It’s fairly predictable that once we hit the word “construct” in my master list of archetypes and options for this blog that we would have at least one more archetype from Construct Handbook, and it’s yet another one that focuses on destroying constructs or using their remains after destruction, we’ve seen it all before… or have we?
From the perspective of occultists and psychic spellcasting in general, constructs can actually prove a proverbial gold mine even after destroyed. The vast majority of constructs are works of art and engineering, and you can’t pour your heart and soul into something without literally metaphysically pouring yourself into it, making constructs a natural receptacle for all sorts of mystical association and energies, and that’s before even considering the animating force that constructs serve as a vessel for.
The occultists known as construct collectors may be archeologists, treasure hunters, or antique dealers, but they all share a fascination for constructs, both the intact and destroyed alike. If at all possible they enjoy studying the psychic energies coming off of these beings, though for their own safety they often have to defend themselves from and destroy constructs. That intimate knowledge, however, does let them draw upon the last vestiges of a fallen construct, as we’ll see below.
Honestly while part of me sees this archetype as just another construct-breaker, the themes of the occultist class help elevate the concept for me.
By searching through the remains of constructs, these occultists can find mystically significant trinkets that still carry a bit of power: a stone shard with an intact cluster of runes, a clockwork heart, and the like. By keeping these items with them, they can draw upon them for a little bit extra focus in a pinch that is not tied to any of their implements. However, draining this energy from the components removes the last vestiges of power from them, rendering them inert and only valuable as collector’s bric-a-brac.
More impressively, with a surge of uninvested focus, these mystics can pour their power into a construct that has just been destroyed in order to animate it briefly under their control. This power starts out only lasting a moment, but later on they can invest more power to make it last several seconds, or even minutes before the construct collapses, inert once more.
A simple archetype, this version of the occultist doesn’t really specialize you for fighting against constructs, but it does reward you for slaying them, either by giving you a small supply of extra focus points, or that rare opportunity where you get to destroy a foe’s construct bodyguard and immediately turn it against them, which is a niche ability, but a satisfying one. The focus on having a supply of un-invested focus points means you’ll have to carefully decide when to invest and when to leave some points free, but you’re losing out on a portion of your focus powers as well as all the magic circle gimmick stuff anyway.
I never thought I’d look to modern collector culture for inspiration with an archetype, but there you have it. Construct collectors most likely have a large selection of bits and bobs taken from destroyed constructs, some from before they were able to draw power from them, many after. Even after they’ve used up the power within, I imagine they still keep many of them around as mementos or collector’s items from those meaningful encounters. Additionally, some may choose to learn how to craft constructs themselves, copying or drawing inspiration from ancient and novel designs.
For decades, the Red Eye, once the focus for a mighty robot weapon from the Star Invasion, has passed from construct collector to collector, seething with potential. However, unbeknownst to anyone, reinforcements of that invasion have arrived, and they are eager to retrieve and revive what once was theirs.
They say that the cecaelia once had a great undersea empire now long lost. Regardless of whether that is true, there are plenty of octopus-folk that are curious about ancient sunken ruins, and the guardians that their owners made long ago to protect them.
Alien and cryptic, flail snails are a mystery whose shells have strange mystical properties that were once valued by an ancient civilization, so much so that entire colonies of the beings are protected to this day by eternal construct guardians. However, this new interloper, Vaxi Thunderclash, is not interested in the flail snails, but rather, in their guardians, eager to study and collect bitf of the golems as an archaeological expedition.
Stand, facing the direction of the sun and say the following :
“Oh Ra, send down your rays that I may bathe in your glory. Send to me your blessings that from this day forth I may have financial security and all the riches I deserve. Oh lovely Venus hear me call to you. Let me wash away my imperfections with your beauty. Give to me all the money that I wish for and by your power it shall be done. By the mighty God Ra, and by the lovely Goddess Venus It shall be so.”
Take a pink, red or white candle and carve it into it the features of the one you desire.
Light the candle and let it burn. While it is burning write your name on a small piece of paper in invisible ink.
Lay it in a bowl of fragrant flower petals and fold it with a petal or four trapped in the paper.
Hide this paper in your targets bedroom. Somewhere intimate but hidden. (Underwear drawer, under the bed-post, etc.
