Summoning
Summoning
Classification: Specialization
Parent School: Dimensionalism Class
Summoning is a sub-field of Dimensionalism Class dealing specifically with the retrieval and binding of entities, familiars, creatures, objects, and (at extreme tiers) spirits from other planes.
No summoning of spirits (angels or demons) is possible. The current reality is cut off from the spiritual realms. Familiars and creature summoning remain functional.
Specialization Rules
This is an advanced Specialization. To learn Spells (Powers) in this field, a mage must use their dot-purchase selections from the Dimensionalism Class skill track. Furthermore, specific spells within Summoning will explicitly require a secondary prerequisite (such as 1 or 2 dots in collateral Schools) to simulate the mixed-matrix required to cast them.
Progression
Acquiring dots and Powers here requires deep dedication. The spells are extremely potent but narrowly focused.
Example Powers
| Tier | Example Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Recall Object | Mark a small object as a recall anchor; summon it to your hand at will. |
| Tier 2 | Summon Familiar | Establish a soul bond with a compatible magical creature and call it across short distances. |
| Tier 3 | Recall Spell (Self) | A two-part spell: mark a location, then teleport yourself to that marked anchor point later. |
| Tier 4 | Greater Binding | Summon and bind a powerful magical creature to a vessel or task for an extended period. |
| Tier 5 | Planar Summon | Breach the veil between the material plane and spiritual realms to summon an angel or demon (impossible under current conditions). |
Mechanical Focus
Summoning uses Memory (to maintain the mental image of the target) and Willpower (for binding strength). A recall anchor incurs a constant passive mana drain on the caster as long as it remains active. The Imperial Staff artefact allows 6 active recall points.
Lore Deep Dive
The Dimensional Requirement:
Summoning falls under the umbrella of Dimensionalism, which means it requires a great quantity of mana, excellent shaping skills, and complex theoretical knowledge of spatial manipulation. Most mages who learn summoning are mere dabblers who only learn enough to recall their staff or summon a minor familiar.
The Dark Truth of Demon Summoning:
While summoning physical beasts or familiars is legal, summoning entities from the spiritual realms (demons) is strictly forbidden. The energy required to breach the planar veil and bind a demon is astronomical. Because of this, demon summoners almost exclusively rely on Blood Magic. They steal the life force of living victims and sacrifice it to power the summoning matrix. This intrinsic link between demon summoning and ritual sacrifice is why Blood Magic is hunted down so ruthlessly by authorities.
Design Boundaries
Summoning CAN:
- Pull an explicitly marked object to the caster's hand.
- Transport a bonded familiar to the caster's location.
- Bind summoned magical beasts to the caster's will (temporarily).
Summoning CANNOT:
- Summon a person or object that does not have a pre-established magical anchor or soul bond.
- Be used cheaply. Maintaining anchors drains passive mana reserves constantly.