Arete

Arete (often referred to as "the High Arts" by practitioners) is a form of sorcery that involves bending the world to one's will through the use of rigorous rituals and formulae. The sorcery finds its origins in the realm of Omphalos, where the Olympian pantheon ruled from, with the Titan Kronos being its first known practitioner, though it is also prominent among the Kem-Duati. Wielders of Arete are properly known as magi (singular magus), though it is also commonplace to refer to them as alchemists, and Arete as alchemy.

Areteis a highly exact and precise form of sorcery. Mastering it requires patience, rigorous discipline, a keen awareness of one's surroundings and a powerful intellect. (In terms of Character Stats, all successful magi must have a Perception and Intelligence of at least 3).

## Mechanics

Arete is one of the most academic forms of sorcery in Creation. All magi begin their journey in the same manner; each undergoes the Rite of Awakening, during which their consciousnesses are opened to the energy of Gnosis, the power which fuels Arete. Thereafter, they will be able to make use of all the High Arts of Arete. Those who do not undergo the Rite of Awakening are unable to manipulate Gnosis.

### Gnosis

Gnosis is a psychic energy found throughout the cosmos. It emanates most strongly from objects and substances of alchemical significance, granting objects high in Gnosis the ability to act as conduits which channel an magus's power. Such conduits are known as foci. All magi can sense Gnosis, though those who are more advanced have a more refined sense on what sort of purpose an object will serve, and what effects it will help generate. Gnosis is utterly undetectable for those who have not undergone the Rite of Awakening.

## Foci

* Kronian Glyphs: The most powerful tool in the alchemists arsenal, the Kronian Glyphs are symbols and markings designed and honed by Kronos, which can be used as exact foci for various effects. They are the keystone of modern alchemy, employed to direct the power of Gnosis and provide the foundation through which the other foci are employed. Without them, alchemy is near impossible, and lack of knowledge of the proper glyphs limits most would be magi in their development, and are the reason why alchemists place such importance on tomes, scrolls, and tablets of information.
* Celestial Orientation: Celestial Orientation refers to the alignment of constellations, the position of the sun and moon, patterns of the weather, and all forms of orientation within the sky. Many formulae require specific phases of the moon or weather formations in order to function.
* Tellurian Substances: Tellurian Substances are items such as metals, gemstones, plants and animal parts, physical objects which are used in Formulae. Most substances are completely destroyed when used in such a manner, but some precious and coveted substances can be employed over and over again.
* Ruling Utensils: Ruling Utensils are specially designed objects, usually inscribed with Kronian Glyphs, which alchemists use to better focus and direct the energies they manipulate. Often, they take the form of amulets, items of clothing, wands or staffs. Novice magi often rely heavily on such Utensils, and when deprived of them, their abilities are frequently crippled.

## The High Arts

The High Arts is the name for the classifications that magi give to the forms their power takes. Each alchemical formula is classified as belonging to one of the High Arts, depending on its specific function.

* Potions: Potions are concoctions brewed using Formulae from various Tellurian Substances. They serve typically to induce effects that enhance or bestow abilities of those who consume them. Potions, once brewed, are also beneficial in that they store effects which can be easily employed later upon consuming them. The effects of potions are usually only temporary, and if one wishes to maintain them, they must be taken routinely.
* Imbuements: Imbuements are complex rituals, which as their name implies, temporarily Imbue a magus with the power to direct and control various energies, granting them powers such as telekinesis, thought compulsion, or the ability to manipulate the weather. Imbuements make use of several Foci in order to manifest their abilities, and then use Ruling Utensils to help better refine ones power. It is possible, through continual and repeated use of an Imbuement, to steadily lengthen its duration, until eventually, its effect becomes permanent, granting a magus permanent access to its powers without the need to undergo a formulaic ritual.
* Transmutations: Transmutations are effects which involve altering the shape, composition, and traits of physical material, such as stone, wood, or even flesh. Transmutations make heavy use of Tellurian Substances, whose qualities and traits can be infused into other objects. Through practice, it does become possible to employ Transmutations without the use of a full formulaic ritual, though Tellurian Substances are always required, unlike with Imbuements.
* Manifestation: Manifestations involve formulae which, once completed, result in an immediate and singular effect taking place. Manifestations always require full and complete use of formulaic rituals to be performed. Manifestations cover a wide variety of effects, and share overlap with the other High Arts, but are in general much more complex, wide-reaching, and potent.

## Circles of Attunement (up in the air rn, might delete)

The strength of a magos in a particular Path is denoted by what are known as Circles of Attunement. The use of sufficient foci allow a magos to make use of abilities at higher Circles than what they have presently attained. For instance, novices to a Path require foci in order to make use of the First Circle of Attunement. In total, there are Three Circles of Attunement for every Path, with the First Circle being the weakest, and the Third the most powerful.

## Formulae

### Level 0

* Rite of Awakening (Manifestation):