Arcane Circle Information
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Arcane Circles are one of the many forms of magic to exist in the world of Shinseina. It is a complex magic that ties together magical symbols to form detailed chains of reactions.
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The Art of Magical Diagrams
Arcane Circles are a complex yet powerful form of magic that exists throughout the land.
Arcane Circles are intricate mana-engraved designs capable of producing magical effects when infused with mana. Unlike traditional spellcasting, Arcane Circles do not require the user to possess magical talent or affinity. As long as the circle is properly engraved and supplied with mana, it will function, regardless of who created it or whether the engraver has any magical ability.
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These circles can be inscribed using virtually any material capable of engraving, whether etched into stone, metal, bone, flesh, or even fabric. Activation is possible so long as mana is supplied to the completed design; the source can vary, being personal, ambient, or even supplied.
Despite their usefulness, Arcane Circles are delicate. Even minor changes or miscalculations in engraving can cause serious backlash or failure. While some weaker or simpler Arcane Circles can be overlapped or combined, stronger and more complex ones are highly unstable when altered or modified, often resulting in dangerous side effects.
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Access to Arcane Circles is tightly controlled. Most are rare, difficult to find, and not publicly available to the masses, even Nobles struggle to gain access to them. Availability is highly dependent on one’s status or access to certain locations or sources. Just because one has permission or status to use high-ranking Arcane Circles does not guarantee access to lower-ranking ones, as many exist in isolation from each other.
Arcane Circles function through a simple but vital process, including key steps:
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Engraving
The initial creation of an Arcane Circle involves engraving the design onto a surface using any material capable of precise etching. The engraver does not need to be the one to activate it, nor do they need magical talent. What matters is the accuracy of the design, as even minor errors can lead to instability or failure. Complex Circles are especially sensitive, with stronger ones often dangerous to modify or overlap.
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Mana Infusion
Once engraved, the Arcane Circle requires mana to activate. This mana can come from any external source, such as the user, ambient surroundings, stored containers, or so on. The engraver and activator can be different individuals entirely.
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Activation and Effect
Upon receiving mana, the Arcane Circle activates and releases its designated magical effect. This can range from simple elemental projections to complex constructs or barriers, depending on the Circle’s rank and structure. The more complex the Circle, the more mana and precision are required. Once activated, most Circles will run until their mana source depletes, their duration ends, or they are manually interrupted.
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Overlap Limitations
While some Arcane Circles can be layered or combined with others, most mid to high-rank Circles are too intricate for this. Attempting to overlap incompatible or unstable Circles can result in severe backlash, including magical feedback, explosions, or harm to the user. Only the simplest or specially designed Circles can be safely merged.
Deeper Understanding
A more in-depth look at the details of Arcane Circles for does that wish to master them.
Arcane Circles are categorized from D-Rank to S-Rank. Each tier reflects the complexity, power, and rarity of the Circle.
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D-Rank
Basic in structure and limited in use. These Circles are rare but can occasionally be found in some very rare shops or locations. -
C-Rank
Slightly more complex than D-Rank, with a broader range of effects. They are much rarer, often limited to shops that sell high-end products and rewards for missions. -
B-Rank
Advanced and powerful, B-Rank Circles are usually only gained through dangerous missions or searching ruins. They offer greater utility and versatility, though they remain difficult to find. -
A-Rank
Exceptionally powerful and complex, A-Rank Circles are so rare that coming across them is largely unlikely. To acquire one, a great deal of effort is required. -
S-Rank
Legendary and often incomplete. These Circles are rarely found and require direct permission or acquisition through special means such as exclusive shops or major events. Their effects are potent, but proper usage is extremely difficult due to their complexity.