Dmitri.

Runner found a new way to win mage duels without magick too vulgar.

Magic: the Gathering Online matches, and practices to cast spells contained in cards.

He could summon astral guardians after skrying the cards, as well as other spells.

Many spell cards attracted his attention, including a Dimir Guildmage & Ravenous Rats cards.

Most of beings were unprepared for the MtGO duels, so when he willed to use those spells against them, almost always it was a great win - in mind & in the Astral Plane.

What happens in mind, spirit & astral with time becomes part of reality - unless there are interferences such as someone protecting from too much of astral abuse.

He could cost-efficiently seed causes of someone being eaten by rats, or beaten by young mages with a bright future.

   


These wins were not without karmic consequences however, these cost his sanity & more.

He proceeded anyway.

Then Crystal Candle contacted him that Sangha wishes to call Dimir Guildmage with russian name Dmitri, and attract a bioenergotherapist with that name in their life. He trusted her so agreed.

They made mind-contact with 'Dmitri Megafucker', as Sangha portrayed him. Crystal Candle arranged for lasting friendship, something rare with her - she despised people who abuse or even overemphasize sex.

Energy Drain.

Netlight Runner fought for the Cause, for the Enlightenment but also for other supporting causes.

Enlightened Magickal Love is the most important, so he has to fight for good looks & style as well.

On the Magickal, Spiritual & Esoteric fronts one of the threats to style & good looks is vampiric, energy draining abilities of malevolent beings.

As one is drained energy magickally, one has to eat more to recover life lost.

He used his computer games again, with Mind in touch with Caty's Hell.

He designed 'Scythe', an undead unit to be brought in existence in hells using different magick - able to manifest astrally as well, reaching different worlds.

Scythe's necromantic powers - including the 'Feed' spell - drained life energy, so it can be used to drain back drained energy, as well as a means of warning abusers & as a means of protection.

Then he invested into some of MtGO cards, spells that drain life energy & psychic energy, that damage health, style & sanity. A man should not waste woman's energy at all, not only by excess of work, arguing or stress.




-=- 'Scythe' with the 'Feed' spell, -=-

-=- 'Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes' computer game. -=-




-=- Magic: the Gathering Online - Drains. -=-

Questioning.

Words about Allah's Chorus message conveyed via Technocracy spread among Chantry and part of Sangha.

Alec contacted Runner.
- 'Why might Allah want to let You Live, Runner?' - he asked,
- 'They want me to complete the Matter-Energy Form Technology codenamed Matrix, then buy it from us - offering us my life, delayed Jihad & less of Terrorist attacks in the West - as well as a lot of money' - Runner replied,
- 'Will we sell?' - Alec asked,
- 'Probably Civilian version, that they will arm anyway. They have stolen ideas, deployed already - but they want more complete version to analyze and convert tricks. And it comes with more of Spiritual Power attached, that increases efficiency' - Runner replied,
- 'What do You think of it?' - Alec asked again,
- 'Well, they have to adopt our thinking patterns to understand it better, to use it more skilfully - so their karma will improve and be more favourable for our Teachers. Got insight that our Teachers want that trade, even if they want to convert back to Allah at old age - they won't succeed completely. We'll still hold advantage of thinking, we'll have superiority.' - Runner replied,
- 'We will see how it goes, but i can see benefits' - Alec mentioned,
- 'Indeed, we'll see - it's dangerous' - Runner concluded meeting.

Checksum.

Mint initiated a mind-meeting with Runner.

- 'i have information about Celestial Chorus & Technocracy' - she spoke,
- 'what it is?' - Runner asked.
- 'write a message, noting numbers - i'll explain later' - she answered.

He did it, message was as follows:

'He has to live. Allah's Will' 31
'He has to die. Allah's Will' 27

She explained Runner that it's about him, that it's technocracy's intercepted message, checksummed using Isopsephy, ancient-greek technique of summing letters with numbers. Each letter contains number assigned, then these are summed.

- 'If number is valid, message holds. Otherwise - disregard' - She explained.
- 'But there's more' - Caty added, joining meeting - 'There are different isopsephies, using different numbers. It's an ages-old trick, if numbers add, using different table - they do not have to add using a table known to You, Runner'.
- 'So we don't know if i have to live, but i felt a strong power of the Prime overcoming me just recently. They said they will let me live, and that terrorists i'll face won't be too strong. If i screw it however, i'll die anyway. Because that's Allah's Will.' - Runner added.
- 'So you expected it?' - Mint spoke,
- 'More or less it's true' - He answered.

They conculded the meeting with that, not sure what to do next.

Alignment with Marbas.

Runner read about Ars Goetia, and came to understanding that Marbas is Demon, Great President of Hells that Governs 36 Legions of Spirits.

Marbas holds sway over diseases, can cure or make ill; He can reveal and speak truthfully about things secret or hidden; He holds great knowledge of Mechanical Arts, including the Mechanics of the Human Body - Medicine.

Being mentally ill, Runner suffered from disrespect of many and develped powers to both protect from insanity, as well as to send insanity at a human target.

Insanity is brain illness, caused by wrong function of synapses that connect neurons - the brain cells. Medicines, narcotics & herbs can regulate brain or make it stop functioning so properly.

Marbas holds sway over Medicine, so he surely can send illness or cure illness of someone.

Caty learned of Runner's pursuits and decided to 'Align' her Court with Marbas Influence, with a proper Powers in Hells.

Being Daughter of Ether Scientist, a Professional Physicist & Chemist - mechanics was also a boon to her. It was similar with Runner, who excelled at Computer Sciences, and was interrested in Electronics, Robotics & Mechatronics to some degree.

Political decisions were made, power shifts occured.

Caty also had plans for Mint, a Verbena Witch who shared knowledge about Hallucinogens & Mind Calming Herbs with her.

Court's future was more soldified now - but at least internally consistent, and still very strong opening.

- 'Let's not forget that Demons are obstacles in Reaching Liberation & Enlightenment, should be defeated as well' - Runner kept mentioning during whole process.

Caty acknowledged that and spoke:
- 'In this Hell you can only earn favours from Marbas and hold sway over him that way, we won't fight',
- 'Future shall tell how things will develop, but we'll fight him sooner or later' - he answered,
- 'Perhaps we'll have more talks in future then' - Caty concluded this mind-session.

Threat Averted.

Proximity intrusion alarm woke up the Chantry. Tank with beastmen were close enough.

Caty initiated a mind meeting.
- 'i've sent soldiers on the wall, Runner should create that corrosion now' - she summarized,
- 'i'll be ready in two minutes' - he spoke,

Quickly dressing up & clearing eyes with water took him a little under a minute. He filled his silver chalice with water, put on a magickal altar in his home and gazed in, summoning the vision. In his mind appeared an arid-hell with anti-infantry tank incoming, surrounded by beastmen with rifles & missle launchers.

- 'Matter-Energy Form, over Court - initiate' - he opened with an invocation. Air around the Court blurred, as miniaturized robots started to move in a circular expanding direction. Mists fell away, as Caty assisted.
- 'Now arming & visualizations, please be quiet' - Runner spoke.

