Mind

Those witches who are adept in the Mind Circle are often referred to as Mind Mages. They use their mastery over this school of magic to amplify their minds and develop strange psionic powers, primarily telepathy and telekinesis.  

Most of these abilities do not use much energy with short term use, as they become something like a reflex, but they become more exhausting the longer one uses them. More subjects also amplify the amount of exhaustion the mind mage is going to have, and often, they are so lost in their own heads that they overextend themselves before they know it.
 

Level 0:

Telepathic S.O.S. The ability to send out a brief distress call that all witches (or your specific race, such as shifters) within ten miles will receive. The message sent can only be three words long, and can only be sent if the witch is in severe mental or emotional distress. Those receiving the message cannot discern the exact location of the witch, but will know there is something wrong with one of their own. (innate, once a day, must be in severe distress)

Telekinesis Lite: Just one calorie!  With this ability, one can cause a small object, no heavier than eight ounces, to float from one location to another. The object must be visible to the magic user, as well as its start and ending point. If at any time, their line of sight is broken, the object will begin to fall. The movement of this object is slow at this level, about the speed one moves when casually walking (2mph). At higher levels, the speed can be increased, with it moving at an 'average walking' pace (4mph) at level 1, a 'jogging' pace (6mph) at level 2, a 'sprinting' pace at (~15mph) level 3 and approximately the average speed of a cheetah (60mph) at level 4. Level 5 witches can move things so quickly that most are uncertain if they moved it or if they summoned it. (innate)

 

Level 1:

 

Telepathy (level 1):  the mind mage can telepathically communicate with one person at a time, provided they have established a connection within the last 24 hours. To establish the connection, eye contact must first be made, but it does not have to be constant. The other person can communicate back without needing to have mind magic themselves. Non-magical humans cannot refuse the connection, but supernatural races the mind mage's level or above can force it to close. Otherwise, it remains unless the mind mage closes it or they move out of range (1 mile). To start another telepathic connection, a level 1 mind mage must close the connection with the person they are currently talking to. Words and still images can be sent to one another, but the images must be from memory (which may cause them to be distorted) or from what they are currently looking at. For this reason, most known mind mages are banned from card tournaments. (innate)
 

Telekinesis (Level 1):  One can cause a small object, no heavier than a few pounds, to float from one location to another. The object must be visible to the magic user, as well as its start and ending point. If at any time, their line of sight is broken, the object will begin to fall. The movement of this object moves about the speed of a “jogging” pace (6mph). At higher levels, the speed can be increased, with it moving at a 'sprinting' pace at (~15mph) level 2, approximately the average speed of a cheetah (60mph) at level 3. Level 4 witches can move things so quickly that most are uncertain if they moved it or if they summoned it.  (innate, quickly exhausting with repetitive use)

​

Amplify Emotion: The mind mage seeks out an emotion already prevalent in a subject and heightens it to a much greater level or dampens it as much as possible. Someone a bit sad can be brought to a state of blustering, devastating tears. On the other side of things, the heart of someone with severe stage fright can be calmed, and the show will be gone. It must be a particular emotion that the subject already has. Mind Mages at level 2 and 3 can do this spell on a larger group, such as an audience, provided they can see them all, at a greater cost to their personal energy. Those at higher levels may be more resistant to this magic, and clearly it will work easier on the willing, but if it is subtle enough, they might just not realize it's being done.
 

Surface Read: The mind mage can, with direct eye contact, briefly read the surface thoughts of a human or the emotional state of a shifter. Witches and shifters can sense when this is occurring to them, and it does not make them very happy. Since the mind mage is making eye contact with them while doing it, it isn't very hard to figure out who is doing it to them. At level 1, the mind mage can only read one thought at a time, and while they can read each person in the room in turn, they can only read the same mind once per scene. A “surface thought” is defined as something they are literally thinking in words at the moment, and can be about a sentence long. It may be something as benign as “I hope he brought a condom” or as damning as “Just drink the poison, damn it.” 

One does not get a deep delve of thoughts, memories and motivations from a surface read. This is the same at every level, but at level 2 and 3, one can continue to listen to the thoughts of an individual as long as the eye connection is maintained. Once it is broken, they cannot be read again until another scene. 

​

To use this ability, state your intent, then let the target know via IM or otherwise that you are attempting to read their surface thoughts. If the action succeeds, in either their next post or in an IM (depending on how the target wishes to do it) they will let you know what the thought was. If the thought turns out to be contemplation about getting a slice of pizza or just them repeating “I am a paragraph” over and over, that's just how it goes. However, it is our hope that everyone shall play fairly and accurately in this regard. (once per scene per person. Innate.)

