Mana Manipulation (Hedge Magic)
Introduction: Nearly every sorcerer recognizes the flow of some sort of power: mana, sekhem, chi, vis or some other representation of magical potential. Most magicians learn to feel or describe the energies that course through them during the casting of spells. Some, however, learn to direct these power sources in order to reshape the fundamental mystic energy about them. Geomancy, ley line channeling, Feng Shui - all of these sense and redirect the power of raw magic energy into new directions and shapes.
Mana Manipulation is an esoteric Path, and few sorcerers would describe it in such abstract terms - rather, most see it as an exercise described by their specific magical style. A magician used to feng shui and chi kung, for instance, will channel chi energies with special mirrors or moxa burning. A sorcerer who relies on incantations and wands will use those tools to direct Mana and store it. Spirit-talkers and shamans may rely on elaborate designs to trap and hold energy or paintings that ward off negative energies.
- ●○○○○ The sorcerer can sense Mana energies. In simple terms, a quick meditation or invocation allows the sorcerer to determine if an area or item is charged with power (Quintessence, Mana, vampire blood, what have you). With careful study, the sorcerer can tell if it has a specific Resonance - recognising a sacred grove as a place holy to nature and growth or determining that some sort of stored Mana is actually flavoured with a destructive, poisonous Resonance, for instance.
- ●●○○○ While an initiate can sense magical energy in places or objects, a sorcerer with this level of Mana Manipulation can see the magical energy in and around creatures. The sorcerer’s perceptions let him determine if someone is using magic and allow him to see obstructed or occluded magical flows (like blocked chi energies or curses). The sorcerer can also make a rough estimate of the potential magical energy held by an individual, though this does not guarantee separating a supernatural creature from an otherwise normal human.
- ●●●○○ Skilled sorcerers can displace or alter the flow of Mana around an area. The sorcerer can briefly block a Mana flow or push it in a different direction. The sorcerer can cause Mana to become trapped in a simple object, though a given object can only hold a single point of Mana through a brief spell of this sort.
- ●●●●○ Manipulation of personal Mana energies allows a sorcerer to store additional Mana (temporarily), draw from a place of power to fuel his magic or even disrupt a person’s Mana flow to cause injury. The sorcerer can draw Mana out of a place of power, provided it is used immediately. Striking a person to destroy Mana allows the sorcerer to strip Mana from the individual’s pool; this can also discharge the power in other magical pools (like Gnosis). Mana Manipulation at this level can cause injury or healing by altering the flow of life energy through a subject, essentially promoting health or disease. (This has no immediate effect, but over time may cause degeneration or better health; long-term or powerful alterations are better performed with the Healing Path)
- ●●●●● The master of Mana can not only sense and redirect Mana, but can use Mana to infuse counter-magic (creating a magical “shield”), block another sorcerer’s use of Mana or even change the Resonance of Mana (turning poisoned Mana into neutral, “clean” energy that could be used with helpful spells or bending otherwise passive Mana to a more active, fiery Resonance for use with destructive magic).
