Please take a magic dampening amulet from the bowl near the door and find your seats. Tonight we cover Mentalism.

This is going to be an interesting night.

*Grabs magic dampening amulet*
I'm here.

This should be very interesting.

*takes an amulet*
*begins to observe it*

Also, if your devices have timers and you are able to use them, bring them up. We'll be doing a quick exercise.

1402899
Devices? You mean these things? *holds up an amulet*

1402909
Whatever it is you are using to communicate. That is not a device, it is an amulet.

1402915
Are you absolutely sure?

1402915
You mean there's a timer on my communication crystal? *begins fiddling with it*

1402934
Yes. These are useful in more ways than one. I've used them myself.

1402941
Alright, I've got a timer then.

1402899
My timer is ready.

And let us begin! Can anyone tell me why you all are wearing amulets?

Ah, there we go. Found it!

1402968
Is there going to be a demonstration?

1402968
To protect ourselves from magic we don't understand.

1402968
Are we actually going to be using the magic of Mentalists in this lecture?

1402968
Do we have a Mentalist in the room right now?

1402987
Am I the Mentalist? Wouldn't that be a plot twist! M. Night Shyamalan would be proud.

1402978
1402981
1402982
The reason we are using amulets is because of the very nature of Mentalism, that being the magic of the mind. Inspiration, concepts, and ideas are all very dangerous in the hands of an unskilled Mentalist, because Mentalism is exactly what it sounds like, the magic of the mind.

1402987
1402992
A prospective one, yes. Of course, all of you have potential, but there is a danger there.

1402996
....'Kay.

1402996
So we are using mind magic this time around?

Right. So, what's the difference between the type of work Clerics do and the type Mentalists do?

1403029
The use of binding or breaking magic?

1403029
Clerics seek to aid those who are in need of it and consent to their help. Mentalists seek to ferret out the truth from those who's lies would bring great harm to the innocent.

1403029
So far, all I know is that they can work in similar fields.

1403029
Clerics are more for the calming of emotional and mental states whereas Mentalists just barge in with really a care to the state the subject is or try to break the state the subject is in?

1403034
1403039
1403040
1403041
You are all correct, and all have part of the larger picture. The key word is consent. Mentalists practice on those who cannot or will not consent, though Clerical Disciplines can be used on the unaware or unwilling. More than that, though, is the emphasis placed on the Mind as opposed to the Heart. Mentalists tend to either be very cold and calculating individuals, or fragile beings with little tolerance for large groups of people.

1403062
They sound like wonderful individuals to invite to a party.

1403079
An all mentalist party would be swell.

1403079
Should you manage to truly befriend a Mentalist, you will find them to be among the truest and most steadfast of companions. It's rare they can relax and be themselves around another person.

1403081
And "It's a deadman's party" just started playing in my head.

The final School of Magic is possibly the most infamous, its arts shrouded in secrecy and their gatherings almost always hidden, both because of their nature and their constant persecution. Mentalists are considered to be Empathic in nature, but in fact, they are masters of the mind, laying in complement to their cousins the Clerics. Few in number, cloaked in shadow, these spellcasters specialize in many different types of mental magic, but only five of their Major Disciplines are known, and those only to the ones who choose to join their ranks and learn what are called the Moon’s Mysteries.

The first Discipline we shall cover is the Discipline of Possession, that of transferring consciousness from a body to another object, including the body of another. Those who are able to perform this task are known as “Travelers”, and are able to create a great many useful things, including “soulcatchers”, gems which trap consciousness in case of grievous injury, or constructs, though it takes a true master of Mentalism to create one that can last for long. In addition to transferring their consicousnesses into another object, the proficient Traveler is able to separate their mind from their body and roam as free energy.

While the potential for abuse is obvious and very real, we must consider the good that can be done by Travelers. Many a life is owed to them, as they are able to store the minds of others who have been hurt until they are able to inhabit their own bodies once more, or failing that, hold them until they can wish their loved ones well and pass on. Unfortunately, a consciousness cannot survive out of a body for long, and without very proper care in a transference, the mind will begin to deteriorate at a rapid rate. Mentalists have tried to gain a sort of immortality by moving themselves into new constructs, but the mind loses pieces of itself each time. Most can no longer function after their first permanent transference, and soon leave this world.

1403062
What about all those Readers that become mental therapists?

1403087
Why is it difficult for Mentalists to make friends, aside from the obvious stigma that Mentalists will crush your mind and devour your soul?

1403108
Like I said, they tend to. It's different for each individual. Most Mentalists spend time away from cities.

1403113
Because Mentalists can crush you with a stray thought. It makes people just a bit nervous.

1403105
How close is this practice to Liches and their soul phylacteries?

1403139
Not at all close. Soulcatchers are temporary solutions, at best.

Now, we will need to talk about each of these when we are through. Understood?

1403144
I should think so. Making yourself (or someone else) into a Lich is punishable by re-death, right?

1403155
With prejudice.

1403152
Is it the "Power is responsibility" talk?

1403155
You know, I'd almost think keeping them forever trapped in their phylacteries eternally would be fitting punishment. Of course you would have to keep track of where it gets put.

1403168
Something like that. More of a lecture on morality.

Next are the Whisperers, those who practice the art of Mental and Emotional Unbalancing. These magic users are capable of introducing thoughts into the minds of others, from a desire to turn left instead of right to a sudden urge to throw themselves off of a cliff. Most Whisperers manage to find homes working with the mentally ill, coaxing them back to reality by speaking directly with their minds, holding conversations with their charges until they have reached a point where a more skilled doctor can bring them back to themselves.

In addition to this, practitioners of Unbalancing occasionally gather for an event known as a Whispering, in which they all begin to broadcast their thoughts at once, until they are able to coalesce into one mind, thinking as one while maintaining their individuality. This enables the group, known as a Convene, to check for signs of corruption and share what they have learned. Traditionally, a Whispering is an annual event which takes place at the Autumn Solstice, the point at which Winter and the Moon have begun their ascendancy. Convenes are usually very isolated and come together rarely, and choose their members carefully. To be asked into a Convene is an honor of the highest order.

1403173
Actually that isn't much of an option. The phylactery may store their soul, but they can constantly keep manifesting a corporeal form as long as it stays intact. And don't ask me how I know this... Grandpa why...

1403177
So the Whisperers are somewhat like Strummers?