts using modern technology on the basis of the Grand Unified Theory. This school of theory is still undergoing rapid iteration. Its ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between individual Originium Arts Assimilation capabilities through technology.