Edwin settled into a chair with the grace of a true Anglian, his tunic neatly adjusted. "I cannot impart specific knowledge, as I lack insight into your areas of expertise and ignorance," he began.
"I have no intention of subjecting you to the rigorous testing endured by the aspiring orphans under the tutelage of Stormseekers."
Edwin leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "We'll start with the foundations, focusing on pathways in the Domain of Fate, like my own. One of the most valuable skills in this domain is Divination.
In conventional terms, it's often referred to as mystery prying. This practice relies on the connection between your Astral Projection and the spirit world, facilitated by natural materials like crystals, gems, or special metals. It enables communication with spiritual intelligence and the deciphering of information about the future or the unknown—a form of supernatural knowledge-seeking."
Marcellus listened attentively as Edwin continued. "Divination falls under the umbrella of Ritualistic Magic, a subset of Sorcery. For those who aren't attuned to their spiritual senses, interpreting the signs they receive can be challenging. This is where divination tools come into play, such as cards, mirrors, and pendulums. They serve as aids in deciphering the messages presented to them."
Edwin elaborated further, "The first category of divination methods includes cards, pendulums, canes, coins, and dreams. These techniques leverage the inquirer's spiritual connection and their ability to communicate with the spirit world to reveal insights or answers. However, it's essential to note that spirit pendulums and canes demand a high level of spirituality, Spirit Body, and Astral Projection. Individuals who lack Beyond powers may struggle to obtain precise or clear revelations.
On the other hand, card divination offers a structured symbolism, making it more accessible even for those with modest spiritual abilities. Dreams occupy a middle ground among these various forms of divination."
Marcellus posed a thoughtful question, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "So, does this imply that ordinary individuals are incapable of providing accurate divinations, and aspiring practitioners who don't belong to the Fate domain, like Martia, will struggle to obtain precise information?"
Edwin nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the matter. "Indeed, Marcellus. Divination can be a challenging art for those who lack a strong connection to the spiritual realm. For those outside the Fate domain, like Martia, achieving accuracy can be an uphill battle. However, it's not impossible; it merely requires more effort and a deeper understanding of the tools and rituals involved."
Marcellus listened intently, absorbing Edwin's words like a sponge.
Edwin reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin, intricately designed with a dragon on one side and a human figure with a crown on the other. He held it out for Marcellus to see, the coin glinting in the dim light of the Hold.
"This," Edwin began, "is a form of divination involving a coin. It's a simpler method, accuracy depends on having a strong spiritual connection. The dragon represents the tail, while the human figure with the crown head."
He handed the coin to Marcellus, encouraging him to take a closer look. "The key to coin divination is in the interpretation of how the coin lands and what symbols are facing up. It's a basic form of divination that can provide insights into simple questions or decisions."
Marcellus contemplated the practicality of coin casting and realized its potential usefulness. In unfamiliar environments or situations, he could employ this method to quickly assess the safety of food offered to him, determining whether it might be poisonous or not. It was a straightforward way to make basic decisions without requiring extensive knowledge of field poisons.
However, he also acknowledged the limitations of such a divination method. The answers it provided were binary, usually boiled down to a simple "yes" or "no." It lacked the depth for more intricate investigations or interpretations, for instance, there were situations where certain objects or substances, initially seeming detrimental, could become valuable or beneficial with proper handling or refinement.
In some dire circumstances, choosing to interact with these materials, despite their apparent risks, might prove necessary for survival. Such complexities extended beyond the simplistic judgment of a mere coin toss.
Marcellus mulled over his thought, He quickly went through the mysticism knowledge he learned today to prevent himself from forgetting it.
Edwin sighed as he stood up and said "If you ever accumulate enough merit again to be offered a chance to choose an Official sequence or an Unofficial sequence, choose a Jinx portion you won't regret it"
Marcellus answered "Unofficial?"
"The priest is obligated to present you with the officially recognized pathways through their oath. However, if you happen to acquire knowledge or potions through alternative means, the priest won't reject you. Martia's case is a perfect example of this. The Church is forbidden from fostering Aspirants who pursue undeclared pathways. Did you believe it was impossible to obtain the formula for the warrior potion?"
The more Marecullus thought about it the more it made sense surely the Church of Storms could obtain such a potion however they might not promote it for different reasons.
"While I'm offering advice, take this," Edwin handed Marcellus a book, "you should study it. It's the combat style of the Church of Storms called 'Water god.' It was developed during the second epoch in opposition to the Church of the combat style 'Sword god.' This book has techniques of water saints"
Marcellus nodded his thanks, and Edwin continued, "No need for thanks. After all, I'll need your help tomorrow."
"After Ralf takes his potion today, both you and Martia will join me and Ralf in heading to the mountains to find a Hollow Serpent. Like the Weresharks, some races possess magical abilities, and their corpses are used for mysticism purposes."
Before Marcellus could say anything Edwin quickly surmised "One of the assailants who attacked you is dying, and Priest Corwin needs him alive for information."
After delivering the instructions, Edwin rose from his chair and adjusted his tunic. He looked at Marcellus with a stern expression. "That's all for today's mysticism. Reflect on what you've learned, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to seek guidance from Livius. If Priest Corwin inquires, inform him that we had a discussion today."