He commanded Matrix around Court to arm chemicals, then visualized a task force to extend, to move in the tank direction. Robots followed, barely seen - surrounded the tank & entered in, to the engine.
- 'Release' - he commanded.

A loud noise could been sensed, as tank stopped ... then beastmen took defensive position, communicating with tank's crew.

- 'Missles, fire' - Caty's force commander ordered.

- 'Beasts, fall' - Caty herself finished invocation.

A six of fire & smoke trails in air, from the Court's wall to the tank. Some shooting in a short series, as demonic beasts fell on the beastmen from the Hell's skies. Then explosion, tank was rendered nonfunctional. Sharpshooters from the wall fired as well, beastmen were massacred in a very short time.

- 'This should be an adequate lesson' - force commander summarized, looking at the field from binocular.
- 'Indeed' - Caty was pleased - 'i am fine as well, how's paradox with you, Runner?' - she communicated.
- 'Seems it was subtle enough, thanks for concern' - Runner reported.
- 'Let's send scouts & scavengers to the battlefield, then ...' - Drake suggested.
- 'Indeed, let's.' - Caty agreed.

A flock of black ravens flew from the Court, then motorcycles & jeeps left the Court, leaving dust in their trail.

Caty sipped her wine, Runner smoke a cigarette.

- 'We'll keep combat alert for three more hours, let scouts scour the area then return' - task commander ordered.

Chantry went sleep again, if something happens they will be woken up.




-=- Tank Explosion. -=-

-=- Credits: Unknown. -=-

Lesser Ways.

Since years Runner had insights.

Thoughts appeared in mind, thoughts with ideas to consider.

From where they came?

Some ideas have proven false, misleading - so he learned to check in books or in the Internet for their validity, before he did trust them.

Other ideas were helpful - explained him many things about Buddhism, Computer Sciences & about many things he did not have a clue about before - such as Philosophy of Arts or Abstract Strategy.

Perhaps it was telepathy, perhaps his own subconscious creativity. He learned to live with a big question mark about this hanging around.

One of ideas was to collect 'lesser ways' of magick - spells, magical abilities & magic items in computer games.

These could been used as a source of inspiration for developing real powers, and as a small power increase - he invested money & his time, it was an act of will.

He could use these lesser ways as a distraction when someone investigated a cause of something happening, as well.

--
Runner was often a target of malicious magick & other supernatural attacks in past, so his Sangha - by Black Mala's wish - granted him ability to 'switch target' of a malice aimed originally at him. Target was chosen at random, and Sangha shared this ability as well. Goal of this move was to enforce 'if they attack any of us, they eventually attack all of us' mindset in Sangha. It had to be automathic, working every time - because people would not activate it ever, not wanting to put others in the trouble.

Today one of attacks was diverted this way, at someone from Runner's Sangha.

He felt responsible, and wanted to protect - so he did choose a few of his lesser ways, a 'Daze' spell from a computer game, augmented by 'Eagle's Splendour', 'Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment' & 'Extend' tricks and enhanced this with power of one Ruby.

Resulting confusion & headache should prove adequate warning & inconvenience for the attacker, he thought.


   

-=- a 'Daze' & 'Eagle's Splendour' spells. -=-
-=- increased charisma makes spells harder to defend against. -=-


   

-=- an 'Extend' & 'Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment' tricks. -=-
-=- 'Extend' trick doubles spell's duration. -=-
-=- 'Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment' makes Enchantment spells, as 'Daze' much harder to defend against. -=-

Incoming Threat.

One day Caty called an another telepathic mind-meeting.

She appeared in a vision, she was sitting in a green-purple garden with a black & silver candle-touch, with a scrying crystall ball beside a clear-misty pond. This was chantry's throne room as well.

- 'i've sensed incoming Tank, and more of the beasts on two legs. They must have obtained information that we want that Las Tower, so they hurried the attack' - she stated.
- 'This tank looks to be armed against infantry, with a bazooka-equipped escort, with assault-rifle-equipped escort as well. They probably want to break our walls with missles and enter through breach, with their soldiers following the vehicle' - one of black belt soldiers beside her added.
- 'We could use Matter-Energy form, but this quickly amounts to large Paradox backslash if it's overt - not mentioning drawing attention and asking for troubles. We can use this if neccessary, but let's try to find another solutions first' - Runner spoke.
- 'How this Matter-Energy form can help?' - black belt soldier asked.
- 'For example by releasing chemicals that cause a corrosion in Tank's engine making it stop before reaching firing range, and muscle failures among beastly soldiers - both against legs and arms can be devastating ... there's also an option of arranging chemicals causing explosions in back of their heads ... and if neccessary nanites can form a matter-energy shield filling the breach.' - Runner answered.
- 'Paradox-wise, muscle attacks on large scale seem most of the trouble for us, head explosions - even more. And filling the breach - Ouch!!' - Netwarrior slapped his face with a grimace.
- 'i can use incense to summon flying beasts that will engage the enemy infantry, but we need that corrosion' - Caty suggested.
- 'Can do. Let's hope it won't fail' - Runner commented.
- 'We can also use our infantry-held guided anti-tank missles from our wall' - black belt soldier suggested.
- 'Though it's wise to field-test our Matter-Energy form too, then fire missles' - Runner considered.
- 'Then we can send beasts and shoot our rifles from the wall - their attention will be split in all directions' - Drake offered his advice.
- 'We'll need to prepare for a rite - both Caty and i' - Runner spoke again.

After a while of no more concerns & advices, Caty concluded the meeting:
- 'Let's do this then. Mists will stay low enough to not interfere with our shooting, and i'll prepare summoning incense. We still have about two days of time before they arrive.' - she was fairly pleased with meeting's result.

an Anti-Infantry Tank.

Credits: Unknown.

Crane's Vision.

Tower of Las-Lights.

Credits: Unknown.


Little Girl of the Courts' - Crane's - aesthetic/defensive vision for Caty's Court was to add a defensive tower with a long-range heavy laser turret as a mean of defense.

Soldiers consulted liked the idea, it could prove useful against tanks & other large war machines or beasts - land based or flying.

They added to it:
'Consider adding a battery of a six fast firing smaller lasers, against smaller targets & against long range missles'.

Caty agreed to make arrangements, if there's the sponsor.
'It won't fire past mist, but mists can part' - she added.

In the end it was Runner who paid 6 000 Rubies, now it was only a matter of time & succesful negotiations with superiors.
'We'll make sure that all of turrets on tower will move independently, and that guidance systems will be computer-aided' - he added.

'At least Stupas will be safer' - Drake mentioned.

Celestial Progress.

Metal Quarters with Barracks for 16 men.

Credits: Steel Master.


In the times of Caty Court's progress, Celestial Chantry also didn't lie idle.

They bought terrain, thrones, some military slave forces, arranged for alien beasts conjuration, built metal quarters with barracks & two outhouses.

They kept occasional mind contact with Caty, Runner, Crystal Candle & others ... and after one of them - by name of 'Templar' - gained influence via his throne's magickal way, Caty arranged Virtual-Adept-secured skype videochat meeting with him. She congratulated him advancement and asked if he had anything to say. So far he didn't.

