Grimoires, often referred to as books of magic or spellbooks, have a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. These texts were believed to contain secret knowledge and instructions for performing rituals, casting spells, and communicating with supernatural beings. The word "grimoire" originated from the Old French term "gramaire," which means grammar or book of spells. Grimoires were highly sought-after during the medieval and Renaissance periods, as people fervently believed in the power of magic and the occult. These books were often associated with witchcraft and sorcery, leading to their frequent condemnation and burning during the Inquisition. One of the most famous grimoires is the "Key of Solomon," which allegedly provides detailed instructions for summoning and commanding spirits.
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An Illusionist , who creates real magical fire, will find that his subsequent illusions of magical fire, are more believable, since his opponents have already been burned by the real thing -- they will expect the illusion to be real situational modifiers only, nothing for specializing, as he is not a Specialist. One of the tenets of magic indeed, one employed and exploited by some of its foremost practitioners is that spectators cannot perceive correctly the miraculous effects they have witnessed.
One of the most famous grimoires is the "Key of Solomon," which allegedly provides detailed instructions for summoning and commanding spirits. This text, along with other influential grimoires such as "The Lesser Key of Solomon" and "The Greater Key of Solomon," became important sources of inspiration for occultists and magicians for centuries. Grimoires were typically handwritten and adorned with intricate symbols, seals, and sigils believed to enhance their magical potency.
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Ok, so by the PHB the conjurer has no access to divination and invocation spells (though my copy says greater divination, but others say just divination). As per the spells and magic version, its also listed as just divination.
SO does that mean they can't ever learn identify, detect or read magic??
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Re: Spec mages - conjurers..
Post by Regularguy » Thu Dec 07, 2017 11:21 am
garhkal wrote: Ok, so by the PHB the conjurer has no access to divination and invocation spells (though my copy says greater divination, but others say just divination). As per the spells and magic version, its also listed as just divination.
SO does that mean they can't ever learn identify, detect or read magic??
As long as they're only barred from Greater Divination, they can get Identify and Detect or Read Magic. Once SPELLS & MAGIC rolled around, Conjurers got barred from all Divination -- but Identify and Detect Magic and Read Magic got shuffled over to the Universal school, along with stuff like Dispel Magic and Enchant An Item.
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Re: Spec mages - conjurers..
Post by Sgt Slag » Thu Dec 07, 2017 1:14 pm
I found the restrictions too prohibitive, in most Specialists, so I suggest to my players that they play a generalist Mage, who prefers a particular school of magic. The benefits of being a Specialist are, I believe, just a +1/5% improvement in your specialty magic, but the penalties and restrictions are of a far greater magnitude. I have one PC who likes Illusions, but the restrictions of an Illusionist Specialist Mage, are extreme, in our opinion. By being a generalist Mage, who chooses to concentrate his efforts in a particular school of magic, he maintains access to all schools, without the benefits of specializing -- it becomes more of a role playing element. An 'Illusionist', who creates real magical fire, will find that his subsequent illusions of magical fire, are more believable, since his opponents have already been burned by the real thing -- they will expect the illusion to be real (situational modifiers only, nothing for specializing, as he is not a Specialist!).
I created my own rules for spell research, and illusion magic (more clearly defined, I classify them based on the caster's familiarity with the real subject he is creating an illusion of -- the better known, the more realistic and believable the illusions). With these rules, it is much easier for Mage characters to know what they must do in each area, to progress. My research rules cover library qualities, as well as laboratory requirements, to perform spell research. It costs time, and money, but they can work more independently, without the need of a mentor, and all of the baggage that goes along with that. This is also closer to historical 'magic', or, 'mages', according to a Cambridge college book on the history of such. They basically taught themselves their 'spells' (nothing was real, but they made money off of it, apparently, due to local beliefs, and customs). Cheers!
Laughter is the ultimate expression of joy. Laughing at the antics of a 2-year-old child is not demeaning or degrading, it is your heart boiling over with joy, and laughter is the path of least resistance for it to escape! Let it out, laugh easy, laugh loudly, laugh as often as you can. Keeping it bottled up inside is a leading cause of stroke among uptight people around the Globe. Laughter is contagious -- let's start a new pandemic!
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The content varied widely depending on the author and cultural context, but common themes included divination, astrology, necromancy, and the creation of talismans and amulets. In addition to their practical applications, grimoires also served as repositories of esoteric knowledge and philosophical ideas. They often incorporated elements from various religious and mystical traditions, including Christian, Jewish, and Arabic influences. These books became treasured possessions that were passed down through generations, providing a glimpse into the occult practices of the past. With the advent of printing in the 15th century, grimoires became more accessible to the general public. However, their popularity waned during the Age of Enlightenment, as rationality and scientific inquiry came to the forefront. Despite this decline, grimoires have continued to capture the imagination of occult enthusiasts and scholars alike. In modern times, grimoires have experienced a resurgence in popularity, fueled by the growth of occult and New Age movements. Numerous contemporary authors have attempted to recreate and reinterpret these ancient texts, either as historical reproductions or as modern-day guides to magic and spirituality. While the authenticity and efficacy of grimoires are the subject of debate, their influence on the development of magical traditions, religious practices, and popular culture cannot be ignored. These mysterious and captivating books continue to shape our perception of magic and the supernatural, reminding us of humanity's enduring fascination with the arcane..
Reviews for "Grimoires and the Divine Feminine: The Representation of Women in Magical Texts"
- Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with "Grimoires: A History of Magic Books." The book promises to give a comprehensive history of magic books, but it falls short in delivering that. The writing style is dry and lifeless, and the information provided feels superficial. I was hoping for more in-depth analysis and exploration of the significance of these books, but instead, it felt like reading a boring textbook. Overall, I found it lacking in both content and engaging storytelling.
- John Smith - 1 star - "Grimoires: A History of Magic Books" is a complete waste of time. The book tries to cover a wide range of topics related to magic books, but it fails to provide any meaningful insights. The author seems to be more interested in listing a catalog of books rather than delving into their significance and impact. Additionally, the illustrations and graphics included are of poor quality and add no value to the reading experience. Save your money and look for a more engaging and informative book on the subject.
- Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Grimoires: A History of Magic Books," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The book lacks depth and fails to explore the cultural and historical context of these magic books. The writing style is convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to engage with the content. While it does provide a list of notable grimoires, it falls short in providing any meaningful analysis or insights into their significance. Overall, I found it to be a dull and unsatisfying read.