Alteration
In the annals of Ertha’s magical history, few disciplines are as revered—and as feared—as the art of Alteration. Magic, by its very nature, is change incarnate, a force that both bends and reshapes reality. Among those who have mastered this art, none are more attuned to its mysteries than the Shapers —a distinguished order of women who guide magic’s transformation rather than force it into submission.
Shapers
The Shapers view magic as a living entity, something to be nurtured rather than dominated. Their craft is akin to that of artisans, molding and refining magical energy with patience and skill. Unlike those who see magic as a tool to wield, the Shapers listen to its whispers, allowing its essence to dictate the form it wishes to take.
The First Age War
During the catastrophic events of the First Age War , when the dreaded Shadowgate was torn open and the Voidborn poured into Ertha, the Shapers played a critical role in the battle for survival.
The Shapers focused on fortifications, weaving intricate spells into the very stone and soil of Ertha. They erected massive protective barriers, crafting ethereal shields and powerful wards to protect entire cities. Their work required patience and an intimate understanding of the natural flow of magic, ensuring that civilization had bastions of hope amidst the chaos.
The Shapers Guild
Today, the Shapers Guild continues this ancient work, upholding traditions that have persisted for centuries. Unlike those who seek to force magic into rigid constructs, the Shapers recognize that magic has its own voice. When properly attuned, it reveals what it wishes to become, allowing for the creation of artifacts and enchantments that are both powerful and harmonious. Through generations of study, the Shapers have uncovered a profound truth: magic is alive. It breathes, it shifts, and it responds to those who treat it with reverence. This realization has led to a renaissance in magical crafting, one that focuses on creating objects infused with the very essence of magic’s will rather than crude impositions of arcane force.
The tale of the Shapers serves as a reminder of the power of working with, rather than against, natural forces. Their legacy continues to shape the magical traditions of the present, ensuring that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.
GM Tips
For Game Masters incorporating the themes of Alteration into their Dicesongs campaigns, consider these story elements:
The Lost Knowledge of the Shapers: Introduce a subplot where players discover ancient texts containing forgotten Shaper techniques. Do they use this knowledge for power, or do they seek the guidance of the Shapers to understand its secrets?
A City Shielded by Shaper Magic: Create a scenario where a settlement is protected by a centuries old magical barrier left behind by the Shapers. The barrier is weakening, and only by understanding the ancient art of magic infusion can it be restored.
The Unstable Artifact: Present an artifact crafted by the Shapers during the First Age, one that holds immense power but at a dangerous cost. Players must decide whether to keep it, destroy it, or bring it to the Shapers for purification.
A Forbidden Forge: A hidden workshop of the Shapers, untouched for centuries, is discovered beneath the ruins of a fallen city. What lies within could reshape the magical balance of the world—if it doesn’t destroy those who seek to claim it.
The Apprentice’s Dilemma: A young Shaper has begun experimenting with forgotten techniques, teetering on the edge of a dangerous revelation. Will the players guide them toward wisdom, or will they allow history to repeat itself?
By weaving these elements into your campaign, you can create compelling stories that explore the nature of magic, the consequences of ambition, and the eternal struggle between control and harmony.
