Magic has always been a source of fascination and wonder for humankind. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have been captivated by the mysterious world of magic and its ability to amaze and delight. Whether it be with card tricks, illusions, or mind-boggling feats, the art of magic has the power to transport us to a realm where anything is possible. The joy of witnessing a skilled magician perform is unparalleled. The anticipation builds as they begin their act, drawing us into their world of mystery and enchantment. The magician's sleight of hand is mesmerizing, their movements graceful and precise.
The prerequisite makes a lot of sense though, as this feat brings a lot to the table for both spellcaster and martial combatants alike.
While large or huge, the fractal can easily serve as a mount, and if you have Investment of the Chain Master, it can be a flying mount capable of carrying the whole party. Were the spiny-hide feature attached to a more common occurrence, like say, being attacked by a melee weapon, then we might have a good creature on our side.
The magician's sleight of hand is mesmerizing, their movements graceful and precise. Every trick is executed flawlessly, leaving us in awe of their seemingly impossible abilities. But it's not just the tricks themselves that captivate us.
the new Fractal Mascot familiar from Strixhaven looks like a riot on a chainlock
For those who haven't seen the leaks, Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos added two new feats. One is basically just magic initiate, and the other (which requires the first feat) grants you one of five special familiars that you can summon with find familiar. The actual options aren't exactly worth two feats, but I immediately took a shining to the Living Fractal, both because I like fractals and it has some abilities just begging for shenanigans
- you can swap places with it with a 2nd level spell slot (1 free use per long rest)
- it can phase through objects and creatures
- it can resize itself as a bonus action, though it maxes out at huge
Being a familiar rather than something more generic, the fractal can do everything a familiar can do, and is also compatible with other options like Investment of the Chain Master or Flock of Familiars. So, what can you do with it? Here's what I've thought of so far
- The phasing makes the familiar an expert scout for behind locked doors
- Combined with the teleportation, it can also be an easy way in and out
- Need to get into a locked chest? Just have it slip in, grab the contents and then dismiss it back to its pocket universe, then resummon it with the loot on the other side
- Want to make a killer Jojo reference that only people who've read the manga will get? Have this familiar from another universe phase through a creature's body and expand, making them explode in a gory shower of fractals (Back in 3.5 this used to be called Arseplomancy)
- While large or huge, the fractal can easily serve as a mount, and if you have Investment of the Chain Master, it can be a flying mount capable of carrying the whole party
- Of course, if you have a melee heavy party there's still a combat use. The ginormous flying fractal can just as easily go prone in mid air and land on creatures, doing falling damage. (Note: ask your DM if Investment applies to the DC 15 Dex save to avoid a falling creature, you might be able to bump that with the save DC)
- Does your DM allow Flock of Familiars? Now you can drop 3 at a time from 200 feet up for up to 30d6 bludgeoning damage. Your DM will beat your ass to death, but you will go down dying like a legend
This is a mascot for someone looking to be very creative and strategic with their familiar. Get it into small places, move it through objects and creatures, and maybe even deal a little bit of damage while you’re at it.
It's the sense of wonder and anticipation that magic creates. We find ourselves questioning how the magician managed to make that coin disappear or how they knew the card we picked. The element of surprise keeps us on the edge of our seats, engrossed in the performance. Magic also has the unique ability to bring out our inner childlike wonder. As adults, we often become jaded and skeptical, easily dismissing anything that seems "too good to be true." But when we watch a magician perform, we can't help but suspend our disbelief and embrace the impossible. We allow ourselves to be transported to a world where magic is real, where anything can happen. In a society that is increasingly driven by technology and instant gratification, magic reminds us of the beauty of the unknown. It encourages us to embrace the unexpected, to believe in the extraordinary. Magic invites us to step outside of our comfort zones, to question the boundaries of reality, and to appreciate the wonder that surrounds us. So next time you have the opportunity to witness a magical performance, let yourself be captivated by the art of magic. Embrace the mystery, the excitement, and the wonder that it brings. Allow yourself to be transported to a world where anything is possible, and delight in the magical arts..
Reviews for "Delighting the Senses: Exploring the Magic of the Performance Arts"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Delight in magical arts". The show lacked originality and seemed to rely heavily on tired magic tricks that I've seen a hundred times before. The host's stage presence was not captivating and the overall production felt amateurish. I expected more creativity and innovation from a show that claims to bring magical arts to life.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I regret attending "Delight in magical arts". The performances were underwhelming and didn't seem to showcase any real skill or talent. The tricks were predictable, and I could see the slight of hand from a mile away. The show felt like a poor attempt to cash in on the popularity of magic, without putting in the effort to deliver an engaging and truly magical experience.
3. Robert - 2 stars - "Delight in magical arts" fell flat for me. The pacing of the show was off, with too many lulls in between tricks that made it hard to stay engaged. The set design and costumes were lackluster and didn't add to the overall experience. I was hoping for a show that would transport me to a world of wonder and astonishment, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
4. Emily - 3 stars - Although I wasn't completely blown away by "Delight in magical arts", there were a few moments that did manage to impress me. However, the majority of the show felt repetitive and lacked the wow-factor that one would expect from a magic performance. The performers seemed to rely too heavily on traditional tricks and didn't bring anything new or innovative to the table. Overall, it was an average show that didn't leave a lasting impression.