In the end they had their chantry, 16 armed common soldiers, 28 small melee beasts and 2 flying beasts with cameras installed.

They bought a privilege of matrix power for one of them for a month, Runner warned that in case of paradox or troubles - future service's price will increase.

They scouted the terrain using their camera-flyers, maitaining wireless connection via matrix power.

They initiated trade with a nearby small lake-village, exchanged scout-patrolling services with a nearby fort and detected incoming attack from east.

It was a moving weapons platform, a heavy machine gun mounted on a car, manned by two beastmen - tall and strong horned half-men/half-beasts. It was escorted by six beastmen with modern machine guns with underbarrel grenade launchers, and by six beastmen with halberds.

Celestial Chantry's response was to not risk men or flying beasts, they scouted their route, sent all of their small ground beasts on the randezvous route and burrowed them. As beastmen entered the area, the chantry's beasts unburrowed, surrounded and tore past metal armours to rend flesh & hearts. One casaulty on chantry's side - by a grenade fired into a maw from close distance, two lightly wounded as well. But chantry's beasts regenerate and fairly quickly at that.

Moving platform was damaged by explosion, but heavy machine gun with a stand and ammo remained intact. Celestial Chantry sent their men to recover & carry whatever was worthwhile.

They reported to Caty soon-after & arranged for a reinforcement of an one small melee beast. This was their maximum forces capacity, considering barracks size & psi power of their 'overlord' monstrosity. Anything more would cost extra & attract more of potentially unwelcome attention.

Beastmen.

Credits: Unknown.

Trestes.

Caty didn't tarry for too long considering Runner's last request.

She contacted Trestes, Hell's most prominent Ghost-Vampire Lord and arranged for permission.

She initiated mind-meeting and informed:
- 'i want that Big Favour from Runner ... it's cheap, you want',
- 'We agree' - Crystal Candle agreed,
- 'i'll add to the effort, make arrangements - i want my Spectral Forces' - Caty added,
- 'We can agree to that' - Runner decided to talk,
- 'They will be free from their mind-torments but part of energy sucked by them will go as tithe to Trestes. You want Stupa Built first, then transformation device, then a portal. Otherwise we'll be swarmed with hungry mosquitoes, both corporeal and not and suffer',
- 'Understandable' - Crystal Candle agreed again,
- 'Drake and i will participate, but we insist on building all of Stupas first' - Hue took her turn,
- 'We will yield to that' - Crystal Candle decided,
- 'So is deal?' - Caty asked,
- 'It is' - Crystal Candle confirmed.

They explored idea of Caty's Spectral forces. It turned out that it's Runner's detachment under Caty, ghosts in human form that will be trained in various abilities as turning visible and invisible, materialization & dematerialization of 'body' & weapons, ESP, telepathy, flight, speed, energy & life force vampirisms, ..., and part of them - form transformation, dream haunting & seduction, perhaps even the meditation & magick as well. Caty proposed 'permanent' base forms of ghostly beasts, but this would inhibit their better reincarnation too much. She yielded this time - because it was Runner's initiative with request, and more importantly - he paid with a big favour for that. Perhaps part of them will be able to transform into beasts for a time, however.

They considered protections against such spectres in case should they need. Matrix with Spirit magick could affect them - if only by manifesting proper magickal symbols - but Caty wanted to give Runner more options. Other ideas were about using Akashic Martial Arts or Mind/Spirit Magick, all of them valid.

They agreed to not trade these units, unless forced to. Trestes won't take them for now - he'll be sated with his energy-tithe.

Celestial bastion's mages wanted to order & pay for weapons against ghosts soon after, and Caty initially agreed. They had plans of descending from Heaven into that 'Hungry Ghosts hell' - as they called the Realm of Hungry Ghosts & work there for their God.

Those who heard didn't mind.

Later they noticed they need to protect themselves from mosquitoes & blood/energy suckers as leeches or other insects - but that was another matter.

-=- 'Lost Soul' -=-

Credits: Wizards of the Coast.

Portal to Ghost Realms.

Having helping in Hells for so long, Runner didn't fear reincarnating in that Realm.

His main concern was a rebirth in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts however, and he considered it considerable threat.

He contacted Caty with a request:
- 'Once stupas are built, i'll need portal to the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Caty ... so we can help them as well'.
- 'Once you pay' - Caty answered.
- 'On our cost' - Crystal Candle added.
- 'i'll name price of permission when i am ready, then you can create a portal on your own cost & responsibility'.
- 'Of course' - Crystal Candle spoke for Runner & herself, as she often did. She was better thinker & talker than Runner afterall.
- 'Then we'll consider helping animals' - Runner mentioned.
- 'As You wish' - Caty told.
- 'Thanks, that's all - we do not wish to take your precious time, Caty' - Crystal Candle spoke again.
- 'Indeed' - Caty concluded the talk.

Then Hue sent them a mind-message that she wants to participate. That was all for the moment.

Averting Casaulties.

Caty had a telepathic mind-meeting with Runner & others.

She said she will make arrangements for Protection from her superiors after Court's rise in Hell's Wealth. Rises in power brought jealousy, attention & danger.

She decided to fund 'insurance' from her own treasury of Rubies:
- 'i don't need casaulties. Will You add to it?' - she asked.
- 'We do care. How much?' - Crystal Candle replied.
- 'No more than 10% of what Runner earned from bribes' - Caty answered.
- 'So it's 80 000' - Runner told.
- 'i can add 30 000. i don't need so much.' - Marlena spoke.

They decided that Crystal Candle should keep her 108 000 Rubies, because being Runner's girlfriend she could be a target of attack. She needed that power for self-defence.

In the end Runner paid 50 000 Rubies, Marlena added 30 000 Rubies, Caty probably much more.

- 'i'll make proper arrangements so it's of the most benefit and lasts' - Caty spoke again.

Drake wished to add, but Hue stopped him:
- 'You'll need this for Stupas, remember?'.

Drake went quiet.

Mind-meeting was concluded.

Mind & Spirit.

In our world, there are two camps of understanding Magick.

Monotheistic faith practicioneers as Catholics, Judaists or Muslims, and Mind practicioneers as Buddhists or Taoists. Runner belongs to the latter camp.

According to the Monoteistic Faith thought, Spiritual World is World seen with God's Eyes - Runner heard, but not from an influential source of Faith.

According to the Mindful Thoughts, Spirit has something in common with Space, it brings elements together forming complete union & harmony, holy wholeness.

What happens on Material World affects Spirit World, what happens in Spirit World can manifest in Material World as well - when proper causes & conditions meet.

Recently, Runner got insight about Spirit Magick practice, of accessing Spirit Realm with Mind's Perceptions - it is a short meditation, focusing on breath & counting breaths. After a while of such mindful practice - if succesful - world becomes perceived as subtly different.