Lie Detector: With a short ritual then touching the shoulder of a human or individual that is the same or lower level than the mind mage is and focusing, the mind mage can act as a living lie detector for the length of a scene. The individual may attempt to resist, and the more anxious or unruly they are, the more difficult the reading will be. For this reason, one often includes anointing the target with mer saliva within their ritual, as it will keep the target calm and make for a more accurate feeling about what is being said. As long as the hold upon the individual is continuous, the mind mage will instinctively know if what is being said is the truth or a lie. The way this occurs is different for every witch, usually occurring as a ringing in their ears for either the truth or the lie, a buzzing feeling through their fingers, or the sight of a particular character, etc. 

​

If the target tells the truth but it is circular speaking or means it in a different way that is being asked, it still rings as true, which makes the ability not entirely accurate. However, higher level witches are more perceptive about such things and can note discrepancies in their readings, such as a waver in a tone or a fluctuation in color. Powerful mind mages are often summoned by the ISF to assist in interrogations, then given a small boost in their stipend that week for the work. Owned witches do not receive the credits, which are instead given to their vampire master to do with as they please. (once a day)

 

Level 2:

Telepathy (Level 2):  At this level, the mind mage can telepathically communicate with one person at a time, up to three people. To establish the connection, eye contact must first be made, then the channel is there until the mage decides it is not or they lose the ability to perform magic (such as entering a warded area or being forced into an iron collar). There must be intent to create the connection at the time of their eyes meeting, one cannot later decide “I want to talk to Sally, but she's in New York” then contact her. 

Eye contact over video does not count. There is a magical tether created through the link. The other person can communicate back without needing to have mind magic themselves. Non-magical humans cannot refuse the connection, but supernatural races the mind mage's level or above can force it to close. Otherwise, it remains unless the mind mage closes it. Words and still images can be sent to one another, but the images must be from memory (which may cause them to be distorted) or from what they are currently looking at. 

​

The level 2 mage can maintain 3 connections at a time, speaking to the individuals one at a time by simply concentrating on sending the message. All three can talk back whenever, which may lead to the telepath's mind feeling a bit crowded, and after the first person, every person the telepath is connected to adds to their drain of energy, requiring them to have more rest, consume more calories, and avoid the use of heavy magic.

​

 This means that few mind mages keep their mind open to so many at once, and it is common for them to sever the connections when unneeded or if they are going to participate in a ritual or complicated spell. Higher level mind mages can maintain more connections at a greater cost to energy. (5 for level 3 & 4) but it is generally not recommended. The number limit does not include those in an etre de trois, whose telepathic connection is handled by a different sort of magic. (innate but draining.)

 

Telekinesis (Level 2): At this level, one can cause a medium object (no larger than a person), no heavier than 50lbs, to float from one location to another. The object must be visible to the magic user, as well as its start and ending point. If at any time, their line of sight is broken, the object will begin to fall. The movement of this object is slow at this level, about the speed one moves when walking (4mph). At higher levels, the speed can be increased, with it moving at a 'sprinting' pace at (~15mph) level 3 and approximately the average speed of a cheetah (60 mph) at level 4. Level 5 and higher witches can move things so quickly that most are uncertain if they moved it or if they summoned it. 

​

 Technically, at this level and higher, Telekinesis can make many objects into weapons, or at least a spiteful ISF officer might contend, should a witch choose to use it in such a manner.  This is a friendly reminder that there is a law against witches using weapons.

(innate, but requires energy and focus)

Empathic Read: By focusing, the mind mage can gauge the current, general mood of a room, or narrow their read to an individual to determine things like their state of mind, their level of anxiety, if something they are saying is truthful, so on and so forth. For flavor, the player can choose to do this read in whatever way makes sense to them (within reason) such as reading auras or pulling cards from a deck etc. The mind mage can only do an Empathic Read on one person at a time, and other than Telekinesis Lite or Telepathy (or participation in a Mind Link. They cannot be controlling the Mind Link).  Anointing the subject with reagents aids the effectiveness of Empathic Read, but is not completely necessary. (One subject at a time, slowly draining over time.)

 

Mind Trick: If the mind mage makes eye contact with a human being, an apprentice witch or omega shifter, they can potentially influence their mind to follow a single command. More powerful mind mages are always more likely to influence lower ranked ones, and some powerful mind mages might even get a bit uppity and try their luck with a vampire now and then. (This is not recommended. ICA=ICC) The command must be uncomplicated and voiced in a few words: “Pistachio Ice Cream will be fine.” The command must not be something that will bring the individual or someone else harm (for instance, if the subject or his girlfriend are allergic to pistachios, the pistachio ice cream will NOT be fine), 

​

The suggestion only works on individuals underneath their power rank, and it must be something that does not go against something the person strongly believes. For instance: “These are not the droids you're looking for.” For instance, you could tell a woman “It's okay to leave your child here a little while, go and take a nap” and she will likely agree, but if you told her “this is not your child, you don't even know her!” a mother would not only vehemently dispute the claim, but she may give you a firm lecture about trying to steal children and attempt to alert the authorities. (3 times a day, innate.)

