Second Post [Video]

[bindsthedead]

[Sabriel looks exhausted, but there's a certain note of satisfaction in her voice as she speaks.]

Atam was... interesting. I found several rather interesting things there. [Two of them are laid out behind her- a trident and a sword.] Including two books of Charter Magic from my own world. The shopkeeper said he simply found them one day, which brings me to my next point. [A brief look of anxiety comes over Sabriel's face, and her tone becomes something between a student giving a presentation and a teacher giving a lecture.]

I know the kedan are unfriendly, and that many here cannot defend themselves. Since I was a child, I have been taught how to wield a sword, and was tutored at my school in the basics of sorcery, and I want to share that knowledge with those who may need it to protect themselves.

[And Sabriel's long white fingers trace a glowing symbol in the air- the mark for light, to be specific, and lets it collapse into a bright pinpoint of light, illuminating the room.]

Charter Magic is not a toy, and can be a powerful tool in the hands of the skilled- a tool to harm, create, heal... or do many other things, if you know the correct symbols and have the power to use them properly.

[Sabriel lets herself relax a little.]

If anyone has any questions or would like a further demonstration, I would be happy to answer any such request here. And I have one inquiry of my own- is there any business in Keeliai that will hire foreigners?

[ooc: More info here (And please comment so I can keep track of how many people have already signed up) and here, for more info. Comment in either entry for ooc questions!]

Comments

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[bindsthedead]

[Sabriel contemplates that a moment before she speaks.]

But even if I don't teach them- they will still be able to return with knowledge and technology from other worlds. Wouldn't that also violate this directive of yours?

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[polyhistor]

Technically yes, but we can't stop people from learning on their own. The acquisition of knowledge isn't static, people are in a constant state of it whether they realize it or not. But what you're doing is actively teaching them. It's a little different.

[But he sounds contemplative, too.]

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[bindsthedead]

It doesn't seem very different, though. Either way, things will still change. Unless you're suggesting we ought to erase everyone's memories before they leave this place.

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[polyhistor]

[Give him a moment, he has to think of how to explain this using as few references to Earth as possible.]

My point is more that you can't stop people from learning, but teaching them is a choice that you, as a person, are making. Anyone can pick up a book on thermonuclear warheads, but there's a difference between them doing that on their own and being taught by an expert in the field until they can replicate a bomb. It's the teaching that concerns me, more than the learning, specifically. You're potentially handing them a loaded gun.

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[bindsthedead]

Magic isn't just a weapon, though. And I don't intend to teach anyone the sort of spells that can kill people until I'm sure that they won't use them on the living.

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[polyhistor]

[He gives her a considering look, and then leans back away from the camera a little bit.]

And - I'm sorry for bringing this part up - but what assurance do we have we can trust you?

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[bindsthedead]

[Well, Sabriel wasn't expecting that.]

My word as a Charter mage. I will swear it by my own mark.

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[polyhistor]

[He's not trying to be interrogatory, Sabriel, really. He just wants to make sure this is a responsible decision!]

That doesn't... necessarily mean the same thing to other people that it does to you. We have no frame of reference for what it even means to be a Charter mage.

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[bindsthedead]

It means having a connection to the Charter. To be able to draw on its power, and to study the marks that it contains.

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[polyhistor]

Could you explain what the Charter is, exactly?

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[bindsthedead]

The Charter describes and contains almost everything that has ever existed, or will exist, and the bonds that tie everything together. [Well, that's what her father told her. Really, it's just a whole bunch of magical symbols to most people.]

It's made of of countless symbols. We perform magic by reaching into it and drawing forth the correct one.

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[polyhistor]

[-- blink.]

Like mathematics.

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[bindsthedead]

I... suppose? [Although Sabriel's never set something on fire by getting an equation wrong.]

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[polyhistor]

No, no, I mean-- mathematics can quantify everything around us. It's not magic, obviously, but when you describe the Charter like that, it makes sense that it might be based in a sort of mathematically linguistic equation. It isn't exact, but I think it means your 'magic' is tied intrinsically to science.

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[bindsthedead]

It's... You could call it a sort of language I suppose. Although magic and technology- often don't work well together. Guns and automobiles stop working, and it's easy to destroy things made by machines with Charter magic. I don't see how they could be rooted in the same thing.

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[polyhistor]

Have you ever heard the phrase 'Magic's just science that we don't understand yet'?

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[bindsthedead]

No, I haven't. [And Sabriel tilts her head.]

Most Ancelstierrian scientists simply call it superstition, and ignore it.

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[polyhistor]

It was said by notable science fiction author and futurist Arthur C. Clarke.

If you're willing, I'd maybe like to study your magic. Um-- a little less hands-off than what you're offering here.