According to his source teachings, Enlightened Mind dwells in the Pure Land - perceives world as it is, without impurities as stiff/wrong ideas or delusions. Pure Land is Spiritual World, but unenlightened mind's ego twists perceptions and we experience world as Material, not noticing things or noticing something delusional/different ... avoiding certain beings things or places because of ego's tricks ... et cetera.

Mindful breath meditation practice allows mage to pierce veils of delusions, at least part of them. World becomes purer, more beautiful, more spiritual, truer. While in this world things are more meaningful, affecting this world happens with normal actions or visualizations, perhaps with other practices as well. After returning to Ego-Veiled World some things might be not there yet, but should manifest with time unless someone or something messes with Spirit World that way.

Different people - especially of different Religions - have different egos & experience Reality as slightly different, but what happens in their veiled worlds also affects spirit according to Mind Camp's Teachings. Spirit World manifests in their Realms sooner or later as well, unless tampered with earlier.

Runner decided to develop in Spirit Sphere's mindful methodology, to meditate and to practice proper visualizations. Later he'll combine this with Correspondence & other Spheres.

Bribes from Hell & Consequences.

Netlight Runner advanced fast in Buddhism recently, which caught attention.

Thelema Hell in which Caty's Court / Mind Bastion is located reacted - it's Lords offered to bribe Runner with Rubies just so they increase advantage over him.

Bribes, Gifts & Loans have that effect - one loses freedom or advantage until he or she repays, reprociates or wins other way.

Hell's Lords didn't want Runner to emancipate too much from their place. Runner knew that they won't let him go so easily, he made in past an inner vow to help also in Hells, not only Buddhism & Heavens ... and another vow to not annoy Thelema too much. He could consider benefitting from this situation as well.

After considering danger & inner vows with his friends, he agreed to take - 9 bribes of 108 000 Rubies - his friends didn't want him to get more than 1 000 000 Rubies in bribes.

A number of 9 has the meaning of 'Greater Power', which also increased danger.

He arranged for 'insurance', for backup by his friends in Sangha for a parts of his earning. He spent little over one sixth (20 000 Rubies) of each of bribes for 'insurances', then a little extra as well.

Insurers at first wanted to focus solely on him, but he was too smart - opposition can strike at a friend after all, to gain leverage over him. Insurance thus covered mostly him, but also his Friends, Sangha & Chantry.

Then a duel challenge reached his mind, by someone very dangerous at least.

After consulting wiser, he agreed on condition that it'll be non-lethal long duel, lasting up to five years. His martial arts experience taught him this duelling strategy afterall.

Opposition agreed, stakes was just satisfaction & honor of the winner, but not honor of losing side.

A fairly small stake, but Runner still decided to take it seriously, to aim for a win.

At least he did not retreat, and he saw possibility of learning much along the way.

Bribes commenced, he was attacked as well.

Caty Purple was delighted to see this 'progress'.

She ordered her Court for caution, such 'advancement' usually invites unwanted guests.

Perhaps there will be casaulties again.

Dangerous Gaming.

Runner's heroes party vs Necromancer Apprentice & his conjured escort.


When one is a Virtual Adept, even computer games can have supernatural power - especially within Caty's Hell - as Runner understood. This included travelling to hell with his mind to a lesser degree, even when his body was still in on earth.

Every win counts & brings power, every of trasure - especially magical ones - has uses, every loss brings disasters - but controlling one's mind while playing & after, also counts.

One does not know when some victorious monstrosity from a computer's world will haunt the mind or even materialize should the Hell's Lords have such a whim. But such problems are not final, it's not the end of the fight, can be recovered from & turned into a victory later - as Runner also knew. He learned to proceed cautiously & boldly, and occasionally played still.

At least such gaming is not meaningless activity, therefore not a waste of Runner's time - a thought appeared in his mind.

With his computing expertise & entropy magick, computer's random number generator was often at his side, thankfully.

Collecting junk is also more of a loss, Runner learned. It's better to choose wisely what to pick up, and not to touch anything useless or detrimential. Valuable things for sale are usually not a junk - but one has to be wary with them still.

This afternoon Runner played a 'Darkest Dungeon' computer game - while maitaining mind contact with Caty Purple & Crystal Candle.

This game could not be cheated with saving & reloading, every character's death was a loss, every insanity or item counted.

Current mission was to defeat Necromancer Apprentice - travel to his lair was fairly easy & rewarding - Runner made a point to avoid party's stress by using torches against darkness, by striking at unholy priests first as he travelled & fought on the way & by choosing shortest path to the Necromancer Apprentice as possible - as soon as he found map. The encounter with Necromancer Apprentice almost proved a disaster, however.

After a first streak of lucky critical strikes at this 'boss monster', it turned out that he conjures skeletal escort & moved into back ranks with every of his attacks.

Occultist on Runner's side proved invaluable, he could summon tentacles that pulled the Necromancer Apprentice closer to the Runner's party, within the attack range of heroic adventurers.

Vestal healed party as they were often on the death's doors.

Rogue and Mercenary dealt hits as they could, but focused too much on escort - as it turned out - then switched to focus on the 'boss'.

Finally the Necromancer Apprentice fell, when all of the party was almost-fatally damaged, very stressed (risking heart attacks from even small amount of stress & suffering from lesser insanity already) and somehow disorganized.

Mercenary turned insane from the stress, started to be too bold & masochistic as it turned out - to the point of not accepting vestal's healing even. One of a skeletal warriors finished the mercenary, then rest of skeletons were dispatched to the grave.

Very close victory, a great monster with escort slain, mission's goal completed (2 wins) and one casaulty on Runner's party side (1 loss) - still a win.

Treasures gained during mission can also be an asset for later's play & had uses for a Virtual Adept's Magicks - Runner considered.

Party's personalities twisted as well, but more in a positive way, than negative - this time. They still will need time to recover from stress, however. Meanwhile other of his personnel can be sent on adventuring.

In the town, using found gold, Runner sent some of his roster for mental & physical recovery, for treatment. He planned for upgrading facilities for recruits later as well - when he has enough of appropriate resources. Bigger roster with better recruitment procedures allows for better parties rotation between adventures & better recovery for a whole.

Upgrading skills & equipment will have to wait till he's richer - it's expensive, and he uses a policy of keeping at least 10 000 gold pieces in reserve for treatment in case a mission turns bad & party suffers mostly losses. This situation is not so rare in this game, and even a succesful escape results in a lot of stress. Meanwhile party can learn from combat & use what they find during missions.


Caty's hell advanced, gained a little of the power - and Runner received one Ruby. He offered it to Crystal Candle, she took it as opportunity & 'stole' it as a joke.

'What i can do with one Ruby?' - she asked.
'A lesser slave buy.' - Caty answered.

Crystal Candle bought one old woman, offered her freedom immediately.

Old woman decided to stay & cook for Caty's hell's forces - her name was 'Minx'.

Still a good deed & better Karma for everyone.

Minx was grateful and thanked Runner & Crystal Candle for that.

'She earned that' - 'Free people cook better and an old cook earning freedom should inspire other old as well' - Caty added.

Kata-Hack.

Martial Arts' Kata at the Court.

Credits: Unknown.