*I do not condone the ill practice of the craft, do not use this spell to turn one’s will. Rather use it to reignite an existing passion or help reconnect with a partner you feel you have lost connection with.
Fill the jar with everything listed and seal. On top of the lid draw a pentacle with the red marker and place the black candle on the lid and light it. Chant the following :
Candle of black and hexes of old. Release the powers that you hold. Reverse the flow of spells once cast. Leave pain and sorrow in the past.
Let the candle burn out and bury the jar near your home. It should protect you for about 6 months.
“Serpensortia”.Okay so I am not sure if this has been done before but I woke up in a cold sweat because I had to make this post xD
I don’t really use pop magic or anything but this seemed like a good idea. Here are a couple of the spells from Harry Potter that could potentially be incorporated into your craft!
“Diffindo”- Causes whatever this was aimed at to rip apart.
“Engorgio”- Causes whatever it was aimed at to grow in size.
“Wingardium Leviosa” - Makes objects float.
“Obliviate” - Erases memories.
“Expecto Patronum” - Wards off “Dementors”.
“Accio” - Summoning spell, makes objects fly towards you.
“Rictusempra” - Makes the person targeted feel as though they are being tickled.
“Crucio” - Evil curse that causes intense to the targets physical body.
“Impedimenta” - Causes the target to be unable to use there legs.
“Imperio” - Gives one the ability to control the targets actions.
“Avada Kedevra” - Instantly takes the life of the target.
“Reducto” - Creates holes through solid objects.
“Expelliamus” - Disarms the target.
“Point Me” - Tells you which way you are going.
“Petrificus Totalus” - Paralysis the target.
“Stupify”- Stuns the target.
“Alohamora” - Opens locks and unlocks locked doors.
“Aparecum”- Reveals hidden writing.
“Avis” - Manifests birds.
“Densaugeo” - Lengthens the targets teeth.
“Dissendium” - Opens secret passageways.
“Ennervate” - Undoes the stunning charm.
“Finite Incantatem” - Undoes all spells in the surrounding area.
“Impervius” - Makes objects waterproof.
“Lumos” - Creates light.
“Mobiliarus” - Moves objects.
“Mobilicorpus” - Makes people float.
“Morsmordre” - Casts the “dark mark”.
“Nox” - Creates darkness
“Peskipiksi Pesternomi” - Rids of “Cornish Pixies”
“Riddikulus” - Wards off the “Boggart”
“Serpensortia” - Creates snakes.
“Sonorus” - Magnifies ones voice.
“Tarantallegra” - Makes the target dance uncontrollably.
“Waddiwasi” - Sends flying objects towards the target.
A ceremonial blade with a black handle, used in ritual for ceremonial magic. Traditionally are double-edged blades, but don’t NEED to be. Often decorated at the handle with carved symbols or crystals. Used to channel and direct energies mostly.
P E N T A C L E
Used for magical evocation. Usually printed on altar cloths, painted on altar tiles or work on jewellery or clothing. Used for multiple different purposes; protection, summoning energies or spirits, among other things. Symbol for air.
W A N D
A witch’s wand can be made of almost anything that she/he is drawn to. Used in most spell work to raise and direct energy. A lot of witches decorate their wands with an array of crystals and magical objects to make it prettier. Symbol for air.
C H A L I C E
Symbol for water. Used to hold wine or any other ceremonial liquid. In some cases symbolizes the physical body or the womb of the Goddess.
B O L I N E
White handled knife, often with a curved blade. This blade is strictly for harvesting or cutting herbs, also anything that has to do with carving or cutting during spellwork.
C E N S E R
Holds the incense.
I N C E N S E
Symbol for air. Different incense scents have different properties and you would pick one based on the intent of your ritual work or spellwork.
C I N G U L U M
Mainly used in Wicca as a belt to signify rank, but in other paths it is just used in spellwork. The cingulum is basically a 9ft long chord made from natural fibers or materials.
B E S O M
Mostly used to sweep away negative energy. Most witches make their own besoms.
C A U L D R O N
A pot used for potion making, brewing or for safely burning out candles or incense in spells or rituals.
J E W E L L E R Y
Enchanted rings, necklaces or even earrings that are used in ritual or spellwork.
S T A N G
A forked staff. Symbolic of horned deities.
A L T A R
A designated place for worship or witchcraft. Normall adorned with symbolic items and offerings.
