Introduction to Warden Magic
Warden magic revolves around arrays, or magical formations—spells permanently inscribed into a fixed space. Unlike active spells, arrays have no will or personality. They function like a complex program, designed to execute magical effects over time. The more sophisticated the array, the more functions it can perform simultaneously. To ensure stability, all arrays must be circular, allowing mana to flow evenly throughout the formation.
Wardens are mages who specialize in the creation and manipulation of these arrays.
Array Maintenance and Vulnerabilities
Mages cannot leave their laboratories unattended for long. Even permanent arrays require a steady trickle of mana from their creator to remain functional. Without regular upkeep, spells weaken. Additionally, if no one is present to actively operate a lab's defenses, a skilled intruder can dismantle an array layer by layer—leaving the lab vulnerable to theft or destruction.
Temporary vs. Permanent Arrays
There is a key distinction between temporary and permanent arrays:
Temporary arrays, like those used to protect round a Count house, must be recast from scratch if damaged.
Permanent arrays, such as those surrounding round a Archduchy, can self-repair by simply replacing their power source.
When powered by a mana crystal, arrays slowly drain energy over time. This can be mitigated by swapping out depleted crystals. In the presence of a mana geyser, however, permanent arrays draw directly from the world's ambient mana, reducing upkeep costs. Only major damage—such as a direct assault on the runes themselves—would require manual repair.
Destroying Arrays
Countering an unknown array is exceptionally difficult. The first step is to identify key points in the formation—nodes where mana converges. Attacking these points can destabilize the array.
Destroying an array is inherently dangerous. It involves twisting the internal mana flow, forcing the energy to consume itself in a collapse. This process can have explosive consequences. The spell Disarray is specifically designed for this purpose, but it must be used with caution.
Casting Multiple Arrays
Mages generally cannot maintain multiple arrays at once. Casting a second array—especially near another mage's formation—requires detailed study of the existing structure. If two arrays are improperly overlapped, the second will simply fail, wasting mana.
However, Wardens can circumvent this. By identifying shared runes between arrays, they can shorten casting time, albeit at the cost of both arrays' duration. This advanced technique allows for strategic layering in battle or defense.
Detecting Arrays
Inactive arrays are nearly impossible to detect without the use of a dedicated detection spell—an effort that requires time, mana, and focus. This makes hidden arrays one of a Warden's most dangerous tools in warfare and security.
Elemental Arrays
While most arrays are composed of all elements and vary based on runic configuration, Elemental Arrays are crafted using a single elemental affinity. Though less versatile, they are easier to sustain and ideal for focused applications—especially in combat or when working with limited resources.
Advanced students eventually learn the Six Elemental Ceiling Arrays, which represent the pinnacle of single-element mastery.
During one lesson, Victoria demonstrates her exceptional skill. While others still rely on chants and hand signs, she bypasses both. Using her Light affinity, she conjures the necessary rune directly. Then, by sacrificing two or three auxiliary runes, she invokes the element needed to complete her spell. Her control is so refined, the entire spell takes shape in mere seconds—silent, efficient, and precise.