During one of their telepathic discussions, Drake 'enlightened' Caty about the hidden power of her Court.

Under Akashic Brotherhood's supervisions, Kata - carefully choreographed Martial Art forms - are practically Rituals, with potentially great holy power.

These Rites have great power over living beings, can enhance martial art prowess of a student, can affect mind & bodies of others.

This way, a Helicopter pilot - for example - can suffer from a heart attack during a missle run against her Court.

This can protect her Court from fairly advanced modern armies, even without missles & other modern weapons use by her soldiers, even without Runner's Matrix - as long as these war machines are piloted non-remotely.

Potentially an another layer of defense for her Court.

Thankfully, her Court still has many martial artists, communications with Akashite Zeppelin are intact as well.

For this power, Caty agreed for Enlightenment Stupa building permission within her Hell-Court perimeter - on the condition that Stupas won't dominate her Court too much.

Against remotely controlled or pre-programmed Drones, Runner has his Virtual Adept's magick that can affect computers controlling these machines.

Alien Beasts in a Service of Heaven.

-=- Inkubus Sukkubus - Wytches' Chant. -=-


Celestial Chorus group finally started to work for rubies & privileges from Runner's Chantry.

They chanted the Wythes' Chant 13 times together - praising & calling the Wiccan godessess, the women of power - and they spoke even more of Wisdom & Compassion mantras as well.

They earned 2600 rubies in total for these chants, and gained better karma as well for mantras.

The deal was to buy a small amount of hell's defensible territory for their outpost, to bring some alien beasts for defense, to use Runner's 'Telepathic Marix', 'Mind-Machine Interface' & other Virtual Adept Magickal Powers as a way to control these beasts with Magick-Enhanced Software. They brought their own laptop computers with them, they also paid for speed-deal with Rubies. Caty agreed & arranged the deal & it's speed within her hierarchy.

In this magickal hell a lot can be done with proper connections & payments.

Beasts included a twelve of small but ferocious beasts with claws & fangs, a two of flying beasts that shoot acid at a large distance, as well as a hovering monstrosity that controlled them telepathically & received commands from their software.

Apparently they took inspiration from Starcraft 2 computer game, Runner thought.

With Runner's Virtual Adept's Magick they were able to use that game to control beasts, with their custom map that was similar to hell's part they were in.

After the deal they have still 500 rubies to use later.

The range at which they can control the beasts is 4 days of travel from their outpost, considering the speed of their fastest unit.

'If laptop or your control-monstrosity leaves your base, it all will cease to work' - Runner warned them telepathically.

Muscle Injection.

A Full-Time Service.

Runner woke up one night, as it was often when friends needed him to do something urgently - his mind & body woke up in a midst of a dream.

Or he could not sleep whole night, at other times.


Microtech & Chemistry.

He sent a Mind-message to Caty, telling her that someone trusted & important contacted him telepathically, with verifying signs of authentication, that he got a clearance for Microtechnology with a chemical payload in the Spiritual, in the Unmanifest - for her.

Features would include subtly paralyzing muscles with visualization-controlled microbots that penetrate skin. Details were classified, including the details of who gave him this clearance.

Her mists can grow as well.

Later versions should include nanites or microbots affecting the nervous system of the target, but this requires even more training, the skill in visualization & remote control of small-scale-electromechanical-systems. It's much more subtle however, creating even less of Paradox, of Reality Backslash.

Caty answered him in her conscious dream, telling that Runner's superior got 'One big from me' 'A big what?' 'A big favour of mine'.

There were so many options for the Matter-Energy Form & Incremential Barrier possible, but still initial work was not done yet - so it doesn't work in unmanifest - except for the times of interventions of greater powers of the super-nature that make greater miracles out of the miracles.

Runner agreed to deploy microbots with chemical payloads in Unmanifest - as soon as everyone is ready.


Magick Everywhere?

Personal-level Incremential Barrier is still possible - they figured - even if weaker than in the court-wide field.

The field of vision & sensor devices were important, as well as other magickal tools.

They figured out that while this is not technology yet, they'll use black leather gauntlets (later to be replaced with technogauntlets containing mutliple ultra-precision gps devices & a bluetooth wireless communication), as well as a phone (preferably fast & efficient android smartphone device, with wireless wifi-internet, other phones would work less efficiently but still).

This should increase skill, efficiency & power of the technomagick involved. While this works best in Caty's Hell - in the Thelema Hell she built her Court in - in the Real World this still has effect on the Spiritual Level - and can be brought to the Physical Reality with proper magick, as well.

'But let's beware of the Paradox with that' - Runner stated obvious.

When it's time to turn the technomagick into technology, they'll need to think about means of extending the electromagnetic field as well, so the microbots or nanites have means to fly.


Rivals.

Negotiations started for equipping Celestial Chorus rivals with Incremential Barriers as a way of giving them protection & asserting means of control. If they turned against the Mind Bastion of Caty's Court, that Barrier would turn against them - they got warning.

They still wanted, explaining that they want a Heaven's Foothold in Hell, that there are worse Courts & Hells than of Altruistic Caty's. They started to notice what Runner already knew - in depth she was gentle, nice, independent, strong & free woman - just had very evil & brutal friends that she didn't want to part with.

They still had to pay with Rubies - 30 000 per person - so they started to look for Tass, rare Magickal substance, Magickal Energy in a Physical Form. Caty agreed to trade 10 000 rubies per one unit of Tass substance, and she needed no more than eight units for now - each one of different variety, as well.

Developments.

Deployment.

Initial deployment of first version of the Incremential Barrier in unmanifest did occur after a few days.

Runner agreed to this use-case, but nanites with chemical payloads were still denied, for now at least. There are technical difficulties, as atom & matter size as well - perhaps microbots should be used instead of nanobots, for this. The nanoscale of nanotechnology is 1 - 100 nanometers in size, to be precise - anything larger is microtechnology or other. Microtechnology is still very small, and still possible to be handled by Runner's software. In fact, Runner's software can handle multiple size magnitudes at once, and it's even easier with larger objects than with smaller ones.

Experts believe that the naked eye - a normal eye with regular vision and unaided by any other tools - can see objects as small as about 100 micrometers (100 micrometers = 0,1 millimeter), but this also depends on a distance from the eye, probably on it's speed or velocity as well.

Caty did foresee incoming danger, however - of the energy-dispersing & nanite-destroying robots of the slightly larger scale than nano.

She checked the source & agreed for the maneuvers on the friendly terms.

Runner & others had an idea of how to counter that threat in a future, with an extra twist of Runner's thought as well.


Awakening.

One of Crane's escort-women did show strange signs in the Magickal Aura of the Court.

Caty's guess was that she's more than probably Awakening to the Magick, and that she should should be observed & taught, with all proper respects.

Expected Magick was of Time, Mind, Prime & Forces ... what more, only time should tell.


Adversaries.

It was an invading Celestial Chorus group that Caty had plans for, perhaps.

After failed negotiations for advanced technology, which would be too cheap & too dangerous for Caty's Court - they prayed for alien beasts that could fight well in the mists, breed & regenerate to provide escort & scouting for them. They had ideas for installing electronic sensors & perhaps other devices in them as well. Caty initially agreed, but only if price in rubies is enough.

