The dust of my expulsion has settled, and with it, the weight of the Academy's rejection lies heavy upon my heart. Yet, in this isolation, I find clarity. Away from the prying eyes and stifling conventions, I am free to explore the whispers of knowledge that have long called to me.
Today, I lay the foundation for my research. Elemental magic is the force that shapes our world, from the metals that form the very bones of the material plane to the prime elements that sustain the existence of other planes. The Ahbaisean prismatics, an ancient and forgotten art, is said to manipulate light and energy in ways that defy conventional understanding. I posit that there exists a profound connection between these various forms of elemental magic, one that the ancient Ahbais harnessed to achieve unparalleled feats... possibly even that which led to their disappearance.
I hypothesize that the prismatics can be used to perceive and manipulate the energies of one plane from another. This may be the key to understanding and eventually controlling planar travel. By combining the elemental energies with prismatic refraction, I believe it may be possible to stabilize and manifest energies that are otherwise unstable on the material plane.
Theoretical Foundations
In the wake of my initial experiment, I have begun to formulate the theoretical foundations of my research. The interplay between elemental magic and prismatic refraction is more complex than I initially anticipated, yet it offers profound insights into the nature of the elements and their interdimensional relationships. To guide my further experiments, I outline here the key postulates I intend to prove or understand:
Postulate 1: Resonance of Metals
All metals possess a unique resonance. This resonance can be achieved by channeling energy—whether arcane, elemental, or otherwise—into the metal. When a metal reaches its resonant state, it emits a distinct arcane signature. This signature, though invisible to the naked eye, can be perceived through a specialized lens.
Postulate 2: Perception of Arcane Signatures
The arcane signature emitted by a resonating metal can be seen through a lens crafted from or imbued with the energy of a prime element. The appearance of the arcane signature varies depending on the prime element used in the lens. This variation is thought to be related to the concept of ethereal distance—the spatial and dimensional separation between the plane from which the metal element originates and the plane associated with the prime element used in the lens.
Postulate 3: Ethereal Distance and Planar Movement
Ethereal distance is not a fixed measurement; it is in constant flux. Each plane moves in ways that are almost impossible to predict or calculate with the limited perception of three-dimensional beings. This dynamic movement affects how arcane signatures appear when viewed through lenses attuned to different prime elements. Understanding these movements may hold the key to controlling and manipulating planar energies.
Postulate 4: Resonance and Rarity
Some metals resonate more readily than others. The reasons for this variability are not yet fully understood, but I hypothesize that rarer metals have a greater innate ability to resonate. This may explain their scarcity—not merely because of their aesthetic value, but due to their unique arcane properties that make them highly sought after.
These theoretical foundations will guide my next series of experiments. By systematically testing these postulates, I aim to unravel the underlying principles governing the resonance of metals, the perception of their arcane signatures, and the interdimensional relationships between different planes. My ultimate goal is to understand how these principles can be harnessed to facilitate planar travel and the manifestation of otherwise unstable energies on the material plane.
As I proceed, I must remain vigilant. The complexities of planar dynamics and the inherent power of elemental magic demand the utmost caution. Yet, I am driven by the certainty that these postulates hold the key to unlocking the forgotten secrets of the Ahbais and their mastery of prismatic magic.
