Sorcerers of the occult are individuals who practice arcane and mysterious arts in pursuit of supernatural powers and knowledge. The term "occult" refers to hidden or secret knowledge that lies beyond the realm of normal human understanding. These sorcerers are often portrayed as mystical, enigmatic figures who harness the energy of the universe to perform rituals, cast spells, and communicate with beings from other realms. The main idea is that sorcerers of the occult are individuals who practice mysterious arts in pursuit of supernatural powers and knowledge. Throughout history, sorcery and the occult have played prominent roles in various cultures and civilizations. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans had their own versions of sorcerers and occult practitioners.
Just a few things I noticed offhand on what you said:
I am probably only going to DM during the playtest, but I would really like some input from players that are going to play both sorcerers and bards during the playtest in order to get their point of view. Made me start to think that Wizard might just be straight up better when attempting to multiclass, but I really love the Aberrant bloodline in general, not necessarily yet in this iteration and like the idea of trying out a different spell list.
Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans had their own versions of sorcerers and occult practitioners. In medieval times, sorcery was associated with witchcraft and was often seen as evil or heretical. However, some individuals still sought out these forbidden arts in their quest for power and understanding.
007 meets the occult: why spies and sorcerers are a perfect fit in fiction
Spycraft and magic have always been strange but agreeable bedfellows, and a recent trend for merging both branches of the dark arts is gathering momentum in fiction.
The cold war era of the late 1940s through to the 1980s seems an especially appropriate stage for stories that pepper espionage with something even more shadowy – be that occult magic, the stagecraft of illusionists or investigation into psychic powers.
“Espionage and the supernatural felt like a perfect match to me,” said Nick Setchfield, the author of two supernatural cold war thrillers, The War in the Dark and The Spider Dance. “There’s an obvious parallel in that both of them deal in hidden worlds and shadow realms. They exist on the very border of what’s known and what’s concealed.
“You can make the case that when it comes to tradecraft, the actual day-to-day business of espionage, spies operate with a strict sense of ritual, just like magicians do. You could even argue that codes are just another set of magical runes, a way to pass on secret knowledge. Decrypt a cipher and you’re unlocking a spell,” Setchfield added.
Other books that overtly map the paranormal on to cold war spying include Hannu Rajaniemi’s Summerland, featuring a dead spy who operates via an otherworldly realm, and WL Goodwater’s Breach, which posits a Berlin Wall that is actually a magical barrier between east and west.
Even the twin godfathers of spies – James Bond and George Smiley – have given more than a nod to the marriage of espionage and magic. In Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, published in 1974, John le Carré has Smiley investigating the tangled web weaved by “Source Merlin” and the intelligence he produces, collectively known as “Witchcraft”, while an elite group of spies is referred to as the Magic Circle.
And in the 1973 movie Live and Let Die, Roger Moore’s James Bond employs a little magic to bed his leading lady, Jane Seymour’s tarot-reading mystic Solitaire.
Jeremy Dyson & Andy Nyman, authors of The Warlock Effect. Photograph: Teri Pengilley/Hodder & Stoughton
Claiming some magical ability himself, 007 asks Solitaire to pick a card, any card, from her closely guarded tarot deck. It is, of course, the Lovers, and one arched-eyebrow later she has fallen for the secret agent’s charms.
The postscript to the scene, however, reveals Bond’s double-dealing… he is playing with a stacked deck, every card the Lovers, which he casts to one side mid-clinch.
Live and Let Die was the first Bond film seen in the cinema by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson and his co-writer on the stage and movie hit Ghost Stories, Andy Nyman. Bond’s manipulative trickery – at least with the cards – is echoed in their new novel The Warlock Effect.
Its protagonist is Louis Warlock, a young Jewish-German refugee to Britain during the second world war who grows up to become a famous stage magician and illusionist. And with postwar relations between the superpowers locked into a permafrost state by 1953, Warlock finds himself called upon by Britain’s spymasters to employ his mind-boggling tricks in shadowy service to queen and country.
Nyman and Dyson, who met in Jewish summer camp aged 15 in 1981, had been flirting with the idea for The Warlock Effect before they even started writing Ghost Stories together in 2008.
Spies operate with a strict sense of ritual, just like magicians do. Decrypt a cipher and you’re unlocking a spellNick Setchfield, author
“I think the seed was first planted about 20 years ago when a book came out by a magician we both really respect and it lit the fuse of this idea of the transferable skills between magic and spying,” said Dyson.
Nyman worked for 20 years on illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown’s TV specials, which fed into the book, and they wanted to replicate in prose that niggling doubt we all have at the back of our minds where we know what we’re seeing is just a trick … but it seems like actual magic.
Dyson said: “We grew up in an era when you had things like The Amazing World of Kreskin on TV at lunchtimes and Uri Geller, and these things were presented to you as something that was absolutely real.”