They would work for Caty & her Hell for rubies, as well.

They did pray to their God for forgiveness, for serving Hell - it was the privilege they earned earlier with Caty, to pray in Hell without legal problems, on certain terms & restrictions.


Rooms & possibly Buddhist Stupa Monuments.

Mostly it was Drake who was in charge of assigning agreed guest-rooms, he involved his family & friends ... as well as very important Buddhist Teachers, should they ever wish to use that option of visiting Caty's Court, a Mind Bastion.

It was him as well, who spoke the idea aloud, the idea about building Stupa Monuments in the Caty's Court.

Perhaps this will be possible, but price would be very high - about 1 million of rubies for Enlightenment Stupa, then much less for Kalachakra Stupa & Miracle Stupa - or at least this was initial idea for Caty to consider.

Incremential Barrier.

Credits: Inkubus Sukkubus - Wytches.
The Pentacle without a Circle is used to Evoke instead of Protecting here.


Caty talked for a while with Runner, about Matter-Energy Form & one of it's use-cases: about 'Incremential Barrier', that they were recreating in a stronger form.

'What exactly it is?' - Caty asked.

'It's just a formation of NEMS nanites, of nanoelectromechanical systems. Part of these form an ellipse-sphere or other shape around a human or other target. The closer to target, the more dense formation. These nanites rotate around, can shoot incoming targets, possibly connect as well - to form physical barriers. More of these actively scout or are sent to attack other target(s), rest remains in reserves. There's also a little of Mind Magick to stun, confuse & defocus enemies involved in the Incremential Barrier as well.' - Runner did answer.

'The reserves can be used to complement attack or defense, or be used for other purposes - for example make symbols of energy and / or matter appear in space, to aid in spellwork' - Runner added.

'Can these form a pentacle of fire in air?' - Caty carefully posed another question.

'Definitely. And then something is born of this union of male and female aspects, of fire and earth ... a spell.'

They talked a while more, negotiating deployment of Incremential Barrier around Caty's Court in future - if only on esoteric level for now, in the unmanifest, spiritual world.

'This should stop attacks from the silos from another parts of Hell, if a missle crashes with kinetic form of the barrier away from the court ... i'll think of the details & of the energy absorption.' - Caty mused, her wrist danced a little as she spoke.

The audience was over, Caty sipped wine and Runner smoked a cigar.

'You'll have permission for twelve guests once first version is deployed in unmanifest - each of guests will have own room. But only twelve people, i do not like too much of personnel shifts.' - Caty added to the offer.

Then they parted with casual, slight smiles.

Matter-Energy Form.

Introduction.

Most ambitious of Runner's projects - as far as Science go - is the Matter-Energy Form, codenamed 'Matrix' - but Science is not everything.


Nanotechnology.

This starts as a swarm of nanites - a swarm of very small robots, controlled by a computer.

These are so small that are invisible to the eye, possibly can pass through matter as well.

A while ago Runner had an idea of nanite swarm flying in the magnetic field, using energy weapons - hence there's distiction for Matter (nanites & their payloads) and for Energy (Magnetic Field & other).

One of most spectacular possible Miracles of this Technomagick is pseudomaterialization - when nanites get close to each other & connect to each other, their clusters might be large enough to be visible to the naked eye - making forms appear in the air.

Runner already made steps for coordinating these nanites using computers & software, but this technology is still a future - for now only works magically, on the esoteric level.


What is possible?

Runner does not want to create yet another weapon of mass-destruction, still it is possibly a weapon nevertheless.

Simple forms - as a knife for example - are easier to create that way from a viewpoint of a software developer - than for example, tanks or living beings.

Creating or transforming living bodies is immoral as well, in Runner's book - as is reincarnating in a mature body, either cloned or created other way.

There's a lot of talk about augmenting humans, granting them supernatural abilities via nanotechnology - perhaps subtle improvements or replacing lost limbs are doable from morality viewpoints, but creating beasts is not.


When?

Technology advances faster than most humans follow.

Runner guessess that Matter-Energy form will be complete in 30-60 years from now.


Why a Matrix code-name?

Because, at it's best and worst at the same time, nanite swarm can spread over a distance, transforming matter & energy (matter is an energy form as well) within.

Forms can emerge or disappear, or even change that way.

A well-structured nanite cloud can 'superimpose' a 'Matrix' over area, controlling matter & energy changes within.

Beasts & Casaulties.

Credits: The Mist film.

Hell is not a friendly place.

There's a constant rivalry between fractions, competition of who should rule and of who should keep certain resources.

There's competition between different Hells as well.

Caty's Court recently gained some notoriety & attention, so she ruled to strengthen the patrols around her Court.

Some spies were captured, groups of people & beasts noticed.

Patrols did capture photos & reported, then chased them away.

There were a few of casaulties on our side as well, however.


   

Credits: The Mist film.

Strenghtening the Mind Bastion.

Inner Kalachakra Initiation.

Netlight Runner had insights.

Wishes from the past - as well as blessings - matured and he was able to accept the first principle of Kalachakra-related Sila (morality) - to respect time of his own, as well as of others.

He did find the Kalachakra symbol & made a wish to visualize it for the benefit of all beings.




His Mind then wandered to the Miracle Stupa he was serving under, as well as to his Teachers.

He made a wish in his Mind to guard & strenghten the Mind Bastion of Caty's Court, using the Kalachakra power - as soon as he's ready.

In case of Buddhism wish to help in Hells, it's better to act from a position of strength - as an important person in Hell's hierarchy - than just reincarnating as tormented by psychological-neuroses microorganism.

Runner decided to make steps for guests to be accepted in Caty's Court in a future.

But what arguments to use? What to offer her for that?


The Mist Form.

Since a while, Caty asked Runner about his Matter-Energy Form codenamed 'Matrix', as well as about his interrests in Nanotechnology.

She was mostly interrested in nanites carrying & releasing chemical substances - so her mists might be released at virtually any point.

Hid answer was: 'Perhaps, but only if Buddha allows. And there's still many years of work to go through ... we do not want to create yet another weapon of mass destruction'.

He agreed however to include a software component in his work that would suit her needs, but whether he would share it with her - was another matter. But he initially agreed to let her participate in simulations, to play with the compiled code.

Mists are important part of Mind Bastion defense system afterall.

Dangerous Mists.

Credits: Unknown.


Caty's Witchery.

In Runner's Chantry, it's probably Caty who developed purely Magickal Ways since earliest age.

One of her favourite tools is Mist, but also Tarot Cards, Moon, Water, Candles & Incense;

... then Fine Clothing, Perfumes & Mirrors, perhaps more.


Dangerous Mists.

Caty's Court is enveloped by Mists.

Mists bring moist, evoke beauty, can hide many secrets - but as a Caty's tool they can be far more dangerous.

People can get lost in her mist, with their sights obscured they do not know when a hell-beast or enemy patrol stalks them, nor they can engage their enemies at a distance. Melee conflicts in mists are far more common than sharpshooting - which goes well with her martial artist soldiers.

