Blending is a magic style, invented by the Arauthien, that allows you to cast two different Disciplines into the same spell giving both effects.
The Primary, or first Discipline, is cast at your normal power and effect. The Secondary, is limited by your Rank in Blending.
Note: It is important to note and remember, that both Disciplines are rolled SEPARATELY.
Note: When Blending, the two Disciplines and Shaping are considered ONE spell. While they have different effects, and two separate Spellpower rolls for purposes of mechanics, the Spell is treated as one Spell.
Note: The Rank Expertise that you choose in Blending, are applied to the secondary Discipline.
An ally gets a broken leg after falling down a ravine. You go to their leg and cast (Realm) Divine + (Disciplines) Healing and Abjuration + (Shaping) Touch. You would then roll the Healing, for the purposes of mending bone and restoring hit points, at your max potential because it is the Primary Discipline and you roll 87. You would then roll the Abjuration, for the purposes of protecting it and keeping it from breaking or feeling weak, and you roll 56. For the purposes of the overall power of the Spell, it is 87 + 56 = 143. If anyone wished to Counterspell this spell, they would need to defeat the 143.
"One woman stood in front of my charging cavalry on the battlefield. At the time, I was so engrossed in the potential slaughter and bloodlust, I didn't even process that my soldiers were going to die before they ever reached their enemy. She was so far away........not a threat......until she extended her hand. A bright lance of energy raced towards us, striking my lieutenant's horse. Roiling magic emanated from the now melted horse and waves of fire swept over the rest of us. As I sit here in this cell, half healed, I realize my hatred for magic runs even deeper. I will escape, and she will perish....." Unzer, 3rd Banner General of the Vel'Aneesian Cavalry.
"Every time I recall this story, I tell people I witnessed a miracle. They scoff until they hear my tale. A village was ravaged by a disease. Their flesh fell from their bones, water pouring from every orifice you could imagine. I was horrified. My commander had them all gather in the town square. They were reluctant at first but obeyed slowly. I remembered seeing their faces, their fear because they believed they were about to be slaughtered in hopes to end this.....plague. As my commander begin to cast, some of the villagers ran. The commander says to this day that he knew they would, which is why he cast what he did and which is why I believe him. Healing magic spiraled from his hands, striking several villagers. And where they struck, storms of Healing magic rained from above them. They entire town square was raining Healing. I watched in awe as the villagers skin healed and repaired. Those that were vomiting were instantly better. I don't understand magic, but what I do know, is that I will never doubt it's powers for good." Unknown Soldier, 714, Year of the "Plague Step"
Morphing is a magic style that allows you to cast two different Shapings into the same spell giving both forms of delivery.
As with Blending, the Secondary Shaping can only be cast at the highest Rank of Morph and all Rank bonuses chose in Morph, apply to the Secondary Shaping.
When you Morph, you choose which Shaping will be the Primary delivery and which will apply second.
First Example
You decide to Cast a (Realm) Fire + (Discipline) Evocation + (Shaping) Lance + Burst "Morph". Essentially this is a "Fireball". The Lance would hit first. Then the Burst would apply instantly upon contact.
The reason this method is used, is that the Shaping Burst, decreases in power the farther your target is from the origin point, or you. When the Burst is attached to the Lance, its new origin point is the Lance. So when the Lance hits a target, the Burst goes off at its greatest potential.
You would roll the (Realm) Fire + (Discipline) Evocation + (Shaping) Lance Accuracy first. Then upon contact, you would roll Damage. Then you would roll the (Realm) Fire + (Discipline) Evocation + (Shaping) Burst Accuracy and Damage. If this case, if the Lance hit your intended Target, your Target would not receive a Defense versus the Burst, as it's contact point is directly upon it.
Second Example
"I stood and watched, but unlike the others, I couldn't cheer when the mages of Arauthia linked together and created our Arovian Towers that guarded our lands. Hundreds of mages all connected in a way the world had never seen before to build and enchant something to protect us. And while others wept in joy, I wept in sorrow. For if our people could come together for this kind of creation, what could they come together for when they wanted to destroy?" Kor-vaylyn, 5th Rank of the Ith'Merrec mages
This style has seen some of the world's greatest creations and it's worst cataclysms.
Linking was originally designed with the purpose of great Artificing achievement and to create buildings and streets for a better quality-of-life for the people.
As with all things, it was then turned and re-purposed for warfare. To afflict their enemies with as much damage and destruction as they could. To wreak havoc like the Gods at Sus'Laru. And they did.
Every Rank you have in Linking, reduces the extra cost of Vitality that you would receive from the Linked partners beneath you.