A L T A R C L O T H
Used to decorate the altar, store tarot cards or runes. Normally decorated with symbols of the craft depending on it’s purpose.
A L T A R T I L E
Placed on the altar for symbolic purposes. In old texts it was said to trap and hold spirits.
S W O R D
In some cases used in place of athame. Also never used to cut anything physical. Said to keep negative spirits at bay.
C A N D L E S
Different coloured candles are used to represent different things within spellwork or ritual work. Burnt for intent.
C O N T A I N E R S
Used in spellwork to hold concoctions or other witchy items together.
C R Y S T A L S
Used for a wide variety of magical purposes. Each crystal has individual purposes and can be used in many ways to channel these properties.
D I V I N A T O R Y T O O L S
Tools used for psychic practices are a staple for any witches looking to practice this.
H E R B S
The oldest magical tools. Probably the most important tool and has been used for centuries to treat ailments and other purposes. Different herbs have different properties.
E S S E N T I A L O I L S
These contain the properties from the plants from which they are made. Their scents also have effects on people and are wonderful to use in the craft.
M O R T A R & P E S T L E
Used to crush herbs and other ingredients.
O F F E R I N G B O W L
Used to hold offerings for the Gods / Goddesses that a witch sometimes worships.
S T A T U E S & R E P R E S E N T A T I O N S
Figurines or symbols used to represent deities honoured, this is normally kept on the altar.
B E L L
The vibrations from ringing a bell is said to banish unwanted spirits and clear stagnant energies from a room. This is normally done before any magical workings.
R O B E
Normally used to help prep one mentally and also to get into the mood. Putting on ritual attire is mostly to help you focus and this in turn will help boost your intent. it’s also a lot more comfortable than jeans.
S T A F F
Used similarly to the wand to draw and direct energies.
D R U M
Often used the same as if one were to chant. The rhythm helps induce a trance like state and I am assuming that it would work the same as the bell in some sense.
M I R R O R
Used as a divinatory tool but also in spellwork.
C O M P A S S
As some witches do rely on the cardinal directions in spellwork it is handy to have a compass near or on ones altar.
P A P E R & P E N
Have spells written down or to help quickly jot down any visions one might have during divination or other psychic practices.
S A L T
Strong protection and purification properties. Most witches will use salt in nearly everything. Symbolic of earth.
If you’ve been in need of quiet,tranquility, and freedom from disturbances, this sigil is for you. It will also help with meditation, calming your emotions,and acting logically in stressful situations. Find your inner peace!
I hope you’re doing better today. You are such a genuinely wonderful and kind person but you don’t see that most of the time. Please, go easy on yourself. You matter too.
being spiritual while also living with a mental illness is a constant internal struggle of trying to figure out whether something is one of my delusions or truly a result of spiritual practice.
I went back to the hole to try and get my phone back but no luck. Sent a whole roll of string down it but still can’t find the bottom. That makes it at least 100 meters deep!
I’ve tried ringing it from a land-line, but surprise surprise, no signal. (damn you, O2). Would have been funny if someone answered. But with how deep it’s gone, it would probably count as an international call, and I don’t really wanna pay for that.
The hole was wider. About a foot across now, And about two feet down it, I spotted something was stuck in the side. I reached in and grabbed it along with a handful of the dirt.
It was a little sprout. Nothing weird for a change. I was about to cast it aside when I noticed a noise coming from somewhere close by. It wasn’t coming from the hole. I closed my hand around the sprout and the noise stopped.
Weird.
I pulled my hand up next to my ear and listened carefully. Not a sound. I slowly opened my hand and the noise started again, and it was definitely coming from the sprout! It sounded like it was crying? I cupped my other hand over the top of it, and the crying stopped again. I guess it doesn’t like the light.
Well, little buddy. You’re in luck, because I live in a basement flat with no windows.
So I brought my little buddy home, and planted them in a Nine Inch Nails coffee mug.
They live under my sink now.
#SomethingWeirdHappenedToday
Something weird happened today.
First thing this morning I checked on the little sprout and he’s doing well. We’ve named him Gomez He’s cute. No leaves yet. Just a thin green stalk. Wonder what he’ll grow to be.
I checked on the hole again. It’s had gotten bigger again. Now it’s almost two meters wide. Still can’t see the bottom. Looks like the Council tried to fence it off with some hazard tape during the night but that’s already falling apart. Unless the Occultists took it down.