Her Mists are magickal and can affect mind or matter, including human bodies.

Her Mists can be poisonous, chemical, electromagnetic or radioactive.

With electromagnetism sensors & computers break, with chemistry or radioactivity people mutate or die.

Caty's mists cause fear & superstitions in people, no one knows what unknown danger or trap is hidden behind a corner.

Caty's mists roll over terrain and can emerge magically even over a distance.

When Mists fail, Caty's soldiers are prepared for that type of combat as well.

Akashite Flying Ship & a Little Girl of the Courts.

Credits: The Three Musketeers film with Airships.


Akashite Flying Ship.

One day, Caty's Court had expected guests - a suborder of Akashic Brotherhood arrived on a flying ship, on a Zeppelin with a boat deck under.

With them were two of more or less unaffiliated guests - Mint of the Caty's Chantry & a beautiful little girl.

With a proper protocol & casual respect, Akashic Monks explained that they are interrested in the Time Crystal artifact, as well as with arranging her court to be one of a Mind Bastion network. This was related with a Prime-Mind conflicts & Time-Entropy attacks as well.

They offered Akashite Mind-Magick- & Martial Arts Transmission, Live Lessons & a wealth of the training materials in the electronic form, as they customarly do wherever it's well-welcomed.


A Little Girl of the Courts.

Her name was Crane, she was beautiful, well mannered & exceptionally finely dressed in the japanese-french geisha style.

Men who carried her luggage explained it's her things & art tools, they explained that she was a paint artist & a string instruments player.

She told she is a free person not a slave, and that she wishes to advance in Caty's ranks.

She was going to stay, and Caty agreed on a human & sane terms.

Her other accomplishments were Mind Magick, a little of Time Magick that still raised a scare in her - but old Akashic Oracle told that she's destined to be one of greatest in the Kalachakra Practice & related Time Magick as well.

After examination of her arts, most people commented that it opens mind, evoked thoughts, feelings, sensations & perceptions in a well-thought manner. This certainly brought meaning, and was a catalyst & focus for her spellwork as well.

Then it was revealed that she's destined to be an important Guardian of Reality Keys, of Symbols & of Time Currents as well.

She had a little black cat companion, and a personal unawakened martial artist escort in a number of four women, as well.


Bastion of the Mind.

Formalities for Caty's court emergence as an one of the Bastions of Mind was short, once she agreed.

This was despite her original intents she admitted, but after a few hours of thinking she said that she 'can live with that importance'.

After about of two weeks of carefully planned exercises, meetings, diplomacy & respects, after agreed experiments with the Time Crystal, Magicks & Martial Combat the Akashite Vessel left, hurrying to their next destination. They set-up communications with the Court & agreed to return in the times of the dire need quickly (they had the means of a very fast travels), they hoped for more of peaceful visits in future as well.

Mint stayed in the Court, for a while at least.

Hell Dojo & Time.

Credits: Steel Soul Dojo by noahbradley.


Advancements.

It was a long time of Magickal & Mundane chores for everyone.

Runner kept himself busy, maitaining mind contact with whole Chantry & doing his Way.

Caty advanced her Hell many times, collecting precious Rubies - a rare currency from her bald boss - instead of getting a better throne.

'Without proper furniture it's not efficient' - she mentioned. Runner helped her with this, others occasionally as well.


Time Crystal.

Another discovery was given to Runner by Black Mala, she did acquire technocratic device that looked like crystal, an advanced laptop-interface to it & a strange cube that proven to be the security key to the device.

For about 500 rubies that Runner spent, Hell revealed nature of the artifact - it was the 'Time Crystal' that allows up to 21 people in a given small area to experience time as slower, moving faster than the others around them, training faster as well. The confirmed magnitude of the speed up was up to 108 times - but the artifact probably had more powers than what they were told, as well.

Insights that he got for the price allowed him to decrypt strange symbols used in the interface, as well as to understand upper layer of software - enough to edit configuration files in most basic way. Device had security measures - without the cube key, or without Magick it activated 'alert mode', paralyzing those accessing it, switching to increase speed of guards around crystal & doing nothing else.

Runner did edit configuration files few times, but paradox backslash did warn & slow him a few of times.


Demon.

In a service for Caty Purple & her Hell, Runner had to learn a bit of Demonology & Curse Magicks.

Someone called a Lesser Disease Demon with escort, and Runner with a Buddhist Wisdom & Protection, as well as with Mint's help quickly subjugated it.

Mint & Caty then defeated it as well. They were safe during their fights, for the Demon was already a servant - unable to do real harm.


Slaves, Training Courtyard & Mists.

First part of 'the furniture' was building a walled training courtyard around Caty's Court, filled with sand, with weapon & armour racks - both modern & ancient, enveloped by magickal mist to prevent spying.

Slaves acquired by Caty for Rubies had to go at least basic combat training there, while Runner made steps to liberate them. Agreement with Caty was that once they earn it - they will be either left free - probably to be captured by other Hell's forces - or allowed to join her court as free men, fighting for her, advancing in her ranks, getting paid.

The Training Yard looked like ancient open Dojo, inner structure was similar to Martial Arts Schools. Grandmaster had 5th Dan, senior students 2nd Kyu to 2nd Dan, everyone else was a minor student. Every of slaves had to spend at least 3 years there for most peaceful trades (4th Kyu), about 6 years for average soldiers (1st Dan), 8 or more for elites (2nd Dan and above).

Subjugated Demon was given shape of the most common & worst threat to the Court - a hell hound on chains. It was a privilege for the Court, arranged by Caty's boss for Rubies.

Training included solitary practices, duels & group fights - with or without hell hound demon involved.

Later the Time Crystal allowed to train slaves & free people faster.


Guests & Fights.

One month, Caty had guests - it was Hue, Drake Black & Runner.

During an arranged show, Drake fought a big, muscular & armed in 30-centimeters-long dagger man, a combat master of 1st Dan - having no weapon other than a short yawara stick in his right fist.

Result would be grim if not Kalachakra-Dodge Practice that Drake expressed under a fast dagger cut, then a quick serie of atemi-nerve-strikes on opponent's chakra points at chest above heart. Paralyzed, big man fell on knees, dagger dropped from his hands, foam left his mouth. Drake was spectacular with his fast-footwork win, audience applauded him for quite a while.

Hue did a photo as a souvenir, Runner clapped as well.


Safety Measures.

Hells are not a friendly place.

A group related with the Time-Entropy attacks of a past was intending to invade Caty's Court, but she kept them at bay.

Instead of harming, she had plans for them.

They negotiated to build a hideout, she let them to do so at one day's distance - placing proper magickal wards, arranging patrols to protect Court's safety against constant threat of betrayal.

They also made a wish to be able to pray to the God in the Caty's Hell as well, without legal repercussions.

'Perhaps it's possible if i arrange it - but only if it's not against me', Caty said.

Oh well, ever more negotiations with them every week, it seems.

