text | un: astudyinviolet

[astudyinviolet]

Type:Text
Sender ID: astudyinviolet (Sherlock Holmes)
To: public
Subject: Magic: deciding, gaining, learning
Warnings: none atm

[ Perhaps this was inevitable given recent events and Sherlock's insecurities about his worth and ability to have purpose in this world. ]

I have a small series of questions to ask those who have gone from not having magic to having magic. Of particular interest are those who have only gained magic from this world, but I will not turn away answers from others either.

The reason I ask these questions is I come from a world where magic is usually a trick using sleight of hand and obfuscation. I inherited my brother's notebooks covering magical theories of this world, but they do not go into the more practical applications or personal aspects of magic. Surely the tattoo is only a single step among many.

• How did you decide on what magic to learn?
• How did you learn to control that magic?
• Do you feel who you are fundamentally has changed? How so?
• Have you created any contingency plans in case something goes wrong with your magic or yourself?

[ He... really hopes no one reads too deeply into that last one, but it is a worry Sherlock has given family history and having others within his head before.

And because he learned from Alhaitham's survey... ]

I understand that such a topic might be very personal. Respond anonymously if you desire and only what you are comfortable with sharing. If you'd rather meet in person, I can arrange that as well.

S.H.

Comments

[emet_sulk]

Obviously, in order to learn to guard oneself from outside influence, one must experience it firsthand. Don't worry - you won't actually be possessed if that's what you're worried about.

[ Don't worry, Sherlock, he'll be gentle(?). ]

[astudyinviolet]

What outside influence do you intend to use? How? In what setting?

[ He has firsthand experience with being possessed and influenced by outsiders. Nope. He's not entertaining this without more information. ]

[emet_sulk]

Simple magic. I shall have a denser than usual cloud of elemental aether attempt to influence you. Even if you fail to repel it, the side-effects are physical and something I can easily cure.

[astudyinviolet]

[ That spell Emet-Selch once placed on his violin brought out visions against his will. Who knows what Sherlock could be influenced to reveal? Who knows what damage it would cause to his reputation in this world?

He's already struggling as it is to hide his madness... ]

While I understand the logic behind such a demonstration, I find that I cannot agree to take part.

[emet_sulk]

If you're concerned that it will bring out visions like before, I can promise you that no such thing will happen with this method.

It will be difficult to cultivate resistance to intrusions of the mind without some tangible way to mark your progress.

[ Sherlock's reticence reminds him of the Garlean people. Maybe he'll have to demonstrate on someone else first to reassure the man. ]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock knows that makes sense. He cannot, logically, think of a way to refute those claims. It's fear that makes him want to master protecting himself against such influences. It's fear that makes him want to reject subjecting himself to an influence even for the purpose of later protection.

How infuriating and illogical emotions are. ]

Be that as it may, I still cannot agree to take part.

[ He's not even sure he'd accept such a thing from friends, much less someone who he knows little about. ]

[emet_sulk]

Very well. But you ARE still interested in learning somehow, I suppose?

If you're this much against another being present then I can try and conceive of something to allow you to self-study.

[astudyinviolet]

That would be appreciated.

[ If only imagining his mind attic to have extra fortified walls would be enough. It feels made of paper or netting as it is. ]

[emet_sulk]

It may be an item that I have to deliver, depending on what I conceive. Where can I find you later?

[astudyinviolet]

[ Emet-Selch will receive a private message with Sherlock's address on Eltrut. His residence is no real secret, but he doesn't want to put it out there for all to read either. ]

[emet_sulk]

Wonderful. Allow me a few days to find a solution for you.