Oh, yh. The Occultists. I’ve got a good view of the park from outside of my house and saw the Occultists were setting up camp there. They’re easy to spot. Purple hooded robes, lined with gold. All of them wearing a different kind of theatrical mask, like they looted the costume department for the ball scene in Labyrinth. Love that film. Don’t love the Occultist so much. Still… nice to see people being responsible and wearing masks.
There’s about a dozen of them that I could see. Most were setting up tents or constructing their own rope fence around the hole. A local trade union had set up a stall a outside their encampment. They usually show up whenever there’s any kind of gathering in the city. A couple of Occultists were being distracted by one of them handing out newspapers.
When I wandered over to do my morning check on the hole, one of the purple hooded figures approached me. She made a diamond shape with her hands by putting the index fingers and thumbs together.
“Abandon all hope, neighbour,” she chirped. By her welcoming tone, I gathered this was a greeting.
“Thanks. And you. What’s going on here?”
“Oh, we misplaced our hole.”
“That thing’s yours?”
“Yeah,” she replied meekly. “It was meant to be in Millennium Square, but looks like our coordinates were a bit off again.”
“Again?”
“Oh, I mean this time,” she corrected herself. “It’s kind of embarrassing. Dante was certain he got the ritual right. We must have summoned it 7 or 8 times before we found out it arrived here.”
Her voice trailed off. “Now that I think about… I hope this is the only one. Hmm. We should check on that.”
She carried on. “It’s bloody inconvenient though. If it were central Leeds we could just get a bus into town. Now we have to get a bus into town, just to get a bus back out of town. And they never show up. Bring back the trams, I say.”
I agreed. “I’m with you there. Did you know we’re the biggest city in Europe without a railed public transport system?”
“Did you know they started building an underground tram system back in the 1940s?” she responded.
“I did not.”
“Yup. But they never opened it to the public. Not surprised really. In this city, things get weird the deeper you get.”
“Well, that sounds ominous,” I thought to myself while peering down the very, very deep hole that opened up opposite my house. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you gonna be here long? And why are Occultists summoning holes in my park?“
"Excuse me,” she protested. “We’re not Occultists. We are a perfectly respectable book club.”
Oh, that’s right. Occultists were banned last year after the incident on the Headrow. If I remember, it was the called the Abomination of the Fire Breathing Hydra. Actually I think they had the same robes as these guys.
They had set up camp on Briggate and were trying to summon a very small demon they could use as a group mascot. Things didn’t go according to plan and they ended up summoning a six legged, three storey tall, 42 tonne fire breathing hydra outside PC World.
Fortunately it was quite friendly. And they managed to banish it in the end, but not before it had trampled its way to the bottom of The Headrow. The road wasn’t built for that kind of heavy foot traffic. The council are still repairing the damage to the street.
“So not the Abomination of the Fire Breathing Hydra then?”
“Nope. We’re The Followers of Virgil. I’m Rosalind by the way.”
The person handing out newspapers approached us. “Copy of Socialist Worker?”
“No, thank you.”
They moved on to someone struggling to set up a pyre.
Rosalind continued. “Don’t suppose you fancy joining our club?”
“I’m more into manga. I’d watch your step around that hole. I lost my phone down it earlier this week.”
“You mean this one?” Rosalind pulled my rose gold iPhone out from under her robe.
“That’s it! Thank you! Wait, how did you get it?”
“It’s how we found the hole. Dante got a text from your phone saying he screwed up the coordinates. Then the hole spat it out when we got here.”
“It’s not even cracked. Nice. Really appreciate it.”
“No problem, neighbour. Glad we found its owner. I got to get back to setting up the tents, but it’s been nice chatting. You know where to find us if you do wanna sign up for the book club.”
It’s definitely a cult. “Sure. I’ll think about it.”
“Abandon all hope, neighbour.”
“You too.”
Now here’s where it gets weird. My phone was absolutely fine. It even still had a charge! But now it can connect to my mobile network even while I’m underground which is weird because I could never get a signal in my basement flat before. And the WiFi isn’t working properly. It keeps disconnecting from my home network and reconnecting to some other network whose WiFi name is just corrupted ASCII characters. Complete gibberish. It’s got good bandwidth so I’m not complaining. It’s just weird.