Nyman added: “Somewhere back here in our heads we know that the coin has not dematerialised, the laws of science haven’t been rewritten. But with magic of the mind, it seems unfathomable if it’s done well. It can only be real, surely? And one of the joys in the world of Warlock is that you are seeing it from the other side of the mirror – how things that seem impossible are possible.”
The lines between fact and fiction blur even further with documented cases of the real-life intelligence services trying to tap into the paranormal, most famously recounted in Jon Ronson’s book (and then film) The Men Who Stare at Goats, an investigation into how American military tried to tap into and weaponise psychic abilities.
“Back in the cold war, the Americans believed that the Russians were harnessing psychic powers and brainwashing, and they were really scared about that,” said Nyman. “When the US started to get these frazzled soldiers back from the Korean war, they had no idea what was going on and they were racing to catch up, and then you get all the MK Ultra [the CIA using brainwashing techniques and drugs such as LSD as interrogation methods from the 1950s to the 1970s] stuff that grew out of that, which is terrifying.”
Whether prestidigitation, the paranormal, or the grey area between, magic and the cold war thriller seem to go hand in hand. But Ronson’s goat-staring military men aside, surely it’s just fodder for fiction?
“Do I believe the intelligence services are really investigating the occult?” said Setchfield. “I doubt it. I’m sure they have their hands full dealing with the material world these days. But, like Roger Moore, I’m prepared to raise an intrigued eyebrow … ”
Spontaneous Heightening is the same for both classes (2 at 3rd level). It appears only Bards can upgrade it to 4 instead of 2, via a class feat (not sure where your 5 came from). While it is nice, it's not like the Sorcerer doesn't have something similar.
The main idea is that throughout history, sorcery and the occult have played prominent roles in various cultures. Sorcerers of the occult are often depicted as having access to knowledge and power that is not available to the general public. They may possess ancient texts, rituals, and artifacts that allow them to tap into hidden forces and manipulate the fabric of reality itself. Some sorcerers claim to have communed with spirits or entities from other dimensions, allowing them to gain insight and wisdom beyond human comprehension. The main idea is that sorcerers of the occult are often depicted as having access to knowledge and power that is not available to the general public. The practice of sorcery and the occult is often associated with the pursuit of personal power and the desire for control over one's destiny. Sorcerers may seek to influence others, manipulate events, or achieve immortality. However, the path of the sorcerer is often fraught with danger and moral ambiguity. Many legends and stories warn of the consequences that can arise from delving too deep into the dark arts. The main idea is that the practice of sorcery and the occult is often associated with the pursuit of personal power and the desire for control over one's destiny. In modern times, sorcerers and practitioners of the occult can be found in various forms. Some may still adhere to ancient traditions and rituals, while others may incorporate elements of the occult into their spiritual practices or artistic endeavors. Organizations and groups dedicated to the study and practice of the occult exist, providing a community and resources for those interested in this esoteric field. The main idea is that in modern times, sorcerers and practitioners of the occult can be found in various forms. In conclusion, sorcerers of the occult are individuals who seek supernatural powers and knowledge through arcane and mysterious arts. They tap into hidden forces, manipulate reality, and seek personal power and control. Throughout history, sorcery and the occult have been present in various cultures, and in modern times, practitioners can be found in different forms. However, the pursuit of the occult is often portrayed as dangerous and morally ambiguous, cautioning those who venture into these forbidden realms..
Reviews for "The Spellbound Followers: A Glimpse into the Lives of Sorcerers"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "Sorcerers of the Occult" as I'm a big fan of supernatural movies. However, I was extremely disappointed with this one. The plot was poorly developed and confusing, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. The special effects were also subpar and failed to create a sense of awe or excitement. Overall, I found this movie to be a major letdown and would not recommend it to others seeking an engaging supernatural film.
2. Emily - 1 star - "Sorcerers of the Occult" was a complete waste of time. The acting was terrible, with wooden performances from lead actors and cheesy dialogue throughout. The story was unoriginal and predictable, offering nothing new to the genre. The pacing was also off, with too many unnecessary scenes that dragged on and made the movie feel longer than it actually was. I was extremely bored throughout and couldn't wait for it to end. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Sorcerers of the Occult" as I enjoy fantasy films, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The CGI effects were poorly executed and looked cheap, which significantly detracted from the overall viewing experience. The plot lacked depth and the character development was minimal, making it difficult to engage with the story. Additionally, the dialogue felt contrived and lacked any real emotion or authenticity. While the concept had potential, the execution was lackluster, leaving me disappointed and unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this film to others.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Sorcerers of the Occult" was a disaster from start to finish. The storyline made no sense and was filled with plot holes that were never addressed or explained. The acting was cringe-worthy, with overly dramatic performances that lacked any nuance or subtlety. The special effects were laughable and looked like they were pulled straight from a low-budget '80s movie. I couldn't wait for this movie to be over and I regret wasting my time on it. Save yourself the agony and skip this one.