There were more ideas along the time - Magickal Wards to detect & strike enemies approaching the Court, a crystal garden with a pond, mirrors & mist to scry & obscure, incense to summon demon soldiers as invaders close, the raven spies to guard the roads, as well.

It's hard to guess every bit of Caty's plans, it's all interconnected & complex - thankfully.

Mind Powers.

Credits: Unknown.


Not everyone believes in Mind Powers, but it does not change the fact that these can be developed.

Runner - being a Buddhist - considered his Mind Sphere most important, developed it with a higher priority than other Spheres.

The most basic trick of telepathy & empathy is a 'mind contact' - sharing thoughts & feelings, to communicate at a distance, to help others by transforming people's mind to be calmer and healthier.

More advanced tricks include:
- 'breaking mind contact', it's about giving a 'monkey mind' of a mind mage something else to do than maitaining a 'mind contact', it's about making it wander away from someone else's thoughts & feelings,
- a 'mind shield', in most basic form it's just seeding shame & sorrow in minds that consider attacking a mind mage,
- a 'mind confusion' - it's offensive trick of seeding a lot of thoughts & feelings in a very short time, thoughts & feelings that neutralize and confuse a victim; wish to make these thoughts & feelings arise very quickly is also important; it's important to 'heal' the mind of a victim after attack as well,
- a 'mind paralysis' - similar to 'mind confusion', but goal is to neutralize & paralyze mind and body - different thoughts are seeded,
- a 'mind healing' - purifying thoughts & feelings seeded by an attacking mind mage, so victim is healed; it's mostly for healing a victim after an attack, other thoughts & feelings are better healed with 'mind contact',
- a 'venetian mirror' - protects the mind from being read by a victim while allowing a mind mage to observe victim's mind; it's about training the mind to be subtler, quieter, as well as using victim's 'ego barrier' as an 'obstacle to hide behind'; a 'mind contact' is still there, but when executed properly victim is aware of it only in subconsciousness,
- a 'thought surfacing' - bringing a mind mage's or victim's thought(s) from subconsciousness into more aware thinking - so it can be observed and read by a mind mage,
- a 'thought hiding' - diverting mind mage's or victim's thought process to something else as well as hiding current thoughts & feelings deeper in subconscious,
- a 'suggestion' - seeding thoughts in a victim's mind that compel him or her to think & feel a certain way,
- a 'feint' - can combined with physical combat methods such as martial arts or a pistol use, or with mind-tricks alone; makes victim think that different attack or maneuver will be executed; it's idea is similar to combination of a 'mind confusion' with a 'suggestion'; there can be a feint within feint, feint within feint within feint, etc.
- a 'scan' - reading mind without bringing thoughts & feelings to surface, more advanced trick than 'thought surfacing' & 'mind contact'.

Runner considered himself quite an adept in calming & quietly observing his mind, he understood a nature of 'mind contact' as well. He contacted chantry & friends with a wish to practice more advanced tricks with them, to spar without harming training partners.

His most important tools will be focus, relaxation, breath meditation, imagination & forms visualization to make certain qualities awaken & arise in mind.

This training probably will take quite some time - it's similar to Karate lessons in that respect, as well as in that it takes an effort and occasionally hurts as well.

Being a buddhist, he explained that his wish is also to protect the mind of sangha, chantry & friends from telepathic attacks, from reading & manipulation as well;

Dragon Style.

Credits: Bruce Lee.


Drake Black is an advanced Buddhist Mage-Artist of Akasha, Karateka not so inefficient with very deep, simple, fast & dynamic Dragon Style, Jeet Kune-do created by Bruce Lee.

He was first important martial arts teacher of Runner, as well as an authority in Buddhist Way.

A long-time friend of Hue and Black Mala, they belong to the same Sangha.

Thanks to him Runner got suprising & misdirecting, well-timed & fast a left-straight karate punch, as well as many insights into more advanced martial arts for future.

One of the quotes Runner keeps rembering is: 'Do not use untrained methods in fight'.

That's about it - he's simple, friendly, keeping good style, with open mind - gets along with all of the chantry at ease, offering Protections when neccessary.

Ah, they also have a military vet contact, ex-French Foreigners League, Alec - also a Buddhist of the Diamond Way.

A Nephandi Influence.

Netlight Runner had occasinally dreams, had dreams about a witch influenced by Nephandi of Hells.

He knew her, he knew Caty Purple a little from the past, now maitained a silent mind-contact whenever was the need.

She was with him often, but mostly in mind.

She was interrested in building her place in a Hell, so after death she has position, status, privileges & power there.

Runner agreed to help her, to bring Mind's Calm advantage to the hell she belongs as a bait, and a goal to drag her out of this Hell in the case she goes too far.

He was not too enthusiastic about hells however, even if her corner was a Beautiful Art-Place.

Still, he would not leave her to 'hell's mercy' - and there was a lot to do as well. So many minds to change, so many beings to drag out for the light.

Recently with his help she did advance, or rather - fall deeper into a descent and was rewarded with better throne by her boss. Runner got his share as well.

He dreamed that the refurnished place looked ever more & more impressively.

Currently her Iron Throne of Mind, Speech & Flesh was a Deed of Art adorned with crystals & magickal runes, she had magickal garden, she had a black-crystal & silver mirror with two candles at sides, as well as other tools as Tarot Cards, Candles & Incense. Her purple robes & other clothing, her make-up tools & perfumes were excellent. He did not know all of her secrets, of course - including magicks she did weave about.

Seven black cats entertained her, and occasionally Runner as well.

Runner's throne was only of a gold - in this hell gold was less worthwhile than iron. Positioned behind her throne & to the right, this described that he's her right hand, an advisor and an associate. A throne of was of dark gold, with a black dragon on back, with a black raven on top-left. Nearby, to right was a desk with a netbook computer, a smartphone & a VR set, with tarot cards, with other magickal tools. To the right there were five candles surrounding dark-crystal container with a black/red alive lotus flower, with silver lines forming a pentagram around it. Lotus flower was replaced wherever it died, candles never burned out.

It was a throne of only Mind & Flesh, as the speech is a domain of the feminine gender - he thought.

Raven's magic was to perceive enemies, Dragon's to protect with curses. As soon as someone entered her place, the Black Raven looked at their Mind & Aura to detect enmity. In case of troubles sensed, Raven's black eyes turned milk-white, trespassers got a warning in Mind and a chance to surrender & apologize. Failing that - when they attack - or after about a half of a minute, Raven's eyes turn red and dragon flies in incorporeal form, then strikes with a minor curse - to paralyze the trespassers & to vampirically drain their power making them eat more for that as well - so even if they escape, they have something to remind them of their arrogance & folly. In case of surrender, raven's eyes remain milk till they leave. Stolen power was distributed to Caty Purple, to Runner & to hells.

Runner's plan was for this power was to use it to appease & liberate beings of hells & hungry ghosts. He was trying to be Bodhisattva that way.

Occasinally they were visited by Caty's boss - a strong, small, bald man with sinister black eyes without iris or pupil who excelled in the ritual tarot magicks. Recently he recovered from a minor but annoying curse, as well.