Those mind mages who are authority figures (or at least naturally seem like they are) do better with the Mind Trick than those who are not.

Level 3:

 

Telekinesis (Level 3): At this level, one can cause a large object, no heavier than 100lbs, to float from one location to another. The object must be visible to the magic user, as well as its start and ending point. If at any time, their line of sight is broken, the object will begin to fall. The movement of this object is about the speed one moves when at a 'jogging' pace (6mph). At higher levels, the speed can be increased, with it moving at a 'sprinting' pace at (~15mph) level 4. (any number times a day, requires energy and focus)

Change the Mood: Should the mind mage desire, they can influence the mood of a room to match their own emotional state. More emotional Master Witches may throw this out more often than those who are more in control of themselves, but those less messy witches know that use of this spell is a great way to get their way, should the chance arise. However, using this spell when one is not being truthful to oneself about what they are really feeling can end up with it seriously backfiring.  (innate but very draining. Can be more focused with candles and reagents, particularly for those special moments.)
 

Mind Link: The mind mage can create a mental “conference call” with up to ten people. To perform this ritual, each person (the others do not have to be magically inclined) stand in a circle. There is an incantation spoken, candles lit and reagents burned before the group joins hands. Then, as a group, they can communicate to one another in their minds, like a magical walkie-talkie, provided they stay within approximately a mile of one another.

​

 Everyone can hear everyone 'speak'. There are no private conversations through the mind link. 

This connection lasts 6 hours before it starts to fizzle out, with it completely dying at 8 hours. If a mer scale is used in the ritual, the time extends to 12 hours with the 13th being unreliable. During this time, there is a constant drain of energy from the mind mage, who must focus on maintaining the connection or risk it being lost. Because of this, they cannot do any other magic, and if they are suitably distracted (like being physically attacked), the mind link drops and cannot be reestablished by the same mind mage. A couple days rest is recommended before doing another mind link like this, as it causes quite a bit of exhaustion. (once every three days without heavy adverse effects.)

 

Self-Levitation: At this level, the mind mage can use their gifts to lift themselves up into the sky. It isn't really flying so much as it is hovering, but one can travel at roughly the speed of a brisk walk. It isn't good for a quick getaway, as one must stop and touch the ground with both hands before pushing “up.” Enchanters cannot make permanent talismans with this power, but they can make temporary one use talismans as long as they include a bird feather and a lock of Siren's hair. The mind mage can raise themselves up as high as 40 meters up in the air, and travel as far as they could reasonably walk in an hour. This is because the charm only lasts for an hour, then it abruptly ends. For this reason, it is best if the mind mage is on the ground by this time, if they don't want to end up splattered all over the main square. The timer begins when they rise up into the air (or activate the talisman), then continues running, even if they have already landed. (once a day, one IC hour limit.)
 

Blood Brothers / Best Buddies Bond: There are more serious names for this pairing, but the reality of it is that only two witches or other magic using folk that love one another with strong, platonic love akin to siblings that go forward with this bonding. The origin of this ritual is said to have originated in ancient China, between shifters who were also warriors for the same kingdom. In order to solidify their deep bond, they shared blood and energy and swore an oath. It is that same pattern of ritual that continues today.

One of the pair must be a mind mage and both must have the capacity to use magic. While the mind mage must be master level or higher, the rank of the other does not matter. Together, they kneel in a circle and profess their undying kinship, swear an oath to one another, then exchange blood dramatically sliced from both of their palms then placed together. Their energies then meld together and a connection is forged. The benefits to this are primarily that they know when one another is awake or asleep, and they are able to converse with each other in their mind, shutting the connection on and off at will. If one has a familiar, the other can speak to and ask the other's familiar to do tasks for them. The familiar can refuse, but its nice to be asked. In addition, magic that the pair performs together is made stronger merely by how pure their connection is.

​

The connection is interrupted when one of the two cannot use magic, such as when they are wearing an iron collar. In addition, if one of them is bound to a vampire, the vampire can block the connection between the two, something that only particularly petty vampires do on a whim, but most vampires use as a form of punishment. The bond can be broken by both facing one another, spitting, then turning their backs to each other. It can also be broken should the pair end up performing any kind of sex act with one another or if their love turns from that of loyal siblings to that of romance.

​

Deep Dive: At this level, the mind mage can delve deep into the mind of an individual that is their level or lower, willing or not, and search for information they wish to acquire. The target must be bound in some manner (a silver rope is traditional, much to the chagrin of the shifter community) and both the mind mage and the target must be in a cast circle. If this is being done on another witch, it is common to also put them in an iron collar so they cannot resist. Vampires are difficult to get to the point that this will work, so the vampire must be willing and verbally state that is the case. Mer are oddly resistant to this ability, and must be worn down by a group of witches. This is often to find something to emotionally devastate the mer to facilitate a harvesting of magical components.

Once eye contact is initiated, a battle of wills begins. This can be represented however you choose, but as the battle begins, the mind mage is granted access to the target's mind, starting with small glimpses of memories and information that may or may not be relevant to what they are looking for.

​

 If successful, they will finally find their answers, if the target actually knows them. Depending on how much the target fights, this can be extremely strenuous on both target and mind mage, leading them to suffer effects that are both physical and mental. Nosebleeds are common, as is coughing up blood and extreme fatigue or headaches. If this is done too often or when the mind mage is not fully rested, it could result in some sort of madness, temporary or otherwise.
 

Of course, like all telepathy skills, this is heavily consent based. Be sure to have a dialogue OOC in regards to what is happening, as well as have descriptive, clear enough emotes that you can understand one another. Remember, sometimes someone not giving up information can move a story forward as much as someone caving quickly can.

This is considered a form of torture, and legally, it can only be done when sanctioned or commanded by Regime officials. It may also result in witches “disappearing” under the waves or into the woods, as one should expect that there will likely be retaliation.
 

Level 4:

 

Telepathy (Level 4): At this level, one can cause a very large object (up to the size of a mid-sized motor vehicle), no heavier than 1000 lbs, to float from one location to another. The object must be visible to the magic user, as well as its start and ending point. If at any time, their line of sight is broken, the object will begin to fall. The movement of this object is slow at this level, about the speed one moves when jogging (6mph), but that speed doubles with every active mind mage who is assisting with the move. Additionally, each mind mage participating in the move adds 500lbs to the weight capable of being lifted, no matter their level. It helps to use a repetitious incantation while performing this act, especially in unison with those assisting.(draining, requires focus. Two times a day.)

 

Mental Memo: Able to send out one way messages to all of those initiated into the Ordo Luna (witch power only). This is primarily used to inform the witches of danger or summons. Only those with mind magic can send a message back mentally. All others will have to use their phones or familiars. (innate)

​

Mindfuck: Or as Kit Caldwell would say “Mindmess. Mind your language!” The mind mage can select a target of equal or lower level (those of equal level will have a better chance of fighting off the mindfuckery faster) make either physical or eye contact and push a single image or sentence into their target’s mind, an idea that contradicts reality. 

​

They then let the target’s mind do the rest, building up the delusions that trap them in a debilitating state of madness. One with a strong mind with a strong sense of self control may break out of it within twenty minutes, one with a weak, gullible mind, might be stuck in it for a period of 24 hours. With so few Mind Mages capable of doing such a thing, it is unlikely that it will remain a mystery for long as to who committed the act.

​

The Mindfuck is easier done with a photograph or a sentence written out upon fine paper, tucked into the hand or pocket of the target.
 

Retcon: A job reserved for only the most powerful of mind mages, and one even they are reluctant to do on unfamiliar minds alone. Still, sometimes the ISF, or the governor, or the Nocturnus calls upon them to have this done. In simple terms, the Mind Mage, generally with a partner that, if not their equal, then a Master Mind Mage, team up to wipe out a period of time that could be anything from the last hour to the last fifty years, then crafting an entirely new history for the subject–usually from a script handed to them by a Regime authority. Sometimes, it can take days.

​

 There is a lot of cerebral work in the task, but also mystic ceremony, which involves the drawing of runes, the blood of three mind mages, triton venom and mer scales. A totem must also be present, where the subject’s memories will be moved, then either stored or destroyed. If the subject ever touches the totem again, they will get their memories back.

 

A calming tincture, heavy sedative or life mage may need to be on hand to keep an unwilling subject calm during the ceremony.

 

 Master Witches CANNOT do this without a WEPaW, or they risk their very mind.. 

Level 5: Limits on level 5 spells are for rituals led by level 4 witches. The limits of level 5 witches is undocumented.

 

It is unknown as to how much or how quickly a level 5 or higher mind mage can move with their mind. Rumors suggest that the Three used to raze cities without lifting a finger, just by their combined mental power.